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.
Little Tin God
Don Henley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On fewer than expected
Business as Usual
That's how the headline read
Some shaky modern saviors
Have now been resurrected
In all this excitement
You may have been misled
People want a miracle
They say Oh Lord, can't you see us?
We're tryin' to make a livin' down here
And keep the children fed
But, from little dark motel rooms
To Six Flags over Jesus
How are the mighty fallen
So the Bible said
You don't have to pray to a little tin god
Step out of the way for a little tin god
You might fear the reaper, fear the rod
But you never have to get down on your knees
You don't have to holler, please, please
No, you never have to get down on your knees
For a little tin god
The cowboy's name was Jingo
And he heard that there was trouble
So in a blaze of glory
He rode out of the west
No one was ever certain
What it was that he was sayin'
But they loved it when he told them
They were better than the rest
But you don't have to pray to a little tin god
Step out of the way for a little tin god
You might hate the system, hate the job
But you never have to get down on your knees
You don't have to holler, please, please
No, you never have to get down on your knees
For a little tin god
Throw down a rope from heaven
And lead the flock to water
The man in the middle would have you think
That you have no other choice
But to wander in the wilderness
Of all the upturned faces
If you stop and listen long enough
You will hear your own small voice
But you don't have to pray to a little tin god
Step out of the way for a little tin god
You might fear the reaper, fear the rod
But you never have to get down on your knees
You don't have to holler, please, please
No, you never have to get down on your knees
Never have to holler, please, please
You never have to get down on your knees
You never have to holler, please, please
You never have to get down on your knees
For a little tin god
Don Henley's song "Little Tin God" is a commentary on the state of religion, politics and society. The song suggests that there is a danger in blindly following political or religious leaders, who are more concerned with their own power and control than with their followers’ well-being. At the start of the song, Henley sings that a new age is dawning on fewer than expected. He suggests that this new age is being driven by some shaky, modern saviors who have now been resurrected. The excitement surrounding these leaders has, however, led to a lot of misinformation, and as a result, people have been misled.
Henley goes on to suggest that people want a miracle and are desperately praying, "Oh Lord, can't you see us?" They are doing this while trying to make a living and keep their children fed. However, Henley warns that people are vulnerable in this state, easily manipulated by leaders who may be nothing more than little tin gods. These leaders might have big promises, but they are ultimately just fake idols with no real power. Henley argues that people don't need to pray to these little tin gods or get down on their knees for them. Instead, they can find their own path, their own voice, and "step out of the way for a little tin god."
Overall, "Little Tin God" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of false leaders who offer empty promises and wield power for their own gain. The song urges people to be independent thinkers, to listen to their own inner voices, and to beware of those who would try to manipulate or control them.
Line by Line Meaning
A new age is dawning
There is a new era or trend on the horizon
On fewer than expected
This trend is supported by fewer people than anticipated
Business as Usual
Things continue as they always have
That's how the headline read
This is how the news or media portrayed it
Some shaky modern saviors
There are questionable individuals who claim to be able to rescue people from their problems
Have now been resurrected
These individuals have made a comeback or are being promoted again
In all this excitement
Despite the hype around this trend or people, there is room for doubt or skepticism
You may have been misled
You might have been fooled or deceived by false promises or claims
People want a miracle
Individuals desire a miraculous solution to their problems
They say Oh Lord, can't you see us?
People pray or ask for divine intervention in their lives
We're tryin' to make a livin' down here
People struggle to earn a living and support themselves
And keep the children fed
It is important for people to provide food for their offspring
But, from little dark motel rooms
Despite humble beginnings, some individuals or movements gain significant influence
To Six Flags over Jesus
Big and flashy institutions or organizations can also become influential in society
How are the mighty fallen
People who were once powerful or influential can lose their status quickly
So the Bible said
This idea is reflected in the scripture
You don't have to pray to a little tin god
You do not need to worship or follow false idols or leaders
Step out of the way for a little tin god
Let go of false or misleading leaders and step aside for better ones
You might fear the reaper, fear the rod
You may be afraid of the consequences of your actions or of a higher power
But you never have to get down on your knees
You do not have to beg or plead to anyone for help
You don't have to holler, please, please
You do not need to scream or beg for mercy
The cowboy's name was Jingo
A character named Jingo is introduced
And he heard that there was trouble
Jingo became aware of an issue or problem
So in a blaze of glory
He acted swiftly and dramatically
He rode out of the west
Jingo left his home or base to tackle the issue
No one was ever certain
People were not sure what Jingo meant or stood for
What it was that he was sayin'
What Jingo was trying to communicate was not clear
But they loved it when he told them
Despite this, people appreciated his message or personality
They were better than the rest
Jingo made people feel like they were superior to others
Throw down a rope from heaven
A metaphorical request for divine guidance or assistance
And lead the flock to water
Lead people to a better life or situation
The man in the middle would have you think
A person in a position of power or authority might try to convince you of something
That you have no other choice
This person may try to limit your options or make you feel powerless
But to wander in the wilderness
This can result in being lost or unsure of what to do
Of all the upturned faces
People may be looking to you or others for direction
If you stop and listen long enough
If you pause and reflect, you'll hear something important
You will hear your own small voice
Your true inner self or values will become clear
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Cass County Music / Wisteria Music / Privet Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DONALD HUGH HENLEY, DANNY KORTCHMAR, JOHN SOUTHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
William Shynne
on You're Not Drinking Enough
There isn't a man alive who can't relate to this song.