"Alabama Getaway" is a song written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, and it was first performed by the Grateful Dead in 1980. The song's lyrics convey a sense of frustration and a desire to escape from a difficult situation or person, symbolized by the state of Alabama. The opening lines, "Thirty-two teeth in a jawbone, Alabama trying for none, Before I have to hit him, I hope he's got the sense to run" suggest a conflict or confrontation, with the narrator hoping the other person has the sense to avoid a physical altercation. The song then explores the reasons why women are attracted to this person, who promises them everything and wears a big diamond ring. The chorus, "Alabama get away, get away, Alabama get away, get away, Only way to please me just sit down and leave and walk away" expresses the narrator's desire for the problematic person to simply leave and walk away because it's the only way to please them. Majordomo Billy Bojangles is mentioned in the song, representing someone in a position of power or authority who sits down and has a drink with the narrator. The mention of Alabama coming back to him suggests that the state or the problems associated with it keep resurfacing. The lyrics also mention a courthouse, where the witness box begins to "rock and rise," suggesting tension and anticipation. It is revealed that Alabama is being watched by 49 sister states, indicating that the problems associated with Alabama are not isolated but have garnered wider attention. In the second half of the song, the Majordomo suggests giving Alabama enough rope to hang himself, implying that the narrator and others shouldn't worry because the situation will likely resolve itself. Overall, "Alabama Getaway" seems to capture a sense of frustration with a troublesome situation or person, with the narrator expressing a desire for them to leave and escape the difficulties they bring. The song's lyrics use allegorical elements to evoke a feeling of tension, conflict, and the need to find a way out.
