Down by the Water Lyrics

Lyric discussion by Cyberghost 

Cover art for Down by the Water lyrics by Decemberists, The

Are you sure it's "main drag"?? if so what exactly does that mean?

Also this verse seems wrong : "The last flashing lee to appear nineteen"

I'm sure it's : "The last flashing ___ to pier nineteen"

The "Main Drag"(at least in the argot with which I'm familiar) refers to the main commercial street in a small city or town, usually Main Street or High Street.

I'm with you on stanza 3 - I distinctly hear, "the last flashing leader of Pier Nineteen."

It's "the lash-flashing Leda of Pier 19"

tinyvictories is 100% right. it's printed in their Time magazine interview.