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


Lyrics submitted by Arbiter, edited by laffndragn, Oaktowngee

The Goodbye Look Lyrics as written by Donald Fagen

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing

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The Goodbye Look song meanings
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  • 0
    My Interpretation

    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)

    taverneron January 27, 2009   Link

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