This has got to be one of my most favourite bands of all time, across all genres of music. I discovered them when I was around 17 or 18 I think. And it has been one growing love affair! I have heard a lot of music from multiple cultures and genres and styles, and I can safely say that I have never heard a band as unique as Steely Dan.
To quote Wikipedia,
“Their music is characterized by complex jazz-influenced structures and harmonies, literate but sometimes obscure or ambiguous lyrics filled with dark sarcasm, and their adroit musicianship and studio perfectionism.”
The name of the band comes from a dildo in the William Burroughs novel Naked Lunch! Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, the two guys who are The Steely Dan were both fans of Beat Literature.
For an interesting site which gives one a idea of how obscure their lyrics are, visit The Steely Dan Dictionary.
“The creative genii behind Steely Dan (Walter Becker and Donald Fagen) have long been fond of peppering their lyrics with arcane literary and cultural references, the meaning of which can be murky at best (given the duo’s legendary reticence). After searching in vain for an explanatory lexicon, I decided to create my own.”
Here is a live version of one of their hits, “Do it again”. This is probably one of their most popular tracks due to its peppy beat and apparently simple ‘rockish’ format. It reached #6 on the US charts in 1973.
In the mornin you go gunnin’
For the man who stole your water
And you fire till he is done in
But they catch you at the border
And the mourners are all singin’
As they drag you by your feet
But the hangman isn’t hangin’
And they put you on the street
You go back Jack do it again
Wheel turnin’ ’round and ’round
You go back Jack do it again
When you know she’s no high climber
Then you find your only friend
In a room with your two timer
And you’re sure you’re near the end
Then you love a little wild one
And she brings you only sorrow
All the time you know she’s smilin’
You’ll be on your knees tomorrow
You go back Jack do it again
Wheel turnin’ ’round and ’round
You go back Jack do it again
Now you swear and kick and beg us
That you’re not a gamblin’ man
Then you find you’re back in Vegas
With a handle in your hand
Your black cards can make you money
So you hide them when you’re able
In the land of milk and honey
You must put them on the table
You go back Jack do it again
Wheel turnin’ ’round and ’round
You go back Jack do it again