About the song
In the world of rock music, there are songs that transcend time and genre, becoming an integral part of our cultural heritage. “Take It Easy” by the Eagles is one such song, written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey, and released in 1972. This iconic single not only launched the Eagles’ career but also became a staple of American rock music, earning its place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.
The song’s origins date back to 1971, when Browne was working on his debut album. He had been struggling to finish the song, but Frey, who lived in the same apartment building, heard an early version and offered to help. The two musicians collaborated, with Frey finishing the second verse, which begins with the now-famous lines “Well, I’m a-standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona…”. The resulting song became the opening track on the Eagles’ debut album and was released as their first single.
The song’s success was immediate, peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in July 1972. It also reached No. 12 on the Easy listening chart, a testament to its broad appeal. The song’s catchy melody, intelligent lyrics, and memorable guitar riffs made it a standout hit, and it has since become one of the Eagles’ signature songs.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Browne and Frey, are a reflection of the era’s optimism and carefree spirit. The song’s narrator is running down the road with seven women on his mind, but ultimately decides to “take it easy” and enjoy the ride. The song’s message of relaxation and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures resonated with listeners, making it a timeless classic.
Over the years, “Take It Easy” has been covered by numerous artists, including Travis Tritt, who recorded a version for the 1993 Eagles tribute album Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles. The song has also been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.
In 1999, the city of Winslow, Arizona, erected a life-size bronze statue and mural commemorating the song at the Standin’ on the Corner Park. The statue, which features a male figure standing on a corner, playing an acoustic guitar, has become a popular tourist attraction, attracting visitors from around the world.
In 2016, a life-sized tribute statue to Glenn Frey was added to the park, honoring his songwriting contributions to “Take It Easy”. The statue, which depicts Frey as he appeared in the 1970s, was raised by a group of fans and the city of Winslow.
Today, “Take It Easy” remains one of the Eagles’ most beloved songs, and its influence can be heard in many modern rock bands. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message and the Eagles’ ability to craft music that transcends generations.
In conclusion, “Take It Easy” is a classic rock song that has stood the test of time, becoming an integral part of American rock music. Its catchy melody, intelligent lyrics, and memorable guitar riffs have made it a staple of the Eagles’ repertoire, and its influence can be heard in many modern rock bands. The song’s message of relaxation and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures continues to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless classic that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
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Lyrics
Well I’m a-running down the road trying 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 says 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 and take it easy
Well 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 take 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-running down the road trying to loosen my load
Got a world of trouble on my mind
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
You know we got it easy
We oughta take it easy
Come on, take, take it easy