Meaning of "912 Greens" by Ramblin' Jack Elliott

The lyrics of "912 Greens" paint a vivid picture of a spontaneous, carefree time spent in New Orleans. The singer's recounting of his experiences with Billy Fair and the other musicians at 912 Toulouse Street captures the essence of a moment in time when creativity, music, and connection were at the forefront. The story of the ex-ballet dancer dancing in the rain, the three-legged cat named Grey, and the overall sense of camaraderie and closeness among the group highlights the fleeting nature of such experiences and the memories they create. The singer's decision to leave, coupled with the mention of standing and shivering while looking at a river, hints at a deeper longing for freedom, adventure, and perhaps a sense of wanderlust that drives him to seek new experiences and places. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time when everything seemed possible and life was lived in the moment, capturing the spirit of exploration and the thrill of the unknown.