Desperado: A Timeless Ballad by the Eagles
Desperado, a soft rock ballad by the legendary American rock band the Eagles, holds a special place in the hearts of music lovers worldwide. Written by Glenn Frey and Don Henley, this iconic track first appeared on the band’s second studio album, also titled Desperado (1973). Although it was never released as a single, it quickly became one of the Eagles’ most beloved and enduring songs. Its timeless appeal was solidified when it ranked No. 494 on Rolling Stone’s 2004 list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
The song’s origins trace back to 1968 when Henley began crafting a melody inspired by the old songs of Stephen Foster. Initially, the lyrics centered around a friend named Leo, starting with the line, “Leo, my God, why don’t you come to your senses…” However, in 1972, after recording their debut studio album in London, Frey and Henley decided to collaborate more closely on songwriting. Upon returning to the United States, they revisited Henley’s unfinished piece and transformed it into what we now know as Desperado. Within just a few days, they also penned another classic, Tequila Sunrise, marking the start of their prolific partnership.
The song’s haunting piano introduction, inspired by Ray Charles’ rendition of “Georgia On My Mind,” sets the stage for Henley’s evocative vocals. During their first songwriting session at Henley’s home in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, Henley described the song’s feel as “a Southern Gothic thing,” which Frey then helped mold into a Western-themed ballad. This creative synergy marked the beginning of a powerful songwriting duo that would go on to shape the Eagles’ signature sound.
Recorded at Island Studios in London, Desperado features the lush orchestration of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Henley’s friend Jim Ed Norman. Despite Henley’s admitted nervousness during the recording sessions and his wish for more takes to perfect his performance, the raw emotion in his voice resonated deeply with listeners. The song’s poignant lyrics and melancholic melody evoke themes of loneliness, longing, and the search for redemption.
Critical acclaim for Desperado has only grown over the years. It was voted the second-most-favorite Eagles song in a poll of Rolling Stone readers and was included in MOJO magazine’s list of greatest songs, nominated by music legends such as Paul McCartney, Hal David, and Brian Wilson. The Western Writers of America also recognized its cultural impact by including it in their list of the Top 100 Western songs of all time.
In 2017, Billboard ranked Desperado number two on their list of the 15 greatest Eagles songs, and in 2019, Rolling Stone placed it third among the 40 greatest Eagles tracks. Despite its initial lack of chart success, the song’s popularity soared following Glenn Frey’s death, reaching No. 20 on the Rock Digital Songs chart. Its enduring legacy was further highlighted when the antagonist of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 humorously suggested that “Brandy” by Looking Glass was Earth’s finest composition, prompting Looking Glass’s lead guitarist and songwriter Elliot Lurie to argue that Desperado deserved that title.
Desperado remains a testament to the Eagles’ songwriting prowess and their ability to capture the complexities of the human spirit. Its haunting beauty continues to inspire and comfort listeners, solidifying its place as one of the greatest songs of all time.