Dirty Work
Steely Dan
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Times are hard You're afraid to pay the fee So you find yourself somebody Who can do the job for free When you need a bit of lovin' 'Cause your man is out of town That's the time you get me runnin' And you know I'll be around I'm a fool to do your dirty work Oh yeah I don't wanna do your dirty work No more I'm a fool to do your dirty work Oh yeah Light the candle Put the lock upon the door You have sent the maid home early Like a thousand times before Like the castle in its corner In a medieval game I foresee terrible trouble And I stay here just the same I'm a fool to do your dirty work Oh yeah I don't wanna do your dirty work No more I'm a fool to do your dirty work Oh yeah I'm a fool to do your dirty work Oh yeah I don't wanna do your dirty work No more I'm a fool to do your dirty work Oh yeah I don't wanna do your dirty work No more I'm a fool to do your dirty work Oh yeah
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17 fans
Written by: Donald Fagen, Walter Carl Becker
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Album Release"Dirty Work" is one of the tracks from Steely Dan's debut album, "Can't Buy a Thrill," which was released in 1972.
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Lead VocalsContrary to most Steely Dan songs which feature Donald Fagen on lead vocals, "Dirty Work" is actually sung by David Palmer. This makes it a unique piece in Steely Dan's repertoire.
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Keyboard SectionsDonald Fagen, the band's lead vocalist, played the organ while Denny Dias provided the song's electric sitar solo.
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Song Meaning"Dirty Work" is said to portray the story of a man kept around by a woman solely for when she needs him, portraying themes of manipulation and unrequited love.
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Chart PerformanceAlthough the song wasn't released as a single, it gained considerable radio play and has continually been a fan favorite.
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Personnel ListSteely Dan founders Donald Fagen and Walter Becker wrote the song and played keyboard and bass respectively. Other personnel included Denny Dias on electric sitar and guitar, Jeff Baxter on guitar, David Palmer on vocals, and Jim Hodder on drums.
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Cover VersionsVarious artists, including Sarah Vaughan, Ian Matthews, and Ana Gasteyer, have covered "Dirty Work."
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Modern UsageThe song was featured in the soundtrack of the 2016 film ‘The Accountant' starring Ben Affleck, showing its lasting cultural influence.
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Record Label"Dirty Work" was released under the record label, ABC Records.
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Steely Dan's Change in Style"Dirty Work" is emblematic of Steely Dan's early style, which featured more traditional pop structures and studio musicians, as opposed to their later work that became more jazz-infused and complex.
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Live PerformancesDespite its popularity, "Dirty Work" is rarely performed live by Steely Dan, possibly due to David Palmer's departure from the band shortly after the release of "Can't Buy a Thrill."
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Citation
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"Dirty Work Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 16 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/37335739/Steely+Dan/Dirty+Work>.
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