"Dear Mr. Fantasy" is actually not a song by the Grateful Dead, but rather by the band Traffic. It was written by Traffic's founding member, Steve Winwood, along with his bandmates Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood. However, the Grateful Dead frequently covered this song in their live performances. The song carries a message of escapism from the difficulties and hardships of life. The lyrics address "Mr. Fantasy" as a metaphorical figure who has the power to bring happiness and joy through music. The plea to "play us a tune" and "make us happy" symbolizes the desire for a temporary relief from the gloom and heaviness of the world. The lyrics also acknowledge that Mr. Fantasy had chosen to pursue a more conventional and "straight" life, possibly leaving behind the music that once brought joy to others. The plea to "please don't be sad to take up the straight life you had" implies a sense of longing for the return of the musician's previous lifestyle. Overall, "Dear Mr. Fantasy" conveys a yearning for a musician or any form of art to provide solace and respite from the challenges of life, reminding listeners of the power of music to uplift and transport them to a happier state of mind.
