Steely Dan – “Do It Again”: A Hypnotic Groove of Vice and Repetition
“Do It Again,” the opening track of Steely Dan’s debut album Can’t Buy a Thrill (1972), is a quintessential blend of jazz-infused rock and enigmatic storytelling. Written by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, this song not only introduced the world to the band’s unique style but also solidified their place as sophisticated architects of sound and narrative.
The track’s hypnotic rhythm mirrors its thematic exploration of cyclical behavior and the inability to break free from self-destructive patterns. With its Latin-inspired percussion, courtesy of Jim Hodder, and an intricate groove that weaves seamlessly through the verses, the song draws listeners into a sonic trance. The electric sitar solo by Denny Dias provides a touch of exoticism, its resonant twang enriching the track’s texture, while Donald Fagen’s vocals lend a detached yet sardonic tone that perfectly complements the song’s mood.
Lyrically, “Do It Again” tells tales of temptation and consequence, ranging from murder and betrayal to gambling and addiction. The repeated refrain, “You go back, Jack, do it again,” underscores the inevitability of these cycles, painting vivid vignettes of flawed humanity trapped in its own patterns. The Yamaha YC-30 organ solo, with its pitch-bending flourish, adds a quirky yet brooding dimension, further emphasizing the song’s atmosphere of tension and inevitability.
Released as a single in 1972, the track reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking one of the band’s earliest commercial successes. Critics praised its innovative arrangement, blending jazz, rock, and Latin influences with an unmatched precision. Cash Box highlighted its “fine vocal harmony and superb arrangement,” while Record World noted its “Latin rock sound” and “solid production.”
“Do It Again” remains a cornerstone of Steely Dan’s catalog, celebrated for its intricate musicianship and timeless narrative. Its themes of vice, compulsion, and moral ambiguity are as relevant today as they were in the early ’70s, proving that some stories—and songs—are destined to repeat themselves.