Lyrics
As I was walkin' down rub-a-dub square
Describes the location as "rub-a-dub square," setting the scene for the narrator's experience.
Not a chill to the window but a little to the air
Not feeling cold but a slight chill in the air, creating an atmospheric detail.
From another direction she was calling my eye
The narrator notices someone catching their attention from a different direction.
It could be an illusion but I might as well try
Uncertain if the attraction is real, but willing to explore it.
Might as well try
Reiterates the narrator's determination to pursue the potential connection.
She had rings on her fingers and bells on her shoes
Describes the woman's adornments, suggesting a unique and distinctive appearance.
And I knew without asking she was into the blues
The narrator intuits that she is familiar with sadness or melancholy.
She wore scarlet begonias tucked into her curls
Details the woman's distinctive choice of flowers, Scarlet Begonias, in her hair.
I knew right away she was not like other girls, like other girls
The narrator realizes she is different from other girls.
Well I ain't never been right as I ain't never been wrong
Reflects on personal experiences, acknowledging both right and wrong decisions.
As everything works out the way it does in this song
Suggests acceptance of life's unpredictable nature, influenced by the song's narrative.
'Cause once in a while you get shown in the light
Highlights moments of clarity or understanding in unusual circumstances.
In the strangest of places if you look at it right
Emphasizes finding insight in unexpected places if viewed correctly.
It was the summer of love and I thank the stars above
References the 'summer of love,' expressing gratitude for romantic experiences.
Because the women took a lovin' over me
Women showed affection, contributing to a positive period in the narrator's life.
And just to gain her trust, I bought a microbus
Describes buying a microbus to gain the trust of a woman.
Because I sold off all my personal property
The narrator sold personal property to fund the microbus purchase.
A tie-tie-dyed dress, she was a psychedelic mess
Describes the woman's appearance with a tie-dyed dress, portraying a psychedelic image.
We toured to the north, south, east and west
Highlights extensive travel in all directions, indicating a nomadic lifestyle.
We sold some mushroom tea,
Lists various substances sold during the travels, possibly reflecting a counterculture lifestyle.
We sold some ecstasy,
-We sold nitrous, opium, acid, heroin and PCP
-And now I hear the police coming after me
The narrator becomes aware of potential legal consequences for their actions.
Yes now I hear the police coming after me
-The one scarlet with the flowers in her hair
Associates the woman with flowers in her hair as the focus of law enforcement attention.
She's got the police coming after me
-Well there ain't nothing wrong with the way she moves
Expresses acceptance and admiration for the woman's movements.
All scarlet begonias and a touch of the blues
Connects the woman's appearance to the blues, suggesting depth and emotion.
And there ain't nothin' wrong with the love that's in her eyes
Acknowledges the love in her eyes, possibly realizing the value after a difficult experience.
I had to learn the hard way just to let her pass by, let her pass by
Reflects on the narrator's learning process, understanding the need to let her go.
Oh just let her pass by
Concludes with a final plea to let the woman pass by, possibly indicating acceptance of consequences.
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