Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodleloo
Lyrics: Robert Hunter
Music: Jerry Garcia

Reprinted with permissions copyright Ice Nine Publishing

First performed July 16, 1972 at Dillon Stadium in Hartford, Connecticut.


On the day that I was born Daddy sat down and cried
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


Half step, Mississippi uptown toodleloo
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

Half step, Mississippi uptown toodleloo
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

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

Half step, Mississippi uptown toodleloo
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

Across the Rio Grand-eo
Across the lazy river
Across the Rio Grand-eo
Across the lazy river
Across the Rio Grand-eo
Across the lazy river


Recordings
studio 1973 Wake Of The Flood
19 Oct 1973 Dick's Picks Vol 19
21 Mar 1990 Without A Net
05 Jun 1999 Love Will See You Through (Phil Lesh & Friends)
1999 Laughing Water (Jazz Is Dead)