Eagles’ “Take It Easy” Lyrics Meaning

To understand what the song “Take It Easy” is truly about, it is best to start off with the words of lead vocalist Glenn Frey himself, who has stated that the overall message of this classic is “you shouldn’t get too big too fast”. And once you study the lyrics, you will see that the way he goes about relaying this sentiment specifically within the context of the quest for love in his life.

In other words, he is initially preoccupied with “seven women on (his) mind”. And he is convinced that all of them, in some capacity, have feelings for him. 

However, he eventually concludes by telling himself to “take [things] easy” and not let the sound of his own wheels get him crazy! That is to say he should not let his own (conceited) thoughts get the best of him. And generally speaking, he should “lighten up”, not “try to understand” everything and just find a suitable place where he can make his stand. He is basically telling himself not overburden himself with his own thoughts.

Narrator is plagued with uncontrollable love?

But once again, it is pretty clear that love is on the singer’s mind in a way that he cannot necessarily control. And he seems to be telling a specific romantic interest also to “take [things] easy”. In other words, his quest to find true love has thus far been unsuccessful. And he is specifically interested in a partner who sympathizes with his overall fragile mental disposition.

The lyrics of “Take It Easy” are deep

So whereas this song may appear simple on the surface, that is not necessarily the case. Instead it deals with a number of different storylines simultaneously. First is the singer’s hubris, if you will, in relation to the opposite sex. Then there is the idea that he needs to cool down, specifically in terms of his quest for love. But at the same time it is true love which he desires more than anything else. 

He also seems to have found a lady who may fit the bill. And throughout it all, against his own natural inclinations we can even say, he is telling both himself and this lady to “take it easy” and to approach the situation with cool heads.

“Take it easy, take it easy
Don’t let the sound of your own wheels make you crazy”

Who wrote “Take It Easy”?

“Take It Easy” was written by Jackson Browne and the Eagles’ own Glenn Frey. It was actually Browne who originated the song but was unable to complete it, which Frey, who was his neighbor at the time, eventually did.

Indeed Glenn Frey actually credited Jackson Browne for writing the majority of the song. And why? According to him, the lyrics were almost complete when he started working on it.

Renowned English record producer Glyn Johns handled the entire production of this classic.

Release Date of “Take It Easy”

This song was eventually recorded (initially) by the Eagles, with Asylum Records releasing it as the band’s first single ever on 1 May 1972.

As such it was featured on the Eagles’ debut album, which was also entitled “Eagles”. That album was also supported by the hit single “Witchy Woman“.

And since then the Eagles have made it their standard to feature “Take It Easy” on subsequent live performance and compilation albums they have released.

Notable Grammy Performance

The Eagles had never performed at the Grammy Awards. That is until 2016 when they played “Take It Easy”, with Jackson Browne on lead vocals, in the aftermath of the death of Glenn Frey (1948-2016) who passed away a month before the ceremony.

A Great, Great Song!

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame placed “Take It Easy” on its list of “500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll”, basically meaning that it is one of the most-famous tracks of all-time. 

Winslow honors “Take It Easy”

The town of Winslow, Arizona, which is referenced in the song, has honored this song. They did so by designating a park where they built a statue and a mural in honor of being mentioned in “Take It Easy”.