Bad Sneakers
Steely Dan
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Five names that I can hardly stand to hear Including yours and mine And one more chimp who isn't here I can see the ladies talking How the times are getting hard And that fearsome excavation On Magnolia Boulevard Yes I'm going insane And I'm laughing at the frozen rain Well I'm so alone Honey when they gonna send me home Bad sneakers and a Pina Colada my friend Stompin' on the avenue By Radio City with a Transistor and a large sum of money to spend You fellah, you tearin' up the street You wear that white tuxedo How you gonna beat the heat Do you take me for a fool Do you think that I don't see That ditch out in the valley That they're digging just for me Yes I've gone insane You know I'm laughing at the frozen rain I feel like I'm so alone Honey when they gonna send me home Bad sneakers and a Pina Colada my friend Stompin' on the avenue By Radio City with a Transistor and a large sum of money to spend You know I'm going insane Yes I'm laughing at the frozen rain And I'm so alone Honey when they gonna send me home Bad sneakers and a Pina Colada my friend Stompin' on the avenue By Radio City with a Transistor and a large sum of money to spend
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Written by: DONALD JAY FAGEN, WALTER CARL BECKER
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Album Release"Bad Sneakers" is a track from "Katy Lied", the fourth studio album by the American rock band, Steely Dan, released in 1975 by ABC Records.
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Chart PerformanceDespite its popularity, "Bad Sneakers" wasn't released as a single, hence it did not chart. However, the full album "Katy Lied" peaked at 13 on the Billboard 200.
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Popular Culture ReferenceThe song "Bad Sneakers" is mentioned in the book "The Big Rewind: A Memoir Brought to You by Pop Culture" by Nathan Rabin.
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Musicians’ ParticipationThe song featured studio musicians such as Michael Omartian on piano and Dean Parks on guitar, highlighting Steely Dan’s habit of involving numerous talented musicians in their recording process.
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LyricistsLike many of Steely Dan's songs, the lyrics to "Bad Sneakers" are somewhat cryptic and satirical. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, the duo behind Steely Dan, were known for their complex lyrics.
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Critical ReceptionDespite its unconventional lyrics, "Bad Sneakers" is widely praised by critics for its intricate arrangement and catchy tune. Rolling Stone Magazine described it as a ‘wistful pop song’.
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Distinctive InstrumentationThe song starts with a distinctive two-beat drum figure, played by session drummer, Jeff Porcaro. This became a staple of the band's sound.
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Backing VocalsNotably, "Bad Sneakers" features Michael McDonald on backing vocals. McDonald, famous for his work with the band The Doobie Brothers, would later become a frequent collaborator with Steely Dan.
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Personal InterpretationsCritics and fans have posited a range of interpretations about the song’s lyrics, from it reflecting the disillusionment of living in Los Angeles to it being a commentary on the downfalls of fame and success.
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Continuous PopularityDespite being released over 40 years ago, "Bad Sneakers" remains a staple on classic rock radio stations, demonstrating the enduring popularity of Steely Dan's music.
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Citation
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