The Eagles or Philosophy Class? 4 Lyrics That Double as Life Advice

Though they are celebrated songwriters, The Eagles aren’t considered life-altering poets on the same scale as Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen. Their music is more about capturing a vibe than orienting their listeners to hard truths about life. Or is it…If you look deep enough into the Eagles’ discography, you’ll find lyrics that cut straight to the heart. Check out four Eagles lyrics that double as life advice, below.

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Don’t let the sound of your own wheels make you crazy (“Take It Easy”)

Though the Eagles tell their listeners to “take it easy” in the song of the same name, there are a few lyrics that are a call to action. Take the lines above for example…Glenn Frey uses a driving motif to describe something so many of us struggle with. He tells us, “Don’t let the echo of your own thoughts get in the way of your happiness.” It’s valuable advice for the over-thinkers of the world.

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

You only want the ones you can’t get (“Desperado”)

Many songs have touched on the inescapable phenomenon of unrequited love. People often don’t appreciate what they have because of the lack of something else. Though the Eagles’ “Desperado” doesn’t exactly offer an answer to this age-old question, it’s sobering to hear the lyrics above every once in a while.

You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet
Now it seems to me some fine things
Have been laid upon your table
But you only want the ones that you can’t get

You see it your way. I see it mine / But we both see it slipping away (“Best of My Love”)

Love can sour. One of the most heartbreaking experiences in life is finding that your romantic attachments are slipping away. That’s the story behind the lyrics to the Eagles’ “Best of My Love”. While you might have your reasons for breaking up, the other side has theirs. That discrepancy doesn’t really matter though, the end result is the same.

I wake up and worry
What’s gonna happen today?
You see it your way
And I see it mine
But we both see it slippin’ away

Half the distance takes you twice as long / after the thrill is gone (“After the Thrill Is Gone”)

Life can take a toll on us. After the rush of youth is gone, simple tasks can seem like climbing a mountain. The Eagles commiserate that fact with us in the lyrics to “After the Thrill Is Gone”. It’s comforting to know that even famous rockstars understand this kind of apathy.

Time passes and you must move on
Half the distance takes you twice as long
So you keep on singing for the sake of the song
After the thrill is gone

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