Steely Dan Shines In This Rare Performance Of “Reelin’ In The Years”
Reelin’ In Those Years
Steely Dan, one of the greatest classic rock bands, channels feelings of regret and loss in this song as it paints the picture of a young man remembering his lost love.
“Are you reelin’ in the years ? Stowin’ away the time. Are you gatherin’ up the tears? Have you had enough of mine?”
During this video, as their best live performance of “Reelin’ In The Years” you see a vulnerable Steely Dan pouring out their deepest secrets to the crowd.
We love the vocals coming from Donald Fagen in this show particularly since he seemed to be on his A game, as well as the rest of the band including Michael McDonald.
Interesting Fact: Although this was one of Steely Dan’s greatest hits, it was their least favorite song. Donald Fagan said, “It’s dumb but effective.” Walter Becker added, “It’s no fun.”
The solo in this song, performed by Elliot Randall, even caught the ear of possibly the greatest guitarist ever, Jimmy Page. Jimmy was quoted saying it was his favorite guitar solo of all time.
+ Reelin’ In The Years Lyrics +
Your everlasting summer
You can see it fading fast
So you grab a piece of something
That you think is gonna last
You wouldn’t know a diamond
If you held it in your hand
The things you think are precious
I can’t understand
Are you reelin’ in the years
Stowin’ away the time
Are you gatherin’ up the tears
Have you had enough of mine
You been tellin’ me you’re a genius
Since you were seventeen
In all the time I’ve known you
I still don’t know what you mean
The weekend at the college
Didn’t turn out like you planned
The things that pass for knowledge
I can’t understand
Are you reelin’ in the years
Stowin’ away the time
Are you gatherin’ up the tears
Have you had enough of mine
I spend a lot of money
And I spent a lot of time
The trip we made in Hollywood
Is etched upon my mind
After all the things we’ve done and seen
You find another man
The things you think are useless
I can’t understand
Are you reelin’ in the years
Stowin’ away the time
Are you gatherin’ up the tears
Have you had enough of mine
