But What Does It Mean?

[john seidel]

Anyone out there have a guess as to what 'black cards' are in the
following lyric from 'Do It Again' by Steely Dan?

Now you swear and kick and beg us that you're not a gamblin' man;
Then you find you're back in Vegas with a handle in your hand
Your black cards can bring you money so you hide them when you're able
In the land of milk and honey you must put them on the table

I'm not entirely sure if that is even the correct lyric, but if it is,
I'm wondering what the significance of 'black' is that someone would hide
black and not red cards. Anyway, I'd like to hear anyone's thoughts on
the matter.

Thanks

[Michael Sheehy]

In article <4fdp4t$h...@solnews.solsource.net>,

john seidel <jse...@skygames.com> wrote:
>Anyone out there have a guess as to what 'black cards' are in the
>following lyric from 'Do It Again' by Steely Dan?

>In the land of milk and honey you must put them on the table
>
>I'm not entirely sure if that is even the correct lyric, but if it is,
>I'm wondering what the significance of 'black' is that someone would hide
>black and not red cards. Anyway, I'd like to hear anyone's thoughts on
>the matter.
>

Perhaps it is a reference to blackjack or another game where black cards
are key (ie an Ace of Spades). The gambler is cheating and hiding the
black cards, only to pull them out when he wants to make the winning
move. Good song! And yes the lyric was right. But then again, my
explanation may be too simple because Steely Dan is not well known for
straightforward lyrics!
BTW is there a Steely Dan newsgroup?

--
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"When I was one and twenty, I heard a wise man say
Give crowns and pounds and guineas, but not your heart away
Give pearls away and rubies, but keep your fancy free
But I was one and twenty, no use to talk to me."
-A.E. Housman, 1896
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