joeo April 4th, 2009 05:47PM  
This song is about the decision to focus one’s life passions and energy to music. “It is the time of the expanding man” He was through with college and was through with rambling and gambling “ that’s all in the past” (or so he thought). He later wrote Boshivadtta which means enlightenment and compassionate in Hindu philosophy. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker studied philosophy and other subjects at Bard College.
The second verse is self explanatory “You call me a fool you say It’s a crazy scheme….This one’s for real I all ready bought the dream….foolish to ask me why.. Throw a kiss and say goodbye”…there were some naysayers, but he believed in himself “I’ll make it this time”.. “ I’m ready to cross that fine line”...There was no looking back.
The third verse or chorus is also pretty transparent. .I’ll learn to play the saxophone. Drink Scotch Whiskey all night long and die behind the wheel ( making music and living the lifestyle is great fun …Chicks, Booze, Drugs, Sex, Death…one of there mates died in a lat night auto accident) other than the death part who wouldn’t be happy. You’ve made it….They call Alabama the Crimson Tide…. But now there is the name thing , you need a good one a cool one , a hip and catchy one after all your not Bernie the accountant, or Joe the Plumber, your in show bizzz, therefore “Deacon Blues. “ A reference to the hip coolness of the “ Steely Dan” moniker from William Burroughs “Naked Lunch” novel, whose title was miss transposed from Kerouak to Ginzberg to Burroughs from “Naked Lust”
Fourth verse “back to the wall… essence of true romance…sharing love w those we love ..& my kind…libations sensations…that stagger the mind” There were also hardships but when you are doing something you love with friends and partying and having a good time as well. The experiences are mind blowing…. Is there anything better?
Fifth verse, “I crawl like a viper…thru these suburban streets..make love to these women.. wake up when the sun goes down.. cover every game in town.(so much for focusing, partying and no gambling) a world of my own..” They moved from New York to LA, now successful players in the world stage ahh Music show Bizzz and all its fringe benefits.
The last verse he is getting ready to perform on stage again…last drag from cigarette....I cried when I wrote this song ….sue me if I play too long…..” Unlike studio sessions performing live is a high in itself and inspired players improvise and jam.. “This brother is free I’ll bee what I want to be…..” Chorus.