On Allmusic, Lindsay Planer wrote, "... let the music speak for itself as Live at Keystone is chocked with inspired covers, each respectively extended and collectively improvised by co-instrumental leads Jerry Garcia (guitar/vocals) and Merl Saunders (organ) with Bill Vitt (drums) and John Kahn (bass). This was an ad-hoc configuration, as opposed to the organized touring unit that Garcia developed as the Jerry Garcia Band. From December of 1970 until the spring of 1974 — prior to the combo evolving into the Legion of Mary — the guitarist could often be found performing sporadically in and around San Francisco between engagements with the Grateful Dead. The quartet ably fuse rock with jazz in their spacy unfettered jams. These emerge from an eclectic composite of R&B and blues to seminal rock oldies and even popular standards."
La la
Jerry Garcia & Merl Saunders Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm looking for a chateau, twenty one rooms but one will do
I don't want to buy it
I just want to rent it for a minute or two
I met an old mistake walking down the street today
I met an old mistake walking down the street today
I didn't want to be mean about it
[Chorus]
West L.A. fade away, west l.a. fade away
Big red light on the highway, little green light on the freeway.
Got a steady job moving items for the mob
Got a steady job moving items for the mob
Know the pay's pathetic
It's a shame those boys couldn't be more copacetic
[Chorus]
I need a west L.A. girl, already know what I need to know
I need a west L.A. girl, already know what I need to know
Lord, just how far to go.
West L.A. fade away, here's one chance you say.
She tries to live by the golden rule.
Said you treat other people right,
Other people probably treat you cool.
The song "La La" by Jerry Garcia and Merl Saunders is an eclectic mix of lyrics that touches on various themes including the quest for a luxurious chateau with a staggering 21 rooms, the struggles of working for organized crime syndicates, and the search for a West L.A. girl. The opening lines "I'm looking for a chateau, twenty one rooms but one will do" speaks to someone who is in search of comfort and luxury but without the extravagance of 21 rooms. The song suggests a desire for something grand and luxurious but within reasonable limits.
The second verse "I met an old mistake walking down the street today" seems to suggest a meeting that is not necessarily welcome. The lyrics, "I didn't want to be mean about it, I couldn't think of one good thing to say" conveys a sense of awkwardness and implies that the meeting was with someone that the singer has a less than favorable history with. The chorus "West L.A. fade away, west L.A. fade away, big red light on the highway, little green light on the freeway" appears to be a commentary on the frenetic pace of life in Los Angeles, with its bright lights, bustling highways, and the inevitable fading of dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm looking for a chateau, twenty one rooms but one will do
I'm in search of an extravagant castle, that contains at least twenty one rooms, but I wouldn't mind having just one room. I have no intention of purchasing it, just need to rent it for a brief period.
I met an old mistake walking down the street today
Today during my walk, I came across someone who has caused issues for me in the past. It was not my intention to be rude to them, but I wasn't able to come up with anything positive to say.
[Chorus]
Refrain
Got a steady job moving items for the mob
I have an occupation in which I transport items for the mafia, it is a stable job, but unfortunately the wages are quite low. I wish these men were more agreeable.
I need a west L.A. girl, already know what I need to know
I require a woman from the West side of Los Angeles who understands me and my requirements. I don't need to clarify myself as she already knows what I need in a relationship.
West L.A. fade away, here's one chance you say.
West L.A. is gradually fading away and this might be the only opportunity to live there before it disappears completely.
She tries to live by the golden rule.
This woman is a firm believer in treating others the way she wants to be treated.
Said you treat other people right,
She suggests that if we are kind and respectful to others,
Other people probably treat you cool.
we are more likely to receive favorable treatment in return.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JEROME J. GARCIA, ROBERT C. HUNTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mudtruka9196
I milked this jam and show for a long time. Man did I need this. Thank you Jerry!
@hmu958
Fun fact: Ron Burgundy on flute.
@MrBeano21
More people need to use the search feature on youtube and find this............