The song Steely Dan wrote to mock John Lennon

Like many of the biggest groups of the early 1970s, Steely Dan grew up under the shadow of The Beatles. When Donald Fagen and Walter Becker came together in 1971, the pioneering group had already been broken up for more than a year. They may have wondered if they had somehow absorbed the ghost of ‘The Fab Four’ and that it was their responsibility to carry the flame in their absence. Indeed, Fagen and Becker intentionally modelled themselves off The Beatles, choosing to emphasise writing and recording than relentless touring. However, Steely Dan could also be highly critical of The Beatles’ former members at times.

[@Amphy002]

Elton John sent a Christmas card to the Lennons in New York, where they occupied an entire floor of the Dakota Building. He inscribed: "Imagine six apartments/It isn't hard to do/One is full of fur coats/Another just for shoes".

[@MichaelKurse]

😆😆😆

[@dougbennett8592]

Elton is da man!

[@jivanvasant]

The room full of fur coats was refrigerated to protect the natural animal hair from deterioration and insects. The room had almost 100 full-length mink and other highly valued fur coats. Elton John probably had a large room to hold his vast collection of designer eye-glasses.

[@nobbynoris]

Elton John has always been too harsh on himself.

[@blehoo1]

Elton - infinitely better songwriter than Paul McCartney has ever been

[@granthurlburt4062]

They didnt "model themselves on the Beatles". They just didnt like touring.

[@michaelfallon2527]

No. Becker was a perfectionist.

[@timthetoolman5522]

@@michaelfallon2527 They both were known as perfectionists.

[@kamikariad]

I literally laughed out loud when he said that.

[@Dan-nt2yb]

Yup.

[@johnsimonritchie326]

Correct. Why would Steely Dan model themselves after a multi-millionaire who when he wasn't writing gibberish like "Imagine no possessions?" liked to run around a club in LA wearing a Kotex pad on his head ?.

[@scottboettcher]

To this day I still use Steely Dan tunes to demo stereo gear. Not many better bands to do this with, and the songs are still fresh today.

[@dm2156]

Me too, also Alan Parsons

[@NonEuclideanTacoCannon]

My car has garbage speakers and only the amp built into the head unit, and Steely Dan still sounds phenomenal. Just all around expertly crafted music. Perhaps not coincidentally, I mostly listen to Steely Dan while driving.

[@williamchiafos3889]

If you went into MOST stereo shops you would find Alan Parsons. One of the best sound engineers who did Abby Road and Dark Side of the Moon.

[@Oxmyx01]

What's a 'stereo?'

[@scottboettcher]

@@williamchiafos3889 100%

[@robertmaybeth3434]

I'll always be grateful I got to see these legends in a live performance. They were doing one of their rare tours, and were at Irvine amphitheater c. 1997, normally I really dislike crowds and lines but to see these two greats, I felt like I was walking on air while cold sober. Becker was dressed in jeans like an every man, which he wasn't of course, but Donald Fagen proceeded to take over the show dressed in 90's dark casual suit with no tie that was the style. Fagen's performance was effortless and it was obvious we were watching a master at work; watching him and Becker perform as Steely Dan for one of the last times, was an experience I remember with reverence. Sadly Walter Becker left us in 2017 - but I'll always remember the time I saw two legends of music perform live.

[@granthurlburt4062]

Me too. Once, outside Scranton, PA. The band was like one huge instrument, all parts working perfectly together. Loved them from their first album.

[@schtuke]

Yup. Saw them in '93 and '94. Unforgettable.

[@avgjoegeek71]

I was at that show - unfort NOT very sober. But... I swear you could drop the needle on any song they were playing and you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between the live song and the LP version. They were just that good. Definitely in the top #5 concerts I've been able to go to.

[@bajemo359]

Watched their live performance in Minneapolis in 1997. They were great!!

[@TheDrummer51]

Thanks for the description. I got every record the Dan ever made but didn't get to see them live. They always inspired me to be a better musician. Thanks for filling out the image.

[@leond5647]

"Imagine no possessions..." John left his son, Julian, out of his will.

[@QueenAstroParticle]

He left everything to his wife, apparently trusting her to take care of things fairly...

[@johnsimonritchie326]

@@QueenAstroParticle I heard that he had left it all to her to be used for singing lessons.

[@alukuhito]

I heard that Julian actually had to buy some of the things from Yoko that should have been his birthrights.

[@FreshSocks89]

This gets said a lot. But most don’t anticipate getting assassinated at 40. Even if a person gets sick at that age they have trouble writing out a will

[@kuttycrew]

Imagine no possession Yoko

[@Semiam1]

The older you get as a man in this world, the more you understand and appreciate Steely Dan

[@mctavish23]

Exactly

[@johnanthonycafe2993]

Very talented & not fully appreciated at the time

[@dogscratchedoor]

S*ckd back then and still does. Thas facts man. 😂

[@seanautilis15]

I agree completely. One of the best bands ever, musically and lyrically.

[@mikeg3439]

As a 14 year old, I thought it was a nice song. As a 24 year old, I realized more what it meant. By age 54 I remember having experienced a deeper feeling and thought process about it.

[@garymiller95]

I was a DJ at a small station in central Vermont in '72. Went to Baltimore to visit my very hip cousin who turned me on to SD ("Do It Again"). Bought a copy of the album and played the vinyl on air, for the first time in that area, I suspect. Was that really half a century ago?

[@finddeniro]

Yes...time Rolls...Laugh it Up.

[@Jackdelroy1]

Aja is one of the best albums of all time

[@garagedancer122]

Nearly every Steely Dan song has a message you can spend a lifetime trying to decipher.

[@danielh9844]

Or as my girlfriend used to say, "Their lyrics don't make any sense." It was hard to argue with her on that one.

[@twoblacklabs904]

Hey Dancer, ever the rabbit hole diver, I’ve wasted a lot of time in the past trying to analyze Becker & Fagen’s lyrics. I’ve resigned myself to just enjoy what I’m hearing musically first, and the analysis is just not that “important” anymore. I’ve heard all the interpretive stories of their deep meaning…and sorry - but I’m just not convinced they want or need ME (of all people) to try and decode the message. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar…

[@jsb354]

@@danielh9844, if your girlfriend is anything like mine, it's pointless to argue with her *on any topic.* 🤗🤗🤗

[@ThatGuyThanus]

Each to their own, I suppose..

[@gabrielleangelica1977]

Yes, who really was Josie?

[@stevendimmock4791]

A multi millionaire rock star telling me to have no possessions has never sat well with me and I applaud Donald Fagan for writing the song. See I'm not the only one.

[@graciesmom62]

Lennon was such a hypocrite , talking about “peace” while he beat up his first wife, Cynthia. He was also notorious for getting drunk and brawling with anyone who pis#ed him off ( the May Pang-Los Angeles -Lost Weekend ). Mr Peace and Love, my ass.

[@alanbates9073]

he said Imagine

[@colindeer9657]

Fully agree and that’s why he was killed too not that it’s a reason to kill but what a hypocrite ! RIP Walter . Walter and Donald were both geniuses. Thank God we still have Donald.

[@omnipresent1215]

20 years ago when I was younger and certainly dumber I would have disagreed with you. Thankfully many of us, including me got older and wiser. To the greater degree, John was just another boring virtue signaler. And Yoko Ono? OMG... WTF. But his marrying her only serves to support my feelings on the matter today. My god she's a tw*t.

[@steve55sogood16]

It was, and is, an aspiration, but only an unintelligent goon would think otherwise!

[@danielcarroll5667]

I remember someone doing a one line review of the song at the time "Imagine John with no possessions"

[@someguy7805]

"Imagine" is basically the Communist Manifesto set to a catchy tune.

[@someguy7805]

@@Nzbdjcnx What am I biased about exactly?

[@MrDavidknigge]

​@@someguy7805that you feel socialism is a bad thing. Shame on you.

[@someguy7805]

@@MrDavidknigge Shame on you for apparently being ignorant of history.

[@MrDavidknigge]

@@someguy7805 I'm on your side. Just clarifying @NoTime84

[@catsupchutney]

Fair enough. I've gone full circle, having lived through John Lennon worship, and seen the anguish of high school classmates when he was shot. In the end we have to accept that there may be people who accomplish wonderful things, but those same people can be shitty individuals in real life. Whether John or George were as wonderful or as awful as some claim, they impacted generations in tremendous ways.

[@joep1265]

It’s the devils work. He can manipulate and deceive us into believing crap like a stupid Beatles song is worthwhile. It is garbage.

[@robertsmith-xe2iw]

Then of course Paul, never moved overseas and became a tax exile, continued grafting away making music because he loves doing it, has been a clean living vegitarian for decades, set up a school for young musicians, works for numerous charities and travels on public transport.

[@granthurlburt4062]

EXACTLY. It was from reading a volume of Caro's biog. of LBJ I came to think this. LBJ was pretty manipulative reaching the presidency and then he did wonderful things for the common people-the Voting Rights Act, rural electrification, etc. One can't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

[@user-xs3sj3em6u]

Yeah, it's the impact of that song on legions of vacuous groupies and fanbois that I condemn Lennon for

[@jamesmcmenamin4275]

Hmmm. It's possible to see "Only a Fool" as an answer to "Imagine," but in this video I didn't hear any real connection showing Fagan and Becker intended that. On the other hand, Costello's line--"Wasn't it a millionaire who said imagine no possessions?" --leaves no doubt as to the target of his skepticism.

[@user-ei9ns9hq6b]

Good point but I still think he may be right about the true meaning of this song's lyrics.

[@dm2156]

It only feels like a few parts are directed at him, not a huge deal imo

[@michaelconnor1542]

When you realize that Imagine is a hateful anti western society, pro atheists pro communist propaganda piece. Then you get it. I just wish I had heard about their connection sooner. John Lennon was a pos in my opinion. He deserves to be derided. Particularly for how he allowed Ono to treat his son Julian.

[@m-sama2140]

Pretty sure they literally said it was targeted at Lennon in an interview.

[@curiousgemini]

"Imagine there's no money, it easy if you're rich."

[@jhandle4196]

In other words, "Money's not important . . . unless you don't have any."

[@stefanomagaddino6868]

Imagine there's no money, it's easy if your rich; lennon's an efin as*h*le, Yoko's a real b*t*h.

[@patmx5]

Money can’t buy happiness, but it does make the misery easier to bear.

[@GRAHAMAUS]

"I said pretend you've got no money, and she just laughed and said 'ha, you're so funny! I said 'yeah?'..."

[@mollyandzacharyschannel1933]

"john"= the average worker "lennon"= communist "imagine"=commie love song thanks for nothing tavistock institute

[@weeeiweeeibrsp4253]

I learned about it today, and my love for the duo increased to levels that I've never imagined!!

[@the9-2-5outlawgamer]

I had bought their greatest hits CD from 1972 to 78, And in 2000 and they were least “Two Against Nature”. I finally saw the band in 2009. Fagen and Becker Pretty much kept it in the studio releasing album after album. It was very ingenious of the two of them not basing their success on showmanship and more with the songwriting. It was also one of Michael McDonald’s first gigs as a session artist before joining the Doobie brothers in 1976 full-time.

[@gaston6800]

They also have 2003's Everything Must Go

[@Gary_Le_Strange]

at that point The Doobies were dead to me.

[@rayh493]

No disrespect to Becker or Fagen (they are musical geniuses), but deciding to forego touring to create albums in the studio was done by another popular band a few years earlier.

[@oldViking66]

I have always liked Steely Dan since the 1970's

[@graciesmom62]

Saw The Dan live 3 times…they were FANTASTIC ! One of my favorite bands of all time. RIP Walter Becker.

[@AndySalinger33]

lucky bastard! Fantastic! 🤝👍

[@TheScotthutch]

I saw them in April 1974 at the San Diego Sports Arena I was 18yo. I bragged all thru the 80's that I was one of the very few people who had seen them live, then the 90's came and everybody had seen them live! I also saw them here in Houston in the 90's. But yeah, what a band! I was dancing like crazy on the floor of the Sports Arena to my favorite song, Bodhisattva.

[@graciesmom62]

@@AndySalinger33 They were sooooo good ! I don’t think that SD got the recognition that it deserved; BUT I’m so happy that they were inducted by the R&R HOF in 2001, before Walter passed. It blows my mind that they only received 4 Grammys, and not until the 2000s.

[@AndySalinger33]

@@graciesmom62 right on. I’m with you. And yeah, even at the time they were inducted, I recall feeling so glad it was happening while they were both still with us! And though I realize SD is highly regarded by people like us, I agree…they don’t get nearly the accolades and adoration their art rightly deserves. They were simply too smart for this world. Their music was too advanced for its time. And thank God that’s the case, eh? It sure makes for some good listening. As in…a whole lifetime of listening. They are the soundtrack. Cheers. And send my regards to Gracie…wherever she may be.

[@graciesmom62]

@@AndySalinger33 Thank you, Andy. Gracie has passed, but always missed.

[@jamesclark2020]

I loved Steely Dan already. I love Steely Dan even more now.

[@EchoValley-hi9id]

My favorite part of this video is at 4:24 when the ad for the next video covers Yoko's face.

[@connieo1332]

when I was a young child, and I saw all that news about John & Yoko, even as a child I just didn't get it. Was she a witch? Did she cast some sort of weird spell on him? I'd see pictures of his former beautiful wife & I'd scratch my head.

[@babaoreally8220]

Their Royal Scam is a masterpiece,instrumentally and lyrically.

[@blehoo1]

Completely correct.

[@tylerjsmithers8385]

Yes! I love that album!

[@ninamarkovic4853]

Shall check it out thankyou

[@davedecker1725]

Clean this mess up or we'll all end up in jail Those test tubes and the scale. Just get em all outta here. Is there gas in the car? (Yes there's gas in the caah!) I think the people down the hall know who you are! Nobody was singing about stuff like that!!

[@96phjams04]

@@davedecker1725love that song, it’s about owsley Stanley. Old school has references to g Gordon liddy lol

[@davidhurt1579]

The older I get the more I like Steely Dan.

[@24X7CARZ]

It happens.

[@jimmears]

Less.

[@danielprune7921]

It’s old fart 💨 music

[@davidhurt1579]

@@danielprune7921I resemble that remark!

[@leonoranicolaysen2784]

Truth!

[@3257bm]

This made me an instant fan. Calling out the hypocrisy of the elite. They were absolutely right!

[@robertsmith-xe2iw]

True Lennon didn't live his ideals, but if he was an 'elite', Fagen and Becker probably weren't far behind. Donald Fagens net worth was recently estimated at fifty million, presumably Walters worth was about the same. So pretty 'elite" too. Nothing against them haveing a shot at Lennon though, he was a troubled man and could be a right insensitive d**k.

[@themoviedealers]

John Lennon was not elite. He was a working class boy who lucked into money.

[@3257bm]

@@themoviedealers BWAHAHAHAHAHAHHA, whatever you say.

[@DonnaDee-yg4jn]

@@themoviedealers lucked???? he wrote and sang he had talent not everyone does!

[@DonnaDee-yg4jn]

if you say so lol

[@aaronbarrett9894]

I didn't truly appreciate the genius of Steely Dan until I was in my 40's. They're brilliant.

[@TheMarcopix]

I remember Can't Buy a Thrill but I was pretty busy with young living at the time and there was so much amazing music going on. Their catalog is just brilliant and today, I play them almost every day.

[@peterhaslund]

I was in my 50s, having listened mostly to bop. Felt right at home right away

[@mikefishhead]

Passing a fat doobie around and listening to steely dan what great times those were.

[@swingymcswing]

haha, and still are !!

[@lemurianchick]

@@swingymcswing🤡 Ooooo....you're sooo cewl doing bongs....

[@bintavi7034]

@@lemurianchick youre so cool for making fun of people enjoying themselves 🤡

[@malcolmmcfarlane7565]

​@@lemurianchickLemuria, huh? Oooh, your so cool doing new age delusions.

[@panchopuskas1]

I like John Lennon and I also like Paul McCartney and Steely Dan. Jeez.....do we really have to choose and pick a winner ?

[@ElectricBoogaloo007]

I like John Lennon too. And I also agree with Steely Dan's take on John Lennon's song. There. I didn't choose sides or pick a winner.

[@cherylthommo1]

Just thought it was a lovely song. That’s all.

[@janbrayshaw7276]

There is only one winner! John Lennon! Steely Dan has A long way to go YET to equal what John Lennon and The Beatles gave to the World!! Steely Dan didn't even get the real meaning of "IMAGINE"

[@ElectricBoogaloo007]

@@billmiller6274 Mary Ann

[@ili626]

Thank you

[@snakeeyes51]

Most underrated band. I swear I havent heard a song by them that I wasn't vibing to.

[@granthurlburt4062]

Underappreciated. A lot of people dont get even slightly complex music. And lyrics that have different words than you usually hear, and references to places and events not everyone has heard of. I think a lot of people who listen t them also read books!

[@sloburnjo]

Hardly underrated

[@1000buffalos]

Steeley Dan never sound dated. Always fresh.

[@dongravelle1909]

@@sloburnjo If ANYTHING, they HAVE to be the MOST overrated band ever!

[@photoslum]

How are they underrated?

[@tattyshoesshigure5731]

One of the best gigs I ever went to was Steely Dan at the Hammersmith Odeon - or The Apollo as it’s now called. It was in Sept. 2000 & the tickets were an expensive (at that time) £45 each, but the concert they gave was easily worth the money… a superbly balanced sound system meant that each instrument’s output was heard crystal clear with ‘space’ around it, and boy… could the guys play those instruments. The lead guitarist in particular was absolutely brilliant, I think he may have been a session musician Dan liked to tour with, but I don’t actually know. So glad I finally managed to see them live after too many years waiting!

[@henryettacollins9095]

I feel bad for you.

[@tattyshoesshigure5731]

@@henryettacollins9095 you feel bad for me because I went to a great gig?! 🤣

[@Torgo1969]

I don't know about anyone else, but it seems to me that "Do It Again" has lyrics describing various addictions or vices. So I love to play it on the jukebox as I indulge my Bowling addiction. It really is something!

[@mustardtigerbaaaaaam]

Bowling is a great addiction. Good for you!

[@kamikariad]

You need to rock "Miss Marlene" by Fagen. "Can’t you hear the balls rumble? Miss Marlene, We’re still bowling Every Saturday night"

[@Torgo1969]

@@kamikariad Nice!

[@FretlessChris]

Dr. Wu will cure the addiction. ;)

[@The-Contractor]

Steely Dan remains forever one of the cerebral and talented bands of all time.

[@pangeaproxima3681]

ok, ok...

[@a.leemorrisjr.9255]

Cerebral & masters of tongue in cheek self abasement. "The kid will live & learn..., As he watches his bridges burn..., From the point of no return...,😅!

[@blehoo1]

At last some sanity. Well said that man

[@ACDZ123]

Yer so talented that they mis interpret John. He said imagine no possessions. He didn't say do it ffs

[@bradcrosier1332]

@@ACDZ123- Get over your hero worship. Lennon was a hypocrite and an ass, and his music self-important to the point of being trite. Fagan and Becker nailed it, seeing him for exactly what he was.

[@soundacresstudio]

Just another reason why I love Steely Dan.

[@katkk4096]

The Beatles are better.

[@MissMariQueen]

​@@katkk4096nope, they are not.

[@MissMariQueen]

Me too! I must be one of a handful of people who doesn't like The Beatles.

[@katkk4096]

@@MissMariQueen WOMP WOMP the Beatles are a billion times better than steely Dan

[@soundacresstudio]

The Beatles are not even the beginning of a pimple on SD's arse cheek.@@katkk4096

[@dianarockwell6256]

I just learned last weekend that Steely Dan was a band started at Bard College, and originally had three members including a drummer named Chevy Chase. Chase was expelled, and the other two stayed as a band. And it looks like both sides ended up quite successful.

[@dylantwages]

My earliest childhood memory was recognizing "Dirty Work" at age 3. It came on in my parents Corolla two days in a row when i was in the back seat with my family as my dad ran errands. I said outloud this is that dirty work song. It was my first cognizance. The year was 1979 or 1980. Steely Dan will always be my favorite band and i still have never done it without the fez on!

[@robbygaume600]

I wanna be a holy man too. We're about the same age with the same good SD memories. Cheers.

[@daverichardson924]

One of the few good songs they did.

[@Ron_Don_Valante]

@@daverichardson924horrible take. Steely Dan has countless. Kings is 10 times the song off the same album. You don’t know anything

[@user-zo8hh4dv3b]

Only wrote a few good songs? I wouldn't even agree with the statement "they only wrote a few bad songs!" They arguably are one of the top 5 greatest American bands of the 70s & 80s.

[@Ron_Don_Valante]

@@user-zo8hh4dv3b agreed. They made so many classic songs. They aged like fine wine. Truly one of a kind. My favorite album is Katy lied

[@delewan]

Donald Fagan can be polarizing, arrogant, opinionated, and cynical but he's certainly not stupid! He's got a razor sharp wit, and he's pretty well spot on with his criticism.

[@spaceclown7650]

Fagan had "the courage to be disliked" (as Bruce Lee might have put it). And good thing he did. Otherwise we wouldn't have any Steely Dan songs.

[@terryboyer1342]

Kinda sounds like Trump.

[@granthurlburt4062]

@@terryboyer1342 Complete opposite of Trump. complete. Intelligent, sincere, hard working, creates things of value. On one of their later albums he sung "That right-wing hooey sure stunk up the joint".

[@jeffreyhutchins6527]

@@granthurlburt4062 Yeah all those Jobs Trump created were nothing of value to the people that have them.

[@ljgittingeriii3199]

@@granthurlburt4062 yeah, almost as bad as that left wing hooey!

[@dancingdan1994]

As soon as celebs start trying to do a movement that is when I start moving on out. This is up there with the I take responsibility. Love your vid. Keep making them.

[@georgwalter]

does anyone know what song played in the outro?

[@albertamaloney6580]

"It's just a bloody song, mate." - John Lennon

[@mightymikethebear]

It is a song that sucks.

[@laurabeane8862]

"Let's write us a Swimming Pool"-Paul McCartney

[@davidblankenship2720]

Imagine he was on downers that day...... Your correct it's only a song!

[@MrElapid]

Yup, love Lennon but don't like this particular song.

[@petmycat2720]

At least Lennon didn't want to write*******SILLY******* Love songs. And there's nothing wrong with that, if you would like to know.

[@ENigma-um8zw]

They’re both and all great, it’s not an either/or music is a both/and, there’s no need to but boundaries on taste. Grateful for all their music!

[@mikemcwilliams1181]

I think a lot of us, including Steely Dan, are missing the point of "Imagine". It's a wish for the ideal.

[@SM-bm6jo]

The title of the song is "IMAGINE" To imagine does not mean literally abandon your possessions. The point is to take a moment and recognize how attached you are to your things. What are you? You are not your things. That concept is carried throughout the song. Think about how attached your existence is to your ideas. None of those things are as important as they seem.

[@floydthebarber9956]

Funny how it completely flies over the heads of the critics.

[@mariarohmer2374]

Very well said.

[@harmoniabalanza]

and it's a call to others to imagine too.

[@marshwetland3808]

@@floydthebarber9956 Evidently they lack imagination.

[@carolinej3661]

The further I get in time away from the Lennon "mystique," (and I was crazy for him) the more I see him as a poseur and a phony. Yes he was talented and yes he gave us beautiful music (mostly while with Paul et al) - but he lived a life beyond lavish while trying to advise other people what a wonderful world it could be. He was a conspicuous consumer of all the luxuries wealth could afford. And he was a shit to his first wife and son, besides. The fact that he would tie himself to a talentless leech like Ono also says a lot about his real values. Sorry, but the rose-colored glasses were lost many years ago.

[@blehoo1]

Perfectly put. Donald Fagen is a genius as is Walter Becker and both are the real pioneers of modern music. They have sat at the pinnacle of musical artistry for the last 50 years. Utterly peerless in their field.

[@michael69040]

What is one to make of Fagen and Becker that they chose a dildo as their moniker. Was it based on the fear that a woman might find them a disappointment? John Poole

[@trevormillar1576]

I thought Donald Fagan was that loony that broke into Buck House and sat on the foot of Liz's bed.

[@nobbynoris]

Are you serious? The Beatles were the pioneers of modern music. Steely Day turned out queezy 'jazz-pop' for wankers with no taste.

[@blehoo1]

Pioneers!?! Please don't make me laugh. They wrote music like children paint with primary colours particularly Paul Mc who has written about 5 half decent tunes in the last 50 years. You're like some guy who eats McDonalds and insists it's Michelin star quality. Clearly you have no clue. @@nobbynoris

[@ACDZ123]

Steely Dan were nobody's who fed off John Lennon to try be noticed

[@jameswaters3939]

Fagan's song, "IGY/What A Beautiful World" speaks exactly of what Lennon wrote in "Imagine". Either this too is tounge-in-cheek or he was just coming around to the idea of making a better world tomorrow, today.

[@paulhundy2986]

IGY was written about the international geophysical year, which Donald Fagen experienced as a kid, in 1957-58. He was expressing the optimism of the late 50s in America, the IGY had all these great plans but fell short, much like today with various causes

[@jameswaters3939]

@@paulhundy2986 Fagen is now 75 and Lennon would have been 73, so they likely both were aware of IGY in '57/'58. I do agree that "Imagine" is a bit maudlin, Sometimes, we need optimistic persons who say foolish things sometimes.

[@kanlithunder]

​@@jameswaters3939 Good to put these artists into their contexts, particularly as entertainers of complex ideas jammed into 3-to-5 minute pleasures. Lennon: "I don't believe in Buddha". "God" is a test, quite as extreme as "Imagine". Meanwhile "Bodhisattva" sounds too good to be mere satire, but, yes, it's tongue in cheek- SD's detachment is an end in itself while Lennon consistently searches for deeper belief. Lennon (83 this year) is a cynic too, but rarely portrays other people while Fagen and Becker rarely portray themselves. Lennon's work is filled with ways to legitimate something as childlike and elegant as "Imagine". ...."Why on earth are we here? Surely not to live in pain and fear."

[@jameswaters3939]

@@kanlithunder The wry & sly and just the musicianship - S.D. - best ever. Good analysis. S.D. warps my mind with great lyrics, best melodies, just takes me on a ride.

[@guinns.6424]

@@paulhundy2986Exactly! Well said! I was a kid in the 1950’s and received a yearbook describing the International Geophysical Year. I never forgot it so when “IGY” came out I knew exactly what Fagen was describing. (Fun fact: I printed the album cover for “The Nightfly” by Fagen which included “IGY”. 😁)

[@CR-qp3dc]

I heard a Lennon interview where he says Imagine is an internal dialogue with himself (not preaching to others). Imagine is also supposedly based on Yoko's writings from her book Grapefruit.

[@thedolphin5428]

Yeah, well, Yoko is so far up her arse and away from reality.

[@KarmicSalt]

@@thedolphin5428 no, she isn't

[@joesmoker3378]

John's lyrics were strong and some just didn't get it, like these steely Dan guys

[@thedolphin5428]

@@joesmoker3378 Nah. Steely Dan just pointed out the glaring hypocrisy of the words versus the lifestyle reality of John and Yoko. And even if Yoko had a hand in the writing, it is a soppy piece of fantasy dreaming which none of his/their fans (or a bunch of famous ceiebrities) could ever live by. The song still makes me vomit till this day, and I turn it off whenever it comes on.

[@thedolphin5428]

Well then, he should have kept it to himself. Why release a poem or a song if you dont want others to hear it and love it and believe it?

[@moboutmen]

McCartney himself said John would have hated being turned into "Martin Luther Lennon".

[@spaceclown7650]

They both suffered the same fate in the end, though.

[@kristykanen9315]

Steely Dan. True MUSICIANSHIP

[@michaelbrickley2443]

More like truly great writing. That was their strength. Aja became the first where they relied upon only or mostly hired guns

[@benlandro6776]

I missed it in the video what song are you referring to?

[@martynnequest5828]

Nice review- are you a Hull/East Riding guy/accent sounds familiar?

[@lottaandgus]

I think it would have made a huge difference if, in the song Imagine, John had said "I wonder if WE can," instead of "you". I saw a video of him singing it live once where he did make the change...

[@harvey3rdman464]

1] John was known for notoriously slipping up and forgetting lyrics -listen to the Beatles recorded version of _"Tell Me Why"_ and you'll hear him have a bit of pronoun trouble… *that was left in the final mix.* 2] Since the narrator/singer is asking _you_ to imagine something it is because he or she have *_already imagined it._*

[@keithj6251]

Nah.

[@NotSoMuchFrankly]

I'm not sure why the interpretation came to be that John Lennon is singing to only poor people. Yeah, John had money and was a pretentious artsy-fartsy type and Steely Dan were resentful that the only real hit they had was intended as a mockery of Bob Dylan, not in their own style. But I always thought of it as criticizing the conservative orthodoxy of classism, war and especially religion. IDK that Lennon's ideal hinged upon control/obedience and intolerance like those he was challenging. I'm not convinced that it requires a vow of poverty. Hippy-dippy, yes, but hypocritical?

[@jimguerra2509]

I agree. I’ve been listening to (and playing) Imagine for decades. The more I think about the lyrics the more clearly they seem to be an indictment of capitalism, organized religion and nationalism. It has literally never crossed my mind that he was suggesting anyone take a view of poverty or speaking to the poor or disadvantaged.

[@jimguerra2509]

Vow of poverty…not “view”

[@barfoonisland2003]

The 1977 album "Aja" was the pinnacle of their career. I fell "Gaucho" was a close second.

[@larry6795]

Do yourself a favor and listen to ‘Royal Scam’ in its entirety ✌🏽

[@spaceclown7650]

I can't pick a favorite Dan album. Although I think the first four (Can't Buy A Thrill to Katy Lied) are slightly stronger than the next three (Royal Scam to Gaucho). And the "comeback" albums were pretty weak.

[@W124phreak]

Love Steely Dan, clever lyrics and sublime music that doesn't sound like any other band. I never knew this song was about John Lennon though 😂 Funny. I'm a Beatles fan too but John was no angel and himself no stranger to songs that mock others! How do you sleep? 😳

[@henryettacollins9095]

Only Bradley can sing sublime songs

[@dreamfable]

When he wrote "How do you sleep," he was responding to three McCartney ditties on Ram that had attacked him, George and Ringo. "But he doesn't publish his lyrics, and I do," John said on U.S. tv, so he still gets blamed for a biting song. Ringo replied to Ram with his own smash hit "Back Off Boogaloo," and the second song on George Harrison's Living in the Material World was "Sue Me, Sue You Blues." So it started with McCartney publicly attacking--and suing--the others.

[@scurvybro8850]

Neither Donald Fagen nor Walter Becker ever said the song was about Lennon. Only this rag is saying it.

[@siulumlion]

@@scurvybro8850 Also, "Imagine no possessions" isn't asking poor people to give up their crust of bread. I'm a fan of both bands, anyway.

[@wobby1268]

@@dreamfable It's been over fifty years and people still don't get it. They forced Paul into a contract with Allen Klein that he did not want, and the only way out of it was to sue the corporation, which -- unfortunately -- included the other three Beatles.

[@pedenmk]

A great band. One of the best in my opinion. Thanks for sharing.

[@kbbacon]

First time hearing of this song. I listened. Thank you. BTW: I'm older than the group "The Beatles".

[@JackHaveman52]

"Imagine there's no heaven" warbles John Lennon. Then he proceeds to describe his own version of heaven where you will own nothing and be happy.

[@guylewis7418]

Amazing how people who have everything want you to give up what you have.

[@terrya8989]

It's only remembered because it was written by Lennon. Anyone else and it would be just a nice ballad.

[@regulardadhere8832]

Heaven is different from one person to another. Being at peace with yourself is mine.

[@robertlouisburns]

I love Lennon’s music but not his views. Sure drugs had a lot to do with his views. Your description NAILED it.

[@JackHaveman52]

@@regulardadhere8832 Not a bad way of looking at it. We all have our own concept of the perfect state of being, what we call heaven. However, Lennon seems to be saying that his perfect state of being is to be in a perfect state of being of his own description. No heaven until we reach his vision of heaven. Seems rather contradictory.

[@dekarna]

Is this the precursor to "battle music" ? I love "Imagine" and Steely Dan's satirical lyrics in his "battle" song. They're both just beautiful songs.

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

actually, John and Paul both took musical 'potshots' at each other on their solo LPS c. 1971. That predates SD.

[@voicetube]

Two words: perspective. And viewpoint. I personally (and boy am I not wealthy!) feel the idea and ideals of the song "Imagine" are awesome & relevant … But of course how one perceives it might be different than the original intention (as can happen with many forms of art). In any event, I certainly am a big Steely Dan fan - especially some of their later work, such as the albums Gaucho & of course my favorite, Aja 🙂

[@JoeVideoed]

Great point. I'm sure Lennon was referring to the super rich when he sang "Imagine no possessions; I wonder if you can." I like Steely Dan too, though I'm more the Greatest Hits kind of fan. I've listened to all their albums on Spotify, but I don't think this song stood out. Have to give it a re-listen now.

[@williamchappell6003]

So glad to see that there are still individuals that are critically thoughtful and not reactionary.

[@russellziske7385]

Imagine was essentially written by Karl Marx 🙄

[@jeffflinn2053]

@@russellziske7385 -- "Imagine" just pinpoints the three main reasons man wages war: Possessions (aka, 'riches'), religion, and borders. No possessions, no religions, no borders ... no war. Has very little, if nothing at all, to do with Marx or socialism. It's an anti-war song ... a.k.a, "livin' life in peace."

[@W124phreak]

John Lennon thought he was a working class hero but he was just another rich, famous guy telling poor people how to live. I love his music but not his preaching.

[@jeanieologist4456]

Steely Dan has always been my number one favorite group ever since I was a kid. There is nobody else like them and they’re never will be.

[@pangeaproxima3681]

ok, ok...now we know.

[@nobbynoris]

THANK FUCK FOR THAT!!!

[@donnamariewilliams8261]

Agreed!

[@markkrull556]

Amen to that I first really got into them in 1978 when AJA came out and then I went out and bought the rest of the albums

[@sarahwelty9223]

Agreed! They were very unique. No other band sounded like them but they tried to!😂

[@anxiousappliance]

he is talking about a world that doesn't exist. I think that's where the word "imagine" comes in. Could be wrong, but I'm not the only one.

[@lg6041]

With today’s globalists wanting us to own nothing and be happy by 2030, seems it will exist sooner than never.

[@markpawlowski4863]

And if you're rich, you have the luxury to sit idly contemplating utopia.

[@anxiousappliance]

@@markpawlowski4863 He was a hard working musician who brought a lot of joy to millions of people though his music. What are you up to?

[@TheKingErix]

Love Steely Dan they’re easily one of my favourite musicians. They’re supposed to come to a big city near me later this year but the concert prices are like 800$. 😭😭

[@michael52250]

"Imagine" is the clue... It's not meant to be a goal (which is of course beyond imposible), but a utopian dream. What a classless thing for SD (I'm a fan) to do... it's a beautiful dream and a great song!

[@nme1966]

Nobody disputes it's a great song but it drips with hypocrisy. How can you evangelise about 'a brotherhood of man' on one side then stick the sickeningly venomous 'How Do You Sleep?'' on the other?

[@Ravzie]

It’s communism, not a beautiful dream.

[@michael52250]

@@Ravzie To quote John himself you "haven't got a clue" what this song is saying... no worries though, lots of company, which is completely normal. Try to remember... it's art, not a narrative my friend.

[@Ravzie]

No, I am pretty sure about that. A lot of people want to attach some artsy fartsy deep meaning, but don’t worry. It’s just a song.

[@johnanthonycafe2993]

Lennon was much better at describing his own life than some imagined one.

[@finjay21fj]

Imagine, one of his own songs...

[@keithkoenig5320]

...oh, so you knew John Lennon? No? Then how can you spectulate...

[@keithsargent6963]

He was also a wife beating narcissist

[@johnanthonycafe2993]

@@keithkoenig5320 If you're a Beatles fan there are plenty of interviews where John Lennon explains the motivation behind his songs, Help being the most poignant. He was also the first to say if a song was just wordplay & non sense such as Hey Bulldog. Imagine was an idealized view of existence.

[@CornbreadOracle]

I never took Imagine as telling people to abandon anything, possessions, God, religion….anything. Lennon was putting a thought experiment to music.

[@Sharperthanu1]

Also John Lennon sang about "Power to the People."

[@Magravator1671]

One of my favorite SD songs! Perfect!

[@BarricaG]

Great song, and great message. One of my Steely Dan favorites.

[@brianjacobs247]

It's easy to find fault with others. Steely Dan's forte was acting as the cynical, sardonic, satirical and sarcastic elders to a musical inheritance that had devolved from the pure elemental energy of Santana singing 'Soul Sacrifice' to Claptons 'You Look Wonderful Tonight' and it's view of decadent 'Stars' enjoying the high life in their huge mansions with their star-studded accoutrements, surrounded by their sycophants, a universe away from the person in the street. But Lennon's song is perfect. It's an expression of an idealism that, while it can not really exist in this world, on any large scale, is still a way of thinking and being that we can each emulate in our immediate circles, and thereby bring a little grace into our lives. The end of all life is death, but that does not make life itself meaningless; in fact it makes it all-the-more precious. By the same token, the idealism Lennon expressed in 'Imagine' is immensely valuable and valid, and will remain so for me, my cohorts, and for younger generations in whom the spark of youthful idealism is perennial. Lennon was a discarded child, brought up by his aunt. He had to scrape together the money for every step he took towards success. I know the feeling, because I spent a couple of years in London doing paper-rounds at 5 in the frosty morning, to get the money to buy second-hand speakers, amp and turntable, so I could play the LP's I purchased from mail-order coupons in Oz magazine in 1970's London. George Harrison was the first artist to pull together a benefit concert with his friend Ravi Shankar. That was 'The Concert For Bangladesh.' For all it's inevitable problems, the fundamental fact is that Harrison was able to convince a plethora of fellow artists to use their fame to provide relief to people who knew nothing of their music, but who were starving to death on the other side of the world.

[@marshwetland3808]

Well said!

[@brianjacobs247]

Thank you. Here's a song by Barclay James Harvest called 'Titles'. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZm7nqGrYph7oaM It's full of bittersweet disillusionment at what became of the 'Universal Love' movement of the 60's. You may know it already.@@marshwetland3808

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

Pretty articulate, but it may be overthought. Even before SD existed, rock stars were raking in the big bucks. You mention Santana, but there is nothing unique about them in terms of lifestyle. Carlos Santana may have grown up poor, but he became famous by the time SD hit the scene. He was likely sipping expensive champagne through the entire 70s (and probably still is today). Frank Zappa was much more of a satirist in his music than SD were. But your views on the "Imagine" song seem spot-on, I will give you that.

[@susanb5058]

Thank you for this!! Relieved to find a comment from someone who understands and stated it so beautifully.

[@brianjacobs247]

​@@susanb5058Thank you Susan! So sweet of you to reply. I'm in Goa, India, meeting up with old friends after 17 years in the US. My son Azan will be playing at several small venues as he develops his trajectory as a singer-songwriter. He plays some of the songs that I used to play on an old cassette deck as I'd take him on the 8 hour drive from Auroville, where we lived, to his boarding school in Kodai Kanal, songs like Jackson Browne's "I'm Alive," and Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic." Many of his generation have embraced the music of the 60's and 70's. It's almost like the fulfillment of prophetic lyrics in the Crossby Stills Nash and Young song "Teach Your Children." Just as they learn from us, we learn from the dreams they embrace. I wish you more Sweetness and Light.

[@keithsargent6963]

Often if not always, those we consider hero’s are just as human as we are.

[@blumobean]

It is always. We have a terrible curse, we are but only mortals.

[@stephaniegraham3774]

John Lennon was NOT a 'hero'💩. He beat his first wife. What kind of hero does THAT.

[@jackfishcampbell6745]

They don't have a choice .

[@susanb5058]

Always.

[@johnstevengoodlad7260]

the look in the eyes at the end ,,, says it all xxx

[@zendae54]

When Becker, living in Hawaii at the time, heard the China Crisis album "Working With Fire And Steel', he was so taken with what they were trying to do that he called them up and asked if he could join the band as songwriter, guitarist and producer. They were just golliwogged. The result of the collaboration were two albums that could have been in the Dan catolog: "Flaunt The Imperfection", and "What Price Paradise". Now keep in mind Fagen wasn't the vocalist. If you're ok with that, I heartily suggest you listen to these two amazing albums.

[@Franz19970]

Never was a Steely Dan fan. Haave come to appreciate them more now that I'm older. As I have with a lot of musics and artists I may not have cared for when younger

[@spaceclown7650]

Same. It took me years and years of hearing the Rolling Stones to realize that yes, they are the greatest band ever, or at least one of the greatest bands ever.

[@spaceclown7650]

Steely Dan though I always liked. Ever since I heard the commercial for Aja when I was 11 or 12, with the opening to Josie playing in the background. I was instantly hooked on them.

[@jeffkilgore6320]

Reelin in the Years is 50 years old. It sounds nothing like music today but is still modern. Excellence never fades

[@robbygaume600]

It's one of the first songs I remember hearing on the radio in my mom's Pacer when I was 3 or 4 years old. It's a gem that I've always loved.

[@guscooger5366]

it helps that recording technology was finally able to capture sounds accurately. had SD been born earlier, they'd be stuck with whatever tech there was in earlier decades. makes a HUGE difference. Timing is everything.

[@spaceclown7650]

@@guscooger5366 Steely Dan also said that if the sophistication of the music matched the sophistication of the technology, we'd all be listening to Debussy. 🙂

[@electricman523]

Almost all music today is generic sound-alike music - anysong by anyband.

[@rinwesley3092]

As someone who absolutely abhors “Imagine”, I approve of Steely Dan’s message.

[@carolethorn3211]

I have only just this year actually vocalized this same sentiment. Can't stand the song. It immediately struck me as drivel. Such clichéd drivel more suited to an audience of children. There. Now I've not only said it out loud but publicly as well.

[@megamarkd]

For decades I have been shouted down by my peers for saying as much about Lennon. It is nice to know that Steely Dan said it way back when Lennon was at his height; that they straight up dissed him for being a disconnected poor little rich boy. It gives me a bit of solace and even greater respect for a group I am only just rediscovering after forgetting they existed for the last forty years. Thank you.

[@billslocum9819]

Elvis Costello did, too, 20 years later on "The Other Side Of Summer" - "Was it a millionaire who said 'Imagine no possessions'...

[@joetanaka6446]

Me too. More validation for you!

[@tekay44]

none of the Beatles were "rich boys". i bet you have it 100 times better than they did. geezus, Liverpool in the 50s. no thanks.

[@garyjackson3531]

​@tekay44 The Beatles didn't grow up rich, but by the time Lennon came out with "Imagine" they were filthy rich! Absolutely nothing wrong with being filthy rich, BTW... but the hypocrisy was simply breathtaking.

[@blehoo1]

Enjoy the rediscovery mate. They will keep you happy and musically fulfilled right into your golden years👍

[@jrob8931]

Now I know why nobody knows what Steely Dan looks like.

[@SPAZZOID100]

It's about music, not looks.

[@Idoru2011]

Thats probably why most people cant name any of their songs either then@@SPAZZOID100

[@nozzledrich]

are you a girl or just gay

[@andrewhanson5942]

@@SPAZZOID100 Well they damn sure didn't get by on their looks alone!

[@user-ei9ns9hq6b]

Beatles weren't much better looking. John Lennon chose to look like an unkempt bum despite his vast wealth.

[@radiorob7543]

Imagine a world, where John never met Yoko.

[@vexdup949]

He'd still be John Lennon, surely? I remember the racist shit after the British tabloids told us of who John left 'pretty Cynthia' for 'a Jap'.

[@bisco8267]

at least one more album

[@SD-nh5yr]

John was free to love whoever he wanted...not who his fans wanted him to.

[@gregoryjclark81]

Because I care so much about what any member of Steely Dan has ever thought or will ever think...

[@onwardsandupwards7397]

I always noted that John Lennon was playing "Imagine" on a pricey piano in a beautiful house.

[@Stratboy999]

It's satirical.

[@terryenglish7132]

Apartment

[@FrankHerrera-qr1mh]

​@@terryenglish7132Nope. It was an estate!

[@terryenglish7132]

@@FrankHerrera-qr1mh I heard it was shot at the Dakota

[@FrankHerrera-qr1mh]

@@terryenglish7132 Yikes!

[@TKing-ph7bq]

Watching the video of Imagine with Yoko and John in the gigantic mansion always seemed a little ironic to me.

[@jamesbottomley2596]

It's a stretch to say it's about John Lennon specifically. Like a lot of Dan tracks, it's ambiguous, capable of many interpretations. It comes across as a piece of bitterness, siding with the common man against the iniquity of cheap but convincing-sounding easy solutions. Given their attacks on cults on other tracks, this feels like one of their generalised ironic commentaries on the state of political theatre and the games of the rich compared to the realities faced by most.

[@harmoniabalanza]

If I grew up in Great Neck, I'd be a bit queasy about life too.

[@jasonb4988]

Interesting how artist often get on a cause, without knowing the root of it ? I commend Steely Dan for their different approach, and understanding the issues. Never mind the music is amazing. Great video .. Ty !

[@conceptualclarity]

Really good to hear that somebody pushed back against the most overrated song of all time!

[@brachashighhopeshomestead226]

YEAH, THE GOOD SONG IS "WOMAN"

[@petefogel2133]

The only problem is the song is not about john lennon. That was all made up by the author of this story.

[@conceptualclarity]

@@petefogel2133 so what do you think the song is about if it is not about the song Imagine by John Lennon

[@petefogel2133]

I've never tried to figure out Steely Dan lyrics. Half the time, donald and walter didn't even know what they were writing about. It's not a matter if I don't think this song is about john lennon. I know for a fact it's not about john lennon. ​@conceptualclarity

[@conceptualclarity]

@@petefogel2133 please explain

[@terryenglish7132]

There's nothing to indicate its about John in the lyrics .

[@neddiflex2473]

What is your source for the claim that Only a Fool Would Say That was specifically written as a response to Imagine? I agree with the sentiment, I've just never come across this information before and would love to know where/when either of them said that.

[@user-xf3cv6xd1z]

"Imagine" was used as a sountrack for a french bank commercial. I guess the guys in the communication agency didn't know all the lyrics of the song. Neither the communication guys from the bank. BTW : Steely dan is a really under-rated group. Great tunes from the Fagen-Becker team, great musicians on their records.

[@billhuffman4327]

Steely Dan was DIFFERENT then everyone.. They had a sound like no other..Rich in talent.

[@s.fla.beekeepingmangoesand1517]

My all time favorite Steely Dan tune, never knew it spoke of Lennon.

[@sarahwelty9223]

I didn't know that it was about Lennon either I'm surprised!

[@fed1up]

I doubt it actually is.

[@johnrogers4524]

@@fed1up But even if it isn't, it's fun to think it could be. Just because it fits.

[@sarahm.5356]

I didn't hear this video mention this line: "Everybody on the street has murder in his eyes."

[@allwaizeright9705]

I know that STEELY DAN (No matter what iteration) are GREAT MUSICIANS... I saw them in concert and I was BORED TO TEARS...

[@TucsonDude]

Really? I almost paid several hundred dollars to see them in person. That bad?

[@fmphotooffice5513]

The COVID Imagine thing was nauseating. SD is criticizing a statement. You can't just make a statement and miraculously expect no pushback. SD, aside from their spectacular discography, made many, many poetic, powerful statements themselves. Everyone can express contrary views on any statement. This song is a perfect rebuttal to Lennon's lyrics. I like the spanish voice saying it at the fade out. Nice touch.

[@steff.7028]

🎯

[@Panglos]

“The COVID Imagine thing was nauseating?” So says a person who lets others do his thinking for him, and not facts and statistics. Becker and Fagan would be as nauseated by your ideological rigidity and operating from a position of deciding, rather than determining, what is true or false as they were about Lennon’s.

[@pleasestopalready]

@@Panglos I am surprised, although I suppose I shouldn't be because the internet, but I can't find any evidence to support the video's creator's statements. The red flag for me was when the author used a made up story about how they all might have met in NYC to support their argument. I believe this is less journalism than fanfic.

[@xisotopex]

@@Panglos the "facts" are that the covid lockdowns in the manner that they were instituted were more harmful than covid itself.... and thats not just hindsight either.

[@xisotopex]

it certainly was extremely cringe....

[@davidweaver2156]

For me Steely Dan is like a great meal. Every bite is layered with flavor and depth and leaves you wanting more

[@desertsky]

Well the danger on the rocks is surely past Still I remain tied to the mast Could it be that I have found my home at last Home at last

[@rustymason3860]

I found "Only a Fool" in the 1970s and always wondered why it was written. I loved the music and the lyrics were so realistic, I'm surprised they weren't banned.

[@pleasestopalready]

I wonder if your title should more appropriately end with a "?" than a period, because I haven't found any tangible evidence to back up your claims. I did become skeptical at the point where you speculated about whether a meeting with Lennon could have occured in NYC and went on to build up support for your primary contention using your imagination. Is this piece meant to be journalism or fanfic, because as it stands it doesn't appear to have any evidence to back it up. I think your article should have started out, "I don't know, but wouldn't it be interesting if...".

[@WillWilsonII]

"..... imagine no possessions, except for at my house....."

[@jimrhodes3487]

Lennon's son Julian called him a hyprocrite. Lennon actually beat his first wife and once he hooked up with Yo-yo Oh-No he totally cut Julian out of his life, his will and all. Sad that so many people worshipped him as a world man of peace when he was no better than anyone. Just a rich jaw flapper...

[@bettertoolatethannever]

BS

[@PatriceCortes]

@@bettertoolatethannever, actually that is true. Hard to believe, but true.

[@spud2727]

Sometimes the truth hurts ​@@bettertoolatethannever

[@conceptualclarity]

John was known to be a very bad drunk. He kicked Stu Sutcliffe in the head when he got angry at him for leaving the band, and that may have done him in.

[@jameswalstrom2433]

Thank You Donald Fagen... Your Music is AWESOME... I still hope John made it to Heaven. Even though he imagined it wasn't real...

[@The_Great_Darino]

Right up there with the sentiment ‘all you need is love’. Easy for someone worth many, many millions to say it. But you trying paying the rent, or buying groceries, or keeping the heat on with ‘Love’. 🙄

[@Golfstar17]

Never could stand Lennon. What a shyte

[@spaceclown7650]

Well if you're a hooker, then yes, you can do all that with Love. As long as you charge enough.

[@gilbertspader7974]

Michael Mcdonald who met Skunk Baxter through his sessions as a vocalist/piano player for Steely Dan said it wasn't uncommon for him to do hundreds of takes on a song !!!!!! Using as many as 3 entire bands they kept floating around. Peg took 9 guitarists to get the right solo. 😮

[@garyjackson3531]

Yup. Finding the right guitar solo for Peg was an ordeal. Becker and Fagen were almost crazed in their perfectionism. It always seems to have paid off though.

[@timothyslaughter476]

Yet Steve Gadd recorded aja one of the most coveted drum tracks of all time in 1 take.

[@sarahwelty9223]

I'm not surprised Peg is a brilliant song

[@timothyslaughter476]

@@sarahwelty9223 it is brilliant. The guitar work is sublime.

[@whodidit99]

Skunk Baxter didn't mind SD's perfectionism. He said the duo spent half an hour finding just the right chair for him to sit on. He didn't care as he was being paid $300 an hour. SD is great, but not on the level of Lennon or McCartney.

[@blessedwithchallenges9917]

Love it! That ridiculous song always drove me nuts!

[@paulpo999]

Always loved that tune. Love it even more now.

[@KathyBlackwell-xk9rg]

Me too ✌️

[@jdmo]

Me too. Leave it to Steely Dan to troll John Lennon🤨🤑😴 Imagine if musicians were not allowed to daydream or dream and were relegated to writing cynical songs about other musicians and the occasional joyous song about their coke-dealer buddies. You'd probably end up with Steely Dan.

[@benw-king3380]

Yea, far out man. I appreciate that Steely Dan have written some very witty and cryptic lyrics; the problem that I have with it though, is that you have to wade through so much shlocky pop and cod funk in order to get to them.

[@granthurlburt4062]

Not how I feel. Not many people would agree it is shlocky pop

[@benw-king3380]

@@granthurlburt4062 It's ok. We're all allowed to have an opinion. In my own defence though, I did point out that I appreciated their songwriting skill - I have my own preferences. They tend to be the earlier compositions.

[@OTOss8]

You have a video about the song but you misquote the title of it. Am I missing something?