One take from songmeanings.com "These lyrics are written at Robert Hunter's ranch somewhere in California when there were huge forest fires all around them in the hills. My idea is that it's referring to the story of Pheidippides who ran the huge distance from Marathon to Athens to warn his people of the Persion invaders who were landing. It's the same idea of urgency, of a city about to be distroyed, and the responsibility all comes down to one person who has a chance...." 🧐 | Who Are The Grat