The song "Red Dress" by James McMurtry tells the story of a man reminiscing about the good old days when he and his friends could smoke, drink and live carefree without anyone to tell them no. However, the song takes a dark turn when the man declares his intention to kill someone. It's unclear who this person is or why he wants to kill them, but he's determined not to miss his target this time. The lyrics also mention a woman in a red dress, which seems to be a symbol of temptation and desire. The man asks where she got the dress and acknowledges that he's drunk but thinks she's ugly. He then realizes that he'll still find her unattractive even when he's sober. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the fleeting nature of desire and how alcohol can distort our perceptions. Overall, "Red Dress" is a complex and layered song that touches on themes of nostalgia, violence, and desire. It's up to the listener to decide what it all means, but one thing is clear: James McMurtry is a talented storyteller who knows how to paint vivid pictures with his words.
