Lyric discussion by jbecan 

Cover art for Hey Nineteen lyrics by Steely Dan

I’ve always thought that the “fine Colombian” referred to marijuana, not cocaine. This is back in the days before domestic pot and before “Sinsemilia” or “Green bud” was invented (discovered?). The best pot came out of Colombia (Colombian Gold), and the best cocaine came out of Peru (Peruvian flake) : )

I also think “Gamma Ki” is a college fraternity, which would put his age at early to mid 20’s. “Nineteen” would be a college freshman ..not illegal, just embarrassing : )

Peace/JB

I am as confident as I can be that you are correct. I am old enough to remember partying in the 70's and "Colombian" would have most likely referred to pot, not coke, at the time. Plus, in the context of the song, he's trying to get mellow and forget his problems, to which people usually turn to drugs like alcohol and pot, not coke. If it were a song about getting amped-up, a reference to coke might be in order, but pot fits the theme of the song.

Not Valid

@jbecan Where'd you learn that Cheech? Drug school?

@ZacaroniNcheese

That's where I learned it, Zac. Your mom taught classes between tricks.