Tuesday May 5, 2020 “Take It Easy” The Eagles

This was the first song from the first album and the first single from one of the most popular and successful bands of all time and since their current lead guitarist is cousin (not really) Joe Walsh we had to get to them. The Eagles’ musical associations would touch so many other groups and artists including but definitely not limited to Linda Ronstadt, Poco, Rick Nelson, Flying Burrito Brothers, James Gang,Jackson Browne and J.D. Souther to list just a few.

Like many other groups the growing power struggle between the two founding members Don Henley and Glenn Frey led to the Eagles breakup in 1980 and Henley’s comment when asked when the band would get back together and tour led to the Hell Freezes Over album and (very lucrative) tour of the same name.

Over two hundred million records sold over their career attests to their creativity, wide appeal of their country /rock/pop sound, enormous catalog and eventual willingness to be in the same space with one another. The documentary “History of the Eagles” provides insight into the band, the music business and the dynamics between Henley and Frey who although they are both in the video they do not appear together.

Pretty straight forward guitar for us mediocre players. And yes there is an Eagles tribute standing on the corner in the sleepy little town of Winslow AZ.

Like the song suggests ‘lighten up while you still can, don’t even try to understand…’

Stay safe and well…and take it easy.

Well, I'm a-runnin' down the road, tryin' to loosen my load
I've got seven women on my mind
Four that want to own me, two that want to stone me
One said she's a friend of mine

Take it easy, take it easy
Don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
Don't even try to understand
Just find a place to make your stand
Take it easy

Now I'm a-standin' on the corner in Winslow, Arizona
With such a fine sight to see
It's a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford
Slowin' down to have a look at me

Come on, baby, don't say maybe
I've got to know if your sweet love is gonna save me
We may lose and we may win
But we will never be here again
Open up, I'm climbin' in to take it easy

Well, I'm a-runnin' down the road, tryin' to loosen my load
Got a world of trouble on my mind
I'm lookin' for a lover who won't blow my cover
She's just a little hard to find

Take it easy, take it easy
Don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy
Come on, baby, don't say maybe
I've got to know if your sweet love is gonna save me