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Widespread Panic — Ain't Life Grand
Album: Ain't Life Grand
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1811









Released: 1994
Length: 4:43
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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watchin people roll by
wonderin where they're goin
hey, what's your job
what are you knowin

drivin to the grocery store
pull my money out
passin by the liquor store
throw my money down

ain't life grand
ain't life grand

my wife's got the blues
now I've got them
gonna bring her a kiss
make those blues run

ain't life grand
ain't life grand

sun came out the other day
through those dusty clouds
and in my mind I was a child
and it felt good ! ! !

ain't life grand (x4)
Comments (145)add comment
The instrumental section reminds me a bit of Allman Brothers.  Which is a good thing.
Posted 1 year ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
Hearing some of the rolling piano riffs of James McMurtry's "Choctaw Bingo" in this one, though I think that song came later.
Posted 1 year ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
 alanb wrote:

Wouldn't it be grand if you could make your wife's blues run away with just a kiss?



Or at least someone else's wife's blues...
Posted 1 year ago by wifesboyfriend    [ Reply ]
mmmmmmmmm m l m m m m m mm m m ml no p or to p p p p prttt t or to op t or to to p tot tot it t tri or p p or p p p we p p p p we we p we oo we o mmm ooo lo ok m
Posted 2 years ago by susan.gearhart8038    [ Reply ]
 coloradojohn wrote:

Some people are born with half a cerebral cortex. They feel a need to attack those with a full cerebral cortex, and lash out in infantile ways. Try to forgive...



That does explain some things. Take care coloradojohn and thanks for your comments here on RP!
Posted 2 years ago by Kajukenbo    [ Reply ]
Some people are born with half a cerebral cortex. They feel a need to attack those with a full cerebral cortex, and lash out in infantile ways. Try to forgive...
Posted 2 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 keenevision wrote:

Damn!! This song makes me want to get out of the car and DANCE!!!!



Since you already stopped to write this comment, why don't you do that?
Posted 2 years ago by rklein    [ Reply ]
Damn!! This song makes me want to get out of the car and DANCE!!!!
Posted 3 years ago by keenevision    [ Reply ]
That piano is really something!
Posted 3 years ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
Wow, Bill.  The Dead, Phish, and now Panic all in a few hour span.  What's next, DMB?

Gonna finally bust out some Umph or STS9?
Posted 3 years ago by zinzarin    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:
This is excellent! Keep in mind however, all Jam Band material sprang forth from Jessica
 
Sorry, the whole jam band thing comes right from jazz.  Jazz probably got it from Appalachian/Delta folk music. And so on...

"Jessica" is cool and all but it didn't birth improvisation.

What is cool about "Jessica" is Greg Allman wrote it when he was 16.
Posted 3 years ago by Ok_Sobriquet    [ Reply ]
 icedog75 wrote:
Getting married in an hour just sitting here trying decide if my vows are good enough...this is perfect...Life is indeed grand!
 

Congrats!
Posted 4 years ago by CowboyJJ    [ Reply ]
 icedog75 wrote:
Getting married in an hour just sitting here trying decide if my vows are good enough...this is perfect...Life is indeed grand!
 
Good luck and best wishes for a long and happy marriage!
Posted 4 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
Getting married in an hour just sitting here trying decide if my vows are good enough...this is perfect...Life is indeed grand!
Posted 4 years ago by icedog75    [ Reply ]
This is excellent! Keep in mind however, all Jam Band material sprang forth from Jessica
Posted 4 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
That half-time piano break just kills it every time! 8+1 today.
Posted 4 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
Bill and Rebecca have a way of playing the right song at the perfect time. I really needed this today. Long live RP!!!
Posted 4 years ago by pa508701    [ Reply ]
Спасибо!!
Вы Лучшие...
RP
Posted 5 years ago by Sem    [ Reply ]
I just went 7 to 8 to 9 while hearing this one today....that beat...those lyrics affirming life....yeah....that hits the spot for me...and that wicked cool piano bassline kicks extra ass!!  Long Live RP!!
Posted 5 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
Widespread MotherFuckin' Panic, ya'll!!!  
RIP Mikey Houser and My Love, Heather
Posted 5 years ago by wrangler    [ Reply ]
Shout out to Outlaws, Gteen Grass and High Tides Forever
Posted 5 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
I was working at a music store in Vancouver when I met the band when they were in town. They put me on the guest (pest) list and gave me a CD. Concert was great!

I used to use the disc to demo the pro audio equipment. The recording was very live like! Sold a few 'boxes' via them. Thanks! 
Posted 6 years ago by xrdstv    [ Reply ]
If you're not desk dancing at least, then you must be dead{#Bananajam}
Posted 6 years ago by khardog145    [ Reply ]
wrangler wrote:
passin' by the liquor store {#Drunk}

 
hit rock bottom when the liquor's too far awaaaaay
Posted 6 years ago by jambo    [ Reply ]
Wouldn't it be grand if you could make your wife's blues run away with just a kiss?
Posted 8 years ago by alanb    [ Reply ]
 moodfood wrote:
these guys were awesome in their early alt-rock days..{#Music}
 
... and they still are.  Must be 4:20 somewhere.
Posted 10 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
these guys were awesome in their early alt-rock days..{#Music}
Posted 10 years ago by moodfood    [ Reply ]

Very annoying Paps-piano!

Rest sounds ok - though rther traditional!


Posted 10 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Yowsah!
Posted 11 years ago by amoreena    [ Reply ]
passin' by the liquor store {#Drunk}
Posted 11 years ago by wrangler    [ Reply ]
I was at a record store back when this album (CD) came out and they had it set up on a display table thing. The name 'Widespread Panic" really caught my eye thinking what a great name for a band.  I had never heard of them or even what kind of music it was. Then of course the title 'Ain't Life Grand'.. Even Better! something clicked in my head and I bought it 'sound un-heard'. It became and still is one of the most listened to discs in my collection. Great album and great band. 
Posted 11 years ago by ddbz    [ Reply ]
just back from seeing widespread headline friday night of mountain jam IX.  superb show surrouned by tons of friends in the pouring rain!  {#Cowboy}
Posted 11 years ago by wrangler    [ Reply ]

Yes, life is grand...  love this song...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Bumped from a 9 to a 10. Oh yeah, dancing in the kitchen!
Posted 11 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
 MirageRF wrote:
Everyone at the honky tonk is stomping and jumping!  Like frogs on a hot road!
 
Very cool...  hope you be hopping right this minute...  love this song...

Widespread Panic believes that art education, and in particular music education, is integral to the overall education and advancement of children. Art allows for personal expression, appreciation of ideas, celebration of cultural awareness, sharing emotions, and gives purpose to life. Widespread Panic agrees with research findings that art education supports more traditional academic subjects as well as being a worthy pursuit in its own right.

 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Remembered, now forgot... 1
Posted 11 years ago by gvan    [ Reply ]
I love this song, it reminds me of an old buddy that is no longer around...I'll be seeing them next week at the U.I.C.....
Posted 11 years ago by Jazbo    [ Reply ]
Everyone at the honky tonk is stomping and jumping!  Like frogs on a hot road!
Posted 11 years ago by MirageRF    [ Reply ]

Everybody in my church be dancing...  love it...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Yep, life's pretty grand.  Especially when dancin' barefoot on the grass, smilin face to the sky, as Widespread Panic boogies at big decibels — even if all that takes place in your imagination on a grey, sub-freezing afternoon with the remnants of yesterdays' snow still on the ground.  WOOOHOOO!

(This is almost 20 years old!!!??) 
Posted 11 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]

14th Annual Hannah's Buddies Charity Classic, March 22-23, 2013

Support the Fight Against SMA

The Hannah's Buddies Charity Classic attracts more than 250 golfers from around
the U.S. each year. The tournament includes a four-person scramble at the Grand
Cypress in Orlando, Florida. Following the tournament, there will be an award
reception.

Golf Registration Includes:
One spot in the tournament (March 22)
Goody bag
Lunch on the course
Post golf awards reception
Two tickets to live music (March 22)
Two entries to the dinner/silent auction (March 23)
Two tickets to JB & Friends with special guests (March 23)

 


Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
wonderful slide Guitar!!
Posted 11 years ago by jules44    [ Reply ]

Dang, this seems like it was just a few years ago...  but it's been well over a decade... a long dang time...  time flies when we're having fun...




Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Forgot now remembered.......9
Posted 12 years ago by Jazbo    [ Reply ]
{#Bananapiano}
Posted 12 years ago by shemp    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


Awesome...  we be dancing...

 
 
BUMP
Posted 12 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
WSMFP!!!! Bring it!
Posted 12 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
thought I was having a jj cale moment..head spin...
Posted 12 years ago by MoM$CooKin    [ Reply ]
Heck yeah! Perfect Friday afternoon tune here in Singapore.  Ain't Life Grand!
Posted 12 years ago by tallboy1968    [ Reply ]
 wrangler wrote:
ain't life grand......sing it, mikey houser!  {#Cowboy}
 

R.I.P.   Mikey.
Posted 12 years ago by countyman    [ Reply ]
It's good to hear WSP and WILCO on the same day.
Posted 12 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


Life is grand... so is this song...

 
 



you know what tuma? you're grand. and you be dancin...
Posted 13 years ago by srose96    [ Reply ]
Thanks, This is great. I had not heard this before. I so do love hearing things that are new to me. Never happens on the radio anymore.
Posted 13 years ago by Kahoona    [ Reply ]
ain't life grand......sing it, mikey houser!  {#Cowboy}
Posted 13 years ago by wrangler    [ Reply ]
Yep.

 pcmaclean wrote:
fantastic piano
 


Posted 13 years ago by mmoyer    [ Reply ]
What a great song!  Thanks RP - I needed that!
Posted 13 years ago by Biscobret    [ Reply ]
 crockydile wrote:
That guitar seems out of place in this song...{#Eh}
 
Yes.

Posted 13 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
fantastic piano
Posted 13 years ago by pcmaclean    [ Reply ]
If I could play piano, I think this is how I would want to play.
Posted 13 years ago by djengs    [ Reply ]
Not sure why, something about this song is reminding me of the vibe on the new Tom Petty album.  I guess it would be the vocals and the pacing and the mish-mash of different styles going on.

Posted 14 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]
 AndyJ wrote:
Thanks for introducing a new-to-me- group and song...
You have no idea how much I am glad for music that expands, educates, informs and -ENTERTAINS me all at the same time...
I wish I could find a way to listen more hours of the day.... Like water on parched earth, I need to soak up more than flows my way...

 
Nice post, Andy, I'd second that and repeat my thanks to RP for introducing me to so much new music (though my wallet isn't so thankful as I've spent scads on CDs as a direct result), and for making my working day bearable. What I really love about RP is the way that every day brings something new, such as this bunch. 7 from the pleased as punch Nottingham jury.

Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Thanks for introducing a new-to-me- group and song...
You have no idea how much I am glad for music that expands, educates, informs and -ENTERTAINS me all at the same time...
I wish I could find a way to listen more hours of the day.... Like water on parched earth, I need to soak up more than flows my way...

Posted 14 years ago by AndyJ    [ Reply ]
{#Cowboy}
Posted 14 years ago by whtahtefcuk    [ Reply ]
from south africa never heard from this band but must say very good
Posted 15 years ago by edward56    [ Reply ]
That guitar seems out of place in this song...{#Eh}
Posted 15 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
i'll be seeing three nights of wsp at orange beach alabama starting tomorrow night - life is grand indeed!!

{#Cowboy} {#Motor} {#Cheers}
Posted 15 years ago by wrangler    [ Reply ]
 govna wrote:

funny, the piano part and the main melody remind me of something harrison-esque.  can't put my finger on it though.

 
let it roll.

Posted 15 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
Nice!  Great piano player!
Posted 15 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
I don't get why these guys aren't a lot more popular than they are —- their music has such heart.
Posted 15 years ago by keller1    [ Reply ]
 ChardRemains wrote:
Intro sounds like a beefed-up version of "Oh Yoko."
 
funny, the piano part and the main melody remind me of something harrison-esque.  can't put my finger on it though.

Posted 15 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
Thought I was hearing Frank Black at first...
Posted 15 years ago by Ando    [ Reply ]
Love the Panic {#Dancingbanana}
Posted 16 years ago by lattalo    [ Reply ]
ah yes....my favorite Widespread tune!!
Posted 16 years ago by SpaceCase    [ Reply ]
This is WSP at their peak--both in the studio and on the road. Ain't Life Grand is a great album. HOT! Just like that smokin' set of shows at the Roseland Ballroom in Portland, OR. Thems were the days.
Posted 16 years ago by joshfm    [ Reply ]
Love this song.
Posted 17 years ago by bigB_3    [ Reply ]
Intro sounds like a beefed-up version of "Oh Yoko."
Posted 17 years ago by ChardRemains    [ Reply ]
On_The_Beach wrote:
Hmmm, I'm likin' this. Yet another band I've never heard on "commercial radio" Thanks RP.
Indeed I had never heard them on commercial radio either and then saw them live at "Farmaid" in Chicago a couple years ago and they were one of the best acts by far, great band!
Posted 17 years ago by go_ski_mully    [ Reply ]
very good for those panic fans!!!! bombs and butterfly's tho fairs a little better IMO EastSideErin wrote:
Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 17 years ago by eeke    [ Reply ]
Nice and lively
Posted 17 years ago by atw58    [ Reply ]
Wow!!! I am totally amazed!!!! A Panic song that doesn't suck that bad..
Posted 18 years ago by johnny_h    [ Reply ]
jules44 wrote:
How's the rest of this cd? anybody?
Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 18 years ago by EastSideErin    [ Reply ]
Hmmm, I'm likin' this. Yet another band I've never heard on "commercial radio" Thanks RP.
Posted 18 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
LIfe is grand..indeed!!!
Posted 18 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
parrothead wrote:
My favorite new band,even though the have been around for 25 years or so. Me just discovered them.
Go see them live, they'll really be your favorite then. PS-You wanna make sure that you're dancin' otherwise everyone will think you're a poser. Get down and shake the boo-tay!
Posted 18 years ago by freeone1    [ Reply ]
Someone stole this CD from me back about 10 years ago, then they moved to another state. It was THAT good.
Posted 18 years ago by smackiepipe    [ Reply ]
My favorite new band,even though the have been around for 25 years or so. Me just discovered them.
Posted 18 years ago by parrothead    [ Reply ]
Yay! WP!!! MORE MORE MORE WP!!!!!!!
Posted 18 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
I'm a bigger fan of WSP's Everyday album but this is still Ain't Life Grand!
Posted 18 years ago by jtdiver    [ Reply ]
Oh Yoko!
Posted 18 years ago by Duffalo    [ Reply ]
How's the rest of this cd? anybody?
Posted 18 years ago by jules44    [ Reply ]
mikedill wrote:
haha - did we go to college together?
i believe so!
Posted 18 years ago by tony620d    [ Reply ]
haha - did we go to college together? southern_duality wrote:
Reminds me of college....and lots of weed...
Posted 18 years ago by mikedill    [ Reply ]
great band great song, but there are better songs. reminds me of school in austin and smokin drugs at ranches
Posted 18 years ago by GChevy410    [ Reply ]
beelzebubba wrote:
I still can't believe that I've only recently become familiar with Widespread Panic. Man, what have I been missing! How could a band this good have passed under my radar for so long?? I guess married life with kids does that sort of thing....
Welcome aboard Bee! I've also wondered the same thing. I think they pass under the radar because most people just consider them a hippie band. In fact, they are not the hippie type at all (alot of the fans are, though). If you're looking for good Panic, check ouot Uber Cobra. It is their live accoustic collection! And listen for their cover of Neil Young's "Walk On" on the LRC (I'm trying to get it submitted).
Posted 18 years ago by The_Waker    [ Reply ]
ScottN wrote:
Sounds like Alvin Lee playing one guitar and Dicky Betts another. (OK, I am an old guy!) Good song.
Whatever became of Alvin Lee?
Posted 18 years ago by El_Penguino    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Alvin Lee playing one guitar and Dicky Betts another. (OK, I am an old guy!) Good song.
Posted 18 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
I love that part where the go into the half-time feel right before the chorus. After I heard it today, I raised my rating from 7 to 8. A great groove.
Posted 18 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
crowhog2000 wrote:
Posted 19 years ago by rolf    [ Reply ]
Saw them in Philly a couple a weeks ago! Danced till I dropped! Most fun I've had at a show in a long, long time....
Posted 19 years ago by beelzebubba    [ Reply ]
beelzebubba wrote:
I still can't believe that I've only recently become familiar with Widespread Panic. Man, what have I been missing! How could a band this good have passed under my radar for so long?? I guess married life with kids does that sort of thing....
I could have written this word for word!
Posted 19 years ago by dirtroosters    [ Reply ]
Saw them play last week, they jammed and jammed and we danced and danced \:D/ A hell of a show, can't wait to see them again at Austin City Limits Fest!
Posted 19 years ago by freeone1    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of college....and lots of weed...
Posted 19 years ago by southern_duality    [ Reply ]
JoJopugs wrote:
One of thier best songs live!
Agreed. I love WP, but this song really suffers as a studio version. Soooo much better live!
Posted 19 years ago by lazywhinerkid    [ Reply ]
One of thier best songs live!
Posted 19 years ago by JoJopugs    [ Reply ]
Have to agree with you. I never saw them live but I always felt like I'd be bored at one of their concerts. I'm an older phish fan and by the time I'd gotten around to listening to W.P. I could only appreciate the song writing. It's hard to top Phish performance wise in the mid 90's. BobVaughan wrote:
Sorry ecorunner, but I saw them live many years ago and it was pure agony. They are one of two bands that I have walked out on (the other was John Spencer's Blues Explosion). I am very open minded, but it seems that their jams never went anywhere live. I prefer them in the studio (at least with the early albums!). :-k
Posted 19 years ago by honu    [ Reply ]
ecorunner wrote:
I just cannot imagine anyone thinking Widespread Panic music is awful. This song is a strong representation of their music, driving rock with good musicianship. Incredible album too! Catch them live!
Sorry ecorunner, but I saw them live many years ago and it was pure agony. They are one of two bands that I have walked out on (the other was John Spencer's Blues Explosion). I am very open minded, but it seems that their jams never went anywhere live. I prefer them in the studio (at least with the early albums!). :-k
Posted 19 years ago by BobVaughan    [ Reply ]
I still can't believe that I've only recently become familiar with Widespread Panic. Man, what have I been missing! How could a band this good have passed under my radar for so long?? I guess married life with kids does that sort of thing....
Posted 19 years ago by beelzebubba    [ Reply ]
This is the best Widespread Panic album aside from Space Wrangler. Great song but I think that Airplane is the best tune on the album. One of the best albums that came out of the classic mid 90's jamband scene.
Posted 19 years ago by honu    [ Reply ]
This song features the late Michael Houser (lead guitarist) singing with John Bell. There is a fund/foundation in his name: (click here) Thanks for Rocking so hard! RIP
Posted 19 years ago by jbtidwell    [ Reply ]
hell yeah RP! You have made my day. This song rocks! A must have album. One of the best live acts on the road today. Outstanding!
Posted 20 years ago by trancefussion    [ Reply ]
Posted 20 years ago by crowhog2000    [ Reply ]
I just cannot imagine anyone thinking Widespread Panic music is awful. This song is a strong representation of their music, driving rock with good musicianship. Incredible album too! Catch them live!
Posted 20 years ago by ecorunner    [ Reply ]
Whenever I hear music in the background and think "god this is awful" and ask who it is, it always turns out to be Radiohead or Widespread Panic. This song, however, isn't sending me over the edge... not amazing, but not as deplorable as I remember them. I can see how this would be good live or on a roadtrip.
Posted 20 years ago by ArbiterOfGoodTaste    [ Reply ]
Cy wrote:
I'm surprised this song has such a low rating....
Me too, especially when I saw my own rating was a 3. Boosted it lots the second time around....
Posted 20 years ago by rulebritannia    [ Reply ]
It's interesting to see how many more Southern folks like and/or relate to this song. It is one of my favorite WSP tunes. Driving Song off Spacecowboy is the one that sends me down memory lane. Someone needs to upload City of Dreams.
Posted 20 years ago by vertex    [ Reply ]
nikiMc wrote:
oh the memories! This album sucked me into the WSP world and I never want to go back!
Right there with ya on that. One of my favorite songs. I really should upload Coconuts off Space Wrangler.
Posted 20 years ago by bigpomp    [ Reply ]
oh the memories! This album sucked me into the WSP world and I never want to go back!
Posted 21 years ago by nikiMc    [ Reply ]
Day in the life of a boring guy.
Posted 21 years ago by Spliff    [ Reply ]