Peg

"Peg" is a song by American rock group Steely Dan, first released on the band's 1977 album Aja. The track was released as single in 1977 and reached number 11 on the US Billboard chart in 1978 and number eight on the Cash Box chart. With a chart run of 19 weeks, "Peg" is tied with "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" and "Hey Nineteen" for being their longest-running chart hit. In Canada, "Peg" spent three weeks at number seven during March 1978. The song's guitar solo was attempted by seven top studio session guitarists‒including Robben Ford and recurring guitarist Larry Carlton‒before Jay Graydon's version became the "keeper". He worked on the song for about six hours before the band was satisfied. Jay Graydon spoke about his famous guitar solo in a 2014 interview: “Fortunately, I had no problems on sessions as to nailing a part, but know this—every first call studio guitarist that has played solos has been replaced by another guitarist at least once. It's just part of being a studio musician.” Michael McDonald can be heard providing multi-tracked backup vocals in the choruses, and keyboardist Paul Griffin can also be heard talking and improvising background vocals in the final chorus and fadeout. The song could be a reference to Broadway star and one-time Hollywood actress Peg Entwistle, who became famous in 1932 by jumping to her death off the Hollywoodland Sign before her first film was ever released.

[Intro] [Verse 1] I've seen your picture Your name in lights above it This is your big debut It's like a dream come true So won't you smile for the camera I know they're gonna love it Peg [Verse 2] I like your pin shot I keep it with your letter Done up in blueprint blue It sure looks good on you And when you smile for the camera I know I'll love you better [Chorus] Peg, it will come back to you Peg, it will come back to you Then the shutter falls You see it all in 3-D It's your favorite foreign movie [Instrumental break 1:23-2:10] [Guitar Solo] [Verse 3] I like your pin shot I keep it with your letter Done up in blueprint blue It sure looks good on you And when you smile for the camera I know I'll love you better [Chorus/Outtro (repeats)] Peg, it will come back to you Peg, it will come back to you Then the shutter falls You see it all in 3-D It's your favorite foreign movie