About the song
“Desperado” by Eagles is a classic rock ballad that has resonated with audiences since its release in 1973. The song is the title track of the band’s second studio album, also named “Desperado.” Written by band members Glenn Frey and Don Henley, “Desperado” is often regarded as one of the Eagles’ signature songs, encapsulating their unique blend of rock, folk, and country influences.
The song paints a poignant picture of a lonesome cowboy, a “desperado,” who is urged to abandon his solitary ways and embrace the warmth of human connection. The lyrical depth and emotional resonance of “Desperado” have made it a timeless piece that continues to captivate listeners.
While “Desperado” was not released as a single and therefore did not chart on its own, its enduring popularity is evident. The album “Desperado” itself reached number 41 on the Billboard 200 chart, and the song has become a staple of classic rock radio. Over the years, “Desperado” has been covered by numerous artists, further cementing its status in the pantheon of great American songs.
Glenn Frey and Don Henley’s collaborative genius is on full display in this track. Henley’s soulful vocals and Frey’s poignant harmonies create a hauntingly beautiful soundscape that complements the song’s reflective lyrics. The orchestration, featuring strings arranged by Jim Ed Norman, adds a lush, almost cinematic quality to the song.
“Desperado” is more than just a song; it’s a narrative that speaks to the universal human experience of yearning for freedom and grappling with the vulnerabilities of the heart. For many fans, it remains a highlight of the Eagles’ illustrious career and a powerful reminder of the band’s profound impact on music history.
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Lyrics
Desperado, why don’t you come to your senses?
You been out ridin’ fences for so long now
Oh, you’re a hard one
But I know that you’ve got your reasons
These things that are pleasin’ you
Can hurt you somehow
Don’t you draw the queen of diamonds, boy
She’ll beat you if she’s able
Know the queen of hearts is always your best bet
Well, it seems to me, some fine things
Have been laid upon your table
But you only want the things that you can’t get
Desperado, you know you ain’t gettin’ no younger
Your pain and your hunger, drivin’ you home
And freedom, oh freedom
Well, that’s just some people talkin’
Your prison is walking
Through this world all alone
And don’t your feet get cold in the wintertime?
The sky won’t snow, and the sun won’t shine
It’s hard to tell the night-time from the day
You’re losin’ all your highs and lows
Ain’t it funny how the feelin’ goes away?
Desperado, why don’t you come to your senses?
Come down from your fences, open the gate
It may be rainin’, but there’s a rainbow above you
You better let somebody love you (let somebody love you)
Let somebody love you before it’s too late