Here's an example of their complex compositional ability, along with the masterful poetry of lyricist Robert Hunter
Paradise waits
on the crest of a wave
her angels in flame
She has no pain
Like a child, she is pure
She is not to blame
Poised for flight
Wings spread bright
Spring from night
into the sun
Don't stop to run
She can fly like a lie
She cannot be outdone
Tell me the cost
I can pay
Let me go
Tell me love is not lost
Sell everything
Without love, day to day,
insanity is king
I will pay
day by day
anyway
Lock, bolt and key
Crippled but free
I was blind
all the time
I was learning to see
Help on the way
I know only this
I've got you today
Don't fly away
'cause I love what I love
and I want it that way
I will stay
one more day
Like I say
Honey, it's you
Making it too
Without love in the dream
It will never come true
