anonymous July 16th, 2009 12:18AM  
This song was written about Phil Lesh's very bad cocaine abuse. Though many know about Jerry's heroin abuse, less know of bassist Phil Lesh's cocaine abuse. Many metaphors for cocaine and quitting use in this song. "Lady in red" is a metaphor for stopping, like a red light. "driving that train" I believe has to due with your mind not being able to stop when high on cocaine. "Watch your speed" has to do with over dosing due to getting too high..hence "watch your speed". "trouble ahead, trouble behind" refers to the detriment the drug has on your life. Basically stating that if you look back or forward you will see the destruction it has cause..."just crossed my mind" is Phil just now realizing this destruction that has occurred from his unrealized abuse.

har0462 August 29th, 2009 09:24PM  
I believe Robert Hunter wrote the lyric. He was using the analogy of the legend of Casey Jones, of train wreck fame, and cocaine use. It's eventually a train wreck.

anonymous January 28th, 2010 10:41PM  
This song is simply about living a reckless lifestyle.It's not known to be about anyone in particular or anyones cocaine habbit.It's a metaphor.