Bad Sneakers

Steely Dan

About Bad Sneakers

"Bad Sneakers" is a song by jazz rock band Steely Dan. It was released as the second track on their 1975 album Katy Lied. Producer Gary Katz later regretted not releasing the song as the first single. It also appears on the compilation albums A Decade of Steely Dan and Citizen Steely Dan. Michael McDonald's vocals on the song are one of his first for the band; he would continue to perform background vocals for the band in recordings until 1980.


Year:
1983
41 
#2

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Five names that I can hardly stand to hear 
Including yours and mine
And one more chimp who isn't here
I can see the ladies talking
How the times are getting hard
And that fearsome excavation
On Magnolia Boulevard

Yes I'm going insane
And I'm laughing at the frozen rain
Well I'm so alone
Honey when they gonna send me home 

Bad sneakers and a Pina Colada my friend
Stompin' on the avenue
By Radio City with a
Transistor and a large sum of money to spend

You fellah, you tearin' up the street
You wear that white tuxedo
How you gonna beat the heat
Do you take me for a fool
Do you think that I don't see
That ditch out in the valley
That they're digging just for me

Yes I've gone insane
You know I'm laughing at the frozen rain
I feel like I'm so alone
Honey when they gonna send me home 

Bad sneakers and a Pina Colada my friend
Stompin' on the avenue
By Radio City with a
Transistor and a large sum of money to spend

You know I'm going insane
Yes I'm laughing at the frozen rain
And I'm so alone
Honey when they gonna send me home 

Bad sneakers and a Pina Colada my friend
Stompin' on the avenue
By Radio City with a
Transistor and a large sum of money to spend

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Steely Dan

Steely Dan is an American rock band consisting of core members Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. The band's popularity peaked in the late 1970s, with the release of seven albums blending elements of jazz, rock, funk, R&B, and pop.Rolling Stone has called them "the perfect musical antiheroes for the Seventies." more »

17 fans

Written by: DONALD JAY FAGEN, WALTER CARL BECKER

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Release
"Bad Sneakers" is a track from "Katy Lied", the fourth studio album by the American rock band, Steely Dan, released in 1975 by ABC Records.
Chart Performance
Despite its popularity, "Bad Sneakers" wasn't released as a single, hence it did not chart. However, the full album "Katy Lied" peaked at 13 on the Billboard 200.
Popular Culture Reference
The song "Bad Sneakers" is mentioned in the book "The Big Rewind: A Memoir Brought to You by Pop Culture" by Nathan Rabin.
Musicians’ Participation
The song featured studio musicians such as Michael Omartian on piano and Dean Parks on guitar, highlighting Steely Dan’s habit of involving numerous talented musicians in their recording process.
Lyricists
Like many of Steely Dan's songs, the lyrics to "Bad Sneakers" are somewhat cryptic and satirical. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, the duo behind Steely Dan, were known for their complex lyrics.
Critical Reception
Despite its unconventional lyrics, "Bad Sneakers" is widely praised by critics for its intricate arrangement and catchy tune. Rolling Stone Magazine described it as a ‘wistful pop song’.
Distinctive Instrumentation
The song starts with a distinctive two-beat drum figure, played by session drummer, Jeff Porcaro. This became a staple of the band's sound.
Backing Vocals
Notably, "Bad Sneakers" features Michael McDonald on backing vocals. McDonald, famous for his work with the band The Doobie Brothers, would later become a frequent collaborator with Steely Dan.
Personal Interpretations
Critics and fans have posited a range of interpretations about the song’s lyrics, from it reflecting the disillusionment of living in Los Angeles to it being a commentary on the downfalls of fame and success.
Continuous Popularity
Despite being released over 40 years ago, "Bad Sneakers" remains a staple on classic rock radio stations, demonstrating the enduring popularity of Steely Dan's music.

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