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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Gaslighting Abbie
Steely Dan Lyrics
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And bad through and through
With that deep mystical soul synergy pumping steady
Between me and you
Lovin' all the beautiful work we've done cara mia
And it's barely July
If we keep on boppin' until Labor Day
What will it be some soothing herb tea?
That might be just the thing
Let's say we spike it with Deludin
Or else, maybe tonight a hand of solitaire
[Chorus]
Flame is the game
The game we call gas lighting Abbie
It's a luscious invention for three
One summer by the sea
With the long weekend that's comin' up fast
Let's get busy
There's just too much to do
That black mini looks just like the one she's been missin'
Feels good on you
There's a few items we need in town, allez-vous girl
There's no time to waste
Such as fresh cable and fifteen watt bulbs
Couple dozen, it's a big old place
Let's keep it light, we'll do a fright night
With blood and everything
Some punky laughter from the kitchen
And then, a nice relaxing hand of solitaire
[Chorus]
You can choose the music
I'll set up my gear
Later on we'll chill and watch the fireworks from here
How can you knock this mighty spite lock
Check out the work itself
A mix of elegance and function
That's right, a tweak or two and then she's out of here
[Chorus]
The song "Gaslighting Abbie" by Steely Dan is a story of a summer romance that is doomed from the start. The lyrics describe the intense attraction between the singer and Abbie, who is portrayed as a dangerous and unpredictable lover. The singer is fully aware of Abbie's faults but is unable to resist her magnetic pull. Despite being only July, the singer knows that their relationship has an expiration date and predicts that it will end by Labor Day.
The chorus of the song refers to gaslighting, a psychological manipulation tactic used to make someone doubt their own perception of reality. The singer describes the relationship as a game of gaslighting, suggesting that Abbie is manipulating him. It is unclear whether the singer is fully aware of Abbie's manipulations or if he is under her spell.
The lyrics also mention the use of drugs and alcohol, which further add to the chaotic and dangerous nature of the relationship. The singer suggests spiking herb tea with Deludin, a potent sedative, and later mentions "punky laughter from the kitchen," suggesting that they are getting drunk and high.
Line by Line Meaning
One plush summer you come to me ripe and ready
During one luxurious summer, you arrived to me fully mature and prepared for whatever adventure might come our way.
And bad through and through
You were a person of questionable morals or character, all the way down to your core.
With that deep mystical soul synergy pumping steady
Despite our differences, we had an inexplicable connection - a spiritual energy that flowed strongly between us.
Between me and you
Our connection was something that couldn’t be explained to anyone else; it was unique to us.
Lovin' all the beautiful work we've done cara mia
I adored all the wonderful efforts and accomplishments we made together, my dear.
And it's barely July
Our time together was still in the early stages, only having just begun in the month of July.
If we keep on boppin' until Labor Day
If we continued doing what we’re doing and having the fun we’re having until Labor Day arrives…
Li'l miz Abbie bye bye
Abbie will have to leave us and go away.
What will it be some soothing herb tea?
Shall we make some relaxing herbal tea?
That might be just the thing
Tea might be precisely what we need right now.
Let's say we spike it with Deludin
Perhaps we should add a little Deludin to it to make it even more relaxing.
Or else, maybe tonight a hand of solitaire
Alternatively, we can play a game of solitaire tonight.
Flame is the game
The name of the game is seduction.
The game we call gas lighting Abbie
We refer to our seduction tactics as 'gas lighting Abbie,' as we're manipulating her emotions to our benefit.
It's a luscious invention for three
Manipulating someone together in this way is quite thrilling and pleasurable for all of us involved.
One summer by the sea
It was all taking place during one summer spent at the beach.
With the long weekend that's comin' up fast
The upcoming long weekend is fast approaching.
Let's get busy
There's plenty for us to do, so let's get started without delay.
There's just too much to do
We have a lot of activities planned and little time to complete them all.
That black mini looks just like the one she's been missin'
The black car you're currently driving resembles the car Abbie lost and has been searching for.
Feels good on you
You look excellent driving that car, as if it were made for you alone.
There's a few items we need in town, allez-vous girl
There are several things we need to get while in town, so let's get moving.
There's no time to waste
We need to avoid wasting time and get these items as quickly as possible.
Such as fresh cable and fifteen watt bulbs
We need to pick up things such as fresh cable and fifteen watt bulbs.
Couple dozen, it's a big old place
We need more than just a few bulbs, as it's a vast place and several are needed.
Let's keep it light, we'll do a fright night
Let's keep things fun and entertaining by hosting a horror-themed movie night.
With blood and everything
We will go all out in terms of horror elements, including blood and other graphic details.
Some punky laughter from the kitchen
The sound of happy, silly laughter is coming from the kitchen where someone is preparing something.
And then, a nice relaxing hand of solitaire
After all of the excitement and fun, we can end the night with a relaxing game of solitaire.
You can choose the music
You have the freedom to select the music we listen to tonight.
I'll set up my gear
I'll prepare and set up my sound equipment so we can enjoy our choice of music together.
Later on we'll chill and watch the fireworks from here
As the night goes on, we'll relax and watch the fireworks from a comfortable spot.
How can you knock this mighty spite lock
How could one criticize such a powerful, ingenious plan?
Check out the work itself
Simply take a look at our plan and its execution.
A mix of elegance and function
Our plan's characteristics include both elegance and functionality.
That's right, a tweak or two and then she's out of here
After a couple of minor modifications, our plan will be complete - and Abbie will be ours to manipulate as we please.
Flame is the game
The name of the game is seduction.
The game we call gas lighting Abbie
We refer to our seduction tactics as 'gas lighting Abbie,' as we're manipulating her emotions to our benefit.
It's a luscious invention for three
Manipulating someone together in this way is quite thrilling and pleasurable for all of us involved.
One summer by the sea
It was all taking place during one summer spent at the beach.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DONALD JAY FAGEN, WALTER CARL BECKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind