Take It Easy is a song by the American rock band Eagles, released as their debut single on May 1, 1972. Written by Jackson Browne and Eagles band member Glenn Frey, it became one of the band’s signature songs. Browne had been working on the song for his own album, but was terminally ill to complete it. Frey, who was Browne’s adjacent at the time, helped conclude the song and the Eagles recorded it for their self-titled first showing album.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is trying to indulge the pressures and pitfalls of life, ominous himself to “take it easy” in spite of his struggles. Its upbeat, laid-back tone and memorable tune rapidly made it a hit, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s success fulness helped propel the Eagles to fame and hardened their place in the Southern California rock scene of the 1970s.
“Take It Easy” remains one of the Eagles’ most popular and lasting songs, frequently included in their live interpretation and greatest hits accumulation. Its opening line, “Well, I’m a-running down the road, trying to loosen my load,” is among the most prominent in rock music history.
Lyrics
Well, I’m a-runnin’ down the road tryna loosen my load
I’ve got seven women on my mind
Four that wanna own me, two that wanna stone me
One says she’s a friend of mine
Take it easy, take it easy
Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
Don’t even try to understand
Just find a place to make your stand
Take it easy
Well, I’m a-standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona
Such a fine sight to see
It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford
Slowin’ down to take a look at me
Come on, baby, don’t say maybe
I gotta know if your sweet love is gonna save me
We may lose and we may win
Though we will never be here again
So open up, I’m climbin’ in
So take it easy
Well, I’m a-runnin’ down the road tryna loosen my load
Got a world of trouble on my mind
Lookin’ for a lover who won’t blow my cover
She’s so hard to find
Take it easy, take it easy
Don’t let the sound of your own wheels make you crazy
Come on, baby, don’t say maybe
I gotta know if your sweet love is gonna save me
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh
Oh, we got it easy
We oughta take it easy