Lyric discussion by NomadMonad 

Cover art for The New Soft Shoe lyrics by Gram Parsons & the Fallen Angels

Cryptically American.Makes me think of Henry Ford and Nicola Tesla.

I thought l. 4 was "..and both kept Cord in Line" ie. the song is about an inventor named "Cord" who built and sold cars to the nation.

Listen to Parson's ramble on the recording right before they start playing. Maybe I'm wrong (?)

Song Meaning