Deacon Blues by Steely Dan: A Classic Rock Favorite from 1977

Deacon Blues is a song by the American rock band Steely Dan. It was released in 1977 as a single from their album "Aja". The song incorporates elements of jazz, rock, and R&B, and features complex harmonies and intricate instrumentation. The lyrics describe the life of an aspiring musician who dreams of success and recognition. Despite not achieving commercial chart success, "Deacon Blues" has become a fan favorite and is considered one of Steely Dan's most iconic songs.

- The song was released as a single in 1978 from their album "Aja". 

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- It features a jazz-influenced sound and incorporates complex harmonies and chord changes. 

- "Deacon Blues" peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

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

I'll learn to work the saxophone

I'll play just what I feel

Drink Scotch whisky 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'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

I'll learn to work the saxophone

I'll play just what I feel

Drink Scotch whisky 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'll learn to work the saxophone

I'll play just what I feel

Drink Scotch whisky 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