Beyond the Enchanted Smile | Peg | Steely Dan

The song "Peg" by Steely Dan is a masterpiece of 1970s jazz-rock fusion. Written by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, the song's lyrics are often cryptic, leaving listeners to interpret their meaning.

At its core, "Peg" is a tale of obsession and fixation. The titular character, Peg, is a mysterious figure who has captured the attention of the song's protagonist. Her allure is undeniable, drawing him in with an otherworldly power. As the song progresses, it becomes clear that Peg is not just any ordinary woman – she's a siren-like presence who exerts a strange hold on those around her.

The lyrics are peppered with references to Peg's enigmatic nature. She's "a lady of refinement and taste," with a "mysterious" smile that can charm even the most skeptical of men. But beneath this polished exterior lies a depth of passion and intensity, driving those who cross her path to obsessive behavior. This duality is reflected in the song's melody, which veers between lush, jazzy passages and more driving, rock-oriented sections.

Throughout "Peg," Becker and Fagen's vocals are characteristically smooth and sophisticated, their harmonies weaving together like a fine silk fabric. The guitar work, courtesy of Larry Carlton and Elliott Randall, is equally impressive – the interplay between these two virtuosos creates a rich, layered sound that adds to the song's overall sense of tension and release.

In many ways, "Peg" can be seen as a companion piece to another Steely Dan classic, "Aja." Both songs share a similar atmosphere of intrigue and seduction, with characters who embody a kind of mystical allure. While "Aja" is often more overtly sensual in its lyrics, "Peg" taps into the darker aspects of obsession – the ways in which our desires can consume us, often without us even realizing it.

Ultimately, "Peg" is a song about the power of attraction and the blurred lines between love and madness. As such, it remains one of Steely Dan's most beloved and enduring tracks, a testament to their ability to craft music that's both intellectually stimulating and viscerally engaging.