[Illbay]

I think that it is easier to enjoy the songs if you don't think about the MEANING of the lyrics--though they are often fraught with meaning--and just think of them like Gertrude Stein poetry: The words as music.

Steely Dan is incomparable.

[Aquinasfan]

and just think of them like Gertrude Stein poetry: The words as music.

That's the way I've felt about a lot of their songs. But I haven't been able to figure out if I really believe it or if I'm just making excuses for nonsense lyrics. I think I agree with you though.

Take, "A Day in the Life" by the Beatles. To me, the lyrics are just pretentious nonsense. But there is something "there" in Steely Dan tunes like "Do it Again," "Black Friday," "Aja," and many others. It's poetry.

Steely Dan stands the test of time very well.