Happy Eagles songs

[sodascouts]

Something we were discussing in another thread made me think about a new topic - name a happy Eagles song! It might be harder than you think.

I'll start off with the obvious Peaceful Easy Feeling. Yeah, it's about a one-night-stand which isn't exactly the most romantic context, but you can't argue that are protagonist is happy despite it all. Just look at the title!

Next?

[Nobody'sBeach]

Life In The Fast Lane - sounds like a good time, don't it?

[Maleah]

Well with the exception of a few loads they're trying to loosen, I'd say Take It Easy is a pretty happy song. lol

[Scarlet Sun]

Nightingale, Twenty-One

[whitcap]

Already Gone

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Life In The Fast Lane - sounds like a good time, don't it?

Not really, NB! At least not to me.

For a good time - what about Chug All Night!

[TimothyBFan]

The first 2 songs that popped in my mind when I read the title of this thread where Life In The Fast Lane and Chug All Night. At least it would have been about 25 years ago!

I'll start off with the obvious Peaceful Easy Feeling. Yeah, it's about a one-night-stand which isn't exactly the most romantic context, but you can't argue that are protagonist is happy despite it all. Just look at the title!

Next?

See now, I don't see this as being about a one-night-stand. Have one of the Eagles proclaimed it as such? And if so, where and when.

[Troubadour]

Take It Easy was the first one to come to mind. I don't think I'd class Life In The Fast Lane as a 'happy' song though!

[Nobody'sBeach]

Must be a perspective thing?

That one I really like...

[Troubadour]

You're right. It's all about perspective. I love LITFL, but I'm making judgements based on what I take from the song message-wise and lyrically, rather than just the sound of it. There are lots of songs out there that have an upbeat sound but deal with serious and darker themes (All She Wants To Do Is Dance is a prime example.) Life In The Fast Lane is about the perils of fast-living - of super stardom, drugs, alcohol, tumultuous relationships... It might seem like fun at the time, but basically, it's destructive and dangerous. It's a warning about that slippery slope of decadence and self-indulgence - once you're on it, it's almost impossible to get off. This theme runs through so many Eagles songs, which is probably why it's hard to find 'happy' songs in their catalogue.

Having said that, a 'happy' song is hard to define... This is where perspective really comes in! I could argue that a song like New York Minute (sorry for straying into solo territory here, but I'm just citing an example) is a happy song in some ways, because I find it ultimately uplifting. Others would say that it is depressing and gloomy. I take from it that, as quickly as things can change for the worse, they can change for the better. The line towards the end - "you can get out of the rain" - is probably the most important bit of the song for me. It might not be exactly happy but it's real and it's hopeful. It brings comfort and reassurance.

Eagles songs may not be carefree or filled with unadulterated joy, but they rarely leave you feeling utterly depressed... there's often a twist of hope somewhere in the lyrics or the music, which I think is important.