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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The Last Mall
Steely Dan Lyrics
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It's cancellation day
Yes the big adios
Is just a few hours away
It's last call
To do your shopping
At the last mall
You'll need the tools for survival
And the medicine for the blues
Sweet treats and surprises
For the little buckaroos
It's last call
To do your shopping
At the last mall
We've got a sweetheart sunset special
On all of the standard stuff
Cause in the morning, that gospel morning
You'll have to do for yourself when the going gets tough
Roll your cart back up the aisle
Kiss the checkout girls goodbye
Ride the ramp to the freeway
Beneath the blood orange sky
It's last call
To do your shopping
At the last mall
The lyrics of Steely Dan’s “The Last Mall” describe a sense of closure as a shopping center prepares to shut down for good. The song speaks about the last few hours that shoppers have to do their shopping before the mall permanently closes down. The singer assumes the role of the mall's manager, urging all the shoppers to rush in and buy the last items they can. The song speaks to the era of consumerism, portraying the mall as a sanctuary for consumers, with everything one could ask for available in one location.
The song also suggests that the mall is a place where people come to escape their problems, offering tools for survival along with medicines for the blues. By closing down the mall, the singer implies that there may be no more escape from the “going gets tough” situations in the outside world. The song culminates in a mention of a beautiful blood orange sunset, indicating that the end of the mall is equal parts eerie and beautiful.
Overall, “The Last Mall” seems to be a commentary on late 20th-century consumerism, with the singer recognizing the end of an era and the loss of excess. The song has an almost lamentful feeling to it, akin to saying goodbye to a part of oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Attention all shoppers
Everyone who happens to be shopping, listen up.
It's cancellation day
The day of the closing of the mall has finally arrived.
Yes the big adios
The mall is saying farewell to everyone.
Is just a few hours away
It is only a matter of time before the mall closes for good.
It's last call
This is the final opportunity.
To do your shopping
To purchase anything you need.
At the last mall
At this particular mall which is closing down.
You'll need the tools for survival
The necessary items to survive without the mall.
And the medicine for the blues
Something to alleviate the sadness or disappointment of losing the mall.
Sweet treats and surprises
Pleasant and unexpected things to enjoy.
For the little buckaroos
For the children.
We've got a sweetheart sunset special
We are offering a special deal before closing.
On all of the standard stuff
On regular items that are usually sold here.
Cause in the morning, that gospel morning
Tomorrow, when the mall is closed, is a new day.
You'll have to do for yourself when the going gets tough
You will have to rely on yourself and find a way to cope when things get difficult without the mall.
Roll your cart back up the aisle
Put back or return any items you might have picked up, and leave.
Kiss the checkout girls goodbye
Say your goodbyes to the cashiers, who are likely to lose their jobs as the mall closes down.
Ride the ramp to the freeway
Take the exit or ramp to the freeway, leave the mall for good.
Beneath the blood orange sky
The sky is painted with hues of orange as the day comes to an end.
It's last call
This is your final chance.
To do your shopping
To make any last-minute purchases.
At the last mall
At this mall which is closing down.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DONALD JAY FAGEN, WALTER CARL BECKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind