In 1970, he moved to Los Angeles to record an album with his early band, Shiloh. Shiloh's album was produced by fellow Texan Kenny Rogers. Shortly thereafter, Henley met Glenn Frey. They both became members of Linda Ronstadt's backup band. Touring with her was the catalyst for forming the group. As a result, two months later they, along with Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner, became their own act, Eagles.
Henley's music is often social commentary. One of his more famous songs is "Dirty Laundry" (from his I Can't Stand Still album, released in 1982). Its origins date back to 1980, when Henley was put on probation for possession of a narcotic and fined for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The ensuing media circus and on-air pundits claiming that his career was over led to the writing of the song, which continues to be an indictment against the broadcast news media. Similarly, "Johhny Can't Read" (also from the Can't Stand Still album), continues to resound as a commentary on the educational system.
For My Wedding
Don Henley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And never again will I look back
Ah, my dark angels we must part
For I've made a sanctuary of my heart
To want what I have
To take what I'm given, with grace
For this I pray
For my wedding, I don't want violins
Or sentimental songs about thick and thin
I want a moment of silence and a moment of prayer
For the love we'll need to make it in the world out there
To want what I have
To take what I'm given, with grace
For this I pray
On my wedding day
On my wedding day
I dream, and my dreams are all glory and light
That's what I've wanted for my life
And if it hasn't always been that way
Well, I can dream and I can pray
On my wedding day
So what makes us any different from all the others
Who have tried and failed before us
Maybe nothing, maybe nothing at all
But I pray we're the lucky ones; I pray we never fall
To want what we have
To take what we're given, with grace
For these things I pray
On my wedding day
On my wedding day
The first line of the song, "For my wedding, I will dress in black," represents the bride's rejection of the traditional white wedding dress. Instead of conforming to societal expectations, she chooses to wear black, symbolizing power, independence, and rebellion. This decision highlights the theme of the song, which is the bride's desire to have a unconventional, authentic wedding that reflects her values and beliefs. The second line, "And never again will I look back," communicates the bride's commitment to her future, leaving behind any regrets or past mistakes. She is embracing a new chapter in her life, free from constraints and expectations.
The next few verses express the bride's desire for simplicity, with no need for extravagant displays of love or material possessions. She wants a moment of silence and prayer, emphasizing the importance of the love that will sustain her and her partner in the challenges of the world outside their sanctuary. The chorus, "To want what I have, to take what I'm given, with grace," emphasizes the notion of contentment and gratitude, accepting the present moment and finding joy in the simple things in life. The bride concludes by hoping that she and her partner will be lucky enough to succeed where others have failed, and their love will be enduring and triumphant.
Line by Line Meaning
For my wedding, I will dress in black
I want my wedding to be different from the usual fairytale weddings where the bride wears white, and I choose to wear black.
And never again will I look back
I am leaving my past behind and moving forward towards my future with my partner.
Ah, my dark angels we must part
I am leaving the negative elements of my past behind and moving towards a positive future.
For I've made a sanctuary of my heart
I have created a safe and welcoming place in my heart and am now ready to share it with my partner.
To want what I have
I am content with the life that I have built for myself and do not want for anything more.
To take what I'm given, with grace
I accept whatever the universe has in store for me with grace and positivity.
For this I pray
I hope and pray for the contentment and satisfaction of my life to continue.
On my wedding day
This is the most important day of my life, and I pray to have a happy and fulfilling future with my partner.
For my wedding, I don't want violins
I do not want the traditional music played at weddings, and I want a more personal and intimate experience.
Or sentimental songs about thick and thin
I do not want to hear cliched romantic songs during my wedding and instead want to focus on the realities of life.
I want a moment of silence and a moment of prayer
I want a period of reflection and prayer to honor the sanctity of my wedding ceremony.
For the love we'll need to make it in the world out there
I want to make sure that my partner and I have the strength and support we need to make our future together work.
I dream, and my dreams are all glory and light
I have high hopes for my future with my partner and envision a bright, happy future together.
That's what I've wanted for my life
My deepest desire is to achieve happiness and contentment in my life.
And if it hasn't always been that way
My past may not have been perfect, but I strive to make my future the best it can be.
Well, I can dream and I can pray
I will continue to hope for the best and pray for a bright future with my partner.
So what makes us any different from all the others
I understand that my relationship is not unique and many others have come before us.
Who have tried and failed before us
I am aware of the possibility of failure but am still committed to a happy future with my partner.
Maybe nothing, maybe nothing at all
There may be nothing different or special about our relationship, but to me, it still means everything.
But I pray we're the lucky ones; I pray we never fall
I am hoping and praying that our love and commitment will make our relationship one of the successful ones and we do not face any unforeseen complications or hardships.
For these things I pray
I pray for our future happiness, contentment, and success in our relationship.
On my wedding day
This is the day where I pledge my commitment to my partner, and I pray that our future is bright and prosperous.
On my wedding day
I hope and pray that we have a happy and fulfilling future together.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LARRY JOHN MCNALLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@shaylegends
Don Henley - For My Wedding
Album: Inside Job
Year: 2000
Songwriter: Larry John McNally
For my wedding, I will dress in black
And never again will I look back
Ah, my dark angels we must part
For I've made a sanctuary of my heart
To want what I have
To take what I'm given with grace
For this I pray
On my wedding day
For my wedding, I don't want violins
Or sentimental songs about thick and thin
I want a moment of silence and a moment of prayer
For the love we'll need to make it in the world out there
To want what I have
To take what I'm given with grace
For this I pray
On my wedding day
On my wedding day
I dream, and my dreams are all glory and light
That's what I've wanted for my life
And if it hasn't always been that way
Well, I can dream and I can pray
On my wedding day
So what makes us any different from all the others
Who have tried and failed before us
Maybe nothing, maybe nothing at all
But I pray we're the lucky ones; I pray we never fall
To want what we have
To take what we're given with grace
For these things I pray
On my wedding day
On my wedding day
@oldsoul1187
I have listened to this man take poetry and meld it with beautiful melodies for over 50 years. Don Henley has made "life" itself, the soundtrack of our lives. American treasure. They broke the mold with Don.
@nancydavis4205
Such a thoughtful, beautiful tribute to a sacred day in one’s life! I love to hear this ballad over and over again. Glorious song!
@DanSmith-cb5vj
Sacred? Each person's mind thinks of it differently. It's not as sacred as it appears. It's an expensive show that causes debt, which leads to arguing about finances, which eventually leads to separation and mostly ...! They both come out disappointed in one way or another.
My comment causes one to think I am negative or a downer. But, the facts and statistics shows I'm not as stupid as I look, lol!
@ewersm1
We played this at our wedding 20 years ago. It still makes me emotional. Incredible song by an incredible singer.
@philipbirch8495
Don't think Don has ever written a bad song unbelievable writer and fantastic voice 👏
@steveweisberg5728
Love this song as it has so much meaning to me...I actually sang it to my wife in front of 125 guests!
@patriciamelton9399
This was the “prayer” during our wedding 2002 ❤️
@TheCrypticShadow
So hard to believe this was almost 23 years ago. I love it as much now as I did back then
@davehoward9966
Us, too❤ celebrated our anniversary at South Beach and couldn't believe it was that long ago. Seems like yesterday 🥰
@StarLTaylor
I walked out to this song playing at my wedding. That was 21 years ago. So much truth in these lyrics. I love it as much now as the first time I heard it.