My interpretation is that "Louis Dakine" was a 1950's U.S.Navy type who keeps a few souvenirs of perfect doom in backroom. These are both photos and hardware from weapons tests in the Pacific. Donald Fagen's lyrics make no comment as to why these souvenirs exist, but do appear to bemoan the loss of a lovely island as a result of the tests. How does Fagen, and Steely Dan for that matter, manage to craft a terrific song out of such unpromising material?
My interpretation is that "Louis Dakine" was a 1950's U.S.Navy type who keeps a few souvenirs of perfect doom in backroom. These are both photos and hardware from weapons tests in the Pacific. Donald Fagen's lyrics make no comment as to why these souvenirs exist, but do appear to bemoan the loss of a lovely island as a result of the tests. How does Fagen, and Steely Dan for that matter, manage to craft a terrific song out of such unpromising material?