A wry observation on the generational gap and the awkwardness of age disparity in romantic pursuits.
Steely Dan, those masters of sophisticated jazz-rock, gifted us with “Hey Nineteen” in 1980, as part of their acclaimed album Gaucho. This track swiftly climbed the Billboard charts, peaking at number 10, solidifying its place in pop culture. But “Hey Nineteen” isn’t just another hit single; it’s a meticulously crafted vignette, a story painted with wry humor and the band’s signature intricate musical arrangements.
The song tells the tale of an older man, likely in his late 30s or 40s (mirroring the ages of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker at the time), involved with a much younger woman, a “nineteen” year old. The lyrics are laced with a sense of unease and disconnect. He brings her “Cuervo Gold,” hoping for a sophisticated evening, but she’s more familiar with “the fine Colombian,” hinting at a generational and cultural divide. The famous line, “The Cuervo Gold, the fine Colombian, make tonight a wonderful thing,” is dripping with irony, underscoring the awkwardness of the situation. The older man’s attempts to impress her with his knowledge of Charlie Parker, a jazz icon, fall flat; she only knows him from a brief mention in a TV show. This highlights the chasm between their experiences and references.
The song is not a simple celebration or condemnation of age-gap relationships. It’s a nuanced observation, a snapshot of a specific moment. The protagonist isn’t portrayed as predatory or malicious. Instead, there’s a sense of melancholy and self-awareness. He recognizes the incongruity of the situation, the difficulty in bridging the gap between their vastly different worlds. The phrase “Hey Nineteen” itself carries a mix of exasperation, fascination, and a touch of regret. It’s a call-out to this younger generation, acknowledging their distinct perspective and the inevitable distance between them.
Musically, “Hey Nineteen” is a marvel. It’s characterized by its smooth, almost hypnotic groove, driven by a sophisticated chord progression and the band’s signature polished production. The use of the electric piano, the crisp drumming, and the subtle guitar work all contribute to the song’s distinctive atmosphere. The instrumental bridge, featuring a memorable saxophone solo by Tom Scott, adds another layer of complexity and elegance. This is not your typical pop song structure. It’s a meticulously arranged piece of music, reflecting the intricate and often ambiguous nature of the story it tells.
Steely Dan always excelled at creating songs that are both musically complex and lyrically rich, inviting listeners to delve deeper beneath the surface. “Hey Nineteen” is a prime example of this. It’s a song that stays with you, not just for its catchy melody and memorable lines but for its insightful portrayal of human interaction across generations. It is not about glorifying or criticizing relationships across age gaps, it observes the awkwardness and cultural divide inherent in them. This makes the song just as relevant today as it was in 1980, continuing to resonate with audiences who appreciate insightful songwriting and sophisticated music. The nostalgic effect, particularly for those who experienced this music in their younger years, brings a potent sense of nostalgia, remembering times gone by as the song echoes times, feelings and experiences that define a significant part of their lives.