About the song
If you’re a fan of classic rock with a jazzy twist, then you’re likely familiar with the legendary band Steely Dan. Formed in the early 1970s by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, Steely Dan quickly became known for their sophisticated songwriting, intricate arrangements, and cynical lyrics. One of their most beloved albums, Aja, released in 1977, is a true masterpiece that continues to captivate listeners decades later.
Tucked away in the middle of this iconic album is a track that, while not as widely recognized as some of its counterparts, is a testament to the band’s musical prowess. “Black Cow” is a smooth and sultry number that showcases Steely Dan’s ability to blend various musical styles into a cohesive and highly enjoyable listening experience.
The song’s title, “Black Cow,” might initially seem a bit obscure, but it’s a reference to a popular American root beer float, a simple yet nostalgic treat. This seemingly mundane image serves as a backdrop for the song’s more complex themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The lyrics, while often open to interpretation, convey a sense of bittersweet longing and a reflection on a relationship that has ended.
Musically, “Black Cow” is a perfect example of Steely Dan’s signature sound. The track features a tight rhythm section, lush horn arrangements, and a memorable melody that is both catchy and sophisticated. The interplay between the various instruments creates a rich and textured soundscape that is both inviting and intriguing. Fagen’s vocals are delivered with his trademark cool detachment, adding to the song’s overall atmosphere of melancholy.
While “Black Cow” may not be the first song that comes to mind when thinking of Steely Dan, it’s a hidden gem that rewards repeated listens. Its blend of complex musical arrangements and relatable themes has ensured its place in the band’s discography and the hearts of their fans. So, the next time you’re looking for a sophisticated and soulful listening experience, be sure to give “Black Cow” a spin.
Video
Lyrics
In the corner of my eye
I saw you in Rudy’s
You were very high
You were high
It was a cryin’ disgrace
(They saw your face)
On the counter
By your keys
Was a book of numbers
And your remedies
(One of these)
Surely will screen out of sorrow
But where are you tomorrow
I can’t cry anymore
While you run around
(While you run around)
Break away
Just when it seems so clear
That it’s over now
Drink your big black cow
And get out of here
Down to green street
There you go
Lookin’ so outrageous
And they tell you so
(You should know)
How all the pros play the game
(You change your name)
Like a gangster
On the run
You will stagger homeward
To your precious one
(I’m the one)
Who must make everything right
Talk it out ’til daylight
I don’t care anymore
Why you run around
(Why you run around)
Break away
Just when it seems so clear
That it’s over now
Drink your big black cow
And get out of here
I can’t cry anymore
While you run around
(While you run around)
Break away
Just when it seems so clear
That it’s over now
Drink your big black cow
And get out of here
So outrageous
So outrageous
So outrageous
