“Rubin and Cherise” by the Jerry Garcia Band is a song that tells the story of love, fate, and the power of music. It’s about Cherise, a carnival performer, and Rubin, a musician with a painted mandolin. The song warns Cherise of a fatal vision and her fear of losing Rubin to another woman. Rubin reassures her of his love, but fate intervenes tragically. The songwriter aims to convey the idea that love can be both beautiful and fragile, subject to unforeseen twists of destiny.
Step right up and uncover the hidden meaning behind Jerry Garcia Band’s “Rubin and Cherise.” This song weaves a tale of love and destiny, set against the backdrop of a carnival.
“Rubin and Cherise” Lyrics Meaning
The song starts with Cherise, brushing her long hair, and preparing for a carnival. It sets the scene, a picturesque moment of anticipation. Cherise is dressed as Pirouette in white, but a vision of something ominous grips her. She’s afraid and unsure about Rubin, who’s playing a mandolin inlaid with a pretty face in jade.
The lyrics reveal Cherise’s fear that Rubin might have another girl. She’s anxious and seeks reassurance. Rubin, however, swears his love for her and declares there’s no one else. The carnival parade begins, and Rubin’s mandolin playing is captivating. The crowd is enchanted, and Ruby Claire, dressed as Pirouette in red, catches Rubin’s eye.
Now, the atmosphere shifts. Rubin plays a different tune just for Ruby Claire, and the lyrics hint at a change in fate. Cherise’s destiny is unraveling.
Cherise’s voice seems to emerge from Rubin’s mandolin, singing to him. She seeks the truth about his love, and Rubin reassures her once more. However, as the song progresses, tragedy strikes. Rubin freezes and turns to stone while playing. Cherise’s fate is sealed, and her voice is now part of the mandolin.
The song concludes with Rubin walking the streets of New Orleans with Cherise in his arms. It’s a bittersweet ending that captures the fragile nature of love and the twists of destiny.
The Story Behind “Rubin and Cherise”
Lyricist Robert Hunter wrote the song and famously performed by Jerry Garcia, the lead guitarist and vocalist of the Grateful Dead, as part of his solo project with the Jerry Garcia Band. Robert Hunter was known for his skill in crafting poetic and narrative lyrics, often collaborating with Jerry Garcia to create timeless songs.
At the time “Rubin and Cherise” was written, the Grateful Dead and its extended family of musicians, including Jerry Garcia, were exploring new musical territories. They were deeply immersed in the counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s, characterized by a spirit of exploration, love, and experimentation. The song reflects love, fate, and the fragility of human connection—concepts central to the countercultural movement. It’s worth noting that this song was part of the Jerry Garcia Band’s live repertoire for many years before being formally recorded, indicating its enduring appeal and significance to the musicians involved.
As for the state of mind of the songwriter, Robert Hunter, during this period, he was known for his introspective and often mystical approach to songwriting. His lyrics frequently explored the human condition, spirituality, and the mysteries of existence. In “Rubin and Cherise,” Hunter likely drew from the well of his creative and philosophical thinking, weaving a narrative that speaks to the universal human experiences of love, longing, and the twists of fate. This song is a testament to the enduring power of music to capture the complexities of the human heart and soul.