Steely Dan

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Teddy's rollin' now most every night
Skatin' backwards at the speed of light
He's changed—in a thousand little ways
He's changed—yes indeed

[Chorus]
You know he's movin' on metal, yes he's
Hanging tight with the Jack of Speed

[Verse 2]
Sheena's party—there's a case in point
That right-wing hooey sure stunk up the joint
But he's gone—he walks through the old routines
But he's gone—guaranteed

[Chorus]
He may be sittin' in the kitchen, but he's
Steppin' out with the Jack of Speed

[Bridge]
You maybe got lucky for a few good years
There's no way back from there to here
He's a one-way rider on the shriek express
And his new best friend is at the throttle more or less
[Verse 3]
He can't hear you, honey—that's alright
Pack some things and head up into the light
Don't stop—he'll be callin' out your name
But don't stop when you hear him plead

[Chorus]
You better move now little darlin' or you'll be
Trading fours with the Jack of Speed

[Guitar Solo]

[Bridge]
You maybe got lucky for a few good years
There's no way back from there to here
He's a one-way rider on the shriek express
And his new best friend is at the throttle more or less

[Verse 3]
He can't hear you, honey—that's alright
Pack some things and head up into the light
Don't stop—he'll be callin' out your name
But don't stop when you hear him plead

[Chorus]
Better move now little darlin' or you'll be
Trading fours with the Jack of Speed
[Post-Chorus]
Uh huh, the Jack of Speed
Don't stop now
Honey

[Outro]
Jack of Speed
Jack of Speed
Jack of Speed

If you're a fan of classic rock, then I'm sure you've heard of the iconic band Steely Dan. Known for their signature fusion sound of jazz, rock, and R&B, Steely Dan has been a household name in the music industry for decades. One of their more underrated tracks is the fascinatingly complex "Jack of Speed," included on their album Two Against Nature. In this article, we'll dive into the depths of this song, uncovering the hidden meanings behind its lyrics, and exploring the intricate musical arrangement that makes it a true masterpiece.

About Jack of Speed

Starting off with a grooving bassline, Jack of Speed quickly catches the listener’s attention with its upbeat tempo. The song is heavily influenced by jazz, with its use of complex guitar riffs, precise drumming, and rich, soulful vocals. The song's structure is built around several intricate instrumental solos, highlighting the band's musical prowess.

The song's lyrics tell the story of a man who is addicted to cocaine, which is referred to in the song as "Jack" and "Mr. Speed." The song takes the form of an addiction narrative, with the protagonist describing how he is no longer able to control his use of the drug. The lyrics evoke a feeling of desperation and helplessness, with lines like "Jack of Speed, all it does is kill," and "I'm your willing sacrifice, coming in from paradise."

Despite the song's darker tones, it remains catchy, with the guitar and bass solos that serve as bridges between the chorus and the verses. The song’s melody is nothing short of impeccable, mashing up all the complex elements of jazz, rock and R&B to create an unforgettable listening experience. The way the instruments blend together in a way that's almost cinematic serves to give the listener a visual notion of the consequences of substance abuse.

Jack of Speed is one of Steely Dan's lesser-known works, often overshadowed by the memorial-ized classics in the band's catalogue. That said, the song remains a testament to the intense musical and lyrical genius of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. The sophistication of the melody and the complexity of the lyrics offer a brilliant example of the fusion of several musical genres Steely Dan is known for, capturing the band’s soulfulness, and depth, all offered in one beautifully arranged song.

It's no easy task to make a song both danceable and thought-provoking. Jack of Speed achieves this paradoxical combination with aplomb, making for a single that continues to resonate amongst Steely Dan's fanbase long after its release.

• Release Date: February 29, 2000
• Artist: Steely Dan