Their music is characterized by dark, witty lyrical narratives, obscure lyrical allusions and complex, jazz-influenced instrumentation and chord sequences, overlying more ordinary popular song structures. Their fastidious standards in the studio and use of world-class sessions players has also been a hallmark of their work. For this, special credit should be given to their long-time producer Gary Katz and engineer Roger Nichols.
The band was originally a six-piece consisting of Fagen, Becker, David Palmer (vocals), Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (guitar), Denny Dias (guitar) and Jim Hodder (drums), but by 1975, only Fagen and Becker remained.
The band's history can be divided into three stages. In its original conception, the group was a relatively conventional rock band that toured from 1972 to 1974, releasing the singles-chart successes, 'Do It Again', 'Reelin' in the Years', 'My Old School' and 'Rikki Don't Lose That Number'. The group's name was derived from a series of dildos in the 1959 novel, 'Naked Lunch' by the avant-garde writer, William S. Burroughs; the phrase first used in the lyrics of an early, pre-Steely Dan Fagen/Becker song, Soul Ram.
In its second stage (1975 - 1980) the group, now consisting solely of Fagen and Becker, became a purely studio-based act, their album releases showing a growing obsession with polished production values, and whose output became increasingly jazz-orientated, culminating in the highly successful 'Aja' (1977) and 'Gaucho' (1980). The two split in 1981 following a tumultuous recording process for the latter album, and personal problems for both members.
In the Eighties, Fagen released his seminal debut album, 'The Nightfly', and took time away from the music industry, whilst Becker, after recovering from drug dependence, was in frequent work as a producer.
The third stage came when Fagen and Becker reunited in 1993, followed by a world tour (their first touring dates in 20 years). In 2000, the Grammy-award-winning 'Two Against Nature' was released to critical and surprising commercial success. Its successor followed swiftly, 'Everything Must Go' being released in 2003. The two albums show a more relaxed attitude to production, less morbid lyrical themes and an upbeat jazz pop sound, but with the characteristic wit and musical complexity of their 20th century work remaining.
Walter Becker passed away on September 3, 2017. This was followed by legal action between Becker's estate and Fagen over ownership of material. Fagen with additional bandmates continues to tour as Steely Dan.
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Bodhisattva
Steely Dan Lyrics
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Bodhisattva, would you take me by the hand
Can you show me the shine of your Japan
The sparkle of your china, can you show me
Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva
I'm gonna sell my house in town
I'm gonna sell my house in town
And I'll be there to shine in your Japan
To sparkle in your China, yes I'll be there
Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva
Bodhisattva, would you take me by the hand
Bodhisattva, would you take me by the hand
Can you show me the shine of your Japan
The sparkle of your china, can you show me
Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva
I'm gonna sell my house in town
Bodhisattva
I'm gonna sell my house in town
And I'll be there to shine in your Japan
To sparkle in your China, yes I'll be there
Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva
Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva, look out
The song "Bodhisattva" by Steely Dan is a classic rock track that features a catchy melody and intriguing lyrics that capture the attention of the listener. The song is about a person who is seeking enlightenment and guidance, and they are calling on a "Bodhisattva" to show them the way. A "Bodhisattva" is a Buddhist term that refers to a person who has reached enlightenment but chooses to stay on earth to help others achieve it. The lyrics suggest that the singer is willing to abandon their material possessions, such as their house in town, to seek this higher knowledge and meaning in life.
The chorus of the song is particularly powerful, with the repeated refrain of "Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva" underscoring the importance of this figure in the singer's journey. The lyrics also reference the "shine of your Japan" and the "sparkle of your China," which can be interpreted as a desire for the beauty and simplicity of eastern culture and philosophy.
Overall, "Bodhisattva" is a song that speaks to the universal human desire for meaning and purpose, and the search for answers that can lead us to a more enlightened state of being. The reference to the Bodhisattva is a nod to the vastness of human experience and the potential for growth and evolution that exists within us all.
Line by Line Meaning
Bodhisattva, would you take me by the hand
As a spiritual guide, can you lead me on the path towards enlightenment?
Can you show me the shine of your Japan
Can you reveal the true beauty and essence of your culture to me?
The sparkle of your china, can you show me
Can you share with me the enlightening qualities of your customs and practices?
Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva
Addressing the spiritual guide and showing reverence
I'm gonna sell my house in town
I am willing to let go of material possessions in order to pursue spiritual growth
And I'll be there to shine in your Japan
I will be present to learn from and embody the enlightenment found in Japanese culture
To sparkle in your China, yes I'll be there
I am willing to embrace and radiate the higher consciousness present in Chinese culture
Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva
Reiterating the respect and request for guidance from the spiritual figure
Bodhisattva, would you take me by the hand
Asking once again for assistance in traversing the path towards enlightenment
Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva
Repeating the address to the revered spiritual figure and their enlightened nature
Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva, look out
Be mindful and aware on this spiritual journey towards enlightenment
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DONALD JAY FAGEN, WALTER CARL BECKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind