Brooklyn
Donald Fagen Lyrics

The lyrics to Donald Fagen's song Brooklyn are enigmatic but rich in metaphorical language, painting a picture of a society or world held together by an unseen force, bound by a common purpose, and governed by a mysterious and illusionary figure known as "the charmer." The first verse begins with the image of a race of angels bound with each other, which could represent a sense of unity and interconnectedness that exists despite the chaos and discord in the world. The line "a dish of dollars laid out for all to see" suggests a society that values money and material wealth above all else, and the idea that it's presented for all to see implies a kind of public display or competition for status and power.

The second verse shifts focus to a female character who's yearning for a different kind of life, wanting to be someone else, somewhere else. Her desire is presented as a kind of preaching, suggesting that her longing is motivated by a higher sense of purpose, but her words go largely unheard, falling on deaf ears. The line "an evening with a movie queen, a face we all have seen" could be interpreted as the longing for fame and glamour, but also as the desire for something familiar, comforting and reassuring in the midst of an uncertain and chaotic world.

The final verse seems to offer a sense of hope or possibility, suggesting that despite the challenges we face, we have the power to make choices that can shape our destiny. The phrase "a case of aces done up loose for dealing" implies that life is a game of chance, but the metaphor of the island cooling in the sea could suggest a sense of serenity or tranquility, a place to retreat and find solace amidst the storms of life. The repetition of the phrase "Brooklyn owes the charmer under me" throughout the song creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, imbuing the figure of the charmer with a sense of otherworldly power and influence.