The meaning and story behind Eric Burdon's song "P.O. Box 500" revolves around a character named Robert who continuously finds himself in trouble with the law. The song is written as a series of letters addressed to Robert, expressing the narrator's thoughts and emotions towards him. In the lyrics, it is mentioned that Robert has been sent back to prison, referred to as the "slammer," for the second time in Alabama. The narrator laments the fact that they will miss Robert's late-night performances and early morning marijuana sessions. They describe Robert's appearance with a "big buddha face" and reminisce about his smile reaching across the ocean. The narrator acknowledges that Robert was a skilled thief who taught them how to steal, implying that they were influenced by him. They regret taking advantage of Robert and promise to give back what they took during his next parole. The mention of visiting "crazy Mary" in Camarillo suggests that they might also be familiar with the law enforcement system themselves. The lyrics then mention Robert's return to prison once again, this time for keeping a police badge he found on the beach. However, despite his circumstances, the narrator shares a plan to escape and travel down to Mexico in a Chevrolet. They express a desire to find a secluded and idyllic valley they often discussed, where they can disappear and emerge from the desert dust. The mention of a "golden city" represents their dreams of a better life with basic amenities like running water, restaurants, and beautiful women. The third verse recounts a past incident when Robert was taken into custody. The police lights are compared to a bright Fourth of July celebration, emphasizing the spectacle of the arrest. The narrator recalls seeing Robert being taken away with handcuffs, but he remains calm and smiles at everyone, indicating that he is not intimidated by the authorities. This suggests that Robert is familiar with such situations and is comfortable being in trouble with the law. The song concludes with a postscript (P.S.) where the narrator mentions finding a supermarket bag left by Robert. They promise to smoke a little every day, allowing Robert to remain in their memories as the smoke clears. The final line reaffirms the belief that Robert should have known better, highlighting the reckless nature of his choices. Overall, "P.O. Box 500" explores themes of friendship, recklessness, and the consequences of one's actions. It portrays the narrator's complicated relationship with Robert, alternating between admiration, regret, and concern for his well-being.
