The Grateful Dead's song "Stagger Lee" is a retelling of the traditional folk song "Stagger Lee," which has been passed down through various versions and interpretations over the years. The song tells the story of a real-life murder that took place in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1895. The lyrics start on Christmas Eve in 1948, with a full moon illuminating the town. Stagger Lee, a notorious and dangerous character, shoots and kills Billy DeLions. The motive for the murder is revealed when it is mentioned that Billy won Stagger Lee's Stetson hat in a game of dice. The narrator wonders why Stagger Lee would go so far as to kill someone over a hat. They express their frustration with the law enforcement, particularly Officer Bayo, who seems to be afraid of confronting Stagger Lee despite arresting other individuals for lesser crimes. Delia DeLions, Billy's partner, seeks revenge for his death and asks for a gun to confront Stagger Lee herself. She goes to the DeLion's club, where the incident occurred, orders a drink, and shoots Stagger Lee in a crucial area of his body. Delia then has him arrested and taken to the city hall, where she insists on his execution. The song concludes with Delia walking on Singapore Street while a band plays "Near My God to Thee." However, Delia whistles a different tune, indicating her satisfaction with avenging her love's murder. The lyrics suggest that the song she sings is "Look Out Stagger Lee," emphasizing her warning to others about Stagger Lee's dangerous nature. Overall, "Stagger Lee" tells the tale of a legendary murder and the quest for justice through personal vengeance. The song highlights the themes of crime, revenge, and the power dynamics between characters in a narrative that has been passed down through generations.
