L'america

Dudes. You haven't read "Riders On The Storm" by John Densmore, have you?

"To trade some beads for a pint of gold", as said by John Densmore himself, meant to buy some marijuana.

I know it sounds stupid, but that's what the drummer said.

"trade some beads for a pint of gold"

its a stretch but, i think the beads reffers to hippies and how they trade their individuality for a pint of gold (a real occupation).

I always find this song referring to Mexico as l'America. I know its a long stretch but he does say "I took a trip down to L'America" which I think shows that he thought of Mexico as America's puppet and he travels down there to do some deals with the Mexicans (as said in gharrrrrakakakah's answer) with some less than reputable people, which gives the song a bit more of a political orientation. And then, of course, Jim's clearly messing about with the "change your luck and then he'll teach you how to.... ffffind yourself" which just shows how they like to add a sense of humour into their music.

"L'America" = Latin America

Love the vibe of this song, piece of art..

This song starts pretty heavy. I love it.

PaliSteve - plausible explanation but in the lines:- "change your weather, change your luck and then they'll teach you how to f ...... .......... "

I think Jim's having a joke with us here. He delays the word starting in "f" to make us think that it will rhyme with "luck".

The intro is just phenomenal

good point, there.. never thought of it that way. first when i thougt jim said "to trade some NEADS for a pint of gold" i thought he was talking of a brothel of some kind.. but obviously he wasn't.

Like the "change the weather, change your luck, and then he'll teach you how to ..f...ind yourself" Why what were you expecting him to say?