About The Song
“Desperado” stands as a mellow rock ballad crafted by the Eagles, an American rock band. This musical piece, authored by Glenn Frey and Don Henley, found its place on the 1973 album titled “Desperado” and made appearances on various compilation albums. Despite never being released as a single, it has secured a position among the Eagles’ most recognized songs, earning the 494th spot on Rolling Stone’s 2004 list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
Henley reveals that the inspiration for “Desperado” can be traced back to a song he initiated in 1968, styled after the classic tunes of Stephen Foster. Initially centered around a friend named Leo, the song commenced with the poignant line, “Leo, my God, why don’t you come to your senses…” Following the recording of their inaugural album, “Eagles,” in London in 1972, Frey and Henley, recognizing their songwriting compatibility, set out to collaboratively compose songs. Shortly after returning from London, they penned “Desperado” within a day or two, alongside another piece, “Tequila Sunrise.”
During their initial songwriting session at Henley’s residence in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, Henley shared the unfinished rendition of the song with Frey. He expressed, “When I play it and sing it, I think of Ray Charles and Stephen Foster. It’s really a Southern Gothic thing, but we can easily make it more Western.” Frey enthusiastically embraced the concept, contributing to the completion of the song and giving it the title “Desperado.” This collaborative effort marked the commencement of their songwriting partnership, solidifying their status as a cohesive team.
“Desperado” marked a poignant milestone in the Eagles’ live performances, serving as the concluding piece during their last concert of the “History of the Eagles” tour. This significant event unfolded in Bossier City, Louisiana, on the 29th of July 2015. Tragically, six months after this memorable performance, Glenn Frey, one of the song’s co-authors and a prominent member of the band, passed away.
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Lyrics
Desperado, why don’t you come to your senses?
You’ve been out ridin’ fences for so long now
Oh, you’re a hard one
I know that you got your reasons
These things that are pleasin’ you
Can hurt you somehowDon’t you draw the queen of diamonds, boy
She’ll beat you if she’s able
You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet
Now it seems to me, some fine things
Have been laid upon your table
But you only want the ones that you can’t getDesperado, oh, you ain’t gettin’ no younger
Your pain and your hunger, they’re drivin’ you home
And freedom, oh freedom well, that’s just some people talkin’
Your prison is walking through this world all aloneDon’t your feet get cold in the winter time?
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 feeling 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)
You better let somebody love you before it’s too late