Turn That Heartbeat Over Again
Steely Dan Lyrics


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With stocking face I bought a gun
The plan was set the plan was done
Looked at my watch and started for the door
Now the food here ain't so good no more
And they closed the package store

Love your mama, love your brother
Love 'em till they run for cover
Turn the light off, keep your shirt on
Cry a jag on me

Oh Michael Oh Jesus you know I'm not to blame
You know my reputation for playing a good clean game
Oh Michael Oh Jesus I'll keep my promise when
You turn that heartbeat over again

My poison's named you know my brand
So please make mine a double, Sam
Stir it up nice I'll eat it right here
This highway runs from Paraguay
And I've just come all the way

Love your mama, love your brother
Love 'em till they run for cover
Turn the light off, keep your shirt on
Cry a jag on me

We warned the corpse of William Wright
Not to cuss and drink all night
Ticket in hand I saw him laid to rest
But zombie see and zombie do
He's here with me and you

Love your mama, love your brother
Love 'em till they run for cover




Turn the light off, keep your shirt on
Cry a jag on me

Overall Meaning

"Turn That Heartbeat Over Again" by Steely Dan is a song with cryptic and mysterious lyrics. The song starts with the singer describing his criminal intentions - he has bought a gun and has a plan. He leaves the place gloomy because the food is not good and the package store has closed. The singer then speaks about love, telling people to love their family members no matter what and to cry on him. In the chorus, the singer pleads with Michael and Jesus, saying that he is not to blame for something that happened and he will keep his promise if they turn that heartbeat over again.


The second verse describes the singer's poison and how he wants his drink to be made. He talks about being far away from his destination of Paraguay, but now he has arrived. The chorus repeats again. The last stanza could be interpreted as the singer warning someone about what could happen if they continue their bad habits, citing the example of a William Wright who has already suffered the consequences. The singer then posits that Wright's spirit is still present ("he's here with me and you"). The song ends with the chorus one last time.


Line by Line Meaning

With stocking face I bought a gun
I disguised myself and purchased a firearm


The plan was set the plan was done
I had prepared and completed my scheme


Looked at my watch and started for the door
I checked the time and proceeded towards the exit


Now the food here ain't so good no more
The quality of the food has declined


And they closed the package store
The liquor store has gone out of business


Love your mama, love your brother
Hold affection for your family members


Love 'em till they run for cover
Love them passionately


Turn the light off, keep your shirt on
Undress and be discreet


Cry a jag on me
Let me comfort you while you cry


Oh Michael Oh Jesus you know I'm not to blame
I am innocent in the eyes of Michael and Jesus


You know my reputation for playing a good clean game
You know I am known for being honest and fair


Oh Michael Oh Jesus I'll keep my promise when
I promise to keep my word to Michael and Jesus when


You turn that heartbeat over again
You revive your vital signs again


My poison's named you know my brand
My alcoholic drink is well-known


So please make mine a double, Sam
Please pour me a double serving, Sam


Stir it up nice I'll eat it right here
Mix it well, I will drink it here


This highway runs from Paraguay
This road leads from Paraguay


And I've just come all the way
I have traveled all the way here


We warned the corpse of William Wright
We advised William Wright's body


Not to cuss and drink all night
To refrain from swearing and drinking excessively


Ticket in hand I saw him laid to rest
I witnessed his funeral with my ticket in hand


But zombie see and zombie do
People imitate the behavior of the undead


He's here with me and you
William Wright's spirit is present with us




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: WALTER CARL BECKER, DONALD JAY FAGEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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