This popular Steely Dan track has guest vocalist David Palmer on vocals. Th… Read Full Bio ↴This popular Steely Dan track has guest vocalist David Palmer on vocals. The song's music has been described as more commercial-sounding than most of the band's other material. The Guardian says that it sounds like "a radio-friendly stroll of a song," at least at first.
The song is sung by the point of view of a married man towards his wife, who’s using him, but he’s too infatuated to end their affair.

Dirty Work
Steely Dan Lyrics

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Times are hard
You're afraid to pay the fee
So you find yourself somebody
Who can do the job for free
When you need a bit of lovin'
'Cause your man is out of town
That's the time you get me runnin'
And you know I'll be around

I'm a fool to do your dirty work
Oh yeah
I don't wanna do your dirty work
No more
I'm a fool to do your dirty work
Oh yeah

Light the candle
Put the lock upon the door
You have sent the maid home early
Like a thousand times before
Like the castle in its corner
In a medieval game
I foresee terrible trouble
And I stay here just the same

I'm a fool to do your dirty work
Oh yeah
I don't wanna do your dirty work
No more
I'm a fool to do your dirty work
Oh yeah

I'm a fool to do your dirty work
Oh yeah
I don't wanna do your dirty work
No more
I'm a fool to do your dirty work
Oh yeah
I don't wanna do your dirty work
No more

I'm a fool to do your dirty work
Oh yeah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Steely Dan's "Dirty Work" tell the story of a man who is used by a woman for her own needs, but is ultimately tired of being used and is ready to move on. The man is aware that the woman is using him for various tasks such as paying her bills and providing her with companionship when her partner is unavailable. Despite being aware of her intentions, the man continues to do her dirty work, even though he knows that he is being used. The woman has sent her maid home early, locking the door and lighting a candle, setting the scene for a secretive rendezvous. The man, however, foresees the consequences of their actions and knows that they will eventually get caught, but he stays anyway because of his feelings for her.

Throughout the song, the man repeats the phrase "I'm a fool to do your dirty work," as if to acknowledge that he is aware of his situation, but is unable to leave. In the end, however, he realizes that he doesn't want to do her dirty work any longer and that he needs to move on from the relationship.

The lyrics to "Dirty Work" are a commentary on the idea of using someone for one's own needs, and the consequences that come with it. The song suggests that while it may be tempting to use someone for our own benefit, it is ultimately selfish and will lead to negative outcomes. The repetition of "I'm a fool to do your dirty work" reinforces this idea, highlighting the man's awareness of his situation and his eventual decision to leave.

Line by Line Meaning

Times are hard
It's a difficult situation

You're afraid to pay the fee
You don't want to pay for something

So you find yourself somebody
You look for someone else to do it

Who can do the job for free
You want someone to do it without payment

When you need a bit of lovin'
When you want affection

'Cause your man is out of town
Your partner is away

That's the time you get me runnin'
You come to me for help

And you know I'll be around
You can count on me to be there

I'm a fool to do your dirty work
I'm not happy doing this for you

Oh yeah
Confirmation of previous statement

Light the candle
Set the mood