Eagles – Take it Easy (Official Audio)
Inspiration Behind Take It Easy:
The lyrics to Take It Easy is a blend from roadside Americana, friendships from Los Angeles, and personal experiences. Jackson Browne began writing Take It Easy in 1971, drawing on the restless traveling of a touring musician. With so much going on around you, sometimes getting on stage helps you slow down, forgetting about your problems until the concert is over. Browning’s neighbor and future Eagles bandmate Glenn Frey listened to Jackson’s original version and helped complete the unfinished verse.
Biblical Application:
“All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid, John 14:25-27.
Exegesis of Take It Easy:
Well, I’m running down the road
Tryin’ to 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
Jackson is going for a drive, trying to relax. Four women want to settle down, 2 hate him and another is a friend.
Take it easy
Take it easy
Don’t let the sound of your own wheels
Drive you crazy
Relax. Don’t let all the distractions in life wear you down.
Lighten up while you still can
Don’t even try to understand
Just find a place to make your stand
And take it easy
Don’t hold on to anxieties, burdens and concerns. Find a place to make your stand so you can relax.
Well, I’m standing on a corner
In Winslow, Arizona
And 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
Jackson is now hitchhiking, enjoying the scenery. An attractive woman in a truck slows down. He’s hoping she picks him up, saving him from the misery of his past.
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
As she stops to give him a ride, he’s not sure of the outcome. But he’s chilling, accepting whatever happens.
Well, I’m running down the road
Trying to 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
Jackson’s back to where he was in the beginning. He is looking for a relationship but with someone who doesn’t know he is a famous musician.
Take it easy
Take it easy
Don’t let the sound of your own wheels
Make you crazy
The lyrics are a message to Jackson, a call to relax. Don’t let your current situation make you crazy.
Come on, baby, don’t say maybe
I gotta know if your sweet love
Is gonna save me
Jackson is looking for a commitment.
Oh, we got it easy
We oughta take it easy
Compared to others working 9-5, we’ve got it easy.
Final Thoughts:
As someone who was an emotional wreck in my teenage years, I needed to hear this message to relax. I took things too seriously until college. Once I matured, I was able to relieve my anxieties, burdens and concerns. Now as an adult, Take It Easy is still a good message to live by. When your life is spiraling out of control, take it easy!
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 