Deep Elem Blues is a cautionary folk song about the dangers of Deep Elem, warning of lost love, corruption, and financial ruin in the lively district.
Deep Elem Blues Lyrics
Song Details
Artist: Grateful Dead
Song: Deep Elem Blues
Album: Reckoning
Release Date: N/A
Lyrics
If You Go Down To Deep Elm Put Your Money In Your Shoes
The Women In Deep Elem They Give You The Deep Elem Blues
Oh, sweet Mama, Your Daddy's Got Them Deep Elem Blues
Once I Had A Girlfriend, She Meant The World To Me
She Went Down To Deep Elem, Now She Ain't What She Used To Be
Once I Knew A Percher, Preached THe Bible Thru And Thru
He Went Sown To Deep Elem, Now His Preaching Days Are Thru
When You Go Down To Deep Elem To Have A Little Fun,
Have Your Ten Dollars Ready When The Police Man Comes
When yo go down to Deep Elem put your money in your pants
Cause the women in Deep Elem they don't give a man a chance
Oh, Sweet Mama, Your Daddy's Got Them Deep Elem Blues
Meaning
"If you go down to Deep Elem, put your money in your shoes"
Deep Elem (or Elm) was a red-light district in Dallas, Texas. The line warns visitors to hide their money to avoid being robbed or tricked.
"The women in Deep Elem, they give you the Deep Elem Blues"
The women there—likely referring to prostitutes or cunning individuals—cause trouble, heartbreak, or financial loss, leading to "Deep Elem Blues" (regret or sorrow).
"Oh, sweet Mama, your Daddy's got them Deep Elem Blues"
The singer is telling his lover ("sweet Mama") that he has experienced the hardships and sadness of Deep Elem firsthand.
"Once I had a girlfriend, she meant the world to me"
The singer once had a woman he deeply loved and cherished.
"She went down to Deep Elem, now she ain't what she used to be"
After going to Deep Elem, she changed—perhaps due to vice, bad influences, or being exploited.
"Once I knew a preacher, preached the Bible thru and thru"
The singer knew a devoted preacher who was deeply religious and dedicated to his faith.
"He went down to Deep Elem, now his preaching days are thru"
After visiting Deep Elem, he fell into temptation or corruption, losing his moral authority and no longer preaching.
"When you go down to Deep Elem to have a little fun,"
If you're visiting Deep Elem for entertainment, be cautious.
"Have your ten dollars ready when the policeman comes"
Bribery or fines were common—if caught doing something illegal, you might need to pay off the police.
"When you go down to Deep Elem, put your money in your pants"
A similar warning as before—hide your money securely to avoid theft or scams.
"Cause the women in Deep Elem, they don't give a man a chance"
The women there can take advantage of men, likely through financial deception or manipulation.
"Oh, sweet Mama, your Daddy's got them Deep Elem Blues"
Once again, the singer laments his experiences in Deep Elem, expressing regret and hardship.
Overall Meaning
"Deep Elem Blues" is a cautionary folk song warning about the dangers of Deep Elem, a nightlife and red-light district in Dallas. It tells of lost love, corruption, and the risks of temptation, portraying Deep Elem as a place where people often lose their money, morals, and way in life.
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