Steely Dan: Black Cow Meaning

Black Cow Lyrics

In the corner
Of my eye
I saw you in Rudy's
You were very high
You were high
It was a cryin' disgrace
They saw your face

On the counter
By your keys
Was a book of numbers
And your remedies
One of these
Surely will screen out the...

1. anonymous

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   Apr 16th report

   I agree with all other interpretations a desperate drunk girl. When it's all over she continues to run to him. It's the " Black Cow " a song listening to over and over.
2. anonymous

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   Jan 27th report

   It's about a person in a relationship with someone who has drug and alcohol problems.
   It's not necessarily a romantic relationship because the reference to the "book of numbers" means "phone numbers of people I can call for a one-night stand" and presumably when drunk or high.
   "How all the pros play the game (change your name)" is a safer way to hook up with strangers or be part of a scene than using your own name.
   
   "You will stagger homeward to your precious one (I'm the one)" means the singer is always the one they turn to for help when things crash, and they're tired of it.
   
3. anonymous

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   Nov 28th 2020 report

   This song reflects a relationship similar to that between Charlie and Paulie in Pope of Greenwich Village; is the character about whom “It’s Probably Me” is written about…
   He’ll recount the story, and the person won’t even remember… So outrageous… ;-)
   
4. anonymous

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   Sep 23rd 2018 report

   STEELY DAN'S ''Black Cow'' song meaning for me, especially if you're a concerned Palestinian/Israeli citizen, Jewish or not, that's about the holy Cow's charred by fire remains. Which was/is 'another way' of saying by the ''Book Of Numbers'' in this song, that's to His[the Protagonist's] girlfriend. Which could be a modern day Israeli ''High'' Priestress who's also high at the bar. In a new way for her to take her ''red heifer'' new born drink that was ''raised up'' to be a sacrifice without a blemish and then for Her to get out of the state of Israel and leave Him alone drinking at the bar.
5. anonymous

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   Aug 20th 2017 report

   He's in love with a party girl and has had his fill.
6. anonymous

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   Jan 16th 2017 report

   A Black Cow is a mixed drink. "Ie". Booze
   
   Take your big black cow an get out of here

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