Green Earrings

Album: The Royal Scam (1976)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Green Earrings" is one of those Steely Dan album cuts (from The Royal Scam in 1976) that holds up thanks to the meticulous musicianship and intriguing imagery. The song is about a jewel thief who feels no remorse whatsoever in what he does, even when he steals from a lover.
  • The song features prominent jazz and funk influences, and is highlighted by the talented and grooving rhythm section of bassist Chuck Rainey and drummer Bernard "Pretty" Purdie.
  • Steely Dan songs generally feature one guitar solo showcasing the talents of a specific musician, but "Green Earrings" boasts solos by two different guitarists. Founding member Denny Dias delivered a melodic and fluid solo in the middle if the track, followed by more aggressive staccato guitar part by session musician Elliott Randall. Randall also was responsible for the highly regarded solo in Steely Dan's 1972 hit "Reelin' In The Years."

Comments: 9

  • Matt from Burlington, Vt90% sure it's a rhodes, but it doesn't sounds like one. I think you might be right that it is a clavinet
  • Mark from Ann Arbor, MiI have to echo Andrew's comments (and most of yours). This is such a tasty tune. Pay close attention to not only the lead, but also the rhythym and how it walks the line with the keys (I think it's a clavinet that's being played by Fagen here - Stevie Wonder often used a clavinet back in the day). At 1:47 the bridge unfolds and at 2:07 the first to two incrediblly-textured solos takes place, which is bookended by a similarly tasty one at 2:30.

    By far, one of the most underrated bands of all time. Sure, they have a loyal following, but for whatever reason, some people can't seem to embrace their craft...and that's just such a shame.
  • Andy from Rockaway , NyGreat tune, and agree, underated.
  • Ed from Incognito, IlOne of the best drum-fills in music, ever! Right before the solo. Thank you so much, Bernard Purdee!
  • Ron from Moncton, Canadaoff the steely dan masterpiece the royal scam. still play their music today and still sounds as timeless as when it was released
  • Joni from New York, NySupposed Walter Becker grew up around where I live and works in NYC. I think I saw him in a diner.
  • Joni from New York, NyVery good musically, as well as creativity wise. I wish I had been around when Steely Dan was at it's prime...curse being young!
  • Michael from Houston, TxThe best Steely Dan song not featured on their Show Biz Kids compilation, very underrated.
  • Andrew from Raleigh, NcThis has a great guitar solo by Denny Dias and another guitar solo by Elliot Randall.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

John Lee Hooker

John Lee HookerSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for Bruce Pollock's 1984 conversation with the esteemed bluesman. Hooker talks about transforming a Tony Bennett classic and why you don't have to be sad and lonely to write the blues.

Psychedelic Lyrics

Psychedelic LyricsMusic Quiz

Whoa man! Do you know which band came up with these cosmic lyrics?

Eric Clapton

Eric ClaptonFact or Fiction

Did Eric Clapton really write "Cocaine" while on cocaine? This question and more in the Clapton edition of Fact or Fiction.

Tom Bailey of Thompson Twins

Tom Bailey of Thompson TwinsSongwriter Interviews

Tom stopped performing Thompson Twins songs in 1987, in part because of their personal nature: "Hold Me Now" came after an argument with his bandmate/girlfriend Alannah Currie.

Jeff Trott

Jeff TrottSongwriter Interviews

Sheryl Crow's longtime songwriting partner/guitarist Jeff Trott reveals the stories behind many of the singer's hits, and what its like to be a producer for Leighton Meester and Max Gomez.

Ed Roland of Collective Soul

Ed Roland of Collective SoulSongwriter Interviews

The stories behind "Shine," "December," "The World I Know" and other Collective Soul hits.