Don't Let Go

The concert performed by Jerry Garcia Band at Merriweather Post Pavilion in September 1989 may be one of their greatest live performances of all time. A seamless blend of rock, reggae, R&B and gospel, the show spanned two days and covered songs like Jesse Stone’s “Don’t Let Go.” These are the moments, and the songs, that inspire us at McMenamins – and they inspired much of the Cove at Kalama Harbor Lodge.

From artist Lillian Ripley:
This painting is inspired by the Jerry Garcia Band (JGB) cover of “Don’t Let Go.” Songwriter Jesse Stone is the ghostly figure in the sky, Jerry Garcia hovers as the cloud, 19th century Kalama icons Dick and Grace Sortor are dancing on the logs of RSG Forest Products/Gram Lumber along the riverside, and JGB vocalists Gloria Jones and Jacklyn LaBranch are the roses.

Don’t Let Go

Lyrics and music by Jesse Stone
Lyrics as performed by Jerry Garcia Band live at Merriweather Post Pavilion, Sept. 1989: 
 
Hear that whistle, it's six o’clock
(Don't let go, don't let go)
Come on, baby, it's time to rock
(Don't let go, don't let go)
I'm so happy from having you near
(Don't let go, don't let go)
Keeps me grinnin' from ear to ear
(Don't let go, don't let go)
 
Oo-wee, this feeling's killin' me
Ah shucks, I wouldn't stop for a million bucks
I love you so, just hold me tight
Don't let go!
 
Thunder, lightning, wind and rain
(Don't let go, don't let go)
Love is hummin’ inside my brain
(Don't let go, don't let go)
I'm so eager, I'm nearly dyin'
(Don't let go, don't let go)
You've been keepin' your lips from mine
 
Hound dog barkin' upside the hill
(Don't let go, don't let go)
Love is draggin' him through the mill
(Don't let go, don't let go)
If it wasn't for havin' you
(Don't let go, don't let go)
I'd be barkin' and hollerin’ too
 
Someday baby, I’ll get you yet
(Don't let go, don't let go)
I'll be cryin' and soakin' wet
(Don't let go, don't let go)
One thing, baby, that makes me cry
(Don't let go, don't let go)
You been keeping your lips from mine
 
(Don't let go, don't let go)
 
Hold me tight and don’t let go
Hold me tight and don’t let go
Hold me tight and don’t let go