About the song
“Take It Easy” is a song that holds a special place in the history of rock music. Released on May 1, 1972, it was the debut single of the American rock band Eagles and quickly established the band’s signature sound. Written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey of the Eagles, the song features Frey’s distinctive lead vocals and became a major hit, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The story behind “Take It Easy” is as engaging as the song itself. Jackson Browne initially began writing the song in 1971 but struggled to complete it. Living in the same apartment building as Browne, Glenn Frey heard an early version of the song and was intrigued. Browne played him an incomplete second verse, and Frey contributed the famous lines about standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, and being admired by a woman in a flatbed Ford. The collaborative effort resulted in a memorable song that would become the opening track on the Eagles’ debut album and a staple in their live performances.
The recording of “Take It Easy” took place at Olympic Studios in London under the production of Glyn Johns. The track stands out due to its blend of rock and country influences, highlighted by Bernie Leadon’s banjo and Leadon’s distinctive guitar work. The song was praised for its catchy melody, danceable rhythm, and engaging lyrics, making it a critical and commercial success.
The song’s legacy continued beyond its initial release. In 1993, Travis Tritt covered “Take It Easy” for a tribute album, leading to a reunion of the Eagles for the first time in 13 years. The song has also been celebrated in Winslow, Arizona, where a statue and mural commemorate the song’s iconic lyric, drawing fans from around the world.
Overall, “Take It Easy” is more than just a hit song; it’s a piece of musical history that showcases the early collaboration between two influential artists and the beginning of the Eagles’ enduring legacy.
Video
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
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