Only a Fool Would Say That

Steely Dan's 'Only a Fool Would Say That' is a sharp critique of idealistic visions of a utopian world. The song opens with the imagery of 'a world become one of salads and Sun,' suggesting a simplistic and overly optimistic view of global harmony. The repeated refrain, 'Only a fool would say that,' underscores the band's skepticism towards such naive optimism. The lyrics paint a picture of a boy with a plan, a natural man, wearing a white Stetson hat, symbolizing the archetypal dreamer or visionary who is out of touch with harsh realities.

The song's narrative continues to dismantle the idealistic vision by highlighting the futility of violence and the emptiness of grand promises. Lines like 'Unhand that gun begone, there's no one to fire upon' and 'If he's holding it high, he's telling a lie' suggest that those who preach peace and unity often do so with hidden agendas or false pretenses. The song's protagonist hears someone talking about a world 'where all is free,' but dismisses it as an impossible dream, reinforcing the idea that such utopian ideals are impractical and unattainable.

Steely Dan also delves into the mundane struggles of everyday life, contrasting them with the lofty dreams of idealists. The man in the street, 'draggin' his feet,' represents the average person who is weary of hearing unrealistic promises. The lyrics describe the drudgery of a nine-to-five job and the disillusionment that comes from seeing 'a man with a dream' on the screen, suggesting that these dreams are often out of reach for ordinary people. The song concludes with a stark reminder that 'anybody on the street has murder in his eyes,' emphasizing the underlying tension and discontent in society. Through this song, Steely Dan masterfully critiques the naivety of utopian dreams and highlights the complexities and harsh realities of the world.