"A Horse Named Bill" is a playful and whimsical song performed by Jerry Garcia and David Grisman. The lyrics tell a humorous story about a horse named Bill and various absurd situations. The song begins with the narrator introducing the horse, Bill, who is known for his constant running. The narrator also ran alongside Bill. One day, Bill runs so fast that he crashes into a barber shop, injuring the barber. This event is described in a humorous way, using made-up words like "exhaustionized" and "eye teeth." The lyrics then shift to talk about a girl named Daisy who has a unique singing style. Her singing has a chaotic effect on the cat, causing it to go crazy with conditions like delirium and St. Vitus' Dance. Daisy sings a song about a man who turns himself inside out and jumps into a river, emphasizing the bizarre and imaginative nature of the song. In the following verse, the narrator expresses her skill as a sharpshootress, claiming she can shoot any bird with precision, even hitting specific body parts like the eye, ear, teeth, and fingers. This verse adds to the humorous and exaggerated tone of the song. The lyrics take another odd twist as the narrator mentions going into the woods to "shoot for beer and not for deer." The play on words suggests a humorous intention, contrasting the traditional purpose of hunting with a comical alternative. Continuing with the absurdity, the narrator recounts going up in a large balloon and seeing the people on the ground appear strange, such as resembling pigs, mice, caddisflies, flies, and fleas. The balloon encounters mishaps and lands on a country squire's wife, leading to her making noises like a doghound, steam whistle, and dynamite explosion. In the final lines, the narrator humorously suggests stomping on one's hat or even their own mother or toothbrush in response to a helpless situation, implying that there may not be a fitting resolution. Overall, "A Horse Named Bill" is a lighthearted and nonsensical song, reflecting Jerry Garcia and David Grisman's playful and creative musical style. The lyrics showcase their ability to craft a story full of unexpected and amusing scenarios.
