"Blue Yodel #9 (Standing On The Corner)" is a song written by Jerry Garcia and David Grisman, inspired by the blues tradition of yodeling songs popularized by Jimmie Rodgers in the 1920s. The song tells the story of a narrator who finds himself on the corner of Beale and Main in Memphis when a police officer confronts him. The narrator asserts that he didn't mean any harm while standing on the corner, but the police officer approaches and demands to know his name. The narrator confidently responds that his name can be found on the back of his shirt, identifying himself as a Tennessee hustler who doesn't need to work. The inclusion of a yodel in the song adds a unique musical element. The second half of the song shifts focus to the narrator's relationship with his woman. He warns all the "rounders" (men who may have romantic interest in his woman) to leave her alone. He proclaims his love for his woman, emphasizing that he's willing to spend a significant amount of money on himself to impress her. When she arrives at the joint (a gathering place or club), she displays her strength and confidence by carrying two guns, declaring that she is looking for her man. Ultimately, "Blue Yodel #9 (Standing On The Corner)" showcases elements of blues, yodeling, and storytelling. It tells a tale of encounters with authority and the protective nature of a relationship, all set against the backdrop of Memphis.
