Steely Dan — Only a Fool Would Say That
Album: 1996-07-21: Nissan Pavilion, Bristow, VA, USAAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2241
Length: 2:52
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A world become one of salads and sun, only a fool would say that
A boy with a plan, a natural man wearin' a white Stetson hat
Unhand that gun begone; there's no one to fire upon
If he's holding it high he's telling a lie
I heard it was you talkin' bout a world where all is free
It just couldn't be, and only a fool would say that
The man in the street draggin' his feet, don't wanna hear the bad news
Imagine your face there in his place standing inside his brown shoes
You do his nine to five drag yourself home half alive
And there on the screen a man with a dream
A boy with a plan, a natural man wearin' a white Stetson hat
Unhand that gun begone; there's no one to fire upon
If he's holding it high he's telling a lie
I heard it was you talkin' bout a world where all is free
It just couldn't be, and only a fool would say that
The man in the street draggin' his feet, don't wanna hear the bad news
Imagine your face there in his place standing inside his brown shoes
You do his nine to five drag yourself home half alive
And there on the screen a man with a dream
Comments (229)add comment
Captain, there is a seriously destructive and dangerous anomaly at large in this quadrant of The Universe. Please send help. This is not a joke.
On_The_Beach wrote:
On the other side of the coin, Lennon was hardly born into the Millionaires life so he sees things from both sides.
Money is hard to come by and just as hard to keep. Maybe, just maybe he was singing about 'be careful what you wish for'
According to this youtube clip, this song is a
put-down of Lennon's "Imagine" (eg the millionaire preaching about "no possessions" and so on).
Sounds feasible, although I'm not sure I agree,
but I like both songs, haha.
OnlyAFool-Imagine
On the other side of the coin, Lennon was hardly born into the Millionaires life so he sees things from both sides.
Money is hard to come by and just as hard to keep. Maybe, just maybe he was singing about 'be careful what you wish for'
This guitar work is a prime example of "less is more".
One of my all time favourite albums.
I was 13 years old when it came out!
I was 13 years old when it came out!
On Johns birthday. I am laughing out loud. You guys are the best.
According to this youtube clip, this song is a
put-down of Lennon's "Imagine" (eg the millionaire preaching about "no possessions" and so on).
Sounds feasible, although I'm not sure I agree,
but I like both songs, haha.
OnlyAFool-Imagine
put-down of Lennon's "Imagine" (eg the millionaire preaching about "no possessions" and so on).
Sounds feasible, although I'm not sure I agree,
but I like both songs, haha.
OnlyAFool-Imagine
Apparently written about John Lennon. Fagan felt that he could be quite naive in his beliefs regarding peace, etc.
pinto wrote:
These lyrics were written in response to John Lennon's song "Imagine".
Thank You for the info!
These lyrics were written in response to John Lennon's song "Imagine".
Thank You for the info!
grhorn wrote:
Our world become one
Of salads and sun
Only a fool would say that
A boy with a plan
A natural man
Wearing a white stetson hat
Unhand that gun begone
There's no one to fire upon
If he's holding it high
He's telling a lie
I heard it was you
Talkin' 'bout a world
Where all is free
It just couldn't be
And only a fool would say that
The man in the street
Draggin' his feet
Don't wanna hear the bad news
Imagine your face
There is his place
Standing inside his brown shoes
You do his nine to five
Drag yourself home half alive
And there on the screen
A man with a dream
I heard it was you
Talkin' 'bout a world
Where all is free
It just couldn't be
And only a fool would say that
Anybody on the street
Has murder in his eyes
You feel no pain
And you're younger
Then you realize
Only a fool would say that
Only a foooo oooooo ooooo oooool
I heard it was you
Talkin' 'bout a world
Where all is free
It just couldn't be
And a fool would say that
And a fool would say that
And a fool would say that
These lyrics were written in response to John Lennon's song "Imagine".
Our world become one
Of salads and sun
Only a fool would say that
A boy with a plan
A natural man
Wearing a white stetson hat
Unhand that gun begone
There's no one to fire upon
If he's holding it high
He's telling a lie
I heard it was you
Talkin' 'bout a world
Where all is free
It just couldn't be
And only a fool would say that
The man in the street
Draggin' his feet
Don't wanna hear the bad news
Imagine your face
There is his place
Standing inside his brown shoes
You do his nine to five
Drag yourself home half alive
And there on the screen
A man with a dream
I heard it was you
Talkin' 'bout a world
Where all is free
It just couldn't be
And only a fool would say that
Anybody on the street
Has murder in his eyes
You feel no pain
And you're younger
Then you realize
Only a fool would say that
Only a foooo oooooo ooooo oooool
I heard it was you
Talkin' 'bout a world
Where all is free
It just couldn't be
And a fool would say that
And a fool would say that
And a fool would say that
These lyrics were written in response to John Lennon's song "Imagine".
ImaOldman wrote:
I would argue that nothing in 2018 sounds like Steely Dan, except Steely Dan. There is still very little I would rather listen to... Should be at the top of any civilized "desert Island" playlist.
And in 2023, it is still true. I never get into arguments about which is the "best band ever" but I still cannot think of any band as unparalleled. No-one has seriously tried to emulate them.
I would argue that nothing in 2018 sounds like Steely Dan, except Steely Dan. There is still very little I would rather listen to... Should be at the top of any civilized "desert Island" playlist.
And in 2023, it is still true. I never get into arguments about which is the "best band ever" but I still cannot think of any band as unparalleled. No-one has seriously tried to emulate them.
Recently read that this song was a direct shot at how absurd a millionaire singing about imagining a world with no possessions etc. was. (John Lennon's "Imagine")
This song makes a LOT more sense in that context.
This song makes a LOT more sense in that context.
and the bongos
and the vocal harmonies nail it
some of the finest guitar work you will ever hear
and this isn't even considered one of their best!
and this isn't even considered one of their best!
grhorn wrote:
Our world become one
Of salads and sun
Only a fool would say that
A boy with a plan
A natural man
Wearing a white stetson hat
Unhand that gun begone
There's no one to fire upon
If he's holding it high
He's telling a lie
I heard it was you
Talkin' 'bout a world
Where all is free
It just couldn't be
And only a fool would say that
The man in the street
Draggin' his feet
Don't wanna hear the bad news
Imagine your face
There is his place
Standing inside his brown shoes
You do his nine to five
Drag yourself home half alive
And there on the screen
A man with a dream
I heard it was you
Talkin' 'bout a world
Where all is free
It just couldn't be
And only a fool would say that
Anybody on the street
Has murder in his eyes
You feel no pain
And you're younger
Then you realize
Only a fool would say that
Only a foooo oooooo ooooo oooool
I heard it was you
Talkin' 'bout a world
Where all is free
It just couldn't be
And a fool would say that
And a fool would say that
And a fool would say that
Thank You for the COMPLETE LYRICS !!
Our world become one
Of salads and sun
Only a fool would say that
A boy with a plan
A natural man
Wearing a white stetson hat
Unhand that gun begone
There's no one to fire upon
If he's holding it high
He's telling a lie
I heard it was you
Talkin' 'bout a world
Where all is free
It just couldn't be
And only a fool would say that
The man in the street
Draggin' his feet
Don't wanna hear the bad news
Imagine your face
There is his place
Standing inside his brown shoes
You do his nine to five
Drag yourself home half alive
And there on the screen
A man with a dream
I heard it was you
Talkin' 'bout a world
Where all is free
It just couldn't be
And only a fool would say that
Anybody on the street
Has murder in his eyes
You feel no pain
And you're younger
Then you realize
Only a fool would say that
Only a foooo oooooo ooooo oooool
I heard it was you
Talkin' 'bout a world
Where all is free
It just couldn't be
And a fool would say that
And a fool would say that
And a fool would say that
Thank You for the COMPLETE LYRICS !!
Our world become one
Of salads and sun
Only a fool would say that
A boy with a plan
A natural man
Wearing a white stetson hat
Unhand that gun begone
There's no one to fire upon
If he's holding it high
He's telling a lie
I heard it was you
Talkin' 'bout a world
Where all is free
It just couldn't be
And only a fool would say that
The man in the street
Draggin' his feet
Don't wanna hear the bad news
Imagine your face
There is his place
Standing inside his brown shoes
You do his nine to five
Drag yourself home half alive
And there on the screen
A man with a dream
I heard it was you
Talkin' 'bout a world
Where all is free
It just couldn't be
And only a fool would say that
Anybody on the street
Has murder in his eyes
You feel no pain
And you're younger
Then you realize
Only a fool would say that
Only a foooo oooooo ooooo oooool
I heard it was you
Talkin' 'bout a world
Where all is free
It just couldn't be
And a fool would say that
And a fool would say that
And a fool would say that
and them bongos
bongos
bongos
wamy bamy guitars
Listening to this in the context of what's happening in Ukraine and it seems a lost beacon of innocence...a world become one? Only a fool would say that. It seems the Dan were right. Great track though!
PLEASE PLAY MORE TUNES FROM THIS ALBUM!!!
GeneP59 wrote:
And in 1972 the PLO were killing Olympic athletes in Munich. I remember the 70s a bit differently...
I wish it was the 70's right now. 
Negativity was non-existent, communication was done face to face and you were outside until it got dark.
Negativity was non-existent, communication was done face to face and you were outside until it got dark.
And in 1972 the PLO were killing Olympic athletes in Munich. I remember the 70s a bit differently...
radioparadise9 wrote:
Donald the Deranged is in the news today "coronavirus will go way .. I hope"
How are things in freedumb?
What?
Donald the Deranged is in the news today "coronavirus will go way .. I hope"
How are things in freedumb?
What?
gratefulgator wrote:
Really? For me, these guys remain so very fresh. Sure maybe the arrangements aren't nearly as common currently, but I'd say that Paul Weller is a contemporary artist that carries on with this sound. Now...as for the cocktails...make mine a double...
When I hear Steely Dan I get the feeling I should be sitting in some kind of 70s dive bar drinking some kind of 70s cocktail. Maybe a pina colada or something. It just feels so retro.
Really? For me, these guys remain so very fresh. Sure maybe the arrangements aren't nearly as common currently, but I'd say that Paul Weller is a contemporary artist that carries on with this sound. Now...as for the cocktails...make mine a double...
Does anyone know what the fragment of Spanish (?) is at the end of this song?
Oh, SOOOO well played On_The_Beach!!!
I’ll give you a lot of points for that rejoinder …
jukes1 wrote:
Only a fool would say that.
All of their stuff reminds me of the samples on my casio keyboard in 1986. Ugh.
Only a fool would say that.
NotShakespeare wrote:
My trans friend will tell you the negativity was always there, but most of us weren't forced to see it.
Didn't need to be forced, it was everywhere.
We were surrounded by negativity, a dreadful war (yes, it was a war for anyone who was sent there), civil rights still not acknowledged, oh - and our National Guard killing unarmed students at Kent State. Won't even start on Nixon and his administration's shenanigans. Hard time NOT to be cynical and it took years to get beyond that.
Music did help - some artists more than others.
My trans friend will tell you the negativity was always there, but most of us weren't forced to see it.
Didn't need to be forced, it was everywhere.
We were surrounded by negativity, a dreadful war (yes, it was a war for anyone who was sent there), civil rights still not acknowledged, oh - and our National Guard killing unarmed students at Kent State. Won't even start on Nixon and his administration's shenanigans. Hard time NOT to be cynical and it took years to get beyond that.
Music did help - some artists more than others.
GeneP59 wrote:
My trans friend will tell you the negativity was always there, but most of us weren't forced to see it.
I wish it was the 70's right now.
Negativity was non-existent, communication was done face to face and you were outside until it got dark.
Negativity was non-existent, communication was done face to face and you were outside until it got dark.
My trans friend will tell you the negativity was always there, but most of us weren't forced to see it.
GeneP59 wrote:
Oh Yeah! I wish I could upvote you a bunch more.
I wish it was the 70's right now.
Negativity was non-existent, communication was done face to face and you were outside until it got dark.
Negativity was non-existent, communication was done face to face and you were outside until it got dark.
Oh Yeah! I wish I could upvote you a bunch more.
Godlike!!
The lyrics are incomplete 
What a smooth groove...loving the deep pocket on this one, so chill. LLRP!!
jagdriver wrote:
Donald the Deranged is in the news today "coronavirus will go way .. I hope"
How are things in freedumb?
Coincidental timing, given that Donald is in the news today for alleged spousal abuse?
Donald the Deranged is in the news today "coronavirus will go way .. I hope"
How are things in freedumb?
Proclivities wrote:
Well, this song is from 1972; that may explain the "retro" feeling it brings about. I've been in quite a few dive bars; they seldom serve "fancy" cocktails like pina coladas.
If it was 1972 and you were drinking in dive bars ... you were missing it
Couldn't find any dope?
LMAO
Well, this song is from 1972; that may explain the "retro" feeling it brings about. I've been in quite a few dive bars; they seldom serve "fancy" cocktails like pina coladas.
If it was 1972 and you were drinking in dive bars ... you were missing it
Couldn't find any dope?
LMAO
nomnol wrote:
and great album. please play more Bill.
This is just a great song. Period. One that I have to turn up the volume every time.
and great album. please play more Bill.
This is just a great song. Period. One that I have to turn up the volume every time.
GeneP59 wrote:
And Peter Pan was still a straight dude who loved playing with younger kids just for the fun of it. Further evidence that good drugs made everything seem wonderful.
I wish it was the 70's right now.
Negativity was non-existent, communication was done face to face and you were outside until it got dark.
Negativity was non-existent, communication was done face to face and you were outside until it got dark.
And Peter Pan was still a straight dude who loved playing with younger kids just for the fun of it. Further evidence that good drugs made everything seem wonderful.
All of their stuff reminds me of the samples on my casio keyboard in 1986. Ugh.
GeneP59 wrote:
And hardly anyone was reminiscing about the "good old days".
Remember the campaign slogan, "Don't change Dicks in the middle of a screw. Vote for Nix in '72"? Actually, human foibles being what they are, and always have been, there isn't as much difference between generations as we like to kid ourselves there is.
And hardly anyone was reminiscing about the "good old days".
Remember the campaign slogan, "Don't change Dicks in the middle of a screw. Vote for Nix in '72"? Actually, human foibles being what they are, and always have been, there isn't as much difference between generations as we like to kid ourselves there is.I wish it was the 70's right now.
Negativity was non-existent, communication was done face to face and you were outside until it got dark.
Negativity was non-existent, communication was done face to face and you were outside until it got dark.
GeneP59 wrote:
I wish it was the 70's right now.
Negativity was non-existent, communication was done face to face and you were outside until it got dark.
Your privilege is showing.Negativity was non-existent, communication was done face to face and you were outside until it got dark.
Steely Dan on RP? Will miracle never cease.
fatcatjb wrote:
and in 1972, nothing sounded like Steely Dan except Steely Dan...smart, crisp, inventive, an obvious nod to interesting drumming, jazzy guitar in a time of endless soaring solos...so smart
Maybe CAN, but they were never as commercial as Steely Dan. Secondly, they never play CAN on here, or at least I have never heard it!Its that guitar work. So fine. The crazy lyrics also help.
I guess Bill thought this was so good, he'd play it again 15 minutes later.
Extraordinaire!!!
The girls loved this. 2017 was a hard time for me. This album gave a soundtrack
fatcatjb wrote:
I would argue that nothing in 2018 sounds like Steely Dan, except Steely Dan. There is still very little I would rather listen to... Should be at the top of any civilized "desert Island" playlist.
and in 1972, nothing sounded like Steely Dan except Steely Dan...smart, crisp, inventive, an obvious nod to interesting drumming, jazzy guitar in a time of endless soaring solos...so smart
I would argue that nothing in 2018 sounds like Steely Dan, except Steely Dan. There is still very little I would rather listen to... Should be at the top of any civilized "desert Island" playlist.
gratefulgator wrote:
Well, this song is from 1972; that may explain the "retro" feeling it brings about. I've been in quite a few dive bars; they seldom serve "fancy" cocktails like pina coladas.
When I hear Steely Dan I get the feeling I should be sitting in some kind of 70s dive bar drinking some kind of 70s cocktail. Maybe a pina colada or something. It just feels so retro.
Well, this song is from 1972; that may explain the "retro" feeling it brings about. I've been in quite a few dive bars; they seldom serve "fancy" cocktails like pina coladas.
This "band" had amazing musicians, a wide variety of musical arrangements and instrumentation .... and perhaps the best lyrics to come out of the '70s and '80s.
Ah, 1972 and I'm playing in a small college-town bar band. The guitarist says we need to listen to this new band and hauls out this album. And, frankly, I was unimpressed. Luckily, I changed my mind as time went on and in a year or so I was a fan.
Thanks, Bob, wherever you are.
Thanks, Bob, wherever you are.
RIP Walter
macht et jut
macht et jut
idiot_wind wrote:
The lyrics section is missing some of the lyrics referenced:
"Anybody on the street has murder in his eyes,
You feel no pain and you're younger than you realize ..."
Ahhhh...the cool breezy, vibrant, syncopated guitar rifts.
Nice harmonies.
The crazy, cryptic lyrics...white stetson hat? You're younger than you realize?
So freakin cool.
Nice harmonies.
The crazy, cryptic lyrics...white stetson hat? You're younger than you realize?
So freakin cool.
The lyrics section is missing some of the lyrics referenced:
"Anybody on the street has murder in his eyes,
You feel no pain and you're younger than you realize ..."
I wish it was the 70's right now.
Negativity was non-existent, communication was done face to face and you were outside until it got dark.
Negativity was non-existent, communication was done face to face and you were outside until it got dark.
so freaking COOL. Jazzy, witty, tight harmonies and playing. Love the SD to pieces!!
and in 1972, nothing sounded like Steely Dan except Steely Dan...smart, crisp, inventive, an obvious nod to interesting drumming, jazzy guitar in a time of endless soaring solos...so smart
Ahhhh...the cool breezy, vibrant, syncopated guitar rifts.
Nice harmonies.
The crazy, cryptic lyrics...white stetson hat? You're younger than you realize?
So freakin cool.
Nice harmonies.
The crazy, cryptic lyrics...white stetson hat? You're younger than you realize?
So freakin cool.
gratefulgator wrote:
When I hear Steely Dan I get the feeling I should be sitting in some kind of 70s dive bar drinking some kind of 70s cocktail. Maybe a pina colada or something. It just feels so retro.
Harvey Wall Bangers!
Very nice
Also, like the version by Ivy.
When I hear Steely Dan I get the feeling I should be sitting in some kind of 70s dive bar drinking some kind of 70s cocktail. Maybe a pina colada or something. It just feels so retro.
idiot_wind wrote:
precisely : )
The guitars are fantabulous. And the lyrics are classic, cryptic, crazy, confusing, confounding, and koo koo.
precisely : )
jagdriver wrote:
Two sides..........
Coincidental timing, given that Donald is in the news today for alleged spousal abuse?
Two sides..........
Coincidental timing, given that Donald is in the news today for alleged spousal abuse?
Ah....great guitars and strange, trippy, cryptic lyrics.
And who is wearing that white Stetson hat?
And who is wearing that white Stetson hat?
great to hear a steely dan song that isn't in such high rotation. one of my favourites. cheers!
Only a fool would say that they don't like this stuff, but I can't bear it. Talented people, for sure, highly respected, but it loses me in the same way that most jazz does. Sorry.
More Steely Dan please
Excellent! 
Will62 wrote:
People!! Seriously!! How can any of you dare criticise the very finest of 70's music. inventive, intricate, absorbing and chock full of stunning musicianship. Oh for today's artists to display some of the traits we took for granted from Fagan and Becker.
People!! Seriously!! How can any of you dare criticise the very finest of 70's music. inventive, intricate, absorbing and chock full of stunning musicianship. Oh for today's artists to display some of the traits we took for granted from Fagan and Becker.
richlister wrote:
Is 'Next' better than 'One' ?
In this case yes. I say next because the next SD song I hear will probably be my favourite.
Is 'Next' better than 'One' ?
In this case yes. I say next because the next SD song I hear will probably be my favourite.
vesta0424 wrote:
And really not the best of times ... for which reason, Steely Dan gives me the creeps ... only one other artist also gives me the creeps ... Joni Mitchell. Both are pretty creepy.
Boy_Wonder wrote:
Boy_Wonder wrote:
42 years ago.....
I think this one of their better songs —> 4.
The guitars are fantabulous. And the lyrics are classic, cryptic, crazy, confusing, confounding, and koo koo.
Even the fillers on this album are good!
Oh yeah...still fresh from 1972!
mortrates wrote:
..... yes, yes & yes
More Steely Dan - Please!
..... yes, yes & yes
Love Fagan's falsetto--something he has def outgrown--his highs are painful now, sometimes. But I am a BIG Dan fan, dammit!
That guitar sings !
I recall reading liner notes on their particularity on the studio microphones. I believe they were ultra expensive AKG's.
I recall reading liner notes on their particularity on the studio microphones. I believe they were ultra expensive AKG's.
Excellent guitar players with strange, trippy, cryptic lyrics.
That's why these guys were one of the best bands in the 1970s!
Perhaps my favorite of all their classics....
42 years ago.....
More Steely Dan - Please!
Nice!
Very appealing, thank you.
A beautiful tune from the Dan, with a spectacular guitar solo.
oldsaxon wrote:
Is 'Next' better than 'One' ?
There are so many really great songs on this album. Only a fool would choose one over the next.
Is 'Next' better than 'One' ?
There are so many really great songs on this album. Only a fool would choose one over the next.
Wow, deep cut Dan. Haven't heard this in ages and it's sounding very nice.
Boy has this song aged well. And this from their debut album — they were just getting started.
What were they thinking with that terrible cover art for the album? Just plain bad. Maybe someone ok'd the cover art...and then they came up with this title track.
Love it.
there are no words for the pain this causes me
I really enjoy this entire record
love hearing this whole album...this song is awesome.
This came along at just the right time, back then, and right now.....sounds nice to hear again....
LOVE this one...
Steely has a lot of great tunes but this is up there near the top
Steely has a lot of great tunes but this is up there near the top
SpamNRice wrote:
...Only a Fool Would Say That!
Best album ever... or damn close!
Yep.
...Only a Fool Would Say That!
Best album ever... or damn close!Yep.
Very nice!
For some reason this strikes me as one of the the very best songs, ever. It's ability to mood-alter in a positive way is strong.
8
mandolin wrote:
...Only a Fool Would Say That! Best album ever... or damn close!
...nooooooOOOOOOOOOoooooo not steely dan!.. 
...Only a Fool Would Say That!
Best album ever... or damn close!Yeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssssssssssss, Steely Dan!
mandolin wrote:
mandolin wrote:
...nooooooOOOOOOOOOoooooo not steely dan!..
Awesome! These are the songs that keep me here...
neuticle wrote:
"He must be spanked. And then you must spank me."
bad Bill! naughty Bill!
"He must be spanked. And then you must spank me."
...nooooooOOOOOOOOOoooooo not steely dan!..
Just recently saw them in Boca Raton, FL in an amphitheatre. It was pretty obvious Don doesn't think Boca is home to the most fervent of Dan fans, they did a very "AM radio" set of songs and walked off, no encore, but OMG I thought they were AMAZING. If only they'd done "Don't Take Me Alive" I'd have died right there of happiness.
More DAN!!
bindi wrote:
Nope, I love them the best of all. Sorry guys.
these guys SUCK?? Only a fool would say that! Love SD!!!
Nope, I love them the best of all. Sorry guys.
these guys SUCK?? Only a fool would say that! Love SD!!!
helgigermany wrote:
Love em more!
Love Steely Dan!!
Love em more!
Love Steely Dan!!
Yea, I always loved the sound of these guys!
"Nice Les Montgomery-style guitar work. I presume it's "Skunk" Baxter."
I think you mean Wes Montgomery. Yeah, the Dan were heavily jazz influenced and used many jazz musicians on their albums. Another song from this album which was a minor hit was Dirty Work which had a different lead vocalist, David Palmer, on it. I think he left shortly after.
I think you mean Wes Montgomery. Yeah, the Dan were heavily jazz influenced and used many jazz musicians on their albums. Another song from this album which was a minor hit was Dirty Work which had a different lead vocalist, David Palmer, on it. I think he left shortly after.