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Dirty Work Lyrics

Artist: Steely Dan
Album: Dirty Work

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

CHORUS:
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

CHORUS

Comments/Interpretations

by Renee on 10/26/2008 12:36pm
this song changed my life

by Diane Castles on 1/11/2009 12:38pm
Only ever heard this song once before and it's really good. Love it.

by Andrew Littlevalley on 1/14/2009 10:31am
i would like to know who sings this song. this voice is not from donnald fagen, isn't it ?

by Jessica on 1/16/2009 10:27pm
Steely Dan sings it

by Sandra on 2/17/2009 1:54pm
David Palmer sings it on the original. Also check out the fantastic version on youtube buy the Dan ladies. It's stunning.

by rosscoe on 4/26/2009 12:45am
S D kicks some serious ass

by Elvira on 2/24/2010 11:15pm
That's David Palmer on lead vocals.

by madalaine on 9/11/2010 12:25pm
Shaw Blades does a great version on "Influences"

by Fred on 9/28/2010 3:11pm
Been a fan since the 70's. This is still the best Steely Dan song ever written, bar none!

by on 10/13/2010 8:52pm
do it again is the best steely dan song...this is up there

by Curt on 10/23/2010 2:07pm
The entire Shaw B,lades album of covers is 100% kickass

by Josh on 1/5/2011 5:24pm
The Pointe Sisters do a great cover on their album Energy.

by Teddy on 9/4/2011 11:32pm
I am 12 and this is the only song my mom and I both like...

by David on 10/4/2011 9:06pm
Amend to that Linda. The Dirty Work version by the two backing singers is sublime. With a rather nifty little guitar solo at the beginning from Mr. Becker too. Search 'Dirty Work' on youtube and it's currently the third one down.

by Robert on 11/29/2011 9:42pm
David Palmer is the ONLY person that should EVER sing this song. The ladies on youtube suck.

by Cameron on 5/18/2012 12:07am
I agree with Robert the chicks on the You Tube video suck.

by John K. on 6/18/2012 3:08pm
Steely Dan ha several guest singers on there albums.Dity Work is obviously About an affair.Great Stuff.Didnt start liking them til early eighties.I remember when they released their first LP.Great band from NJ.

by Art on 9/18/2012 2:48am
I hope you all realize that this is a love song from the view of the "MARITAL AID" Look at the lyrics

by Bugs on 10/15/2012 2:03pm
Art, I like that "alternate interpretation!" Considering what the band is named after, it's possible you're right. However, I'm not sure a "device" would sing "I'm a fool to do your dirty work." That's why I think the singer is actually a man on the side, whom the woman only turns to when she feels lonely. If that's the case, he may *feel* like a "marital aid" - she doesn't love him, she just keeps him around to use when she's in the mood. Good catch, though. I never thought of this song that way.

by Jmars66 on 10/22/2012 7:20am
Not necessarily the dans best song in in technical prowess or structure- but it is my fave cause of the meaningand groove