Scarlet Begonias

"Scarlet Begonias" is a song by the Grateful Dead. The lyrics were written by Robert Hunter, and the music was written by guitarist Jerry Garcia.[1] The song first appears on the 1974 release, Grateful Dead from the Mars Hotel. Its live debut came on March 23, 1974 at the Cow Palace in Daly City, California.[1] The song's time signature is in 4/4 timing. When performed live, "Scarlet Begonias" would often be paired with "Fire on the Mountain", resulting in what would be nicknamed "Scarlet>Fire".[2] Throughout the 1970s, the Grateful Dead were accompanied by Donna Godchaux during the performance of this song, lending an earthier feel to the vocal work. When Keith and Donna Godchaux left the Grateful Dead in 1980 they formed the Heart of Gold Band which took its name from a line in "Scarlet Begonias."

[Chorus 1] As I was walking down rubadub square Not a chill to the weather but a nip to the air From another direction she was caught in my eye It could be an illusion, but I might as well try Might as well try [Chorus 2] She had rings on her fingers and bells on her shoes And I knew without asking she was into the blues She wore scarlet begonias tucked into her curls I knew right away, she was not like other girls (Like other girls) [Bridge] Well, I ain't never been right, as I ain't never been wrong It seldom works out the way it does in this song (Hey) 'Cause once in a while you get shown in the light In the strangest of places if you look at it right [Rap Verse] It was the summer of love, and I thank the stars above Because the woman took the lovin' over me And just to gain her trust, I bought a microbus Because I sold up all my personal property A tight tie-dyed dress, she was a psychedelic mess We toured to the north, south, east and west We sold some mushroom tea We sold some ecstasy We sold nitrous, opium, acid, heroin and PCP And now I hear the police coming after me Yes, now I hear the police coming after me The one Scarlet, with the flowers in her hair She's got the police coming after me [Chorus 3] Well, there ain't nothing wrong with the way she moves All scarlet begonias and a touch of the blues And there ain't nothin' wrong with the love that's in her eye I had to learn the hard way just to let her pass by Let her pass by Oh, just to let her pass by