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.
How Bad Do You Want It?
Don Henley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I know what you're lookin' at
You would walk on your lips through busted glass
If you could get next to that
You think this is love
Your education starts today
So you think this is love?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you want it?
Not bad enough
So you put a hold on happiness
... a day, a week, a year
You got to bring somethin' to this party, boy
If you party here
And if you're lookin' for love
You better look some other way
If you're lookin' for love
I have to ask you
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you want it?
Not bad enough
She gave you love and affection
Enough to weather any season
You found an excuse to walk away
But you didn't find no reason
And you talk about love
But you don't know what it means
Yeah, you talk about love
So tell me
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you want it?
Not bad enough
The lyrics to Don Henley's song "How Bad Do You Want It?" offer a poignant commentary on the pursuit of love and the sacrifices one is willing to make for it. The first verse speaks to the desperation that love can create in us, as we are willing to do almost anything to be with the object of our affection. We see this in the image of someone leaving tongue marks on the carpet, and walking on their lips through busted glass, all to be close to their lover. However, the chorus poses the question "How bad do you want it?" and suggests that perhaps the singer's desire for love is not strong enough, despite their initially intense passion.
The second verse touches on the idea that we often delay our own happiness in pursuit of love, and warns that if we want to be loved, we must have something to offer in return. The chorus repeats again, driving home the question of how badly the singer wants love. Finally, the third verse speaks to a specific instance of love lost, where the singer walked away from a relationship despite having been given all the love and affection they needed. The song ends with the haunting repetition of the chorus, suggesting that the answer to the question of how badly we want love may never be clear.
Line by Line Meaning
You're leavin' tongue marks on the carpet
You're obsessed and desperate for physical connection with someone.
And I know what you're lookin' at
I can see that you want something badly.
You would walk on your lips through busted glass
You're willing to endure pain and hardship to achieve what you desire.
If you could get next to that
If you could just be close to that person.
So you think this is love?
You mistake obsession for love.
Your education starts today
I'm going to teach you what true love means.
So tell me
I want you to answer a question for me.
How bad do you want it?
How much are you willing to sacrifice to get what you want?
Not bad enough
Your desire is not strong enough to make the necessary sacrifices.
So you put a hold on happiness
You're postponing your own happiness.
... a day, a week, a year
It could be for any length of time.
You got to bring somethin' to this party, boy
You need to contribute something to the relationship.
If you party here
If you want to be in this relationship.
And if you're lookin' for love
If you're searching for love.
You better look some other way
You won't find it here.
She gave you love and affection
She cared about you deeply.
Enough to weather any season
Her love was strong enough to endure any difficulty.
You found an excuse to walk away
You gave up on the relationship for no good reason.
But you didn't find no reason
You didn't have a good reason to leave.
And you talk about love
You use the word 'love' without understanding its true meaning.
But you don't know what it means
You don't understand what love truly entails.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Cass County Music / Wisteria Music / Privet Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DANNY KORTCHMAR, STANLEY LYNCH, DON HENLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@robbello1000
Great Song 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
@josmir2797
I've been looking for this rare gem for the last 7 years.
@tammybettiga6263
Damn found this song...❤
@davidbrunson8407
I was so damn proud the day I found this used disc in a music shop and got to take it home with me years after it's release...it was definitely worth the 5 year wait for a great follow up as The End of the Innocence after waiting so long after the equally great Building the Perfect Beast!
@williehenton8154
Awesome sounds
@rumahero71
temonnn¡¡¡.....
I liked Don¡¡¡
@davej.meister5421
I could honestly give a crap about this Hollyweirdo. I just came here for the song.
@birdnerd9437
especially since good ol' Don doesn't have this album on youtube
@davidbrunson8407
Right...who gives a crap about these losers..it's only this awesome DH song that I wanted to hear...and the oy version of it I could find on YT...coz I don't feel like pulling out my own disc out of my endless overstuffed collection!
@Heartboy1031
@@birdnerd9437 Why is that? I'm amazed this hasn't been blocked and it's been here since 2009. What is it with this album he doesn't want on youtube?