A man who is cheating while on summer holiday plots with his new flame to ditch his current partner, Abbie. The two make a game of “gaslighting” Abbie: making her think she’s going insane.
The term is taken from the Patrick Hamilton play “Gas Light”, where one character seeks to drive his wife mad...
[Verse 1]
One plush summer you come to me ripe and ready
And bad through and through
With that deep mystical soul synergy pumping steady
Between me and you
Lovin' all the beautiful work we've done, cara mia
And it's barely July
If we keep on boppin' until Labor Day
Little miss Abbie—bye bye
[Pre-Chorus]
What will it be—some soothing herb tea?
Might be just the thing
Let's say we spike it with Dilaudid
Or else—maybe tonight a hand of solitaire
[Chorus]
Flame is the game
The game we call gaslighting Abbie
It's a luscious invention for three
One summer by the sea
[Verse 2]
The long weekend that's comin' up fast
Let's get busy—there's just too much to do
That black mini looks just like the one she's been missin'
Feels good on you
There's a few items we need in town—allez-vous girl
There's no time to waste
Such as fresh cable and fifteen watt bulbs
Couple dozen—it's a big old place
[Pre-Chorus]
Let's keep it light—we'll do a fright night
With blood and everything
Some punky laughter from the kitchen
And then—a nice relaxing hand of solitaire
[Chorus]
Flame is the game
The game we call gaslighting Abbie
It's a luscious invention for three
One summer by the sea
[Bridge]
You can choose the music
I'll set up my gear
Later on we'll chill and watch the fireworks from here
[Guitar Solo]
[Pre-Chorus]
How can you knock this mighty spitelock
Check out the work itself
A mix of elegance and function
That's right—a tweak or two and then she's out of here
[Chorus]
Flame is the game
The game we call gaslighting Abbie
It's a luscious invention for three
One summer by the sea
Flame is the game
The game we call gaslighting Abbie
It's a luscious invention for three
One summer by the sea
[Tenor Sax Solo]
Gaslighting Abbie was written by Walter Becker & Donald Fagen.
Gaslighting Abbie was produced by Walter Becker & Donald Fagen.
Steely Dan released Gaslighting Abbie on Tue Feb 29 2000.