Released: November 21, 1980

Songwriter: Keith Jarrett Donald Fagen Walter Becker

Producer: Gary Katz

[Verse 1]
Just when I say
"Boy we can't miss
You are golden"
Then you do this
You say this guy is so cool
Snapping his fingers like a fool
One more expensive kiss-off
Who do you think I am
Lord I know you're a special friend
But you don't seem to understand
We got heavy rollers
I think you should know
Try again tomorrow

[Pre-Chorus]
Can't you see they're laughing at me
Get rid of him
I don't care what you do at home
Would you care to explain

[Chorus]
Who is the gaucho amigo
Why is he standing
In your spangled leather poncho
And your elevator shoes
Bodacious cowboys
Such as your friend
Will never be welcome here
High in the Custerdome

[Instrumental break 2:12-3:19]

[Verse 2]
What I tell you
Back down the line
I'll scratch your back
You can scratch mine
No he can't sleep on the floor
What do you think I'm yelling for
I'll drop him near the freeway
Doesn't he have a home
Lord I know you're a special friend
But you refuse to understand
You're a nasty schoolboy
With no place to go
Try again tomorrow

[Pre-Chorus]
Don't tell me he'll wait in the car
Look at you
Holding hands with the man from Rio
Would you care to explain

[Chorus]
Who is the gaucho amigo
Why is he standing
In your spangled leather poncho
With the studs that match your eyes
Bodacious cowboys
Such as your friend
Will never be welcome here
High in the Custerdome

[Instrumental break 4:50-5:32]

Steely Dan

Steely Dan originates from Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. The band’s name is in reference to the steam-powered dildo, “Steely Dan III from Yokohama,” in William S. Burroughs' 1959 novel Naked Lunch.

The band’s only permanent members were Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, but they have had many temporary members over the years, most notably Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, Denny Dias, Jim Hodder, David Palmer, Royce Jones, Michael McDonald, and Jeff Porcaro.

The original members recorded their final studio album together, Everything Must Go, in 2003. In 2017 Becker died from complications related to esophageal cancer.

From the albums