The Unheralded Don Henley-Penned Eagles Gem He Says Was Too Good for Radio

Don Henley of Eagles is a pretty accomplished songwriter, and he’s penned some of the band’s best country rock tunes through the years. Naturally, for a songwriter as well-lived as Henley, selecting a top favorite song is no easy feat. However, Henley once dished on his top favorite song that he wrote for Eagles; and unless you’re a diehard fan, you may have never even heard the song in question.

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In an interview with Debbie Kruger from back in 2017, Don Henley was pretty forthright about his love for the 2007 song “Waiting In The Weeds” from the Eagles album Long Road Out Of Eden. He said it was his favorite song, which is surprising, considering that the tune didn’t come out of the band’s heyday in the 20th century. Nonetheless, the deep cut has a special place in Henley’s heart.

“That’s one of my favourite songs I’ve ever written, by the way,” said Henley of “Waiting In The Weeds”. “You’ll never hear it played on the radio. Cause they never play the good ones on the radio.”

Don Henley Said That His Favorite Eagles Song, “Waiting In The Weeds”, Was Too Good for Radio Play

It’s hard not to agree with Don Henley on the notion that “Waiting In The Weeds” isn’t a radio-friendly song. It doesn’t have the mainstream vibe of hits like “Take It Easy” or “Life In The Fast Lane”. Those are, of course, incredible songs that got famous for a reason. But more often than not, a band or musician’s deep cuts will hide gems that are absolutely amazing, but not quite suitable for a broad audience.

It also doesn’t help that “Waiting In The Weeds” clocks in at nearly eight minutes long. That’s not exactly what radio stations are willing to add to their rotations in most cases. Either way, “Waiting In The Weeds” requires a bit of patience to appreciate. But it’s very easy to appreciate.

“Waiting In The Weeds” is a song about losing touch with the world around you. It’s a mature, wise sort of track that Henley probably couldn’t pen in his 20s if he tried. And it’s worth at least one thorough listen if you’re a fan of Eagles.

Photo by Clive Dix/Shutterstock 

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