This is a song that goes beyond the ordinary. At its core, it’s about battling against unnatural or adversarial forces. The lyrics vividly depict struggle and resilience, filled with metaphors and enigmatic characters. It’s not just about people; it’s about confronting life’s darker, more challenging aspects. The songwriters, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, are known for their cryptic yet meaningful lyrics, and this song is no exception. They wrote it to explore themes of conflict, survival, and the human spirit’s indomitable nature.
There’s more to this song than meets the eye. Read on, and I’ll take you through a lyrical journey where every word, every metaphor holds a deeper meaning. It’s a song that doesn’t just entertain but also makes you think.
“Two Against Nature” Lyrics Meaning
“Two Against Nature” begins with a scene of chaos: “Bad news breaking in 18A, Missy’s Kitty turn inside out she say.” Right from the start, we’re plunged into a world where things are topsy-turvy, signaling a conflict with nature or the natural order of things. This theme of disarray continues with characters like the “Spider queen demon” and vivid imagery of turmoil, like “the wicker wing chair flew.”
As the song progresses, the lyrics depict various characters and situations, all tied together by this struggle against unnatural forces. Phrases like “Two against nature don’t you know” and “Who’s gonna grok the shape of things to go” suggest a defiance against these forces. The use of the word “grok,” which means to understand something intuitively or by empathy, implies a deep connection and understanding of the chaotic world they are up against.
The song also touches on themes of resilience and resistance. “Apsatively gonna help you beat that stuff” and “These boys want to bang the skulls of things undead” depict a determination to fight against the overwhelming odds, whatever they may be. The recurring motif of “Two against nature” underscores a partnership or alliance in this struggle.
Intriguingly, the song also delves into the supernatural, referencing “Madame Erzulie” and magical practices, possibly hinting at seeking unconventional means to combat these unnatural forces. This aspect of the song adds an element of mystique and depth to the overall narrative.
The Story Behind “Two Against Nature”
Understanding the context in which “Two Against Nature” was written is key to appreciating its depth. Steely Dan, particularly Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, were known for their complex and often mysterious lyrics. This song, like many of their others, reflects their fascination with the darker, more mysterious sides of life.
When writing “Two Against Nature,” Fagen and Becker were in a phase of their careers where they were redefining their music and exploring new themes. The late 90s, leading up to the song’s release in 2000, were a time of introspection and experimentation for the duo. They were stepping away from their earlier, more straightforward storytelling to delve into more abstract and surreal narratives.
This song, then, can be seen as a reflection of their state of mind – a journey into the unknown, grappling with forces beyond their control. It’s a metaphor for their artistic journey, struggling against the conventional and the expected. The song’s cryptic nature might also reflect their personal battles and the complexity of human emotions and experiences.
“Two Against Nature” stands as a testament to Steely Dan’s unique songwriting abilities, blending intricate lyrics with compelling music to create a thought-provoking and musically satisfying piece. It’s a song that encapsulates their journey as artists, constantly pushing against the boundaries of the natural and the known.