3 Classic Rock Jam Band Songs That Might Give You a Contact High

There is something about jam band music that lends itself to psychedelic moments. The songs, for whatever reason, seem to make you want to smile, grin, and eat about 1,000 nacho chips. Whether it’s the bands themselves, who seem to all delight in mind-altering substances, or the songs that can extend to a dozen-plus minutes when played live, there is just something trippy about jam bands.

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We wanted to explore that phenomenon here by taking a look at three famous songs from three famous jam bands that may just leave you feeling like you just spent some time with Cheech & Chong. Indeed, these are three classic rock jam band songs that might just give you a contact high.

“Jimi Thing” by Dave Matthews Band from ‘Under The Table And Dreaming’ (1994)

Dave Matthews and his Dave Matthews Band represent one of the highest-grossing live acts of all time. One of the many reasons for their success is the fact that they play songs that giant crowds can enjoy together. And “Jimi Thing” is at the top of the track list when it comes to that. The song can be expanded to 12 or even 20-plus minutes, and usually, Matthews makes allusions to whiskey and smoking cannabis in the lyrics. That always gets a giant cheer from the crowd, as many fans are partaking in their own mini pharmacies in the stands. Watch out, and you may feel in a purple haze after this one.

“Casey Jones” by The Grateful Dead from ‘Workingman’s Dead’ (1970)

It seems that no matter how much time passes, Casey Jones is still driving that train, high on cocaine. He just can’t ever get a break! But that’s the fun of returning to tracks like this one. They’re reliable and fun. Sometimes you just want to hear about ol’ Casey there on his train. Why? Because while that would never be you in real life, it’s fun to muse about what you would do in Casey’s situation. The Grateful Dead never shied away from mind-altering substances, and they did so, in part, for your enjoyment, too!

“Lookin’ Out My Back Door” by Creedence Clearwater Revival from ‘Cosmo’s Factory’ (1970)

If you ask music fans whether this song is representative of a psychedelic trip, you will likely get several different answers. The imagery, from a flying spoon to even the reference of tambourines by lead vocalist John Fogerty, leads many to believe that he’s describing some Bob Dylan- or John Lennon-like trip. But in interviews, he has said the opposite, that this song, which includes references to a parade of animals, was written for his then-three-year-old son. He said the song has more to do with Dr. Seuss than illicit substances. Nevertheless, when you put it on, you still might think you’re about to see Lucy in the sky with diamonds.

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