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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Through With Buzz
Steely Dan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know I'm through with Buzz
Yes I'm through with Buzz,
All right, oh yeah, uh huh
He's not very funny
You know I'm through with Buzz
Yes I'm through with Buzz,
I remember when he stole my girl
Drug her all around the world
You know I'm cool, yes I feel alright
'Cept when I'm in my room and it's late at night
Maybe he's a fairy
You know I'm through with Buzz
Yes I'm through with Buzz
All right, oh yeah, uh huh, all right
The lyrics to the song "Through With Buzz" by Steely Dan explore the experience of being taken advantage of by a manipulative, possibly drug-addled individual named Buzz. The singer has clearly had enough of Buzz's selfish behavior, as he proclaims "I'm through with Buzz" multiple times throughout the song. The repeated phrase "All right, oh yeah, uh huh" seems to indicate a sense of relief or satisfaction at finally freeing himself from Buzz's destructive influence.
The singer provides some insight into the specific ways that Buzz has hurt him, including stealing his girl and dragging her around the world. The line "Maybe he's a fairy" is possibly an insult towards Buzz's sexuality or masculinity, which could suggest that the singer feels emasculated or humiliated by Buzz's actions. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of frustration, anger, and resignation towards a toxic person who has caused the singer a great deal of emotional pain.
Line by Line Meaning
He takes all my money
He is constantly taking money from me and it has become too much for me to tolerate.
You know I'm through with Buzz
I have had enough of Buzz and can no longer put up with his behavior.
Yes I'm through with Buzz
I have made the decision to cut Buzz out of my life.
All right, oh yeah, uh huh
I am confident in my decision and feel good about moving forward without Buzz.
He's not very funny
Buzz's attempts at humor are no longer entertaining to me.
I remember when he stole my girl
Buzz has hurt me in the past by taking someone I cared about away from me.
Drug her all around the world
Buzz has a history of leading people astray and causing them pain, including myself.
You know I'm cool, yes I feel alright
Despite the negative impact Buzz has had on my life, I am able to maintain a sense of calm and contentment.
'Cept when I'm in my room and it's late at night
However, there are still times when I am alone with my thoughts and feelings and Buzz's actions continue to haunt me.
Maybe he's a fairy
There is speculation that Buzz may be gay.
All right, oh yeah, uh huh, all right
Despite the uncertainty and pain caused by Buzz, I am at peace with my decision to move on from him.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DONALD JAY FAGEN, WALTER CARL BECKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind