The Grateful Dead's song "Deep Elem Blues" is actually a traditional blues song that has been covered by numerous artists over the years. It tells the story of a place called Deep Elem, which was a neighborhood in Dallas, Texas known for its illicit activities such as gambling, prostitution, and bootlegging during the early 20th century. The lyrics suggest that if you go down to Deep Elem, you should hide your money in your shoes and socks to avoid being robbed. The women in Deep Elem are said to give you the "Deep Elem blues," implying that they may bring trouble or heartbreak. The song also mentions a preacher who initially preached the Bible but somehow got caught up in the activities of Deep Elem and can no longer continue his preaching days. The mention of having fifteen dollars when the police come suggests that this was a significant amount of money at the time, perhaps a bribe or fine to avoid legal trouble. Overall, the song portrays Deep Elem as a rough and dangerous place where people must be cautious with their money and actions. The protagonist's father is said to have the Deep Elem blues, indicating that he has been affected by the troubles of this neighborhood. The Grateful Dead's version of "Deep Elem Blues" adds their signature improvisational style, making it a popular live performance song for the band.
