Haitian Divorce
Steely Dan · Collected [2006]
So in love the preacher's face turned red
Soon everybody knew the thing was dead
He shouts, she bites, they wrangle through the night
She go crazy
Got to make a getaway
Papa say
Oh - no hesitation
No tears and no hearts breakin'
No remorse
Oh - congratulations
This is your Haitian Divorce
She takes the taxi to the good hotel
Bon marché as far as she can tell
She drinks the zombie from the cocoa shell
She feels alright, she get it on tonight
Mister driver
Take me where the music play
Papa say
Oh - no hesitation
No tears and no hearts breakin'
No remorse
Oh - congratulations
This is your Haitian Divorce
At the Grotto
In the greasy chair
Sits the Charlie with the lotion and the kinky hair
When she smiled, she said it all
The band was hot so
They danced the famous Merengue
Now we dolly back
Now we fade to black
Tearful reunion in the USA
Day by day those memories fade away
Some babies grow in a peculiar way
It changed, it grew, and everybody knew
Semi-mojo
Who's this kinky so-and-so?
Papa go
Oh - no hesitation
No tears and no hearts breakin'
No remorse
Oh - congratulations
This is your Haitian Divorce
Haitian Divorce
Haitian Divorce stands as a sophisticated song in Steely Dan's extensive discography, showcasing the duo's signature blend of jazz-inflected rock and meticulous studio craftsmanship. The track reflects the band's reputation for complex harmonies and intricate arrangements, hallmarks that defined their work throughout the 1970s and beyond. While often associated with their later compilations, the song embodies the polished, ironic aesthetic that characterizes their broader body of work. It serves as a testament to the group's ability to weave narrative depth into their musical compositions, maintaining a high standard of production quality. This recording remains a notable example of their unique approach to songwriting, appealing to listeners who appreciate detailed musical textures and lyrical subtlety within the progressive rock genre.