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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Midnite Cruiser
Steely Dan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Step on in and let me shake your hand
So glad that you're here again
For one more time
Let your madness run with mine
Streets still unseen we'll find somehow
No time is better than now
Midnight cruiser
Where is your bounty
Of fortune and fame
I am another
Gentlemen loser
Drive me to Harlem
Or somewhere the same
The world that we used to know
People tell me it don't turn no more
The places we used to go
Familiar faces that ain't smilin' like before
The time of our time has come and gone
I fear we been waiting too long
Tell me where are you driving
Midnight cruiser
Where is your bounty
Of fortune and fame
I am another
Gentlemen loser
Drive me to Harlem
Or somewhere the same
The song "Midnite Cruiser" by Steely Dan, features a conversation between the singer and a friend named Thelonius, presumably named after jazz musician Thelonius Monk. The conversation is one between two old friends who are looking to recapture past experiences and go on new adventures. The singer welcomes Thelonius and invites him to join him on a new adventure where their madness can run wild. They are going to explore unseen streets and experience new adventures, while reminiscing about the past.
The chorus of the song is a plea to the Midnight Cruiser, the person who can take them to wherever they want to go. The singer is ready to be taken on a journey to find fortune and fame, even if it means they are "gentlemen losers". They want to be taken to Harlem, or "somewhere the same", a place where they feel comfortable and familiar.
The lyrics convey a sense of longing for the past and a desire to recapture the excitement of youth. The world that the singer and Thelonius knew has changed, and they feel like they've been waiting too long to recapture that excitement.
Line by Line Meaning
Thelonius my old friend
Addressing Thelonius, an old friend of the singer
Step on in and let me shake your hand
Asking Thelonius to come in and greet the singer
So glad that you're here again
Expressing happiness at Thelonius' return
For one more time
Implies that this is not the first time the two are meeting
Let your madness run with mine
Inviting Thelonius to be adventurous with the artist
Streets still unseen we'll find somehow
Suggesting that they will explore uncharted territories together
No time is better than now
Emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment
Tell me where are you driving
Asking Thelonius where he is going
Midnight cruiser
Referring to Thelonius' mode of transportation
Where is your bounty
Asking Thelonius about his riches
Of fortune and fame
Referring to the wealth and notoriety that comes with success
I am another
The artist sees himself as another person in a similar situation
Gentlemen loser
A polite way of expressing a loser in society
Drive me to Harlem
Asking Thelonius to take the singer to Harlem
Or somewhere the same
Indicating that any place similar to Harlem would be okay as well
The world that we used to know
Referring to a past world the artist and Thelonius shared
People tell me it don't turn no more
Others have said that the world no longer exists
The places we used to go
Referring to locations the singer and Thelonius frequented in the past
Familiar faces that ain't smilin' like before
Implying that people have changed and are no longer friendly
The time of our time has come and gone
Suggesting that the artist and Thelonius' time has passed
I fear we been waiting too long
Realizing that they may have missed out on opportunities by waiting too long
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: DONALD JAY FAGEN, WALTER CARL BECKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind