Eagles’ “James Dean” Lyrics Meaning
James Dean (1931-1955) was an American actor who died at the age of 24. Due to his screen persona, even a good half a century after his passing he is still seen as an iconic symbol of youth rebellion in the United States. And it is that particular image which the Eagles are harping on in this song. In fact in the second verse they even reference his signature film, “Rebel Without a Cause” (1955). And basically, what the band is doing is expressing a strong admiration for Mr. Dean. Or simply put, they think he’s ultra-cool and want to be like him, including being movie stars themselves.
Song references James Dean’s fatal Accident
And before the song climaxes they also reference the car accident which took his life. And the way the lyrics read, the insinuation is that lived “too fast”, which ultimately lead to his demise. And in fact Dean was found officially at fault for the accident, as it is said that he was speeding. So the Eagles are indeed mourning that he passed away “too young”.
And it should be noted that it is not necessarily that aspect of his life, i.e. having an affinity for speeding, which they wish to emulate. Rather they want to replicate, once again, his on-screen character, complete with seeing themselves in the movies.
Facts about “James Dean”
On 14 August 1974, “James Dean” became the second single released from the Eagles’ third album. The Eagles titled that album “On the Border”. And the label that put it out is Asylum Records.
This song was written by Eagles’ members Don Henley and Glenn Frey along with their close associates J. D. Souther and Jackson Browne. Additionally Browne is reportedly its primary writer.
“James Dean” made an appearance on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Canada Top Singles.
As noted the accident that claimed James Dean’s life, which occurred on 30 September 1955, was entirely faulted to the actor having been traveling at an excessive speed. However, a California Highway Patrol officer who was on the scene stated, some 50 years later, that the details of the wreckage indicated that James was in fact traveling at about 55 mph.
