Sounds like someone is becoming a Steely Dan head. Welcome to the club. Their entire catalog is awesome. 🎶👌

The older you get, the more you appreciate Steely Dan.

I get tears and can hardly breathe when I hear Deacon Blues - and I've heard it a lot......

The singer is man who wants to put his boring life behind him, learn to play the sax, and live an exciting life like he did in the past. Keep going down the Steely Dan rabbit hole, there's a lot more great songs from where this came from. Seeing you so emotionally touched by a great piece of art is a beautiful sight to see.

I've watched several of these type of videos from various channels and I'm trying to put a finger on why I enjoy watching you react. I'm guessing now that it's because I love seeing the joy on people's faces when they find something beautiful. I'll never completely know the joy I felt several years ago when I found steely dan or other bands, but I feel like I get a glimpse of that experience as I watch you lol

Donald Fagan said of the song's opening lines and theme: “ The concept of the "expanding man" that opens the song may have been inspired by Alfred Bester's The Demolished Man. Walter and I were major sci-fi fans. The guy in the song imagines himself ascending to the levels of evolution, "expanding" his mind, his spiritual possibilities, and his options in life.[7] ” The song was largely written at Fagen's house in Malibu and was prompted by his observation that "... if a college football team like the University of Alabama could have a grandiose name like the 'Crimson Tide' the nerds and losers should be entitled to a grandiose name as well."[1] The song's protagonist has been described by Fagen as "autobiographical in that it reflected the dreams of both Fagen and Becker about becoming jazz musicians while they were living in the suburbs". Characterized as a "loser" by Becker, the song's subject was meant to reflect "... a broken dream of a broken man living a broken life".[1]

I call this type of music perfect midnight music. Jazzy, catchy beat, love the instrumentation. Puts me in a mellow mood.

One of my favorite songs! "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" has to be one of the coolest song lyrics ever penned!

The sax player on this song Pete Christlieb said "I couldn't get used to bring heard in every airport in the world."

“Breathtaking” sax solo. You’ve really grown musically. Congrats. Then again, listening to Steely Dan will help do that to all who listen.

For me, it's always been about being your own person: "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"

As a total music compilation, Steely Dan is a top 5 of all time. The instrumentals and the vibe as a whole, puts them on another level

In the 1970's we used to call Steely Dan's music, "Junkie Music." It is always something you can just mindlessly chill to because of the ambiguity of their lyrics, and the smooth jazz vibe they came from.

This song does something to me very few other songs do. Goosebumps every time.

Top notch band.Talent everywhere.

I’m so glad that you’re enjoying Steely Dan! They are so fantastic and we’re way ahead of their time. They were so meticulous in their studio recordings and cared so much about the sound quality.

This was the best Review I've seen of this song. Yes this whole album is a masterpiece. You'll love the vibes to Aja too. Pronounced like "Asia". Loved the. Reaction, keep em comin! 💗

"Deacon Blues" and "Peg" are all from the "AJA" album. One of the best albums ever made. IMO. Peaked at #3 in 1977. Was stopped by Saturday Night Fever LP sound track and Rumors LP by Fleetwood Mac that held both top spots for a year.

Now you must listen to their Masterpiece Aja...great song...

Just another classic track from the Dan that never gets old and continues to mesmerize .... .... ....

I believe the sax player they hired for this track was amongst the company of people like Miles Davis, a friend I think. Probably my favourite sax solo and fills of all time, so love this band and how they found the best and got the best out of musicians that worked with them. Thanx India, Steely Dan tracks will stay with you forever.

Steely Dan is your favorite bands, favorite band.

So many to suggest. The entire "Gaucho" album. Reeling in the years. Josie. Do it again. FM. Rikki don't lose that number.

The absolute peak in creativity from these music gods. It simply doesn't get any better than Aja.

i love that song too India

You hear the pure emotion in the saxophone as he plays

I am soo glad you did this song. There are explanations about what this song is actually about and I hope you look into them!!! Thanks for all the great videos.

Yes ma'am Reeling in the Years, Do It Again and Black Cow.

Aja is one of my all time favorite albums. Every time I hear it takes me back to my younger days when I bought the album (after it first came out). "Deacon Blues", though not relevant to me at the time, I can identify with the song so much more now that I'm older! I've read elsewhere that back in the day when you went to buy a new sound system, the salesman would always play Aja by Steely Dan to demonstrate the sound quality of the equipment. That tells you a lot about the engineering of the album Aja.

Their fade outs are better than most musicians entire songs😀

There never was a "bad" Steely Dan song, they are all great songs that will be appreciated hundreds of years from now!!!!!

The guy in the song has played the game all of his life, and now he's going to play it his way. Nevertheless, he knows the path he takes, although seemingly liberating, is a dead end trap in itself. He's found out the hard way that there is no freedom without responsibility, and losing, painful as it is, is a kind of victory. Welcome to the smartest, wittiest, most adult and best performing of bands. My favorite American band of all time. Almost all of their songs are about self discovery. Even their most ironic, downbeat or sarcastic moments are also uplifting. Enjoy the journey.

Deacon Blues, my favorite Steely Dan song. Thanks for giving this one its due diligence. Awesome song that never gets old.

"I cried when I wrote this song Sue me if I play too long - Steely Dan "I was dreaming when I wrote this, so sue me if It goes too fast" - Prince

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 Cool to see your reaction, India...that's such a great line, and such a great song. I even used to play "air sax" to this one, lol.

I have heard people say that this is how they want to be remembered. That is awesome.

That whole album is a freaking masterpiece! If you can find it,there is a series called "Classic Albums". They take an album and interview musicians,producers and people involved in the recording. They break down songs track by track,solos,etc. The one they devote to the making of Aja is amazing. The level of musicianship on this album is nothing short of astounding!

From an engineering standpoint, one of the best produced tracks ever. The way it was recorded, arranged, mixed - the closest you can get to perfection. Every instrument sits perfectly in the mix and serves to compliment the song. In fact, the entire album is a production masterpiece.

Hi India. Like your channel. Loved this song the first time I heard it. Ran right out and bought the album. Aja. And I named my first dog Deacon Blues. How about some Phoebe Snow? Love all her stuff. No Regrets is a good one and Poetry Man is a classic. But just like Steely Dan every Phoebe Snow song is wonderful.

Next time I give my name for a food order, I'm going to tell them, "call me Deacon Blues." I also like, "there are those that call me ... Tim"

I love watching a Steely Dan fan being born.

Probably my favorite SD song, along with My Old School. Thanks for letting us see how you react to this!

saw them years ago...….steely dan is understatedly fantastic

it goes deeper and deeper with Becker and Fagen...love to watch you discovering them. Your lovely, joyous eyes lighting up, brings me back. They are a treasure and so are you. Keep discovering and sharing. You bring light!!

This is my favorite song by Steely Dan. Well, this and Do It Again. I've loved those songs since they were first released and it is such a joy to see someone young listen to them for the first time. Thank you, India. However, your interpretation is a bit different than what I pick up from the song. I always found it to be a little dark. To my ears, this is someone being reckless and self-destructive. But, nevertheless, embracing and accepting the self-destruction, even finding something positive in it. He doesn't care if he dies tonight or tomorrow and understands that his actions can lead to his death, but it's worth it. He's living life on his terms. Strong non-judgemental message and one not often found on pop radio. And, yes, Aja, is Steely Dan's best album. It's pure gold.

The give and take of life. You don't always win. But, losing doesn't have to mean being "defeated". To me, Deacon Blues is about that idea.

I don't know if anyone has covered this but I will anyway.The main line, "They got a name for the winers of the world I want a name when I lose. They call Alabama the crimson tide, call me Deacon blues." At the time this song was written Alabama, the crimson tide footbal team, was a dominant football program in the midsst of aa consecutive game winning streak, Wake Forest, the Deamon Deacons, was in the midst of a consecutive game losing streak. Thus the juxtopostion of names for winners and losers in the crimson tide vs the "Deacon Blues".

The length of this song is perfect because you never want it to end

One of my all time favorite songs of the Rock Era ... and it’s more of a Blues/Jazz/Rock blend. Masterfully crafted song.

Beautiful song.. love this entire record!

Loved this song ,cruising down lake shore drive in Chicago in my 67GTO ,GREAT MEMORIES watching you smile and rocking in your seat so kool steely Dan GREAT BAND 😉😊

Aja - pronounced Asia They came up with this song as an answer to a name for "losers". They figured if Alabama college sports can be called something when they lose they needed a name too. Deacon Blues. Everyone should have a name in life - win or lose. I'm a friend of a friend of one of the women who had a 10+ career singing back-up on tour for them. Which has forever been my dream job.

Just like “There are only 10 type of people in the world: Those who understand binary, and those who don’t”. Steely Dan has the same polarizing effect: those who like it - and those who understand it.

I used to listen to Steely Dan albums with my older brother. He introduced me to a lot of great music.

Love the background singers! Oh yeah!

Best band ever! Thank you Donald and Walter!

"....and die behind the wheel"...there lyrics are abstract but uplifting...the music, top noctch"

India, I really enjoy sitting down and listening to Steely Dan with you!

The name "Aja" is pronounced like "Asia", FYI. :)

They define jazz/rock fusion! 😎👍✌️

Loved your reaction India, well done.

You nailed it! It really is third eye stuff. Something quite intangible about the song, how theyre weaving us into all those musical nuances

Steely Dan is one of my most favorite groups this song is one of my most favorite

I love your reactions! you pull up the weirdest songs that have meaning -unlike most others.

The musicianship is top shelf !! Right there with Alan Parsons

He's no longer looking out the window at the wild life he desires. He's on the other side, no longer living in the light but darkness. He knows his decision will probably cause his demise. The name he wants to be remembered by when he loses his life, is Deacon Blues.

You have found a band you will listen to the rest of your life. Enjoy! These guys are like Tracy Chapman in that every song is good, no filler on any album. The entire discography.

thanks for reacting to a fantastic band. Jazz/Rock at its finest. grew up with these guys

Eagerly looking forward to Peg! Maybe I'm too early. I don't see it yet. Patience is a virtue. :)

Once again a lovely video India. Gotta love Steely Dan. You can hear the pronunciation of the album title in the titlesong. Its like Asia but replace the s with j as in jump.

I grew up with steely dan...my favorite. Thank you

I love that sax solo !

Aja [pronounced Asia] was an Asian girlfriend of a buddy of Donald Fagens. The whole album is one of the best produced and smooth albums in their catalog. More Steely Dan please. Peace.

Love your reaction. When I was 8 me and my brother saved up and got my dad a shirt that said "Call me Deacon Blues" because it was his favorite song. He was a degenerate gambler and liked the night life, but he was a good dad. It was nice seeing you react to it and enjoy it. Do you read old comments? Would be nice for fans to hear you like there comments...

They always had a genius for the obscure lyric, or for the fringes of the society they described.

When I'm in the mood, there is no better song in the world.

Wish you could come back on YT. This song wrenches my heart. To many reasons why. There is such a thing as blissfully melancholy.

I've performed this song in karaoke shows for years. My take on this is a working musician who is coming to terms with his life playing second rate clubs and getting satisfaction from his art alone and not the fatalistic circumstance of his everyday existence

I love the reaction when the lyrics "die behind the wheel" came up

My favorite Steely Dan song. Here’s what singer Donald Fagen told Rolling Stone magazine about the song: When asked about the line, "They call Alabama the Crimson Tide, call me Deacon Blues," Donald Fagen told Rolling Stone magazine: "Walter and I had been working on that song at a house in Malibu. I played him that line, and he said, 'You mean it's like, 'They call these cracker a--holes this grandiose name like the Crimson Tide, and I'm this loser, so they call me this other grandiose name, Deacon Blues?' and I said 'Yeah!' He said, 'Cool, let's finish it.'"

Keep listening to Steely Dan sweetie! Musicians know exactly what this song is about. It's about living a musicians life. On the road, eating out of your car. Traveling the streets and playing in clubs drinking Scotch Whiskey all night long. But most importantly being free to do what you love. In his case playing the Saxophone and playing Jazz. They are a pure musicians band. And take a listen to Donald Fagen's solo albums, phenomenal! Love your reactions, keep up the good work! Oh and the album is pronounced "Asia":-)

Certainly one of the best albums ever produced. One of those albums like dark side of the moon.. Top to bottom great songs, and great flow

When I need to get my mind clear and in a good place, its "Deacon Blues".

Isley Brothers, KC and the Sunshine Band, Manhattan Transfer,Level 42,Ohio Players ,Rick Astley,Renee&Angela,Thompson Twins,Boy Meets Girl,Loellita Holloway,Salsoul Orchestra,Barry White,Kenny G,Hiroshima,Toni Braxton,The Emotions,Art of Noise,War,Denice Williams,Cheryl Lynn,Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes,Earth Wind and Fire,Mark Morrison,Paul Hardcastle, The System, Peter Brown, Shalamar, LTD,Rose Royce,Alexander O'Neal,Brothers Johnson, McFadden and Whitehead ,Commodores, Rare Earth, Ides Of March,Tower of Power, Ronnie Laws, AWB, Just a few from the play list I have theres a hundred more take your time listen at your pleasure and comment or react you are doing great work and video's keep em coming!!

"They call Alabama the Crimson Tide, call me deacon blues". One really great rock lyric.

A musical masterpiece from its production, arrangement, recording, musicianship and writing. Nice to see you appreciate and understand top shelf musicianship. Your understanding and interpretation of the lyrics is pretty close to the meaning of the song. WELL DONE!

I love the way you analyze the lyrics and music so well. It’s a joy to see your reaction cause it’s the music I grew up with.

at the time this song was written Alabama "the crimson tide" was 10-1 in football and the Wake Forest "demon Deacons" were 1-10 Hence the name deacon blues and wanting a name when I lose.

Aja top to bottom is a perfect album. The production is second to none.

This was my old online handle for decades. SD is like, my fave group.

Okay, so - 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 - my first viewing of your channel, made me a subscriber. I'm so 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 you enjoyed this song, and yes! It 𝘪𝘴 "breathtaking." (Plus, you've got WallE and Eve on your shirt! I mean, how could I then *not* subscribe?!) ♡

My fave SD song...thanks! BTW everything IIRC on AJA is dope. Just pick a song, any song. :)

Steely Dan has been one of my favorite bands ever. So good to sit back and drink to. They have amazing musicians. Fagen is so good

Lmao...I love your reaction to the "...and die behind the wheel....."line...it is a rather odd line for sure!

Steely Dan os the only band that l love every one of their songs. So smart so mesmerizing!

So cool to see you grooving on this upon first listen. Steely Dan for me was an acquired taste. Now I love many of their songs. You are ahead of the game, India. This tune is awesome, isn't it?

The whole album is a masterpiece! Glad you enjoyed it.

India, you have had a great run of classics lately!

You're just chillin on your porch feeling the vibe on a summer evening....

I like the smile it put on your face.