"Cassidy" is a song by the American rock band Grateful Dead. The song was written by John Perry Barlow and Bob Weir, who was one of the band's guitarists and vocalists. It was first released in 1972 on the band's album "Wake of the Flood." The lyrics of "Cassidy" depict a mystical and poetic story, leaving room for interpretation. The song seems to be addressed to a person named Cassidy, who is perceived as a child of nature, symbolized by trees and seas. Cassidy is described as someone with a connection to the wolf, as evidenced by the mark left on them from a dream. This mystical connection speaks the name of the person who sings the song, even though they were not physically related. The lyrics then shift to a different scene, where the singer is driving with Cassidy in the countryside. The smile on Cassidy's face is seen as a reflection of the wolf's return or presence. The singer invites Cassidy to cleanse the night and make the scorched ground green, symbolizing a desire for renewal and rejuvenation. The horn is blown, and the tambourine is tapped, symbolizing a call to action, to bridge the gap of the dark years between the singer and Cassidy. The next verse brings a sense of urgency, with quick beats in an icy heart and the image of a catch-colt drawing a coffin cart. This signifies the looming presence of death or time passing. The flight of the seabirds represents freedom and escape from the storm, scatter like lost words. The chorus repeats the symbol of the flight of the seabirds and encourages farewell and allowing life to unfold according to its own design. The singer acknowledges that there is nothing more to say, and encourages Cassidy to find their own words and path. Overall, "Cassidy" is a song that combines nature imagery, mysticism, and personal relationships to convey a sense of longing, connection, and the fleeting nature of time. Its meaning could vary depending on the listener's interpretation and personal experiences.
