Walt Grace's Submarine Test, January 1967 Lyrics

Lyric discussion by kimbee 

Cover art for Walt Grace's Submarine Test, January 1967 lyrics by John Mayer

As much as I prefer "this", I think the lyric is "desperately hating HIS whole place"

And in the last verse, I believe it is "and they smile when they CAN as they speak of the man".

Perhaps John's best songwriting to date...but that may just be my bias for good folk storytelling.

Question will always be (hopefully he never reveals): did Walt live or die? Everyone, I suspect, will have their views.

Lyric Correction

it's actually desperately hating his OLD place, I read the lyric booklet :O)

I love how you are all seeking the meaning to the song, but no one mentions the fact it is dated January, 1967.

Check this out: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CEwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.uscg.mil%2Flegal%2FCDOA%2FCommandant_Decisions%2FS_and_R_1479_1679%2F1648%2520-%2520GRACE.pdf&ei=wmzST9iTD6Kb2QWSm8CyDw&usg=AFQjCNGGk83aaBh8f31TSpef7BBvdRLd_w

Or just google WALT GRACE 1967. There was a seaman who got into some trouble while aboard...