What key is "Deacon Blues" in?

"Deacon Blues" by Steely Dan is in the key of G with a tempo of 120 BPM. Difficulty: easy.

Is "Deacon Blues" easy to play on piano?

Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.

Can I play "Deacon Blues" without reading sheet music?

Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.

What chords are used in "Deacon Blues"?

This arrangement of "Deacon Blues" uses 39 chords: A, A9, Adom, Am, Am7, Am9, B7, Bb6, +31 more.

How long does it take to learn "Deacon Blues" on piano?

1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.

What other songs by Steely Dan can I play here?

Try "RIKKI DON'T LOSE THAT NUMBER", "KID CHARLEMAGNE", "REELING IN THE YEARS". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

Lyrics

My This is the (F6)day a of the ex (G)pand ing (F13)man.

That shape is my (F6)shade, the there where I (G)used to (D13)stand.

It seems like on ly yes ter day I gazed through the glass

at (E7)ram blers,

wild (B7)gam blers.

That’s (B)all in the (E7)past.

You call me a (F13)fool.

per You say it’s a (G)cra zy (F13)scheme.

Make This one’s for (F13)real.

I al read y (Gmaj7)bought the (A13)dream.

So use less to ask me why.

Throw a kiss and say good bye.

I’ll make it this time.

I’m read y to (F)cross that fine line.

I’ll learn to work the (Em7)sax o phone.

(I) I’ll play just what I feel.

(Bbmaj7)Drink Scotch whis key (Am)all night (Em)long,

and (C)die be (Fmaj9)hind the wheel.

They got a name for the (Em7)win ners in the world.

(I) I want a name when I lose.

They (Bbmaj7)call Al a bam a the (Am)Crim son (Em)Tide.

(Cmaj9)Call me (Fmaj9)Dea con Blues.

(Dea con Blues.)

My back to the (F6)wall, a vic tim of (G)laugh ing (F13)chance.

That This is for (F6)me, the es sence of (G)true ro (D13)mance.

Shar ing the thing we know and love with those of my kind.

Li (E7)ba tions,

sen (B7)sa tions,

that (B)stag ger the (E7)mind.

I crawl like a (F13)night per You through the sub (G)ur ban (F13)streets.

I love to these (F13)wom en, lan guid and (Gmaj7)bit ter (A13)sweet.

I’ll rise when the sun goes down,

cov er ev ’ry game in town.

A world of my own.

I’ll make it my (F)home sweet home.

line.