Single:
Do It Again entered the Australian singles chart* on 2 April 1973 and peaked at #60.
Album:
The song is on Can’t Buy a Thrill which entered the Australian albums chart* on 31 May 1976 and peaked at #46.
Songwriters:
Walter Becker, Donald Fagen
Producer:
Gary Katz
Record label of Australian release:
Probe
*Kent Music Report / Australian Chart Book. See About.
Songfacts:
This was the breakout hit from Steely Dan’s first album. Like many of their songs, it’s hard to make sense of the lyrics, which seem to be about some combination of addiction, second chances and the inevitability of fate. It’s an example of a Steely Dan song that doesn’t make literal sense, but creates a mood.
The instrument used on the first instrumental break is an electric sitar, which was played by Steely Dan mainstay Denny Dias (who later became a computer programmer). This is followed by an organ solo, which was played by Donald Fagen.
Read more: www.songfacts.com/facts/steely-dan/do-it-again
Lyrics:
In the mornin’ you go gunnin’ for the man who stole your water
And you fire ’til 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, wheel turnin’ ’round and ’round
You go back, Jack, do it again
Click for full lyrics
This song is also on our Spotify playlist Bang a Gong – the 70s
Find more songs to enjoy: Bang a Gong song finder
New to Bang a Gong? Click HERE to learn more about us.