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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With A Gun
Steely Dan Lyrics
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You were the man that I saw running from his door
You owed him money but you gave him something more
With a gun
With a gun
You will be what you are just the same
Did you pay the other man with the piece in your hand
You were the founders of the clinic on the hill
Until he caught you with your fingers in the till
He slapped your hand so you settled up your bill
With a gun
With a gun
You will be what you are just the same
Did you pay the other man with the piece in your hand
And leave him lying in the rain?
When you're born to play the fool
And you've seen all the western movies
Woe to the one who does you wrong
You hide in the bushes
Murder the man
With Luger in hand
I understood that you will soon be leavin' town
Don't try to call me when they finally run you down
Just give fair warning any time you come around
With a gun
With a gun
You will be what you are just the same
Did you pay the other man with the piece in your hand
And leave him lying in the rain?
The lyrics of Steely Dan's "With A Gun" tell a story of a man who has committed some sort of wrongdoing, most likely involving money. The first verse implies that he owed someone money and instead of paying them back, he used a gun as collateral. The second verse suggests that he was caught stealing from a clinic but managed to avoid punishment by paying with a gun as well. The final verse alludes to the idea that the man is a violent person who is willing to use deadly force to get what he wants.
This song's lyrics are rich in imagery and metaphors. The idea of paying someone back with a gun serves as a symbol for the man's violent tendencies and lack of morality. The reference to western movies in the final verse implies that the man is living out some sort of twisted fantasy of being a gunslinger. Overall, the lyrics of "With A Gun" paint a picture of a dangerous person who is willing to use violence to get what he wants and avoid consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
I could be wrong but I have seen your face before
I recognize your face from a previous encounter
You were the man that I saw running from his door
I saw you fleeing from a location where you owe someone money
You owed him money but you gave him something more
You paid him back with violence instead of money
With a gun
You used a firearm to exact revenge
You will be what you are just the same
Your actions define your character
Did you pay the other man with the piece in your hand
Did you use your gun to settle your debt
And leave him lying in the rain?
Did you kill him and leave his body in the open
You were the founders of the clinic on the hill
You used to operate a medical facility on top of a hill
Until he caught you with your fingers in the till
Until someone found out you were embezzling funds
He slapped your hand so you settled up your bill
He reprimanded you but you repaid the stolen money
When you're born to play the fool
When you are destined to make foolish choices
And you've seen all the western movies
And you are influenced by violent films
Woe to the one who does you wrong
You will harm those who wrong you
You hide in the bushes
You use stealth to ambush your targets
Murder the man
You kill your victim
With Luger in hand
With a pistol
I understood that you will soon be leavin' town
I know you plan to flee the area soon
Don't try to call me when they finally run you down
Don't contact me when you are caught by the authorities
Just give fair warning any time you come around
Just let me know when you plan to visit
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DONALD JAY FAGEN, WALTER CARL BECKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind