The song "Gomorrah" by Jerry Garcia Band is a reinterpretation of the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah, which is found in the Book of Genesis. In this story, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by God due to their extreme wickedness. The lyrics of the song suggest that the narrator is curious about what happened in Gomorrah and why it was destroyed. They speculate that the inhabitants must have done something really bad to deserve such a fate. The narrator wonders if the city was blown up or burned down. The mention of Mr. Lot refers to the character Lot from the biblical story. In the story, Lot and his family were warned by angels to leave the city before its destruction. The voice heard by the narrator in the desert wind alludes to the voice of God or divine intervention, similar to the story of Lot. The lyrics emphasize the idea that the narrator has been given a message to flee from impending trouble, implying that the destruction of Gomorrah serves as a warning or lesson for others. The advice not to turn around or look back echoes the command given to Lot's wife, who was turned into a pillar of salt when she disobeyed and looked back at the city's destruction. Overall, the song "Gomorrah" explores themes of divine judgment, the consequences of disobedience, and the importance of heeding warnings. It serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder to stay focused on the path ahead.
