I mostly agree with shanef, but can offer some clarification.
The scenario is a native New Yorker who's living and working in LA, in drug rehab, homesick, and sick of his lifestyle in southern California. The five names are the original members of the Steely Dan Band, some of whom are no longer part of the band. sthe references are to the music business scene in LA and some of the original band members no longer part of Steely Dan. He's talking to Walter Becker.
The chorus describes a vision of himself back home, when he didn't spend money on fancy shoes (so he's wearing "bad sneakers," maybe worn-out Converse high-tops) but roamed around Manhattan and bought drugs carefree.
Magnolia Boulevard is in North Hollywood, and the site of a number of medical offices, including more than one rehab clinic. The ladies are prostitutes, street-walkers who aren't making as much money, or not enough to feed their drug habits. The "fearsome excavation" is some construction site. The "ditch" in the valley is a metaphor for a career dead-end he fears music company executives will force him into, as well as the grave he might be buried in if he continues to rely on drugs to deal with his stress and creative unhappiness.
I mostly agree with shanef, but can offer some clarification.
The scenario is a native New Yorker who's living and working in LA, in drug rehab, homesick, and sick of his lifestyle in southern California. The five names are the original members of the Steely Dan Band, some of whom are no longer part of the band. sthe references are to the music business scene in LA and some of the original band members no longer part of Steely Dan. He's talking to Walter Becker.
The chorus describes a vision of himself back home, when he didn't spend money on fancy shoes (so he's wearing "bad sneakers," maybe worn-out Converse high-tops) but roamed around Manhattan and bought drugs carefree.
Magnolia Boulevard is in North Hollywood, and the site of a number of medical offices, including more than one rehab clinic. The ladies are prostitutes, street-walkers who aren't making as much money, or not enough to feed their drug habits. The "fearsome excavation" is some construction site. The "ditch" in the valley is a metaphor for a career dead-end he fears music company executives will force him into, as well as the grave he might be buried in if he continues to rely on drugs to deal with his stress and creative unhappiness.
@bramdakota Right on! Thanks.
@bramdakota Right on! Thanks.