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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Turn That Heartbeat Over Again
Steely Dan Lyrics
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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
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
"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