Black Cow
Steely Dan * Track #1 On Aja
Download "Black Cow"
Black Cow by Steely Dan
Release Date
Performed by
Steely DanProduced by
Gary KatzWrited by
Walter Becker & Donald FagenAbout
“Black Cow” opens Aja with, according to Donald Fagen, a man talking about his girlfriend’s “behavior and her habits and then out of that you begin to see her character and their relationship”. A Black Cow is a cold drink made with root beer and ice cream (a root beer float). There are also alcoholi...
Black Cow Lyrics
[Verse 1]
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 the sorrow
But where are you tomorrow
[Chorus]
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
[Verse 2]
Down to Greene Street
There you go
Lookin' so outrageous
And they tell you so
You should know
How all the pros play the game?
Then 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
[Chorus]
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
[Instrumental Break]
[Chorus]
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
[Outro]
So outrageous
So outrageous
So outrageous
Black Cow Q&A
Who wrote Black Cow's ?
Black Cow was written by Walter Becker & Donald Fagen.
Who produced Black Cow's ?
Black Cow was produced by Gary Katz.
When did Steely Dan release Black Cow?
Steely Dan released Black Cow on Fri Sep 23 1977.
What is the song about?
The song is about a guy who is talking about his girlfriend and her behavior and habits. The title of the song is in reference to a root beer float or Coke float, a drink that was often served in malt shops when Steely Dan were younger. You can hear them discuss both of these topics here:
What did Steely Dan say about "Black Cow"?
Donald Fagen explained:
Well, it starts out this guy’s talking about this girl he’s involved with and she’s sitting at a counter. And he describes her behavior and habits and then out of that you begin to see her character and their relationship. Self-explanatory.