Two Against Nature is the eighth studio album by Steely Dan. The album was released on February 29, 2000, by Giant Records. The album won the group four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Album, and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for Cousin Dupree. It marked the first Steely Dan studio album in 20 years, following 1980’s Gaucho. It has been certified Platinum in the United States.
“Janie Runaway” is the fourth single this album. I read the wikipedia interpretation and choose to reject the implication that Janey is under the age of legal consent. Janie could be any younger woman having a relationship with an older man.
Personnel–
Drums: Leroy Clouden
Bass/Guitars: Walter Becker
Rhodes: Ted Baker
Wurlitzer/Lead Vocals: Donald Fagen
Alto sax solo: Chris Potter
Backup vocals: Carolyn Leonhart
Trumpet: Michael Leonhart
Alto sax: Lou Marini
Tenor sax: Lawrence Feldman
Bass clarinet: Roger Rosenberg
It must have been my lucky Thursday
Your dad went on that spree
Before the crew could put out the fires
You hopped a bus for NYC
Down in Tampa the future looked desperate and dark
Now you’re the wonderwaif of Gramercy Park
Who makes the morning fabulous
Who says today’s a fun day
Why do I feel like sailing again
Honey it’s you – Janie Runaway
Let’s grab some takeout from Dean and Deluca
A hearty gulping wine
You be the showgirl, I’ll be Sinatra
Way back in ’59
Sweetness in heels, look at you in long black gloves
Come to Old Blue Eyes tell me, who do you love
Who makes the traffic interesting
Rescues a dreary Sunday
Who makes me feel like painting again
Honey it’s you – Janie Runaway
Let’s plan a weekend alone together
Out to Binky’s place
The sugar shack in Pennsylvania
Or would that be a federal case?
We’ll take the Big Red, the Blazer, it’s nice inside
And guess who’s coming along for the ride
Who has a friend named Melanie
Who’s not afraid to try new things
Who gets to spend her birthday in Spain
Possibly you – Janie Runaway
Who makes the morning fabulous
Rescues a dreary Sunday
Who gets to spend her birthday in Spain
Possibly you – Janie Runaway
Songwriters: WALTER BECKER / DONALD FAGEN
BONUS VIDEO: I saw this as part of a Friday Fictioneers post for this week and was overjoyed by it. First time seeing George Harrison and Paul Simon do a song together. Enjoy!
Tao Talk 
Odd how they went 20 years between albums. Steely Dan is coming in concert nearby next month- a friend wants me to go- I am undecided…
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Who has replaced Walter?? I can see why you’re torn. The music is exceptional, you should go.
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I think they have always had other musicians playing with them- not aware that anyone has replaced him-i think its Fagen and a group of musicians…i could be wrong.
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Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, the only constants of Steely Dan and this song has a nice jazzy sound. The bonus video is well appreciated.
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Steely Dan has quite a catalog of jazzy music that I love. Glad you enjoyed the bonus video, it made my (middle of the) night last night.
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The band is so tight…with all of their songs. They are a band I wouldn’t mind seeing outside on a warm night.
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Ahhh that would be perfect. I’m not sure if Austin City Limits is still going, but I used to love to watch them under the stars. Live outdoor concerts are just about perfect.
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I loved that show. I remember Stevie Ray Vaughn on there…great stuff.
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My daughter just bought tickets to Steely Dan for us for the fall. We’ve seen them at least 10 times, but this will be the first time without Becker. It’s always a huge band though, and he didn’t do much of the singing, so I think probably not so different. We’ll find out! (K)
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Awesome! Your daughter is wonderful for buying tickets for you and her.
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She is!
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Great music and colouring. The Dan had such a late dysfunction, sad really because they lost so much time.
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Not sure what you mean by “late dysfunction”? What was it?
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The ten year hiatus and squabbling that really derailed them, sad.
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Didn’t know that about them, Paul. What a waste.
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Yes, I remember waiting for a new album and none came, everyone loved their music …
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