About the song
Released as part of Eagles’ 1979 album “The Long Run,” “In the City” stands as a powerful and evocative piece within the band’s impressive discography. Written by Joe Walsh, the song carries a unique flavor that marks the shift from the more rural, laid-back themes of earlier Eagles works to the more urban, gritty, and reflective landscapes of city life. As a part of the album, which was the band’s last studio album before a long hiatus, “In the City” adds a distinct edge to the overall sound of The Long Run, which blends soft rock with more rock-oriented, even bluesy, elements.
The track, which was originally penned by Joe Walsh for the soundtrack of the 1979 film The Warriors, vividly describes the tension, excitement, and isolation one might experience in a big city. It provides a window into the complex emotional and physical landscapes of urban environments, a place where dreams and struggles collide. Through a combination of powerful lyrics and compelling instrumentation, “In the City” offers a commentary on the contrast between the anonymity of city life and the pursuit of personal goals. Walsh’s voice, rough yet resonant, perfectly complements the song’s themes, adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative of someone trying to carve out their place in an overwhelming, often indifferent urban sprawl.
The song’s meaning can be interpreted as a reflection on the solitude one might feel in a crowded, bustling environment. It speaks to the complexity of human desires in an urban context—desires that can sometimes feel lost or suffocated by the impersonal nature of city life. The repeated refrain, “In the city, in the city,” encapsulates both the physical reality and emotional experience of living in such a place. There’s a sense of determination and resilience in the lyrics, almost as if the protagonist is trying to make sense of their place in the world amidst the chaos of urban living. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who has ever tried to navigate the challenges of a metropolitan setting, balancing ambition with the harsh realities that often come with it.
Socially, “In the City” captures the essence of late-1970s American culture, a time when the country was experiencing a shift in its social and economic fabric. Urban areas, in particular, were places of significant change, with the rise of corporate culture, increasing economic disparity, and a sense of urban decay becoming increasingly apparent. The song’s lyrics reflect these sentiments, evoking a feeling of both excitement and disenchantment. Its relatable themes make it a standout track that still resonates with listeners decades later.
Although not released as a single, “In the City” remains one of the Eagles’ most beloved tracks, and its impact can still be felt today. Its inclusion in “The Long Run” album helped solidify Joe Walsh’s place as a distinctive voice within the Eagles’ ensemble, and the track continues to be appreciated for its authenticity, emotional depth, and connection to the lived experiences of urban life. Even as the years have passed since its release, “In the City” continues to serve as a reminder of the highs and lows of living in a modern world, where the city itself becomes both a symbol of opportunity and challenge.
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Lyrics
Somewhere out on that horizonOut beyond the neon lightsI know there must be somethin’ betterBut there’s nowhere else in sightIt’s survival in the cityWhen you live from day to dayCity streets don’t have much pityWhen you’re down, that’s where you’ll stayIn the cityOh, ohOoh-ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-ooh-oohIn the cityOh, ohI was born here in the cityWith my back against the wallNothing grows, and life ain’t very prettyNo one’s there to catch you when you fallSomewhere out on that horizonFaraway from the neon skyI know there must be somethin’ betterAnd I can’t stay another nightOohIn the cityOh, ohOoh-ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-ooh-oohIn the cityOh, ohIn the cityIn the cityIn the cityOh, oh