Donald Fagen: … I had an idea for a chorus: If a college football team like the University of
Alabama could have a grandiose name like the “Crimson Tide,” the nerds and losers should be
entitled to a grandiose name as well.

Walter Becker: … “Crimson Tide” didn’t mean anything to us except the exaggerated grandiosity
that’s bestowed on winners. “Deacon Blues” was the equivalent for the loser in our song.

• Steely Dan – Deacon Blues