Deacon Blues
Steely Dan
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This is the day of the expanding man That shape is my shade There where I used to stand It seems like only yesterday I gazed through the glass At ramblers, wild gamblers That's all in the past You call me a fool You say it's a crazy scheme This one's for real I already bought the dream So useless to ask me why Throw a kiss and say goodbye I'll make it this time I'm ready to cross that fine line Learn to work the saxophone I play just what I feel Drink Scotch whiskey all night long And die behind the wheel They got a name for the winners in the world I want a name when I lose They call Alabama the Crimson Tide Call me Deacon Blues My back to the wall A victim of laughing chance This is for me The essence of true romance Sharing the things we know and love With those of my kind Libations Sensations That stagger the mind I crawl like a viper Through these suburban streets Make love to these women Languid and bittersweet I rise when the sun goes down Cover every game in town A world of my own I'll make it my home sweet home Learn to work the saxophone I play just what I feel Drink Scotch whiskey all night long And die behind the wheel They got a name for the winners in the world I want a name when I lose They call Alabama the Crimson Tide Call me Deacon Blues This is the night of the expanding man I take one last drag As I approach the stand I cried when I wrote this song Sue me if I play too long This brother is free I'll be what I want to be I learned to work the saxophone I play just what I feel Drink Scotch whiskey all night long And die behind the wheel They got a name for the winners in the world I want a name when I lose They call Alabama the Crimson Tide Call me Deacon Blues
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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
Background Information"Deacon Blues" is a song written by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen in 1977 and performed by their band, Steely Dan.
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Album MembershipThe song is part of the band's sixth studio album "Aja," which was released in 1977.
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RecognitionThe album reached number 3 on the Billboard charts and was rated as a five-star album by Rolling Stone magazine.
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Song MeaningThe song title "Deacon Blues" is a nod to a football team, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, who had a losing reputation at the time. The band has explained that the song is about a man who wants to live his dream, despite not being extremely talented or successful.
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InspirationFagen has explained that the song is inspired by his days as a "bedroom troll" who would listen to the jazz stations in New York City, dreaming of becoming a musician.
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Composition DetailsThe song is known for its complex jazz influences and sophisticated lyrics. It also includes a saxophone solo by the guest musician Pete Christlieb.
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Length"Deacon Blues" is the longest song on the "Aja" album. It runs at 7 minutes and 37 seconds.
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Chart SuccessDespite its length, the song achieved considerable chart success. It peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the spring of 1978.
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Cultural ImpactThe song has been frequently covered and referenced in modern culture. For instance, it was covered by the jazz/funk band, The Manhattan Transfer, on their 2000 album, "The Spirit of St. Louis."
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Honoring the BandThe Scottish rock band Deacon Blue was named after this song. This demonstrates the profound impact "Deacon Blues" has had in the music world.
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Citation
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"Deacon Blues Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/22661165/Steely+Dan/Deacon+Blues>.
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