About the song
“The Long Run” by Eagles is one of the defining tracks of the band’s legendary career, released in 1979 as the title track of their sixth studio album. This album, also called The Long Run, marked a significant moment in the band’s history, as it came after the commercial success of Hotel California and was released during a time of both creative and personal tension within the group. The song itself is a reflection of the band’s journey, not just musically but also in terms of the ups and downs they were facing in their personal lives.
“The Long Run” speaks to the challenges of enduring success and the cost of the rock and roll lifestyle. The lyrics suggest a sense of weariness, exploring themes of perseverance, relationships, and the struggles that come with chasing after long-term goals—whether personal, professional, or emotional. In the song, the narrator reflects on the idea that although life is filled with setbacks and obstacles, the true measure of success is whether or not you can keep going for “the long run.” There’s an undertone of acceptance in the song, acknowledging that life may not always be easy, but the important thing is to keep pushing forward.
The track itself was a collaboration between the band members, with Don Henley contributing the lead vocals, which added an extra layer of emotional depth to the song. Musically, “The Long Run” is a blend of rock, country, and soft rock, a sound that had become synonymous with Eagles. The song features a distinctive rhythm, layered with harmonies that give it a unique texture. This combination of accessible melodies and thought-provoking lyrics made it a staple of classic rock radio.
Socially and culturally, “The Long Run” has come to represent not only the Eagles‘ career but also the broader rock-and-roll ethos of the late ’70s. It reflects the disillusionment that many people were feeling during this time in the United States, especially in the wake of the turbulent 1960s and early 1970s. As the music industry began to shift, and the pressures of fame and fortune weighed heavily on artists, songs like “The Long Run” became symbolic of the challenges faced by those in the public eye. It resonated with listeners who were going through their own personal struggles, making it an anthem for those who understood the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
When “The Long Run” was released, it became an immediate commercial success, charting high on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying the Eagles‘ place as one of the most influential bands of the era. Though the band would go on to experience further shifts in its lineup and eventual hiatuses, this song remains one of their most beloved tracks, encapsulating the essence of their sound and the themes they explored throughout their career.
In summary, “The Long Run” by Eagles is much more than just a rock song; it is a reflection of the band’s experiences and a meditation on perseverance, success, and the emotional cost of living a life in the spotlight. Released during a pivotal moment in their career, it continues to resonate with fans around the world as a testament to the enduring power of music that speaks to the human condition.
Video
Lyrics
I used to hurry a lotI used to worry a lotI used to stay out ’til the break of dayOh, that didn’t get itIt was high time I quit itI just couldn’t carry on that wayOh, I did some damageI know it’s trueDidn’t know I was so lonely ’til I found youYou can go the distanceWe’ll find out in the long run(in the long run)We can handle some resistanceIf our love is a strong one(is a strong one)People talkin’ about usThey got nothin’ else to doWhen it all comes downWe will still come throughIn the long runOoh I want to tell youIt’s a long runYou know I don’t understandWhy you don’t treat yourself better?Do the crazy things that you do‘Cause all the debutantes in Houston babyCouldn’t hold a candle to youDid you do it for love?Did you do it for money?Did you do it for spite?Did you think you had to honey?Who is gonna make it?We’ll find out in the long run(in the long run)I know we can take itIf our love is a strong one(is a strong one)We were scared but we ain’t shakin’Kinda bent but we ain’t breakin’In the long runOoh I want to tell youIt’s a long runAy-ayIn the long runOoh uh, ayIn the long runGonna find outOoh fi-fi-fi-nd outLong long long longLong long longOoh run run run babyRun run babyLong long long longOoh run baby