It’s from “Do It Again.” Please note that it’s the second two lines I don’t understand; I list the first two only for context. I know there’s a literal meaning, but I’m looking for the metaphorical or implied one:
(Now you swear and kick and beg us that you’re not a gambling 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 think most interpretations are that the black cards are a metaphor for personal sins of avarice and greed that people usually hide from view. But in the afterlife, they will be exposed and you’ll be judged for it.
He’s palming (hiding) black cards during his deal (when he’s able)
Las Vegas (the land of milk and honey) is where he plays his hidden cards (put them on the table).
Chefguy: (Metaphorical meaning) Oh, I see. That makes perfect sense. I hadn’t thought of the land of milk and honey as the afterlife, not being entirely familiar with the provenance of that phrase.
jannio8528: (Literal meaning) Okay, but is there any particular reason why black cards would be the valuable ones to hide?
They’e easier to palm. Unless you are wearing red clothes(which will bring unwanted attention your way anyway), a flash of red is more noticeable against most clothing.
edited to add: “Or so I’ve been told”.
I don’t think it has any literal sense; it’s a lyric that fits and kinda-sorta sounds like it makes sense.
I have never heard of palming black cards over red for any reason; muckers palm whatever card is needed or potentially valuable for a move. It’s not like someone is going to catch a glimpse of a card off the table and think nothing of it, regardless of the suit or value.
Absolutely.
Absolutely not.
mmm
Steely Dan were often more interested in the sound of the words and the images they paint. If you can’t see a meaning in their lyrics, there’s a good chance none was intended.
Tell me more. I would have tended towards precisely the opposite impression.
I always thought the line was “No black cards can make you money…” which only makes a little more sense. Shows you what I know…although I did figure out that Kid Charlemagne was about Owsley. Back in college I found some reference book that discussed Steely Dan’s lyrics at length; the one that blew me away was that the “city of St. John’s” line in Royal Scam was San Juan, PR.