Baring my musical heart
Apr. 22nd, 2005 01:18 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kleenexwomanI'm going home for Passover for the weekend, so this is a little Pesach present for everyone--a mix CD. There's no theme to this besides "songs that I like", unusually for me. Actually, there is, but it's not thematic. The mix:
Steely Dan songs that I think will inspire people in some way.
Why? Steely Dan is my favorite band. Ever, ever, ever. Even more so than the Beatles, with whom I was obsessed for a year. Even more so than Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin with their collections of sonic virtuosos. Even more so than Guns 'N' Roses, whose "Appetite for Destruction" album sparked my adolescent rebellion. Even more so than Oingo Boingo, and it's pretty hard to displace Oingo Boingo in my current pantheon of bands.
On the surface, this is kind of a weird choice. I am a hard-rocking nerd chick, after all, and Steely Dan is not hard in the least. (The lyrics maybe, but that's a different kind of hard entirely.) They're jazz rock, college rock, the kind of '70s fusion that got played by baby hipsters in dorm rooms and coffeeshops instead of in discos and arenas.
They even sound old. This isn't music that's cool because your dad used to listen to it when he was a teenager, this is music that your dad still listens to. Nobody under the age of 45 knows who these guys are. I feel like I'm having a midlife crisis just humming "Hey, Nineteen." (Granted, "Hey, Nineteen" would make anyone feel like having a midlife crisis so that they could sleep with teenagers who don't know who Aretha Franklin is. "She thinks I'm crazy, but I'm just growing old...")
It's good music, though. Jazz fusion (not lame-ass soft jazz, good Charlie Parker stuff), blues structures, seemingly simple lyrics with incredibly obfuscated meanings. There's even a page for decoding the lyrics and references: FeverDreams.Net. The themes are deceptive, universal, often subversive (once you figure out what they're talking about, anyway).
I started listening to Steely Dan because my dad would play "Can't Buy A Thrill" to get me to go to sleep when I was young. He pulled out his old records this summer, and hearing them was like being 7 years old again. (This has happened with Elvis Costello, Van Morrison, Hot Rize...Dad has good taste in music. He's something of a frustrated music critic, I think.)
Why inspired? This is really just a sneaky, weaselly attempt to make people write songfics for a band I'm forcing them to listen to. "Reeling in the Years" is off-limits only because I already used it. Anyway, there's only one of you drooling mofos on my list who even likes Steely Dan, and I feel it is my cultural duty to educate you. Actually, I don't even mind if nobody writes songfics at all. Just tell me what you think of the songs. Or give me money, money is always good. I promise I will forward most of it to Walter Fagen and Donald Becker.
And if that doesn't grab you, keep in mind that the band name is taken from the homoerotic paranoid drug Beat classic "Naked Lunch." In the book, Steely Dan is the name of someone's pet dildo.
There. Now get downloading. All songs are hosted on YouSendIt.Com, so they will be available until around midnight, Friday, April 29th.
1. "Pretzel Logic", off Pretzel Logic
This song is canonically about time travel. Don and Walt have said so in many, many interviews. Unrelatedly, there is a snack store named after this song. I would eat there, just for the hell of it, but I hate pretzels.
Download Pretzel Logic.
Other people explain "Pretzel Logic"
LYRICS:
I would love to tour the Southland
In a travelling minstrel show
Yes I'd love to tour the Southland
In a traveling minstrel show
Yes I'm dying to be a star and make them laugh
Sound just like a record on the phonograph
Those days are gone forever
Over a long time ago, oh yeah
I have never met Napoleon
But I plan to find the time
I have never met Napoleon
But I plan to find the time
'Cause he looked so fine upon that hill
They tell me he was lonely, he's lonely still
Those days are gone forever
Over a long time ago, oh yeah
I stepped up on the platform
The man gave me the news
He said, You must be joking son
Where did you get those shoes?
Where did you get those shoes?
Well, I've seen 'em on the TV, the movie show
They say the times are changing but I just don't know
These things are gone forever
Over a long time ago, oh yeah
2. "My Old School", off Countdown to Ecstasy
Nostalgia for a place you couldn't wait to leave behind. Alternately, it's about a high school kid who gets his girlfriend "in trouble." Any way you interpret it, it's one hell of a cheery song.
Download My Old School.
Other people explain "My Old School"
LYRICS:
I remember the thirty-five sweet goodbyes
When you put me on the Wolverine
Up to Annandale
It was still September
When your daddy was quite surprised
To find you with the working girls
In the county jail
I was smoking with the boys upstairs
When I heard about the whole affair
I said oh no
William and Mary won't do
CHORUS:
Well I did not think the girl
Could be so cruel
And I'm never going back
To my old school
Oleanders growing outside her door
Soon they're gonna be in bloom
Up in Annandale
I can't stand her
Doing what she did before
Living like a gypsy queen
In a fairy tale
Well I hear the whistle but I can't go
I'm gonna take her down to Mexico
She said oh no
Guadalajara won't do
CHORUS
California tumbles into the sea
That'll be the day I go
Back to Annandale
Tried to warn you
About Chino and Daddy Gee
But I can't seem to get to you
Through the U.S. Mail
Well I hear the whistle but I can't go
I'm gonna take her down to Mexico
She said oh no
Guadalajara won't do
CHORUS
3. "Reeling In the Years", off Can't Buy A Thrill
I like this song so much I named a fic after it. This song reminds me a lot of my father, or at least of our relationship. It's a good daddy issues song, seen from the other side. But hey, who doesn't love daddy issues?
Download Reeling In The Years.
Other people explain "Reeling In The Years"
LYRICS:
Your everlasting summer
You can see it fading fast
So you grab a piece of something
That you think is gonna last
You wouldn't know a diamond
If you held it in your hand
The things you think are precious
I can't understand
CHORUS:
Are you reelin' in the years
Stowin' away the time
Are you gatherin' up the tears
Have you had enough of mine
You been tellin' me you're a genius
Since you were seventeen
In all the time I've known you
I still don't know what you mean
The weekend at the college
Didn't turn out like you planned
The things that pass for knowledge
I can't understand
CHORUS
I spend a lot of money
And I spent a lot of time
The trip we made in Hollywood
Is etched upon my mind
After all the things we've done and seen
You find another man
The things you think are useless
I can't understand
CHORUS
4. "Midnight Cruiser", off Can't Buy A Thrill
I'm going to name my first car this. Ironically, it's not a car song at all. I'm not entirely sure what it's about, but it always makes me a little bit sad.
Download Midnight Cruiser.
Other people explain "Midnight Cruiser"
LYRICS:
Felonius my old friend
Step on in and let me shake your hand
So glad that you're here again
For one more time
Let your madness run with mine
Streets still unseen we'll find somehow
No time is better than now
CHORUS:
Tell me where are you driving
Midnight cruiser
Where is your bounty
Of fortune and fame
I am another
Gentlemen loser
Drive me to Harlem
Or somewhere the same
The world that we used to know
People tell me it don't turn no more
The places we used to go
Familiar faces that ain't smilin' like before
The time of our time has come and gone
I fear we been waiting too long
CHORUS
5. "I.G.Y.", off The Nightfly
Stands for "International Geophysical Year." This song always reminds me of the early Heinlein/Asimov stories about fabulous futuristic innovations--so optimistic, so enthusiastic. :sigh: If only the future had been like this.
Download I.G.Y., live version.
Other people explain "I.G.Y."
LYRICS:
Standing tough under stars and stripes
We can tell
This dream's in sight
You've got to admit it
At this point in time that it's clear
The future looks bright
On that train all graphite and glitter
Undersea by rail
Ninety minutes from New York to Paris
Well by seventy-six we'll be A.O.K.
CHORUS:
What a beautiful world this will be
What a glorious time to be free
Get your ticket to that wheel in space
While there's time
The fix is in
You'll be a witness to that game of chance in the sky
You know we've got to win
Here at home we'll play in the city
Powered by the sun
Perfect weather for a streamlined world
There'll be spandex jackets one for everyone
CHORUS
On that train all graphite and glitter
Undersea by rail
Ninety minutes from New York to Paris
(More leisure time for artists everywhere)
A just machine to make big decisions
Programmed by fellows with compassion and vision
We'll be clean when their work is done
We'll be eternally free yes and eternally young
CHORUS
6. "King Of The World", off Countdown to Ecstasy
This song makes me look forward to a post-nuclear-apocalypse scenario. In a good way, because it's actually about the aftermath of a nuclear apocalypse.
Download King Of The World.
Other people explain "King Of The World"
LYRICS:
Hello one and all
Was it you I used to know
Can't you hear me call
On this old ham radio
All I got to say
I'm alive and feeling fine
If you come my way
You can share my poison wine
CHORUS:
No marigolds in the promised land
There's a hole in the ground
Where they used to grow
Any man left on the Rio Grande
Is the king of the world
As far as I know
I don't want your bread
I don't need your helping hand
I can't be no savage
I can't be no highwayman
Show me where you are
You and I will spend this day
Driving in my car
Through the ruins of Santa Fe
CHORUS
I'm reading last year's papers
Although I don't know why
Assassins cons and rapers
Might as well die
If you come around
No more pain and no regrets
Watch the sun go brown
Smoking cobalt cigarettes
There's no need to hide
Taking things the easy way
If I stay inside
I might live til Saturday
CHORUS
7. "Two Against Nature", off Two Against Nature
Voodoo! Zombies! Unnatural creatures and pagan demon-gods molesting vacationers in a ritzy Caribbean resort! This movie, once made, will star Jeff Combs and Bruce Campbell.
Download Two Against Nature.
Other people explain "Two Against Nature"
LYRICS:
Bad news breaking in 18A
Missy's kitty turn inside out she say
Spider queen demon and that whole crew
Across the lobby the wicker wing chair flew
All the nice people those goodly souls
Quaking in their respective hidey-holes
Everyone's wasted in this gruesome dream
Not a one of them left to hear you scream
CHORUS:
Two against nature don't you know
Who's gonna grok the shape of things to go
Two against nature make them groan
Who's gonna break the shape of things unknown
Madame Erzulie she come last night
Bang you silly but leave a nasty bite
There on your nightstand much worse than that
Panatela and old black derby hat
Call your doctor - call your shrink
Western science she strictly rinkydink
They all masissi but we hang tough
Apsatively gonna help you beat that stuff
CHORUS:
Two against nature tan and lean
Puttin' big heat on skanky things unseen
Two against nature slinging dread
These boys wanna bang the skulls of things undead
T-Bone Angie she champion liar
Sew the mouth shut with rusty chicken wire
Brother Lou Garue and the Jerry Garry
Sprinkling chicken water gonna hush all three
Beautiful housewife in deep distress
'Specially you deserve our very best
Two against nature they got that stuff
Good things happening when you see about us
CHORUS:
Two against nature love this gig
Pull up the weeds before they're too damn big
Two against nature stand alone
Who's gonna chase the shape of things unknown
Two against nature don't you know
Who's gonna drop the boom on things to go
Two against nature make them groan
Gonna go bang-zoom to the moon on things unknown
Scrape the wallboards the whole damn batch
Catch the maggoty eggs before they hatch
Pepper and ratbone make damn sure
Shake the rubbish out on the patio floor
Soak the timber with special spray
Nuke the itty bitty ones right where they lay
Whip the bastards while they still green
Take the firemop - sweep it kissing clean
8. "Godwhacker", off Everything Must Go
Just what it sounds like--a theocidal detective agency. This song ought to be made into a video game or an anime or something.
Download Godwhacker.
Other people explain "Godwhacker"
LYRICS:
In the beginning
We could hang with the dude
But it's been too much of nothing
Of that stank attitude
Now they curse your name
And there's a bounty on your face
It's your own fault daddy
GodWhacker's on the case
We track your almighty ass
Thru seven heaven-worlds
Me, Slinky Redfoot
And our trusty angel-girls
And when the stars bleed out
That be the fever of the chase
You better get gone poppie
GodWhacker's on the case
Be very very quiet
Clock everything you see
Little things might matter later
At the start of the end of history
Climb up the glacier
Across bridges of light
We sniff you, Big Tiger
In the forest of the night
'Cause there's no escape
From the Rajahs of Erase
You better run run run
GodWhacker's on the case
Be very very quiet
Clock everything you see
Little things might matter later
At the start of the end of history
Yes we are the GodWhackers
Who rip and chop and slice
For crimes beyond imagining
It's time to pay the price
You better step back son
Give the man some whackin' space
You know this might get messy
GodWhacker's on the case
9. "With A Gun", off Pretzel Logic
The first half of this song reminds me of "Dead Man." The second half reminds me of "River's Edge." However, the plot has nothing to do with either of these, and is in fact a story complete in itself.
Download With A Gun.
Other people explain "With A Gun"
LYRICS:
I could be wrong but I have seen your face before
You were the man that I saw running from his door
You owed him money but you gave him something more
CHORUS:
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?
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
CHORUS
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
CHORUS
10. "Do It Again", off Can't Buy A Thrill
Reincarnation and karma in the Old West. Very popular song, relatively speaking; it's the only Steely Dan song I've ever heard being played on the radio.
Download Do It Again.
Other people explain "Do It Again"
LYRICS:
In the mornin you go gunnin'
For the man who stole your water
And you fire till he is done in
But they catch you at the border
And the mourners are all singin'
As they drag you by your feet
But the hangman isn't hangin'
And they put you on the street
CHORUS:
You go back Jack do it again
Wheel turnin' 'round and 'round
You go back Jack do it again
When you know she's no high climber
Then you find your only friend
In a room with your two timer
And you're sure you're near the end
Then you love a little wild one
And she brings you only sorrow
All the time you know she's smilin'
You'll be on your knees tomorrow
CHORUS
Now you swear and kick and beg us
That you're not a gamblin' man
Then you find you're back in Vegas
With a handle in your hand
Your black cards can make you money
So you hide them when you're able
In the land of milk and honey
You must put them on the table
CHORUS
If people like these, I'll make another list sometime.
Steely Dan songs that I think will inspire people in some way.
Why? Steely Dan is my favorite band. Ever, ever, ever. Even more so than the Beatles, with whom I was obsessed for a year. Even more so than Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin with their collections of sonic virtuosos. Even more so than Guns 'N' Roses, whose "Appetite for Destruction" album sparked my adolescent rebellion. Even more so than Oingo Boingo, and it's pretty hard to displace Oingo Boingo in my current pantheon of bands.
On the surface, this is kind of a weird choice. I am a hard-rocking nerd chick, after all, and Steely Dan is not hard in the least. (The lyrics maybe, but that's a different kind of hard entirely.) They're jazz rock, college rock, the kind of '70s fusion that got played by baby hipsters in dorm rooms and coffeeshops instead of in discos and arenas.
They even sound old. This isn't music that's cool because your dad used to listen to it when he was a teenager, this is music that your dad still listens to. Nobody under the age of 45 knows who these guys are. I feel like I'm having a midlife crisis just humming "Hey, Nineteen." (Granted, "Hey, Nineteen" would make anyone feel like having a midlife crisis so that they could sleep with teenagers who don't know who Aretha Franklin is. "She thinks I'm crazy, but I'm just growing old...")
It's good music, though. Jazz fusion (not lame-ass soft jazz, good Charlie Parker stuff), blues structures, seemingly simple lyrics with incredibly obfuscated meanings. There's even a page for decoding the lyrics and references: FeverDreams.Net. The themes are deceptive, universal, often subversive (once you figure out what they're talking about, anyway).
I started listening to Steely Dan because my dad would play "Can't Buy A Thrill" to get me to go to sleep when I was young. He pulled out his old records this summer, and hearing them was like being 7 years old again. (This has happened with Elvis Costello, Van Morrison, Hot Rize...Dad has good taste in music. He's something of a frustrated music critic, I think.)
Why inspired? This is really just a sneaky, weaselly attempt to make people write songfics for a band I'm forcing them to listen to. "Reeling in the Years" is off-limits only because I already used it. Anyway, there's only one of you drooling mofos on my list who even likes Steely Dan, and I feel it is my cultural duty to educate you. Actually, I don't even mind if nobody writes songfics at all. Just tell me what you think of the songs. Or give me money, money is always good. I promise I will forward most of it to Walter Fagen and Donald Becker.
And if that doesn't grab you, keep in mind that the band name is taken from the homoerotic paranoid drug Beat classic "Naked Lunch." In the book, Steely Dan is the name of someone's pet dildo.
There. Now get downloading. All songs are hosted on YouSendIt.Com, so they will be available until around midnight, Friday, April 29th.
1. "Pretzel Logic", off Pretzel Logic
This song is canonically about time travel. Don and Walt have said so in many, many interviews. Unrelatedly, there is a snack store named after this song. I would eat there, just for the hell of it, but I hate pretzels.
Download Pretzel Logic.
Other people explain "Pretzel Logic"
LYRICS:
I would love to tour the Southland
In a travelling minstrel show
Yes I'd love to tour the Southland
In a traveling minstrel show
Yes I'm dying to be a star and make them laugh
Sound just like a record on the phonograph
Those days are gone forever
Over a long time ago, oh yeah
I have never met Napoleon
But I plan to find the time
I have never met Napoleon
But I plan to find the time
'Cause he looked so fine upon that hill
They tell me he was lonely, he's lonely still
Those days are gone forever
Over a long time ago, oh yeah
I stepped up on the platform
The man gave me the news
He said, You must be joking son
Where did you get those shoes?
Where did you get those shoes?
Well, I've seen 'em on the TV, the movie show
They say the times are changing but I just don't know
These things are gone forever
Over a long time ago, oh yeah
2. "My Old School", off Countdown to Ecstasy
Nostalgia for a place you couldn't wait to leave behind. Alternately, it's about a high school kid who gets his girlfriend "in trouble." Any way you interpret it, it's one hell of a cheery song.
Download My Old School.
Other people explain "My Old School"
LYRICS:
I remember the thirty-five sweet goodbyes
When you put me on the Wolverine
Up to Annandale
It was still September
When your daddy was quite surprised
To find you with the working girls
In the county jail
I was smoking with the boys upstairs
When I heard about the whole affair
I said oh no
William and Mary won't do
CHORUS:
Well I did not think the girl
Could be so cruel
And I'm never going back
To my old school
Oleanders growing outside her door
Soon they're gonna be in bloom
Up in Annandale
I can't stand her
Doing what she did before
Living like a gypsy queen
In a fairy tale
Well I hear the whistle but I can't go
I'm gonna take her down to Mexico
She said oh no
Guadalajara won't do
CHORUS
California tumbles into the sea
That'll be the day I go
Back to Annandale
Tried to warn you
About Chino and Daddy Gee
But I can't seem to get to you
Through the U.S. Mail
Well I hear the whistle but I can't go
I'm gonna take her down to Mexico
She said oh no
Guadalajara won't do
CHORUS
3. "Reeling In the Years", off Can't Buy A Thrill
I like this song so much I named a fic after it. This song reminds me a lot of my father, or at least of our relationship. It's a good daddy issues song, seen from the other side. But hey, who doesn't love daddy issues?
Download Reeling In The Years.
Other people explain "Reeling In The Years"
LYRICS:
Your everlasting summer
You can see it fading fast
So you grab a piece of something
That you think is gonna last
You wouldn't know a diamond
If you held it in your hand
The things you think are precious
I can't understand
CHORUS:
Are you reelin' in the years
Stowin' away the time
Are you gatherin' up the tears
Have you had enough of mine
You been tellin' me you're a genius
Since you were seventeen
In all the time I've known you
I still don't know what you mean
The weekend at the college
Didn't turn out like you planned
The things that pass for knowledge
I can't understand
CHORUS
I spend a lot of money
And I spent a lot of time
The trip we made in Hollywood
Is etched upon my mind
After all the things we've done and seen
You find another man
The things you think are useless
I can't understand
CHORUS
4. "Midnight Cruiser", off Can't Buy A Thrill
I'm going to name my first car this. Ironically, it's not a car song at all. I'm not entirely sure what it's about, but it always makes me a little bit sad.
Download Midnight Cruiser.
Other people explain "Midnight Cruiser"
LYRICS:
Felonius my old friend
Step on in and let me shake your hand
So glad that you're here again
For one more time
Let your madness run with mine
Streets still unseen we'll find somehow
No time is better than now
CHORUS:
Tell me where are you driving
Midnight cruiser
Where is your bounty
Of fortune and fame
I am another
Gentlemen loser
Drive me to Harlem
Or somewhere the same
The world that we used to know
People tell me it don't turn no more
The places we used to go
Familiar faces that ain't smilin' like before
The time of our time has come and gone
I fear we been waiting too long
CHORUS
5. "I.G.Y.", off The Nightfly
Stands for "International Geophysical Year." This song always reminds me of the early Heinlein/Asimov stories about fabulous futuristic innovations--so optimistic, so enthusiastic. :sigh: If only the future had been like this.
Download I.G.Y., live version.
Other people explain "I.G.Y."
LYRICS:
Standing tough under stars and stripes
We can tell
This dream's in sight
You've got to admit it
At this point in time that it's clear
The future looks bright
On that train all graphite and glitter
Undersea by rail
Ninety minutes from New York to Paris
Well by seventy-six we'll be A.O.K.
CHORUS:
What a beautiful world this will be
What a glorious time to be free
Get your ticket to that wheel in space
While there's time
The fix is in
You'll be a witness to that game of chance in the sky
You know we've got to win
Here at home we'll play in the city
Powered by the sun
Perfect weather for a streamlined world
There'll be spandex jackets one for everyone
CHORUS
On that train all graphite and glitter
Undersea by rail
Ninety minutes from New York to Paris
(More leisure time for artists everywhere)
A just machine to make big decisions
Programmed by fellows with compassion and vision
We'll be clean when their work is done
We'll be eternally free yes and eternally young
CHORUS
6. "King Of The World", off Countdown to Ecstasy
This song makes me look forward to a post-nuclear-apocalypse scenario. In a good way, because it's actually about the aftermath of a nuclear apocalypse.
Download King Of The World.
Other people explain "King Of The World"
LYRICS:
Hello one and all
Was it you I used to know
Can't you hear me call
On this old ham radio
All I got to say
I'm alive and feeling fine
If you come my way
You can share my poison wine
CHORUS:
No marigolds in the promised land
There's a hole in the ground
Where they used to grow
Any man left on the Rio Grande
Is the king of the world
As far as I know
I don't want your bread
I don't need your helping hand
I can't be no savage
I can't be no highwayman
Show me where you are
You and I will spend this day
Driving in my car
Through the ruins of Santa Fe
CHORUS
I'm reading last year's papers
Although I don't know why
Assassins cons and rapers
Might as well die
If you come around
No more pain and no regrets
Watch the sun go brown
Smoking cobalt cigarettes
There's no need to hide
Taking things the easy way
If I stay inside
I might live til Saturday
CHORUS
7. "Two Against Nature", off Two Against Nature
Voodoo! Zombies! Unnatural creatures and pagan demon-gods molesting vacationers in a ritzy Caribbean resort! This movie, once made, will star Jeff Combs and Bruce Campbell.
Download Two Against Nature.
Other people explain "Two Against Nature"
LYRICS:
Bad news breaking in 18A
Missy's kitty turn inside out she say
Spider queen demon and that whole crew
Across the lobby the wicker wing chair flew
All the nice people those goodly souls
Quaking in their respective hidey-holes
Everyone's wasted in this gruesome dream
Not a one of them left to hear you scream
CHORUS:
Two against nature don't you know
Who's gonna grok the shape of things to go
Two against nature make them groan
Who's gonna break the shape of things unknown
Madame Erzulie she come last night
Bang you silly but leave a nasty bite
There on your nightstand much worse than that
Panatela and old black derby hat
Call your doctor - call your shrink
Western science she strictly rinkydink
They all masissi but we hang tough
Apsatively gonna help you beat that stuff
CHORUS:
Two against nature tan and lean
Puttin' big heat on skanky things unseen
Two against nature slinging dread
These boys wanna bang the skulls of things undead
T-Bone Angie she champion liar
Sew the mouth shut with rusty chicken wire
Brother Lou Garue and the Jerry Garry
Sprinkling chicken water gonna hush all three
Beautiful housewife in deep distress
'Specially you deserve our very best
Two against nature they got that stuff
Good things happening when you see about us
CHORUS:
Two against nature love this gig
Pull up the weeds before they're too damn big
Two against nature stand alone
Who's gonna chase the shape of things unknown
Two against nature don't you know
Who's gonna drop the boom on things to go
Two against nature make them groan
Gonna go bang-zoom to the moon on things unknown
Scrape the wallboards the whole damn batch
Catch the maggoty eggs before they hatch
Pepper and ratbone make damn sure
Shake the rubbish out on the patio floor
Soak the timber with special spray
Nuke the itty bitty ones right where they lay
Whip the bastards while they still green
Take the firemop - sweep it kissing clean
8. "Godwhacker", off Everything Must Go
Just what it sounds like--a theocidal detective agency. This song ought to be made into a video game or an anime or something.
Download Godwhacker.
Other people explain "Godwhacker"
LYRICS:
In the beginning
We could hang with the dude
But it's been too much of nothing
Of that stank attitude
Now they curse your name
And there's a bounty on your face
It's your own fault daddy
GodWhacker's on the case
We track your almighty ass
Thru seven heaven-worlds
Me, Slinky Redfoot
And our trusty angel-girls
And when the stars bleed out
That be the fever of the chase
You better get gone poppie
GodWhacker's on the case
Be very very quiet
Clock everything you see
Little things might matter later
At the start of the end of history
Climb up the glacier
Across bridges of light
We sniff you, Big Tiger
In the forest of the night
'Cause there's no escape
From the Rajahs of Erase
You better run run run
GodWhacker's on the case
Be very very quiet
Clock everything you see
Little things might matter later
At the start of the end of history
Yes we are the GodWhackers
Who rip and chop and slice
For crimes beyond imagining
It's time to pay the price
You better step back son
Give the man some whackin' space
You know this might get messy
GodWhacker's on the case
9. "With A Gun", off Pretzel Logic
The first half of this song reminds me of "Dead Man." The second half reminds me of "River's Edge." However, the plot has nothing to do with either of these, and is in fact a story complete in itself.
Download With A Gun.
Other people explain "With A Gun"
LYRICS:
I could be wrong but I have seen your face before
You were the man that I saw running from his door
You owed him money but you gave him something more
CHORUS:
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?
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
CHORUS
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
CHORUS
10. "Do It Again", off Can't Buy A Thrill
Reincarnation and karma in the Old West. Very popular song, relatively speaking; it's the only Steely Dan song I've ever heard being played on the radio.
Download Do It Again.
Other people explain "Do It Again"
LYRICS:
In the mornin you go gunnin'
For the man who stole your water
And you fire till he is done in
But they catch you at the border
And the mourners are all singin'
As they drag you by your feet
But the hangman isn't hangin'
And they put you on the street
CHORUS:
You go back Jack do it again
Wheel turnin' 'round and 'round
You go back Jack do it again
When you know she's no high climber
Then you find your only friend
In a room with your two timer
And you're sure you're near the end
Then you love a little wild one
And she brings you only sorrow
All the time you know she's smilin'
You'll be on your knees tomorrow
CHORUS
Now you swear and kick and beg us
That you're not a gamblin' man
Then you find you're back in Vegas
With a handle in your hand
Your black cards can make you money
So you hide them when you're able
In the land of milk and honey
You must put them on the table
CHORUS
If people like these, I'll make another list sometime.
