Lyric discussion by ghouse 

ya'll just don't understand Steely Dan. This is a love/worried love song from Donald to Walter about Walter's heroin addiction. The gaucho is the drug inside Walter's body. Listen again with that in mind.

Wow, I think you're right! It makes complete sense, especially considering the time when it was written. Compare Gaucho's lyrics with the more recent song 'Jack Of Speed' from SD's Two Against Nature', a bit more obvious but the same thinking.

btw: "We got heavy rollers, I think you should know. Try again tomorrow" could be taken as a warning that he's replacable if he screwed up.

Absolutely ... I came here because I've been on a kick to listen to Steely Dan lately, and I've always liked Gaucho cause of the music, but also the lyrics and Donald Fagan's voice modulation is so cool. I couldn't remember what the song was about, so I cruised this blog.

Absolutely ... I came here because I've been on a kick to listen to Steely Dan lately, and I've always liked Gaucho cause of the music, but also the lyrics and Donald Fagan's voice modulation is so cool. I couldn't remember what the song was about, so I cruised this blog.

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