High life
Just when I say
"Boy we can't miss
You are golden"
Then you do this
You say this guy is so cool
Snapping his fingers like a fool
One more expensive kiss-off
Who do you think I am
Lord I know you're a special friend
But you don't seem to understand
We got heavy rollers
I think you should know
Try again tomorrow
Can't you see they're laughing at me
Get rid off him
I don't care what you do at home
Would you care to explain
Who is the gaucho amigo
Why is he standing
In your spangled leather poncho
And your elevator shoes
Bodacious cowboys
Such as your friend
Will never be welcome here
High in the Custerdome
What I tell you
Back down the line
I'll scratch your back
You can scratch mine
No he can't sleep on the floor
What do you think I'm yelling for
I'll drop him near the freeway
Doesn't he have a home
Lord I know you're a special friend
But you refuse to understand
You're a nasty schoolboy
With no place to go
Try again tomorrow
Don't tell me he'll wait in the car
Look at you
Holding hands with the man from Rio
Would you care to explain
Who is the gaucho amigo
Why is he standing
In your spangled leather poncho
With the studs that match your eyes
Bodacious cowboys
Such as your friend
Will never be welcome here
High in the Custerdome
"Boy we can't miss
You are golden"
Then you do this
You say this guy is so cool
Snapping his fingers like a fool
One more expensive kiss-off
Who do you think I am
Lord I know you're a special friend
But you don't seem to understand
We got heavy rollers
I think you should know
Try again tomorrow
Can't you see they're laughing at me
Get rid off him
I don't care what you do at home
Would you care to explain
Who is the gaucho amigo
Why is he standing
In your spangled leather poncho
And your elevator shoes
Bodacious cowboys
Such as your friend
Will never be welcome here
High in the Custerdome
What I tell you
Back down the line
I'll scratch your back
You can scratch mine
No he can't sleep on the floor
What do you think I'm yelling for
I'll drop him near the freeway
Doesn't he have a home
Lord I know you're a special friend
But you refuse to understand
You're a nasty schoolboy
With no place to go
Try again tomorrow
Don't tell me he'll wait in the car
Look at you
Holding hands with the man from Rio
Would you care to explain
Who is the gaucho amigo
Why is he standing
In your spangled leather poncho
With the studs that match your eyes
Bodacious cowboys
Such as your friend
Will never be welcome here
High in the Custerdome
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The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
ya'll just don't understand Steely Dan. This is a love/worried love song from Donald to Walter about Walter's heroin addiction. The gaucho is the drug inside Walter's body. Listen again with that in mind.
Wow, I think you're right! It makes complete sense, especially considering the time when it was written. Compare Gaucho's lyrics with the more recent song 'Jack Of Speed' from SD's Two Against Nature', a bit more obvious but the same thinking. <br /> <br /> btw:<br /> "We got heavy rollers, I think you should know. Try again tomorrow" could be taken as a warning that he's replacable if he screwed up. <br /> <br /> Custardome is explained by SD in an interview: "It exists only in our collective imagination. In the Steely Dan lexicon it serves as an archetype of a building that houses great corporations..."<br />
Absolutely ... I came here because I've been on a kick to listen to Steely Dan lately, and I've always liked Gaucho cause of the music, but also the lyrics and Donald Fagan's voice modulation is so cool. I couldn't remember what the song was about, so I cruised this blog.<br /> <br /> I remember back when the album came out it was rumored Fagan was pretty pissed at Walter's addiction problems, so you are correct on the assessment. While others may be correct about the illusion or comparison to Hollywood or sports stars - like so many of Steely Dan's lyrics it is all about imagery. <br /> <br /> Alice in Chains and Lane Stanleys' use of this kind of imagery is the most brilliant. Almost every love song they wrote is about Lane's battle with addiction, and the girls in his songs are heroin. It is brilliant when lyrists are able to make these kind of illustrations.<br /> <br /> JB
Absolutely ... I came here because I've been on a kick to listen to Steely Dan lately, and I've always liked Gaucho cause of the music, but also the lyrics and Donald Fagan's voice modulation is so cool. I couldn't remember what the song was about, so I cruised this blog.<br /> <br /> I remember back when the album came out it was rumored Fagan was pretty pissed at Walter's addiction problems, so you are correct on the assessment. While others may be correct about the illusion or comparison to Hollywood or sports stars - like so many of Steely Dan's lyrics it is all about imagery. <br /> <br /> Alice in Chains and Lane Stanleys' use of this kind of imagery is the most brilliant. Almost every love song they wrote is about Lane's battle with addiction, and the girls in his songs are heroin. It is brilliant when lyrists are able to make these kind of illustrations.<br /> <br /> JB<br /> <br />