Jack of Speed Lyrics

Lyric discussion by thedurable1 

Cover art for Jack of Speed lyrics by Steely Dan

"Trading fours" is a music slang for when two soloists battle on stage, taking turns playing short, improvised, four measure solos each, attempting to get one up on the other performer every time. It's a frenetic, competitive point in the concert. Conversely, there is usually a time during the concert for relaxing or playing ballads. Using a performance metaphor, if you are going to leave an addict, it's best to get out during the ballads (quiet times), than to "trade fours" or battle with the addict.

i think the girlfriend has been tweaking too, although to a lesser degree than Teddy. he is destined for the shriek express, and if she doesn't get out now then she'll be trading fours with him. i.e., first he will shriek for four bars, and then she will shriek for four bars, because the meth will have made them both insane..

@thedurable1 Former addict here. Yep. You nailed it, Durable. And you know too much. Steer clear of this ish, man.