Keys To The Rain

Lyrics: Robert Hunter
Music: Robert Hunter

Recorded on Robert Hunter's first solo album, and still a staple in his concert performances.

Hammer and ripsaw, the waves keep a-risin'
Step up and tell us the name of your poison
I took a step forward, fell out of my hat
At the sign in the window saying "Take What You Lack"
I went to inquire just about how much pain
Was needed to purchase the keys to the rain
I mean, who do you think is gonna believe it
When you tell them you got the keys to the rain?

Sweet Mary was walking her dogs in the fire
Singing some tune called "My Hope And Desire"
Her tears were like needles that hung on a chain
She didn't ask nothing except more of the same
Her blue eye was scarlet, her blind eye was fame
She wore a tattoo that read "Lock Up The Rain"
But I mean, who do you ever get to believe it
When you tell them you got the keys to the rain?

Yo no soy marinero, por tu sere (note 1)
Por tu sere, por tu sere
Para bailar a La Bamba
Se necesita un poco de gracia

The prodigal son steals off in the night
He done it before and it worked out all right
He took a wrong turning, wound up in a ditch
He could have done worse, though, and ended up rich
His songs were cut open and found to be clay
The hope of the future served up on a tray
I mean, who do you think is gonna believe it
When you tell them you got the keys to the rain?

You caught me and held me and called me your own
Then kicked in my teeth and left with my bone
Now I know you ain't little, but I ain't that small
And you had surprise on your side, after all
So I'm making a wish, I never done that before
This is the first time and I hope there ain't more
But just who do you think is gonna believe it
When you tell them you got the keys to the rain

The just and the crippled both push up the flowers
And nothing remains but the song of the hours
I hope you can dig it I know that you will
But please don't run hide when I come with my bill
And before you get trying this noose on for size
It's so quick to fall, yes, and so slow to rise
And who do you think you'll get to believe you
When you tell them you got the keys to the rain?
Yeah, who do you think you're gonna get to believe it
When you tell them you got the keys to the rain?
Recordings
     Date Album Recorded By
     1974 Tales Of The Great Rum Runners (TGRR) Robert Hunter
     1974 TGRR 50th Anniversary bonus disc Robert Hunter
Notes
(1) See La Bamba.


Further Information
For more information on recordings see Matt Schofield's Grateful Dead Family Discography

 


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