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Mike Doughty – Russell Lyrics 12 years ago
@emd

Thanks for posting this. I've been looking to read his book. The lyrics didn't make any sense to me unless it was a personal reference. It has been driving me mad!

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The Raconteurs – Steady, As She Goes Lyrics 16 years ago
Listening to the song again, I don't think Stage II B is about infidelity, it's him hooking up or something, before he gets married...

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The Raconteurs – Steady, As She Goes Lyrics 16 years ago
I've looked at all of the great comments and looked at the lyrics again carefully. I believe strongly that the meaning is straighforward. That said, there could also be a commentary as suggested by @grasswindow and others that this is about his life with his wife and child.

My first observation is that there is clearly a progression to the song. He's obviously single in the beginning and married at the end.

Unlike others I think this paints a very sad and depressing view of the marriages that many engage in because (1) their friends get married and they feel the need to do the same; (2) societal pressure. I'm pretty sure - based upon my analysis below - that Jack doesn't paint a happy picture, in fact, he points out how scre**d you will be if you engage in similar thinking...

Here's how I break it down.



STAGE I.

His married friends are showing him that the single life is empty and he needs to get married. The popular opinion is settle down.


Find yourself a girl, and settle down
Live a simple life in a quiet town

Steady as she goes (steady as she goes)
Steady as she goes (steady as she goes)
So steady as she goes

Your friends have shown a kink in the single life
You've had too much to think, now you need a wife

STAGE II

You had to do it. Your relationship will become less passionate and more of a friendship...it will be "glue"..and you will get along.


When you have completed what you thought you had to do
And your blood's depleted to the point of stable glue

Then you'll get along
Then you'll get along

Steady as she goes (steady as she goes)
So steady as she goes (steady as she goes)


STAGE II (B)

This could be part of STAGE II, or it could actually be a discussion about infidelity. I am thinking this is more likely... Well, here we go again, I've found a great friend - oh, but no mater what you do with her, it will feel like you've tripped and fallen....

Well here we go again, you've found yourself a friend that knows you well
But no matter what you do, it always feels as though you tripped and fell
So steady as she goes
Steady as she goes


STAGE III

You "settled" for her...buckle down. Oh, and you are doing this for the crowd that's gathered 'round. It's a show, a bit of an act.


Settle for a girl and buckle down
Send it to the crowd that's gathered round
Settle for a girl and buckle down
Send it to the crowd that's gathered round


STAGE IV

Steady as you go....but what the hell did you do? Are you steady now?
Steady as she goes
Are you steady now?
Steady as she goes
Are you steady now?
Steady as she goes
Are you steady now?
Steady as she goes
Are you steady now?
Steady as she goes


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