Dirty Work [Shaw/Blades featuring Tommy Shaw]

 

Dirty Work
Written by Donald Fagen & Walter Becker
Lead Vocals by Jack Blades

Times are hard

You're afraid to pay the fee

So you find yourself somebody

Who can do the job for free

When you need a bit of lovin'

Cause your man is out of town

That's the time you get me runnin'

And you know I'll be around

I'm a fool to do your dirty work

Oh yeah

I don't wanna do your dirty work

No more

I'm a fool to do your dirty work

Oh yeah

Light the candle

Put the lock upon the door

You have sent the maid home early

Like a thousand times before

Like the castle in its corner

In a medieval game

I foresee terrible trouble

And I stay here just the same

I'm a fool to do your dirty work

Oh yeah

I don't wanna do your dirty work

No more

I'm a fool to do your dirty work

Oh yeah

Interpretation

From SongFacts.com:

This song is about a guy who is being used for sex by a wealthy married woman who has no intention of keeping him around. His clandestine visits make him feel dirty, but he does it nonetheless.

Steely Dan called their music "smart rock," and this song is a great example why. In just over three minutes, it conveys a feeling of helplessness as the guy feels dirty and used even though he's getting commitment-free sex, something to be celebrated in most "dumb rock."