Samson and Delilah (song)
"Samson and Delilah" is a traditional song based on the Biblical tale of Samson and his betrayal by Delilah. Its best known performer is perhaps the Grateful Dead, who first performed the song live in 1976, with guitarist Bob Weir singing lead vocals. It was frequently played live by the Dead. The 1977 album Terrapin Station featured a studio recording of the song.
Although Weir learned the song from Reverend Gary Davis, several earlier versions had been recorded under various titles, including "If I Had My Way I'd Tear the Building Down"/"Oh Lord If I Had My Way" by Blind Willie Johnson in 1927. Rev. Gary Davis's recording can be heard on the compilation album '. The song has since been performed by a wide variety of artists ranging from Elizabeth Cook, Bob Dylan, Charlie Parr, Dave Van Ronk, Ike and Tina Turner, Clara Ward, Dorothy Love Coates & The Gospel Harmonettes, to Peter, Paul and Mary, The Washington Squares, The Blasters, Willie Watson, and Bruce Springsteen and the Seeger Sessions Band. Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson's version appeared in the second season premiere episode of the Fox television show ', in which Manson was also a main cast member. Art Greenhaw recorded a version with The Jordanaires and Larry "T-Byrd" Gordon, which was released in 2005.
