Hello Friends,
Some of you may find this a little over the top, but I have to do it. After 30 years of listening to this song, I think I have it finally:
"This is the day of the expanding man"
Visualize The Hulk or some other comic strip character, expanding so much that he bursts out of his clothing, as a completely new being. Our hero is changing so fast that his former lifestyle cannot contain him any longer.
"That shape is my shade, There where I used to stand"
He has stepped "out of the light" of his former life, but he can still look back and see his shadow. Those are the "old" relationships and routines that are still fresh in his mind. Maybe some guilt or remorse or fear is still haunting him.
"It seems like only yesterday, I gazed through the glass,
At ramblers, wild gamblers, That's all in the past"
He recalls the days when he could only "gaze through the glass", and dream of making the changes he has just decided to make. It was all romance and fantasy, he perceived the world he lusted after as a "wild gamble", not within the realm of anything really possible.
"You call me a fool, You say it's a crazy scheme,
This one's for real, I already bought the dream"
His fantasy has turned into his new reality. He has "bought his dream" with his boldness to step away from his boring, responsible life and take the big chance to be a musician and live the lush life.
"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"
There is no answer to "why". He has to do it, and he knows he will make it. And what is "making it", other than successfully crossing over "that fine line". He has tried before and was unsuccessful.
"I'll learn to work the saxophone, and I'll play just what I feel
Drink Scotch whiskey all night long, And die behind the wheel"
He is not suicidal, oh no. He is caught in the morbid/ romantic imagery of a Charlie Parker, a Billie Holiday, a Jimi Hendrix, a Janis Joplin. A hero of music, who plays or sings with with immortal power. And then dies young, a victim of the ultimate self-destructiveness that was part of his or her vast creative engine.
"They got a name for the winners in the world
And I want a name when I lose"
He knows he is second rate, he will never be a great musician, one of the winners. But he will be a loser who had the courage to be himself, to declare his name against all odds.
"They call Alabama the Crimson Tide, Call me Deacon Blues"
I believe this is a reference to a college football team that never won a game. It somehow gained a mythic power to its reputation as a loser. You can have a name, even when you lose.
"My back to the wall, A victim of laughing chance"
His choice is no longer his own, he is a victim of the force of chance, which has him "against the wall", with nowhere else to go.
"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"
A libation is an ancient ritualistic pouring of water on an altar, known to many religions and cultures, and is well documented in the Old Testament. He is pouring out his soul as a "libation service" to his new religion. His new spiritual world is full of sensations that are so powerful and real that they "stagger the mind"
"I'll rise when the sun goes down, Cover every game in town
A world of my own, I'll make it my home sweet home"
As a man of the night, a working musician, he will inhabit a new world, one that he can call his own, because he sets his own goals, works his own schedule, far away from the business world. It will be his new home, where he will feel comfortable, safe and loved.
"This is the night of the expanding man"
So the day has turned into night. The "day" was the preparation, the drama of the changes he made. The night is the real thing. His first gig as a working musician, now that he has quit his job, severed many relationships, and perhaps has moved to a new town.
"I take one last drag, As I approach the stand"
One last drag of the spiritual cigarette, the last memory of his former life. Then he puts out the cig, goes up to the bandstand, and he is ready to start a new life.
"I cried when I wrote this song, Sue me if I play too long
This brother lives free, I'll be what I want to be"
Please forgive him the sentimentality of his rare emotional state at his debut, which is likely to be expressed in a sax solo which is much too long to be musically appropriate. However, he wants us to know that he has finally "made it". He is free at last. His long solo will be a testament to his new self.
"'They call Alabama the Crimson Tide, Call me Deacon Blues'
I believe this is a reference to a college football team that never won a game. It somehow gained a mythic power to its reputation as a loser. You can have a name, even when you lose. "
"'They call Alabama the Crimson Tide, Call me Deacon Blues'
I believe this is a reference to a college football team that never won a game. It somehow gained a mythic power to its reputation as a loser. You can have a name, even when you lose. "
You are an idiot. Did you even do any research in this idiotic explanation. You can easily read any interview about the song (hell, or even look at the Wikipedia page) and you would know that Deacon Blues was the name for the loser. "The call Alabama The Crimson Tide" refers to the fact that the University of Alabama football team has always been a perennial powerhouse in the NCAA.
Check your facks next time, buddy.
this is one of the best song anaylsis ive ever read. I already know this song is all about the true artist soul and the fuck all to everyone and everything else. but i love to hear it explained by someone who has lived a life w respect to this song. and umm, wow killthecue ur so dumb ur lucky you'll never know to what extent.
this is one of the best song anaylsis ive ever read. I already know this song is all about the true artist soul and the fuck all to everyone and everything else. but i love to hear it explained by someone who has lived a life w respect to this song. and umm, wow killthecue ur so dumb ur lucky you'll never know to what extent.
I've said this before but it bears repeating. The song is actually pretty straightforward. As humans, we search for greater meaning in mundane things. While it's true the song may be a metaphor of a higher meaning to life, it's clear they are once again writing about their first love: 50's & 60's jazz. All good writers use allusions but when you overanalyze things, we come up with preposterous meanings. Which is why Becker and Fagen love to make fun of the silly "meanings" people come up with.
I've said this before but it bears repeating. The song is actually pretty straightforward. As humans, we search for greater meaning in mundane things. While it's true the song may be a metaphor of a higher meaning to life, it's clear they are once again writing about their first love: 50's & 60's jazz. All good writers use allusions but when you overanalyze things, we come up with preposterous meanings. Which is why Becker and Fagen love to make fun of the silly "meanings" people come up with.
Dude, it looks like you put a great deal of thought into this and I don't want to rain on your parade, but you are soooo wrong! I'm just glad that Fagen will probably never read this, because he's likely to have a stroke, right after he gets done laughing himself sick.
Dude, it looks like you put a great deal of thought into this and I don't want to rain on your parade, but you are soooo wrong! I'm just glad that Fagen will probably never read this, because he's likely to have a stroke, right after he gets done laughing himself sick.
Well thought out and explained. Brother, I think you are on the right track. EXCEPT for the Crimson Tide logic - They got a [nick]name for the WINNERS in the world (i.e. one of the greatest football teams/schools EVER - Alabama's Crimson Tide (WINNER) and "I want a name when I LOSE". (WINNERS have nicknames, so should LOSERS have nicknames. Ergo, in John Lennon's words, "I'm a LOSER," and I want to be known as 'Deacon Blue'. (A pretty good nickname especially for a loser.) [Crimson (for a WINNER) vs. Blue (for a LOSER). Apropos for a loser.
Also, my...
Well thought out and explained. Brother, I think you are on the right track. EXCEPT for the Crimson Tide logic - They got a [nick]name for the WINNERS in the world (i.e. one of the greatest football teams/schools EVER - Alabama's Crimson Tide (WINNER) and "I want a name when I LOSE". (WINNERS have nicknames, so should LOSERS have nicknames. Ergo, in John Lennon's words, "I'm a LOSER," and I want to be known as 'Deacon Blue'. (A pretty good nickname especially for a loser.) [Crimson (for a WINNER) vs. Blue (for a LOSER). Apropos for a loser.
Also, my take on "I'll learn to WORK the saxophone . . ." Fagan already knows how to PLAY music, he would only have to master the mechanics of playing on another instrument (Saxophone).
Anyway . . . great song and good explanation.
@jake58 I agree with almost everything here and that's been my interpretation as well. It's a fantastic song. I'm not sure what these other people are talking about.
@KillTheCue -- I'm sure he is talking about the Demon Deacons as the losers. Although this point really has noting to do with the interpretation of the song.
@Blues33, you're not quoting from Fagen, you're quoting from a guy interpreting a Fagen quote. Much different. If you read the original quote, it pretty much applies to the above interpretation. feverdreams.whatsmykarma.com/deaconblues.htm
@jake58 I agree with almost everything here and that's been my interpretation as well. It's a fantastic song. I'm not sure what these other people are talking about.
@KillTheCue -- I'm sure he is talking about the Demon Deacons as the losers. Although this point really has noting to do with the interpretation of the song.
@Blues33, you're not quoting from Fagen, you're quoting from a guy interpreting a Fagen quote. Much different. If you read the original quote, it pretty much applies to the above interpretation. feverdreams.whatsmykarma.com/deaconblues.htm
In any case, it's about what the song means to you that's important, rather than trying to figure out exactly what was in the artist's head at the time.
@jake58 An absolutely brilliant analysis Jake. You absolutely nailed it, or at least how I interpret the song as well. All those naysayers who replied to you can go suck a duck.
@jake58 An absolutely brilliant analysis Jake. You absolutely nailed it, or at least how I interpret the song as well. All those naysayers who replied to you can go suck a duck.
I like some of what you wrote, but in no way do I think this song (or most of SD's songs) are autobiographical in the sense you say. Neither Becker nor Fagan thought of themselves as losers (they just were willing to take risks, which means sometimes you'll be a "loser" They're making fun of people who live by the ethics of sports (like Alabama's Crimson Tide).
I like some of what you wrote, but in no way do I think this song (or most of SD's songs) are autobiographical in the sense you say. Neither Becker nor Fagan thought of themselves as losers (they just were willing to take risks, which means sometimes you'll be a "loser" They're making fun of people who live by the ethics of sports (like Alabama's Crimson Tide).
Deacons are staid, they are reliable, and in this case, 'blue."
Deacons are staid, they are reliable, and in this case, 'blue."
@jake58 great write up and mostly sums up how I hear the song. Personally think you're looking too deeply into libations, sensations though. Totally missed the mark on Crimson Tide. Good analysis though.
@jake58 great write up and mostly sums up how I hear the song. Personally think you're looking too deeply into libations, sensations though. Totally missed the mark on Crimson Tide. Good analysis though.
Hello Friends, Some of you may find this a little over the top, but I have to do it. After 30 years of listening to this song, I think I have it finally:
"This is the day of the expanding man" Visualize The Hulk or some other comic strip character, expanding so much that he bursts out of his clothing, as a completely new being. Our hero is changing so fast that his former lifestyle cannot contain him any longer.
"That shape is my shade, There where I used to stand" He has stepped "out of the light" of his former life, but he can still look back and see his shadow. Those are the "old" relationships and routines that are still fresh in his mind. Maybe some guilt or remorse or fear is still haunting him.
"It seems like only yesterday, I gazed through the glass, At ramblers, wild gamblers, That's all in the past" He recalls the days when he could only "gaze through the glass", and dream of making the changes he has just decided to make. It was all romance and fantasy, he perceived the world he lusted after as a "wild gamble", not within the realm of anything really possible.
"You call me a fool, You say it's a crazy scheme, This one's for real, I already bought the dream" His fantasy has turned into his new reality. He has "bought his dream" with his boldness to step away from his boring, responsible life and take the big chance to be a musician and live the lush life.
"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" There is no answer to "why". He has to do it, and he knows he will make it. And what is "making it", other than successfully crossing over "that fine line". He has tried before and was unsuccessful.
"I'll learn to work the saxophone, and I'll play just what I feel Drink Scotch whiskey all night long, And die behind the wheel" He is not suicidal, oh no. He is caught in the morbid/ romantic imagery of a Charlie Parker, a Billie Holiday, a Jimi Hendrix, a Janis Joplin. A hero of music, who plays or sings with with immortal power. And then dies young, a victim of the ultimate self-destructiveness that was part of his or her vast creative engine.
"They got a name for the winners in the world And I want a name when I lose" He knows he is second rate, he will never be a great musician, one of the winners. But he will be a loser who had the courage to be himself, to declare his name against all odds. "They call Alabama the Crimson Tide, Call me Deacon Blues" I believe this is a reference to a college football team that never won a game. It somehow gained a mythic power to its reputation as a loser. You can have a name, even when you lose.
"My back to the wall, A victim of laughing chance" His choice is no longer his own, he is a victim of the force of chance, which has him "against the wall", with nowhere else to go.
"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" A libation is an ancient ritualistic pouring of water on an altar, known to many religions and cultures, and is well documented in the Old Testament. He is pouring out his soul as a "libation service" to his new religion. His new spiritual world is full of sensations that are so powerful and real that they "stagger the mind"
"I'll rise when the sun goes down, Cover every game in town A world of my own, I'll make it my home sweet home" As a man of the night, a working musician, he will inhabit a new world, one that he can call his own, because he sets his own goals, works his own schedule, far away from the business world. It will be his new home, where he will feel comfortable, safe and loved.
"This is the night of the expanding man" So the day has turned into night. The "day" was the preparation, the drama of the changes he made. The night is the real thing. His first gig as a working musician, now that he has quit his job, severed many relationships, and perhaps has moved to a new town. "I take one last drag, As I approach the stand" One last drag of the spiritual cigarette, the last memory of his former life. Then he puts out the cig, goes up to the bandstand, and he is ready to start a new life.
"I cried when I wrote this song, Sue me if I play too long This brother lives free, I'll be what I want to be" Please forgive him the sentimentality of his rare emotional state at his debut, which is likely to be expressed in a sax solo which is much too long to be musically appropriate. However, he wants us to know that he has finally "made it". He is free at last. His long solo will be a testament to his new self.
Let's all wish him well.
"'They call Alabama the Crimson Tide, Call me Deacon Blues' I believe this is a reference to a college football team that never won a game. It somehow gained a mythic power to its reputation as a loser. You can have a name, even when you lose. "
"'They call Alabama the Crimson Tide, Call me Deacon Blues' I believe this is a reference to a college football team that never won a game. It somehow gained a mythic power to its reputation as a loser. You can have a name, even when you lose. "
You are an idiot. Did you even do any research in this idiotic explanation. You can easily read any interview about the song (hell, or even look at the Wikipedia page) and you would know that Deacon Blues was the name for the loser. "The call Alabama The Crimson Tide" refers to the fact that the University of Alabama football team has always been a perennial powerhouse in the NCAA. Check your facks next time, buddy.
this is one of the best song anaylsis ive ever read. I already know this song is all about the true artist soul and the fuck all to everyone and everything else. but i love to hear it explained by someone who has lived a life w respect to this song. and umm, wow killthecue ur so dumb ur lucky you'll never know to what extent.
this is one of the best song anaylsis ive ever read. I already know this song is all about the true artist soul and the fuck all to everyone and everything else. but i love to hear it explained by someone who has lived a life w respect to this song. and umm, wow killthecue ur so dumb ur lucky you'll never know to what extent.
I've said this before but it bears repeating. The song is actually pretty straightforward. As humans, we search for greater meaning in mundane things. While it's true the song may be a metaphor of a higher meaning to life, it's clear they are once again writing about their first love: 50's & 60's jazz. All good writers use allusions but when you overanalyze things, we come up with preposterous meanings. Which is why Becker and Fagen love to make fun of the silly "meanings" people come up with.
I've said this before but it bears repeating. The song is actually pretty straightforward. As humans, we search for greater meaning in mundane things. While it's true the song may be a metaphor of a higher meaning to life, it's clear they are once again writing about their first love: 50's & 60's jazz. All good writers use allusions but when you overanalyze things, we come up with preposterous meanings. Which is why Becker and Fagen love to make fun of the silly "meanings" people come up with.
Dude, it looks like you put a great deal of thought into this and I don't want to rain on your parade, but you are soooo wrong! I'm just glad that Fagen will probably never read this, because he's likely to have a stroke, right after he gets done laughing himself sick.
Dude, it looks like you put a great deal of thought into this and I don't want to rain on your parade, but you are soooo wrong! I'm just glad that Fagen will probably never read this, because he's likely to have a stroke, right after he gets done laughing himself sick.
For what this song is really about I present an explanation straight from the horse's mouth, as it were: "Fagen has said that the narrator is a middle class suburban kid newly besotted by jazz and Beat culture, and indeed, listening carefully suggests just the sort of over-romantic naiveté and general cluelessness that one would expect from someone attracted to a lifestyle he does not yet understand. The great opening line of the chorus, "Learn to work the saxophone," suggests that he doesn't even have his verbs straight yet! " so says Stewart Mason, the reviewer of this song for All Music. The lines " drink Scotch whiskey all night long and die behind the wheel" is not a death wish or the ultimate end, it simply represents what this kid thinks this lifestyle is all about. It has been suggested that the "languid and bittersweet" voice of Fagen in this song is so emotional because he is remembering the teenage Fagen and Becker. Oh, and the libation thing....I was laughing fit to die up in here....dude.."libation, sensation" is just another reference to 2 of Fagen's favorite subjects...booze and sex. Please forgive the sarcasm but after 20 years of listening to Steely Dan, some of it has rather rubbed off.
Well thought out and explained. Brother, I think you are on the right track.
Well thought out and explained. Brother, I think you are on the right track.
Well thought out and explained. Brother, I think you are on the right track. EXCEPT for the Crimson Tide logic - They got a [nick]name for the WINNERS in the world (i.e. one of the greatest football teams/schools EVER - Alabama's Crimson Tide (WINNER) and "I want a name when I LOSE". (WINNERS have nicknames, so should LOSERS have nicknames. Ergo, in John Lennon's words, "I'm a LOSER," and I want to be known as 'Deacon Blue'. (A pretty good nickname especially for a loser.) [Crimson (for a WINNER) vs. Blue (for a LOSER). Apropos for a loser. Also, my...
Well thought out and explained. Brother, I think you are on the right track. EXCEPT for the Crimson Tide logic - They got a [nick]name for the WINNERS in the world (i.e. one of the greatest football teams/schools EVER - Alabama's Crimson Tide (WINNER) and "I want a name when I LOSE". (WINNERS have nicknames, so should LOSERS have nicknames. Ergo, in John Lennon's words, "I'm a LOSER," and I want to be known as 'Deacon Blue'. (A pretty good nickname especially for a loser.) [Crimson (for a WINNER) vs. Blue (for a LOSER). Apropos for a loser. Also, my take on "I'll learn to WORK the saxophone . . ." Fagan already knows how to PLAY music, he would only have to master the mechanics of playing on another instrument (Saxophone). Anyway . . . great song and good explanation.
Nicely said, Jake. I pretty much agree with everything you said!
Nicely said, Jake. I pretty much agree with everything you said!
@jake58 I agree with almost everything here and that's been my interpretation as well. It's a fantastic song. I'm not sure what these other people are talking about. @KillTheCue -- I'm sure he is talking about the Demon Deacons as the losers. Although this point really has noting to do with the interpretation of the song. @Blues33, you're not quoting from Fagen, you're quoting from a guy interpreting a Fagen quote. Much different. If you read the original quote, it pretty much applies to the above interpretation. feverdreams.whatsmykarma.com/deaconblues.htm
@jake58 I agree with almost everything here and that's been my interpretation as well. It's a fantastic song. I'm not sure what these other people are talking about. @KillTheCue -- I'm sure he is talking about the Demon Deacons as the losers. Although this point really has noting to do with the interpretation of the song. @Blues33, you're not quoting from Fagen, you're quoting from a guy interpreting a Fagen quote. Much different. If you read the original quote, it pretty much applies to the above interpretation. feverdreams.whatsmykarma.com/deaconblues.htm
In any case, it's about what the song means to you that's important, rather than trying to figure out exactly what was in the artist's head at the time.
@jake58 An absolutely brilliant analysis Jake. You absolutely nailed it, or at least how I interpret the song as well. All those naysayers who replied to you can go suck a duck.
@jake58 An absolutely brilliant analysis Jake. You absolutely nailed it, or at least how I interpret the song as well. All those naysayers who replied to you can go suck a duck.
@jake58 I'm sorry, dude - but that's just wack.
@jake58 I'm sorry, dude - but that's just wack.
@jake58
@jake58
I like some of what you wrote, but in no way do I think this song (or most of SD's songs) are autobiographical in the sense you say. Neither Becker nor Fagan thought of themselves as losers (they just were willing to take risks, which means sometimes you'll be a "loser" They're making fun of people who live by the ethics of sports (like Alabama's Crimson Tide).
I like some of what you wrote, but in no way do I think this song (or most of SD's songs) are autobiographical in the sense you say. Neither Becker nor Fagan thought of themselves as losers (they just were willing to take risks, which means sometimes you'll be a "loser" They're making fun of people who live by the ethics of sports (like Alabama's Crimson Tide).
Deacons are staid, they are reliable, and in this case, 'blue."
Deacons are staid, they are reliable, and in this case, 'blue."
@jake58 great write up and mostly sums up how I hear the song. Personally think you're looking too deeply into libations, sensations though. Totally missed the mark on Crimson Tide. Good analysis though.
@jake58 great write up and mostly sums up how I hear the song. Personally think you're looking too deeply into libations, sensations though. Totally missed the mark on Crimson Tide. Good analysis though.