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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Night By Night
Steely Dan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But don't tell it to a poor man
Cause he's got to kill for every thrill
The best he can
Everywhere around me
I see jealousy and mayhem
Because no men have all their peace of mind
To carry them
If it's wrong or if it's right
But until my ship comes in
I'll live night by night
When the joker tried to tell me
I could cut it in this rube town
When he tried to hang that sign on me
I said take it down
When the dawn patrol got to tell you twice
They're gonna do it with a shotgun
Yes, I'm cashing in this ten-cent life
For another one
Well I ain't got the heart
To lose another fight
So until my ship comes in
I'll live night by night
Well I don't really care
If it's wrong or if it's right
But until my ship comes in
I'll live night by night
The song "Night By Night" by Steely Dan speaks of the struggle of living a life that is lacking in resources and opportunities, and the lengths one is willing to go to in order to try and improve it. The opening lines, "It's a beggar's life, said the Queen of Spain. But don't tell it to a poor man. Cause he's got to kill for every thrill, the best he can" sets the tone for the rest of the song. This line suggests that those who are financially secure, like the Queen of Spain, do not fully understand the hardships faced by those who are poor, who are driven to do whatever it takes just to find any small joy or excitement in life.
The lyrics continue, discussing the widespread feelings of jealousy and disorder - "Everywhere around me, I see jealousy and mayhem. Because no men have all their peace of mind, to carry them." No one is completely content in their own lives, so their unhappiness sometimes manifests violently towards others. The next verse tells of the singer's determination to succeed, even if it takes making dangerous decisions, which he must sometimes stand up to others to do so. The chorus repeats the notion of living day by day until they can secure a better tomorrow.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the harsh realities of class struggle and the mentality of needing to risk it all in order to find happiness. Steely Dan has always been known for their poetic and serious lyrics, and "Night By Night" is no exception.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a beggars life, said the Queen of Spain
Life is difficult, as acknowledged by the Queen of Spain, even though it may not be evident to those who are less fortunate.
But don't tell it to a poor man
It is better not to reveal this truth to someone who is already struggling, as it could cause them even more anguish.
Cause he's got to kill for every thrill
For those living in poverty, any excitement, adventure or happiness must be earned through hard work and struggle.
The best he can
Despite the difficulties, the poor must strive to make the most of their lives with what they have.
Everywhere around me
The artist observes problems and negativity wherever they go.
I see jealousy and mayhem
This negativity takes the form of envy, hatred and chaos.
Because no men have all their peace of mind
This is because nobody has perfect mental peace and tranquility, and everyone deals with their fair share of difficulties.
To carry them
As such, people must find a way to bear these issues and continue on bravely in life.
Well I don't really care
The artist is indifferent when it comes to whether their lifestyle is wrong or right.
If it's wrong or if it's right
The artist is comfortable living life on their own terms, even if it goes against what society may deem acceptable.
But until my ship comes in
Until they are wealthy and successful in life, the singer will continue to live as they always have.
I'll live night by night
The artist will continue to live day-to-day, taking what joys and excitement they can from life in the moment.
When the joker tried to tell me
Someone tried to convince the singer of their abilities to succeed in a difficult city or location.
I could cut it in this rube town
They encouraged the idea that the singer could thrive in this lower-class place.
When he tried to hang that sign on me
This person tried to label the singer as a simple or foolish person who fit in with the lower class.
I said take it down
The artist refused to accept this label, and rejected the idea completely.
When the dawn patrol got to tell you twice
Someone with authority or power over the artist insists on something repeatedly.
They're gonna do it with a shotgun
This authority figure is willing to use violence or force to get what they want.
Yes, I'm cashing in this ten-cent life
The singer is giving up their current, impoverished lifestyle for something greater.
For another one
They hope to have a better life in the future.
Well I ain't got the heart
The artist doesn't have the strength or courage anymore.
To lose another fight
They refuse to keep fighting and struggling for their goals in life.
So until my ship comes in
The singer will wait until they finally achieve success.
I'll live night by night
Until that point, they will continue to live in the moment and gather what small joys they can in life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Donald Jay Fagen, Walter Carl Becker
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind