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.
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 SongMeanings
The Goodbye Look Lyrics as written by Donald Fagen
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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