Chain Lightning is a song by Steely Dan, written by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. It was released in 1975 on the album Katy Lied. The track, produced by Gary Katz and recorded at ABC Studios in Los Angeles, sits in the rock genre with jazz influences and features an electric guitar solo by Rick Derringer. The lyrics tell a cautionary story about joining a secret brotherhood and the seductive pull of conformity, with the refrain chain lightning signaling a powerful yet hollow allure. The song showcases Steely Dan’s polished studio craft and their characteristic blend of sharp storytelling with sophisticated arrangement.
