Lyric discussion by reallywhitehorse 

Cover art for Touch Of Grey lyrics by Grateful Dead

This is a great song, and very enjoyable. I'm no Dead expert, but the meaning to me is twofold. Its like a Country song that whines about making it through tough times that are self inflicted. The song also satires the irony of being around so many beautiful things, and seeing the downside. A paint-by-number sky is one of the most beautiful things in nature, especially at Dawn. Yet, the song is cursing the glare. No wonder he's raised a good for nothing (17 and can't read). A loser sets low goals in life like "getting by", then wonders why things never work out to be great! Aim low and you hit low. :)

Song Meaning