Operator
Chasing Shadows in Baton Rouge: Grateful Dead's Journey Through the Midnight Flyer
Lyrics
Operator, can you help me
Request for assistance from the operator.
Help me if you please
Polite plea for help.
Give me the right area code
Asking for the correct area code.
And the number that I need
Requesting the specific phone number.
My rider left upon the Midnight Flyer
Describing the departure of the singer's companion on the Midnight Flyer.
Singin' like a summer breeze
Characterizing the departure as carefree and smooth.
I think she's somewhere down south
Speculating on the location of the singer's companion.
Down about Baton Rouge
Mentioning a possible location, Baton Rouge.
But I just a can't remember no number
Expressing difficulty in remembering the companion's phone number.
A number I can use
Emphasizing the need for a usable number.
Directory don't have it
Stating that the directory does not contain the needed number.
Central done forgot it
Claiming that the central office has forgotten the number.
Gotta find a number to use.
Expressing urgency in finding a usable number.
Trying to check out her number
Attempting to investigate the companion's phone number.
Trying to run down her line.
Trying to trace the companion's line.
Operator said that's priv'ledged information
Operator refusing to provide private information.
And it ain't no business of mine
Asserting that the information is not the singer's concern.
It's floodin' down in Texas
Describing a flood in Texas.
Poles are out in Utah
Mentioning power outages in Utah.
Gotta find a private line
Expressing the need for a confidential line.
She could be hangin' 'round the steel mill
Suggesting possible locations where the companion might be.
Working in a house of blue lights
Imagining the companion working in a distinctive environment.
Riding a getaway bus out of Portland
Envisaging the companion escaping by bus from Portland.
Talking to the night
Depicting the companion engaged in conversation during the night.
I don't know where she's going
Expressing uncertainty about the companion's destination.
I don't care where she's been
Stating indifference to the companion's past actions.
Long as she's been doin' it right
Emphasizing the importance of the companion's current actions.
Long as she's been doin' it right
Reiterating the importance of the companion's current actions being correct.
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