Bodhisattva (Live 1980)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Bodhisattva (Live 1980)" by Steely Dan from their album Gold! This high-energy live rendition, recorded at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, captures the band’s jazz-rock prowess. According to Songfacts, the song, originally from 1973’s Countdown to Ecstasy, is a rare Steely Dan track penned solely by Donald Fagen. Fagen has shared that it’s a playful jab at Western oversimplifications of Eastern religion, with lyrics like “the shine of your Japan” and “the sparkle of your China” poking fun at materialistic interpretations of spiritual enlightenment. The live version, featured as the B-side to the 1980 single "Hey Nineteen", showcases Jeff “Skunk” Baxter’s blistering guitar solos, a fan favorite that’s remained a concert staple.

Dive deeper into the track’s lore, and you’ll find some juicy tidbits. On r/SteelyDan, fans rave about the song’s explosive outro, particularly Denny Dias’ rapid-fire guitar riff over the final chords, which one user called “mind-blowing.” There’s also a story from a fan who got married in 1990 and insisted their wedding band play “Bodhisattva,” turning the reception into a dance floor frenzy. Another cool nugget from Songfacts is that Steely Dan were the first popular act to use “Bodhisattva” in a song title, paving the way for others like the Beastie Boys with their 1992 track “Bodhisattva Vow.” David Nichtern, a Buddhist teacher and musician who worked with Walter Becker, explained to Songfacts that Bodhisattvas are compassionate beings akin to saints, dedicated to helping others, which adds a layer of irony to Fagen’s tongue-in-cheek lyrics.

Now, let’s rewind to how Steely Dan got their start. Formed in 1971 in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, the band was the brainchild of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, who met as students at Bard College in 1967. Bonding over their love for jazz, blues, and Beat Generation literature, they began writing songs together, aiming to be professional songwriters in the vein of the Brill Building. After stints in various bands, including one with future comedian Chevy Chase on drums, they joined Jay & the Americans’ backing band in 1970, using pseudonyms like Gustav Mahler (Becker) and Tristan Fabriani (Fagen). Their big break came when producer Gary Katz hired them as staff songwriters for ABC/Dunhill in Los Angeles. Katz encouraged them to form a band to record their songs, and thus Steely Dan—named after a dildo from William S. Burroughs’ Naked Lunch—was born. Their 1972 debut, Can’t Buy a Thrill, with hits like “Do It Again” and “Reeling in the Years,” blended rock, jazz, and cryptic lyrics, setting the stage for their iconic career.

Want to connect with Steely Dan and their fans? Check out their official website for tour dates and news. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Fans can join vibrant communities like the Steely Dan Fans Facebook group or dive into discussions on r/SteelyDan. For more fan-driven content, visit Steely Dan NL, a dedicated fan site with detailed discographies and articles. So, Zoo Freaks, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let’s keep the Steely Dan vibes flowing!