About the song
“Smuggler’s Blues,” performed by Glenn Frey, is a gritty and electrifying rock song that tells a vivid story of crime and intrigue. Released in 1985 as part of Frey’s solo album “The Allnighter,” the song captures the essence of the 1980s with its pulsating rhythm and edgy lyrics.
Written by Glenn Frey and Jack Tempchin, “Smuggler’s Blues” paints a picture of the dangerous world of drug trafficking, exploring the allure and consequences of living on the wrong side of the law. Frey’s raspy vocals and the song’s driving beat create a sense of urgency and excitement, drawing listeners into the underworld depicted in the lyrics.
Upon its release, “Smuggler’s Blues” was a commercial success, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning critical acclaim for its gritty portrayal of the drug trade. The album “The Allnighter” itself was also well-received, showcasing Frey’s versatility as a solo artist and featuring other hits like “The Heat Is On.”
For fans of Glenn Frey and enthusiasts of 80s rock music, “Smuggler’s Blues” remains a standout track that captures the spirit of the era. Its gritty lyrics and infectious groove make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Whether heard on the radio or in a movie soundtrack, “Smuggler’s Blues” is a reminder of the darker side of life and the allure of forbidden thrills. Glenn Frey’s legacy as a talented musician and storyteller is further solidified by this powerful and evocative song, which continues to captivate listeners with its raw energy and intensity.
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Lyrics
There’s trouble on the street tonight
I can feel it in my bones, I had a premonition
That he should not go alone
I knew the gun was loaded
But I didn’t think he’d kill
Everything exploded and the blood began to spill
So baby, here’s your ticket
Put the suitcase in your hand, here’s a little money now
Do it just the way we planned
You be cool for twenty hours and I’ll pay you twenty grand
I’m sorry it went down like this
And someone had to lose, it’s the nature of the business
It’s the smuggler’s blues
Smuggler’s blues
The sailors and pilots, the soldiers and the law
The pay-offs and the rip-offs and the things nobody saw
No matter if it’s heroin, cocaine or hash
You’ve got to carry weapons ’cause you always carry cash
There’s lots of shady characters, lots of dirty deals
Every name’s an alias in case somebody squeals
It’s the lure of easy money, it’s got a very strong appeal
Perhaps you’d understand it better
Standin’ in my shoes, it’s the ultimate enticement
It’s the smuggler’s blues
Smuggler’s blues
You see it in the headlines, you hear it every day
They say they’re gonna stop it but it doesn’t go away
They move it through Miami, sell it in L.A.
They hide it up in Telluride, I mean it’s here to stay
It’s propping up the governments in Colombia and Peru
You ask any D.E.A. man, he’ll say, “There’s nothin’ we can do”
From the office of the president
Right down to me and you, me and you
It’s a losing proposition but one you can’t refuse
It’s the politics of contraband
It’s the smuggler’s blues
Smuggler’s blues