“Third World Man” by Steely Dan
There does not appear to be a true consensus concerning the meaning of Steely Dan’s “Third World Man” for a couple of reasons. First is that lyrically, there is scant direct information given concerning the subject, who is identified throughout as “a third world man”. Secondly, it would appear that the three verses are respectively placed in different settings, even if focused on the same subject.
Diving a bit further into the theoretically deep end, it is also possible that in each of the verses the subject, though still being referred to as “a third world man”, is actually three different individuals. But as generally understood, this piece is about a single subject. So in the name of not getting in over our heads, we will adopt that presumption in this analysis also.
Verse 1
The clearest part of this piece is the first verse. Even though, ultimately, it is non-specific, it still does a sound job of insinuating that “Johnny”, who is presumably the “third world man”, is akin to a soldier who has served in Vietnam. Despite this song coming out in the 1980, the way Johnny is presented in this passage is reminiscent of depictions of Vietnam vets. And of course, the Vietnam War was a very hot topic in the American music industry from the late ‘60s into the early ‘80s.
Verse 2
So with that in mind, what the second verse logically illustrates – again relying heavily on metaphors and what have you – that Johnny struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder. So perhaps it can be taken that this verse features the subject going through an episode on the 4th of July. In other words, since he is struggling with war-induced PTSD, the sound of “fireworks” causes Johnny to freak out. And “the neighbors”, upon witnessing him do so, initially spaz but then remind themselves that he is in fact “a third world man”, i.e. a Vietnam vet.
Verse 3
The third verse seems to be based on the vocalist trying to soothe Johnny during one of his episodes, himself being sympathetic of the fact that he is “a third world man”.
Chorus of “Third World Man”
Then concerning the chorus, this is actually the most-metaphorical part of an overall ambiguous song. But once again going out on a limb, it can be theorized that in this passage, the vocalist is fantasizing about a day when Johnny is finally free of his PTSD.
Such a day will occur “when the sidewalks are safe for the little guy”, i.e. there not being anything going on that can actually cause or trigger PTSD. In other words, Fagen is alluding to a day when peace finally reigns, presumably in the Third World but also in the west, where Johnny actually lives. But again, as far as this world we live in, envisioning such a day is indeed wishful thinking. That is to say that reading in between the lines, in this era of incessant war there will always be a “Johnny” walking around.
Takeaway
So taking that argument into consideration, then the term “third world”, though most wars do tend to be fought in the literal Third World, is a fluid one as utilized. Or let’s say that any country can become a “third world”, if you will.
And of course Johnny himself is a personification of someone who has been traumatized accordingly. Furthermore, as far as the thesis sentiment goes, it would appear that Steely Dan is sympathetic to such individuals. Also, the underlying argument appears to be that many of us may never actually step foot in the “third world”, but we will still end up having to deal with someone else who has. And again, this is some pretty deep stuff because all countries have their own “third world” segments, so to speak.
When was “Third World Man” released?
This song became publicly available on 21 November 1980, being part of Steely Dan’s album “Gaucho”. As originally intended, said project was to feature another track called “The Second Arrangement”. However, this track ended up (as initially rendered) being accidentally and permanently erased by a subordinate involved in the undertaking. So the band decided to go with “Third World Man instead.
Gaucho is the only studio album in Steely Dan’s discography that was put out by MCA Records. And the producer behind the whole enterprise is Gary Katz.
There’s an alternate version of this song available on a Steely Dan bootleg EP known as “The Lost Gaucho”. That particular rendition is actually an earlier version of this song and is featured under its original title, “Were You Blind That Day”.
Who wrote “Third World Man”
This tune was written by Steely Dan frontmen Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, the latter of whom passed away in 2017.
It’s simply a beautiful melody, and I find the echoed chorus haunting. The simple strumming of the guitar, some strings, Fagan’s simple enunciation, fabulous.
This song could be about a Vietnam vet, but it could also be about a child named Johnny, who is playing G.I. Joe. It is cleverly disguised between the two interpretations.
The initial phrase “Johnny’s playroom” led my thoughts in the direction of Johnny being a child.
I thought it referenced John Lennon and his assassination.
it was a leftover from the aja sessions, so lennon wasn’t dead when they wrote it.
I prefer a simpler interpretation – the song is about a lost soul (Vietnam vet, survivalist, loon … whatever) who’s lost touch with reality as evidenced by his peculiar behavior. I find the song to be humorous, particularly the verse…
“I saw the fireworks
I believed that I was dreaming
‘Til the neighbors came out screaming”
Oh boy… Johnny’s at it again!
Just makes me smile.
I always thought Jonny is lost soul a revolutionist or military reject. Willing and ready to cause violent actions on a misguided mission to unsuspecting peaceful citizens. Jonny has never socially developed or has taken a wrong turn.
Where the phrase” soon we will see behind those bright eyes” His true self will eventually be exposed.
I think it is a song similar to Don’t Take Me Alive from the Royal Scam Album. Just a mixed up, confused individual who is ready to cause harm to obedient and unsuspecting folks.
The bridge is divine. It has soul and vulnerability. Quite rare for The Dan.
For all of you intellectuals, who are reading all this Vietnam veteran, etc into the song, it is really simple. The song is about a kid who is playing soldier in his yard. Very simple. Johnny’s payroom is a bunker full of sand (a kid’s sandbox) He’s been mobilized since dawn, now he’s crouching on the lawn (he’s playing soldier in his yard) Soon, you’ll throw down your disquise, we’ll see behind those bright eyes (he’ll get tired of playing soldier for now) bye and bye, when the sidewalks are safe for the little guy. It is just a beautiful song/melody about a kid, like most little kids, playing soldier in and around his house, pissing off some of the neighbors who came out screaming “He’s a Third World Man”! That’s all there is to it.