The Meaning Behind The Song: Everyone’s Gone To The Movies by Steely Dan
Introduction
Steely Dan is one of the most iconic bands in the history of rock music. The band’s unique fusion of jazz, rock, and R&B has fascinated listeners for decades. One of their most popular tunes, “Everyone’s Gone To The Movies,” was released in 1973. At face value, the lyrics may seem ambiguous, but the song’s meaning is thought-provoking once you dive deeper.
Lyrics and Meaning
“Everyone’s Gone To The Movies” is a three-minute sonic representation of male voyeurism. The lyrics tell the story of a man who invites an underage girl (or boy) to watch a dirty movie in his home. As he shows her the movie, he touches her inappropriately, making her uncomfortable.
The song’s opening lines “Up on the hill, Here’s where we begin” denote the location of the new performance venue, possibly a projectionist hall back in the day. The phrase “everyone’s gone to the movies” clarifies the notion that the protagonist has to face temptation alone. The references to “double-feature” represents the double lives of the protagonist.
The verses are full of oral sex puns that transform the theme of the song into something more than a simple tale of a man luring an innocent to watch movies. The anguished cry of baby powder, the smell of wild honey, and the sense of getting warmer insinuate the predator’s predatory intentions. The lyrics reveal the complexity of the situation, simultaneously portraying the predator as a victim of his own condition.
Lyrical Interpretations
The lyrical content of “Everyone’s Gone To The Movies” is dark, and it’s easy to see why some listeners might skip past the meaning or ignore it altogether. The song’s lyrics are masterfully crafted, and there is no way to ignore their suggestive nature. The idea of innocence being taken away by an adult – quite poignantly – intertwines with the narrator’s apologetic tone, making the song more profound.
However, some listeners believe that there could be a more profound underlying meaning. The “dirty movie” in the lyrics might indicate something more profound than the visible notion of the pornographic film in a dinky theatre. It might point to reality, where the protagonist, a pampered white man, manipulates naive people, presenting them with a shiny facade to get what he wants, giving a metaphorical title to the surface level lyrics.
The Identity of the Protagonist
Given the song’s content, people have often speculated about the protagonist. Who is he? What is his identity? Is he a fictional character, or did he exist in reality? Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to these questions. As with many other Steely Dan songs, “Everyone’s Gone To The Movies” seems to have autobiographical elements and fictional ones.
The Controversy Surrounding the Song
The lyrical content of “Everyone’s Gone To The Movies” has been controversial since its release. Some people argue that the song promotes pedophilia or supports the normalization of child abuse. Some people also accuse the song of being a product of an era of “defining deviancy down,” where the graph on what was morally acceptable was lowered continuously.
Steely Dan has defended themselves against these accusations, stating that the song was not intended to promote deviant behavior. The band has maintained that they aim to showcase the depravity in the world and shine a light on the darker aspects of society.
The Influence of The Song
Despite the controversy, “Everyone’s Gone To The Movies” has become one of Steely Dan’s most popular tracks. The song has been covered by several artists and is often cited as a classic piece of music from the 1970s.
The song’s influence is evident in pop culture references, including The Simpsons episode “A Streetcar Named Marge”, in which the song is played in the background while Marge is concerned about Bart’s precocious nature, parodying the song’s controversial themes.
The Relevance of the Song Today
“Everyone’s Gone To The Movies” was released almost fifty years ago. However, the themes portrayed in the song are still relevant today. In recent times, there have been discussions about sexual harassment, child abuse, and the normalization of inappropriate behavior.
The song’s relevance is also apparent in the rising number of sexual violence cases. This means that the song’s message, with its advocacy for rooting out deeply embedded societal pollutants, is indispensable now, more than ever.
The Impact of Steely Dan
Steely Dan has left an enormous impact on the music industry. The band’s unique sound has inspired many artists and genres, primarily jazz-rock fusion. Many fans of this genre of music often view Steely Dan as a band that produced masterpieces that transcended time.
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, cementing their legacy as one of the greatest bands in rock. The band also won a Grammy award in 2001 for their album “Two Against Nature.”
Top Five Steely Dan Songs
Steely Dan has an extensive discography, and selecting just a few songs can be difficult. However, the following five tracks are some of their greatest hits and are worth listening to.
Aja
“Aja” is a jazz-rock fusion masterpiece. The song’s ambitious structure is evident in the numerous solos, which flow seamlessly together. The song’s lyrics, which celebrate the bohemian lifestyle of those who play at Aja’s cafe, are an example of how Steely Dan could integrate jazz sounds into pop-rock hits.
Do it Again
“Do it Again” has an undeniable groove and showcases Steely Dan’s command over songwriting – it features a catchy melody, excellent guitar work and haunting lyrics that revolve around the dangers of succumbing to addiction.
Deacon Blues
Deacon Blues is a melancholic track that tells the story of an aspiring jazzman who struggles to gain acceptance in a world where people fixate on success. The lyrics are ironic in ways, demonstrating the singer’s yearning, despite the fact that he longs for a lifestyle that he cannot attain.
Peg
“Peg” is another Steely Dan classic that emphasizes the band’s focus on groove-based, polished productions that are characterized by elaborate horn sections and funk-driven rhythm sections. “Peg” was used as the backbone of several hip-hop tracks.
Reelin’ In The Years
“Reelin’ In The Years” is guitar rock at its best. The song’s trademark guitar riff is considered one of the greatest guitar riffs of all time. The cut’s powerful structure, driven by guitar, has helped it hold up to modern music trends since its release.
Conclusion
Despite its controversial lyrical content, “Everyone’s Gone To The Movies” remains a popular song from the 1970s. The song’s portrayal of male voyeurism and pedophilia is a reflection of the darker aspects of society. The impact of Steely Dan’s music is undeniable, and the band’s unique jazz-rock fusion sound will continue to inspire generations to come.
FAQs
What was the inspiration behind writing “Everyone’s Gone To The Movies”?
Steely Dan’s music, in general, is a reflection of the societal observations made by the band members. Similarly, “Everyone’s Gone To The Movies” comments on the darker aspects of society while portraying a theme of male voyeurism. The song also emphasizes the dangers of falling prey to depravity.
Is the protagonist of “Everyone’s Gone To The Movies” a fictional character?
There is no definitive answer to whether the character in the song is fictional or not. Many Steely Dan songs blur the intentions of their author, leaving room for interpretation.
How was Steely Dan’s music received when it was first released?
Steely Dan’s music primarily appealed to jazz-rock fusion fans. However, when their music was first released, it was not immediately commercially successful. It was only over time that the band gained a larger following.
What impact did Steely Dan’s music have on the music industry?
Steely Dan’s innovative fusion sound has had an enormous influence on the music industry. Many artists across genres mention Steely Dan as their primary influence. Songs like “Reelin’ In The Years,” “Peg,” and “Deacon Blues” continue to inspire musicians to this day.
Are the lyrics of “Everyone’s Gone To The Movies” autobiographical?
Steely Dan’s songs often include elements of both reality and fiction. This makes it hard to determine whether the lyrics of “Everyone’s Gone To The Movies” are autobiographical or not.
What themes are addressed in “Everyone’s Gone To The Movies”?
“Everyone’s Gone To The Movies” comments on societal issues like male voyeurism, pedophilia, and the normalization of depravity. Despite being released almost fifty years ago, the themes are still relevant to this day.
What other topics do Steely Dan’s songs address?
Steely Dan’s songs cover a vast range of topics, but societal observations are common themes. Other popular topics include addiction, societal acceptance, and the American dream.
What are some of Steely Dan’s most popular songs?
Steely Dan has several popular songs that have transcended time. Some of the most commonly cited songs are “Aja,” “Deacon Blues,” “Peg,” “Reelin’ In The Years,” and “Do it Again.”
What noted musicians have cited Steely Dan as their greatest influence?
Musicians like Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs, and Donald Fagen’s former partner, Walter Becker, have cited Steely Dan as their greatest influence. Artists like Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, and Daft Punk have also sampled Steely Dan’s music in their work.
What awards has Steely Dan won?
Steely Dan has won several awards throughout their career, including five Grammys. One of their most notable accolades is induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
What is Steely Dan’s unique sound?
Steely Dan’s unique fusion sound blends jazz, rock, and R&B, using various instruments and complex chord progressions. The band’s music is heavily characterized by the intricate and polished production value.
What is the relevance of Steely Dan’s music today?
Steely Dan’s music’s relevance is as prominent today as it was in the 1970s. The themes that their music covers are still relevant, and many artists continue to cite their music as an inspiration. Additionally, songs like “Reelin’ In The Years” continue to be sampled in modern music.
