Jerry Garcia's song "Mission In The Rain" tells the story of a person who finds themselves in a perpetual cycle of uncertainty and longing. The lyrics reflect feelings of aimlessness and disappointment in life, while also recognizing the beauty and consistency of the Mission district in San Francisco, even amidst personal struggles. The protagonist of the song mentions turning away from opportunities and feeling ready to give everything for anything they can take. This suggests a sense of desperation and a willingness to settle for less in order to escape their current circumstances. The mention of someone calling their name and turning around to see that the bells of the Mission were not for them signifies a loss of hope and a realization that their dreams may not come true. Despite this, they continue to wander the streets of the Mission in the rain, searching for meaning and purpose. The repetitive chorus "Come again, walking along in the Mission in the rain" captures the cyclical nature of the protagonist's experiences. They have been walking these streets for years, hoping for change and new opportunities, but always ending up in the same place. The lyrics also touch upon the theme of time passing and missed opportunities. The protagonist reflects on a time ten years ago when their dreams were within reach, but now they can only be thankful for any dream at all. They acknowledge that they have only accomplished things halfway and express a sense of resignation towards their future. Despite the melancholic tone, there is a certain satisfaction in the San Francisco rain and the familiarity of the Mission district. The protagonist finds solace in the consistency of the neighborhood, even if their own life is filled with uncertainty. In summary, "Mission In The Rain" delves into themes of longing, missed opportunities, and the cyclical nature of life. It explores the personal struggles of the protagonist while finding solace in the steadfastness of the Mission district in San Francisco.
