In this 1974 performance, Walter Becker states:
This next song scares me half to death. It’s a tale of terror and loathing in the far-flung future.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hsSiVSTDxE
[Verse 1]
Hello one and all
Was it you I used to know?
Can't you hear me call
On this old ham radio?
All I got to say
I'm alive and feelin' fine
Should you come my way
You can share my poison wine
[Chorus]
No marigolds in the promised land
There's a hole in the ground where they used to grow
Any man left on the Rio Grande
Is the king of the world as far as I know
[Verse 2]
I won't take your bread
I don't need no helping hand
I can't be no savage
I can't be no highwayman
Show me where you are
You and I will spend this day
Drivin' in my car
Through the ruins of Santa Fe
[Chorus]
No marigolds in the promised land
There's a hole in the ground where they used to grow
Any man left on the Rio Grande
Is the king of the world as far as I know
[Instrumental Break]
[Bridge]
I'm reading last year's papers
Although I don't know why
Assassins, cons and rapers
Might as well die
[Verse 3]
When you come around
No more pain and no regrets
Watch the sun go brown
Smoking cobalt cigarettes
There's no need to hide
Takin' things the easy way
If I stay inside
I might live 'til Saturday
[Chorus]
No marigolds in the promised land
There's a hole in the ground where they used to grow
Any man left on the Rio Grande
Is the king of the world, king of the world, as far as I know
[Instrumental Outro]
King of the World was written by Donald Fagen & Walter Becker.
King of the World was produced by Gary Katz.
Steely Dan released King of the World on Sun Jul 01 1973.