Meaning of "The Fez" by Steely Dan

The repetition of the refusal to do something without the fez on implies that the garment holds significance or power for the speaker. The fez, traditionally associated with religious and cultural symbolism, becomes a symbol of identity and authority for the speaker who wants to be perceived as a holy man. The insistence on the fez could represent a sense of self-worth and confidence that the speaker derives from wearing it. The desire to be seen as a holy man suggests a longing for respect, admiration, and perhaps spiritual significance in the eyes of others. Overall, the lyrics convey a theme of self-assurance, identity, and the desire for recognition.