About the song
“Those Shoes” by the Eagles stands out as a deep, evocative track that combines haunting melodies with biting social commentary. Released in 1979 as part of the band’s iconic album “The Long Run”, the song captures the Eagles at a transformative point in their career. Coming off the massive success of “Hotel California”, the band faced the challenge of creating an album that matched its predecessor’s acclaim, and “Those Shoes” is a testament to their continued ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with audiences.
Musically, “Those Shoes” is distinctive for its dark, sultry groove and the use of a talk box guitar effect, an innovative choice that creates a unique, almost eerie soundscape. This instrumentality sets the tone for the track, giving it a sense of foreboding that perfectly complements its lyrical themes. The interplay between Don Felder’s guitar work and Joe Walsh’s mastery of the talk box creates a hypnotic rhythm, while Don Henley’s lead vocals deliver the lyrics with a mix of cynicism and weariness.
Thematically, “Those Shoes” delves into the superficiality and hedonism that characterized much of the late 1970s, particularly in Los Angeles, where the Eagles were based. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world obsessed with appearances, materialism, and fleeting pleasures. Lines like “You’re so smooth and the world’s so rough” underscore the contrast between surface-level glamour and the harsher realities of life. It’s a cautionary tale, capturing the disillusionment that often follows the pursuit of shallow desires.
“Those Shoes” also stands out for its commentary on the darker side of fame and the relentless pursuit of image and status. At its core, the song is a critique of the emptiness that can accompany a lifestyle focused solely on external validation. It speaks to universal themes of longing and dissatisfaction, making it relatable to listeners across generations.
The societal impact of “Those Shoes” lies in its ability to encapsulate the cultural zeitgeist of its time. In the late ’70s, the excesses of the decade were beginning to show their cracks, and songs like this served as both a mirror and a critique. For many fans, the track remains a standout for its boldness and unflinching honesty.
Within “The Long Run”, “Those Shoes” plays a critical role in showcasing the band’s range. While the album contains hits like “Heartache Tonight” and “I Can’t Tell You Why”, this track provides a darker, more introspective counterbalance. It’s a reminder of the Eagles’ ability to blend storytelling with musical innovation, creating songs that linger in the listener’s mind long after they’ve ended.
In conclusion, “Those Shoes” is a testament to the Eagles’ enduring brilliance. It’s a track that combines innovative instrumentation, incisive lyrics, and an unforgettable atmosphere to create a song that remains as relevant today as it was upon its release. For both longtime fans and newcomers, it’s a masterclass in blending artistry with cultural commentary, and it continues to hold a special place in the band’s storied catalog.
Video
Lyrics
Tell us what you’re gonna do tonight mamaThere must be someplace you can goIn the middle of the tall drinks and the dramaThere must be someone you knowGod knows you’re lookin’ good enoughBut you’re so smooth and the world’s so roughYou might have somethin’ to loseOh, no pretty mamaWhat you gonna do in those shoes?Got those pretty little straps around your anklesGot those shiny little chains around your heartYou got to have your independenceBut you don’t know just where to startDesperation in the singles barsAll those jerkoffs in their fancy carsYou can’t believe your reviewsOh, no you can’t do thatOnce you started wearin’ those shoes(butt out)(butt out)(butt out)(butt out)(butt out butt out) They’re lookin’ at you leanin’ on you(butt out butt out) Tell you anything you want to hear(butt out butt out) They give you tablets of love(butt out butt out)(butt out butt out) They’re waiting for you got to score you(butt out butt out) Handy with a shovel and so sincere(butt out butt out) Ooh… they got the kid glove(butt out butt out)You just want someone to talk toThey just wanna to get their hands on youYou get whatever you chooseOh, no you can’t do thatOnce you started wearin’ those shoesOh, no you can’t do thatOnce you started wearin’ those shoes(butt out butt out)Umm(butt out butt out)Shoot(butt out butt out)(butt out butt out)Whoa-whoa(butt out butt out)(butt out butt out)(butt out butt out)(butt out)