The Goodbye Look - Donald Fagen

The surf was easy on the day I came to stay

On this quiet island in the bay

I remember a line of women all in white

The laughter and the steel bands at night

Now the Americans are gone except for two

The embassy’s been hard to reach

There’s been talk and lately a bit of action after dark

Behind the big casino on the beach

The rules are changed

It’s not the same

It’s all new players in a whole new ball game

Last night I dreamed of an old lover dressed in gray

I’ve had this fever now since yesterday

Wake up darling the Colonel’s standing in the sun

With his stupid face the glasses and the gun

I know what happens

I read the book

I believe I just got the goodbye look

Won’t you pour me a Cuban breeze, Gretchen?

I know a fellow with a motor launch for hire

A skinny man with two-tone shoes

Cause tonight they’re arranging a small reception just for me

Behind the big casino by the sea

I know what happens

I read the book

I believe I just got the goodbye look