Steely Dan's 'Can't Buy a Thrill' Turns 50 - WSJ

About the song

Emerging from the 1970s New York music scene, Steely Dan stands as a testament to the enduring power of sophisticated songwriting and musical craftsmanship. Their music, a fusion of jazz, rock, and pop, has captivated audiences for decades, with their intricate melodies, witty lyrics, and sharp social commentary. Among their extensive discography, “Jack of Speed” from their 2000 album Two Against Nature stands out as a poignant exploration of addiction and redemption.

“Jack of Speed” opens with a deceptively lighthearted melody, a gentle guitar strumming and a jaunty piano riff that belie the song’s darker undertones. The lyrics, penned by the duo of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, introduce us to the titular character, a “jack of speed,” a hustler peddling amphetamines, a man living life in the fast lane. The verses paint a vivid picture of his world, a world of fleeting pleasures and artificial highs, where “time’s a blur” and “the future’s unclear.”

As the song progresses, the music takes on a more ominous tone, the piano chords becoming heavier, the guitar riffs more urgent. The lyrics delve deeper into the protagonist’s addiction, revealing the desperation and emptiness that lie beneath the surface of his fast-paced lifestyle. He’s “locked out on the dancing zone,” trapped in a cycle of self-destruction, yearning for “one full-blown till closer” to the oblivion that awaits him.

The chorus, with its soaring harmonies and emphatic delivery, serves as a stark wake-up call. “Will you be laughing when you’re all alone looking down on the other side?” Fagen and Becker pose a haunting question, forcing the listener to confront the consequences of unchecked addiction.

The bridge offers a glimmer of hope, a suggestion of redemption. The protagonist acknowledges the destructive path he’s on, admitting that he’s “got that joint but he’s gone, he’s been in your bed, he’s gone.” There’s a hint of regret, a longing for a different life, a life free from the shackles of addiction.

The final verse leaves the listener with a sense of uncertainty. The protagonist’s fate remains unknown, but the underlying message is clear: addiction is a powerful force, but it is not insurmountable. With self-awareness and the willingness to seek help, there is always a chance for redemption.

“Jack of Speed” is a masterful blend of musicality and lyrical depth, a song that captures the complexities of addiction and the human struggle for redemption. Steely Dan’s songwriting prowess shines through, their ability to weave intricate melodies with poignant lyrics that resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level. It’s a song that lingers long after the last note has faded, a reminder of the fragility of the human spirit and the power of music to touch our souls.

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Lyrics

Teddy’s rolling now most every nightSkatin’ backwards at the speed of lightHe’s changed in a thousand little waysHe’s changed yes indeedYou know he’s movin’ on metal yes he’sHanging tight with the Jack of Speed
Sheena’s party there’s a case in pointThat right wing hooey sure stunk up the jointHe’s gone he walks through the old routinesBut he’s gone guaranteedHe may be sittin’ in the kitchen, but he’sSteppin’ out with the Jack of Speed
You maybe got lucky for a few good yearsBut there’s no way back from there to hereHe’s a one way riderOn the shriek expressAnd his new best friend is at the throttle more or less
He can’t hear you honey, that’s alrightPack some things and head up into the lightDon’t stop, he’ll be callin’ out your nameBut don’t stop when you hear him pleadYou better move now little darlin’ or you’ll beTrading fours with the Jack of Speed

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