King and Queen (King) Songs: Kings (#8)

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Can’t get much simpler than that for a title in today’s “king” side of the dual countdowns of songs with “king” and “queen” in the title. To NJ Chic’s infinite joy and happiness here’s today’s song. #8: Kings - Steely Dan Puke on, NJ Chic. (She hates Steely Dan.) For the rest of us, here’s a terrific tune from the Dan’s debut album. There’s questions, as is usual in a Steely Dan song, about who’s being referenced here. Is “good King Richard” Tricky Dick Nixon (who was running for re-election when this album came out); is it Richard the Lionheart (who was succeeded by “good King John” in 1199); or is it just a commentary on politicians in general who set themselves up as “kings” at the expense of the voters (“and though we sung his fame we all went hungry just the same”)? Doesn’t matter that much. It’s a great Steely Dan song, and they never seemed to mind the multiple interpretations their lyrics invited. Kings Written by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen Recorded by Steely Dan From Can’t Buy a Thrill, 1972 Raise up your glass: