Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodleloo

Lyrics: Robert Hunter
Music: Jerry Garcia

On the day that I was born Daddy sat down and cried (note 1)
I had the mark just as plain as day, I could not be denied
They say that Cain caught Abel rolling loaded dice
Ace of spades behind his ear and him not thinking twice

Chorus
Half step, Mississippi uptown toodleloo (note 2)
Hello baby I'm gone goodbye
Half a cup of rock and rye
Farewell to you old southern skies
I'm on my way, on my way

If all you got to live for is what you left behind
Get yourself a powder charge and seal that silver mine
Lost my boots in transit babe, pile of smoking leather
Nailed a retread to my feet and prayed for better weather

[chorus]

They say that when your ship comes in, first man takes the sails
Second takes the after deck, third the planks and rails
What's the point of calling shots, this cue ain't straight in line
Cue balls made of styrofoam and no-one's got the time

[chorus]

Across the Rio Grand-eo
Across the lazy river
[etc]