The Grateful Dead
Terrapin Station (Live at Winterland, San Francisco, June 9, 1977)
Lady with a Fan
Let my inspiration flow in token rhyme, suggesting rhythm
That will not forsake thee, 'til my tale is told and done
While the firelight's aglow, strange shadows from the flames will grow
'Til things we've never seen will seem familiar
Shadows of a sailor, forming winds both foul and fair all swarm
Down in Carlisle, he loved a lady many years ago
Here beside him stands a man, a soldier from the looks of him
Who came through many fights, but lost at love
While the storyteller speaks, a door within the fire creaks
Suddenly flies open, and a girl is standing there
Eyes alight, with glowing hair, all that fancy paints as fair
She takes her fan and throws it, in the lion's den
Which of you to gain me, tell, will risk uncertain pains of hell?
I will not forgive you if you will not take the chance
The sailor gave at least a try, the soldier being much too wise
Strategy was his strength, and not disaster

[Instrumental break]

The sailor, coming out again, the lady fairly leapt at him
That's how it stands today, you decide if he was wise
The storyteller makes no choice, soon you will not hear his voice
His job is to shed light, and not to master

[Instrumental break]
Since the end is never told, we pay the teller off in gold
In hopes he will come back, but he cannot be bought or sold

Terrapin Station
Inspiration, move me brightly
Light the song with sense and color
Hold away despair, more than this I will not ask
Faced with mysteries dark and vast
Statements just seem vain at last
Some rise, some fall, some climb, to get to Terrapin

Counting stars by candlelight, all are dim but one is bright
The spiral light of Venus, rising first and shining best
Oh, from the northwest corner, of a brand new crescent moon
Crickets and cicadas sing, a rare and different tune

Terrapin Station
In the shadow of the moon, Terrapin Station
And I know we'll be there soon
Terrapin - I can't figure out
Terrapin - If it's the end or beginning
Terrapin - But the train's put it's brakes on Terrapin - And the whistle is screaming TERRAPIN

[Instrumental]