Do It Again

Steely Dan

About Do It Again

"Do It Again" is a song composed by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, performed by American rock group Steely Dan, which was released as a single from their 1972 debut album Can't Buy a Thrill. The single version differed from the album version, shortening the intro and outro and omitting the organ solo. Released in 1972, the song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 on November 18, 1972, and reached number 6 on the US charts in 1973, making it Steely Dan's second highest charting single.  


Year:
1977
111 
#1

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In the mornin' you go gunnin' for the man who stole your water
And you fire till he is done in but they catch you at the border
And the mourners are all singin' as they drag you by your feet
But the hangman isn't hangin' and they put you on the street

You go back, Jack, do it again, wheels turinin' 'round and 'round
You go back, Jack, do it again

When you know she's no high climber then you find your only friend
In a room with your two timer, and you're sure you're near the end
Then you love a little wild one, and she brings you only sorrow
All the time you know she's smilin'; you'll be on your knees tomorrow

You go back, Jack, do it again, wheels turinin' 'round and 'round
You go back, Jack, do it again

Now you swear and kick and beg us that you're not a gamblin' man;
Then you find you're back in Vegas with a handle in your hand
Your black cards can make you money so you hide them when you're able
In the land of milk and honey you must put them on the table

You go back, Jack, do it again, wheels turinin' 'round and 'round
You go back, Jack, do it again

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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, Donald Fagen

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Release Details
"Do It Again" by Steely Dan was first released on their debut album, "Can't Buy a Thrill", in November 1972.
Chart Performance
The song peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1973.
Unique Instrumentation
This track features a solo played on an electric sitar, an unusual instrument for rock music.
Writing Credits
"Do It Again" was written by the band's co-founders, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker.
Recorded Version
The recorded version of "Do It Again" is over five minutes long, but a shorter version was released for radio play.
Lyrics Content
The lyrics of "Do It Again" have a pessimistic theme, covering topics like addiction, desire, and the propensity for repeating mistakes.
Song Style
"Do It Again" is one of Steely Dan's most famously catchy songs, blending elements of rock, jazz, and pop.
Cover Versions
Several artists have covered "Do It Again", including Waylon Jennings and Deodato.
Recognition
In 2015, the song was ranked No. 54 on Billboard's All-Time Top Songs chart.
Album Success
Beyond the success of the song itself, "Can't Buy a Thrill" was a commercial and critical hit and is often regarded as one of the strongest debut albums in rock.
Band's Name Origin
Steely Dan took their name from a dildo mentioned in the book "Naked Lunch" by William Burroughs. This unique choice contrasts with the more mainstream sound of songs like "Do It Again".
Notable Performances
One of the most notable performances of "Do It Again" occurred in 1993 when Steely Dan played the song live on "The Late Show with David Letterman".
Incomplete Band
Even though Steely Dan is typically thought of as a band, "Do It Again", like many of their tracks, included session musicians. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were the only consistent members.
Background Vocals
David Palmer, who provided the background vocals on "Do It Again", sang lead on many of Steely Dan's early songs because Fagen wasn't comfortable being the frontman at first.
Reception Over Time
Although it was a hit at the time, "Do It Again" has remained one of Steely Dan's most enduring songs, regularly played on classic rock radio and beloved by fans.

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    Do It Again

    18.8M
    175.7K     17,988

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1973

    Billboard #6


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    D Yes, we may be hidden by rags, but we've something they'll never have

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