This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
The surf was easy on the day I came to stay
On this quiet island in the bay
I remember a line of women all in white
The laughter and the steel bands at night
Now the Americans are gone except for two
The embassy's been hard to reach
There's been talk and lately
A bit of action after dark
Behind the big casino on the beach
The rules are changed
It's not the same
It's all new players
In a whole new ball game
Last night I dreamed of an old lover
Dressed in gray
I've had this fever now since yesterday
Wake up darling they're knocking
The Colonel's standing in the sun
With his stupid face the glasses and the gun
I know what happens
I read the book
I believe I just got
The goodbye look
Won't you pour me
A Cuban breeze Gretchen
I know a fellow with a motor launch for hire
A skinny man with two-tone shoes
Cause tonight they're arranging
A small reception just for me
Behind the big casino by the sea
I know what happens
I read the book
I believe I just got
The goodbye look
On this quiet island in the bay
I remember a line of women all in white
The laughter and the steel bands at night
Now the Americans are gone except for two
The embassy's been hard to reach
There's been talk and lately
A bit of action after dark
Behind the big casino on the beach
The rules are changed
It's not the same
It's all new players
In a whole new ball game
Last night I dreamed of an old lover
Dressed in gray
I've had this fever now since yesterday
Wake up darling they're knocking
The Colonel's standing in the sun
With his stupid face the glasses and the gun
I know what happens
I read the book
I believe I just got
The goodbye look
Won't you pour me
A Cuban breeze Gretchen
I know a fellow with a motor launch for hire
A skinny man with two-tone shoes
Cause tonight they're arranging
A small reception just for me
Behind the big casino by the sea
I know what happens
I read the book
I believe I just got
The goodbye look
Lyrics submitted by Arbiter, edited by laffndragn, Oaktowngee
The Goodbye Look Lyrics as written by Donald Fagen
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
You're right - its all about Cuba post-revolution as opposed to the Batista days. Of course, it could be any island that had a revolution overnight (there were many in the 70's and 80's)