The Grateful Dead — Lady with a Fan

[Verse 1] Let my inspiration flow In token lines suggesting rhythm That will not forsake me '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] [Verse 2] 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] [Outro] 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