| Donald Fagen – I.G.Y. (International Geophysical Year) Lyrics | 17 years ago |
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I haven't seen much of Steely Dan's music that isn't tongue in cheek, sarcastic double meanings. It is part of why I LOVE their music! That and their musicianship is amazing... In this song, I think they're poking fun of idealistic, in some ways sugar coated, American Pride in the 1950's about the Space Program and it's accomplishments would mean. "You'll be a witness to that game of chance in the sky You know we've got to win" ... Refers to USA vs USSR race to get into space and claim territory. "Here at home we'll play in the city Powered by the sun Perfect weather for a streamlined world There'll be spandex jackets one for everyone..." Pokes fun of the outrageous promises made and the sugar coating on the whole project. Everything will be ,in 50's venacular, "A-OK" there'll even be jackets made of the modern miracle fabric, spandex, for everyone. (Third verse lyrics missing from the lyrics above) On that train all graphite and glitter Undersea by rail Ninety minutes from New York to Paris Well by seventy-six we'll be A.O.K Just machines that make big decisions programmed by fellas with compassion and vision. We'll be clean when their work is done, We'll be totally free, yes, and totally young... Once again, sarcastically saying machines will do everything for us and the guys that program them are only interested in pure, good things, even making us all free and young! Their words invoke a feeling of the naivete of then 1950's and the feeling that all things are possible and everything is "peachy keen". What a beautiful world this will be What a glorious time to be free Great song, though. One of my favorites. |
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