The meaning of Show Biz Kids by Steely Dan

Show Biz Kids is a song by Steely Dan, released in 1977 on their album Aja. The song is often overlooked in favor of some of the band's more popular tracks, but it's a fascinating and thought-provoking tune that offers insights into the world of show business.

The lyrics are written from the perspective of a young performer trying to make it big in Hollywood. The protagonist is a small-town girl who has moved to Los Angeles with dreams of becoming a star. She's surrounded by people who are also chasing their own versions of fame, and she's struggling to stand out in a crowd.

The song takes aim at the superficiality of the show business world, where people are more concerned with appearances than actual talent. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where it's not what you know or can do that matters, but rather how well you present yourself and your image. "She's got a lot of competition, she's got to be so fine", the song goes, highlighting the cutthroat nature of the industry.

Throughout the song, Steely Dan's signature blend of jazz-rock and pop is on full display. The instrumentation is lush and intricate, with saxophonist Walter Becker delivering a memorable solo towards the end of the track. Donald Fagen's distinctive vocals bring the lyrics to life, imbuing them with a sense of longing and desperation.

Ultimately, Show Biz Kids is a commentary on the fleeting nature of fame and the importance of authenticity in the face of superficiality. It's a powerful message that resonates just as strongly today as it did when the song was first released. "She's got a lot to prove, she's gotta be so fine", Steely Dan reminds us, as the show biz kids continue to strive for stardom in the city of angels.