Crime in the Desert
Eno / Cale Lyrics

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Crime and punishment in Tuscon
Back to normal in the sun
Playing blackjack in the drive-in
Shooting snake-eyes in the mud
And when the moonlight came out, we were gone, long gone.
They found a body on the race-track;
No identifying signs
In his pocket was a notebook

With a number inside
And Guadalajara's just a few miles down the line.
She adored the broken-hearted
And those who showed her a bad time
They didn't care for her body

They took advantage of her mind.
So they took her ideas and they left her behind.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Eno / Cale's song "Crime in the Desert" describe a series of events that took place in Tuscon, Arizona. The first verse juxtaposes the ideas of "crime and punishment" and "back to normal in the sun," suggesting that the characters in the song are engaged in some kind of illicit activity but are also trying to act like everything is normal. The second line refers to "playing blackjack in the drive-in" and "shooting snake-eyes in the mud," which are both games of chance and suggest an atmosphere of risk-taking and danger. When the moonlight comes out, the characters disappear, suggesting they were up to something shadier than just playing games.

The second verse describes a body being found on a race-track with no identifying signs except for a notebook with a number inside. The reference to Guadalajara being "just a few miles down the line" suggests the possibility of a connection to Mexican drug cartels or smuggling. The third verse refers to a woman who "adored the broken-hearted" and those who showed her a bad time. These people, however, didn't care for her body and instead took advantage of her mind, stealing her ideas and leaving her behind. The overall picture painted by the lyrics is one of a lawless and dangerous place where people are engaged in illicit activities and trying to get ahead by any means necessary.

Line by Line Meaning

Crime and punishment in Tuscon
Illegal activity and consequences in Tuscon

Back to normal in the sun
Everything appears normal in the daylight

Playing blackjack in the drive-in
Engaging in gambling activities in an outdoor cinema

Shooting snake-eyes in the mud
Unlucky outcome in a difficult situation

And when the moonlight came out, we were gone, long gone.
Disappearing under the cover of darkness

They found a body on the race-track;
Discovery of a deceased individual in a racing area

No identifying signs
Lack of identifying information on the body

In his pocket was a notebook
Discovery of a notebook on the body

With a number inside
Containment of a phone number within the notebook

And Guadalajara's just a few miles down the line.
Guadalajara is located near the area

She adored the broken-hearted
She had a fondness for those who were emotionally wounded