Walter Becker provides the vocals on this song about an older guy trying (and failing badly) to sound hip to impress a younger girl.
Predation, inappropriate relationships, and…more predation are common themes across the Dan discography, so this song fits right in.
[Verse 1]
Let me put it this way, doll
I know it's getting late
And I can tell from the planes of your face
That you're from out of state
But here in the Willows, now here's the deal
Tomorrow's for squares and tonight's for real
[Chorus]
Drop me off in Groovetime
Do you hear the slang of ages?
Show me how it's done
[Verse 2]
Now did you say you were from the Netherlands
Or was that "Netherworld"?
If you grew up in Amsterdam
Well then, I'm the Duke of Earl
These tabs look iffy, but you say they're good
Let's roll with the homeys and knock on wood
[Chorus]
Drop me off in Groovetime
Soothe me with the slang of ages
Show me where I turn
[Saxophone Solo]
[Bridge]
Are you all part of the dreaming?
The end of my life so far
Something halfway in between
You oughta know
Where'd she go?
Where'd she go?
[Verse 3]
Damn—she skipped dimensions
Was it something that I said?
Or something I was thinking
When she opened up my head?
Let me make it right, babe—never mind how
A crazy little place I know called "Be There Now"
[Chorus]
Drop me off in Groovetime
Do you hear the slang of ages?
Show me how it's done
Drop me off in Groovetime
Soothe me with the slang of ages
This is where I turn
[Outro]
That's right
Slang me!
Slang of Ages was written by Donald Fagen & Walter Becker.
Slang of Ages was produced by Donald Fagen & Walter Becker.
Steely Dan released Slang of Ages on Tue Jun 10 2003.