Don Henley (born Donald Hugh Henley in Gilmer, Texas, USA on 22 July 1947) … Read Full Bio ↴Don Henley (born Donald Hugh Henley in Gilmer, Texas, USA on 22 July 1947) is a drummer, singer, and songwriter with the band Eagles. Since the 80s, he has had a successful solo career with the albums: I Can't Stand Still, Building The Perfect Beast, The End of Innocence and Inside Job and he has played a founding role in several causes. His most well known songs are the hit songs The Boys of Summer ,All She Wants to Do Is Dance , Dirty Laundry, and The End Of The Innocence

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.

Taking You Home
Don Henley Lyrics

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I had a good life
Before you came
I had my friends and my freedom
I had my name
Still there was sorrow and emptiness
'Til you made me glad
Oh, in this love, I found strength I never knew I had

And this love
Is like nothing I have ever known
Take my hand, love
I'm taking you home
I'm taking you home

There were days, lonely days
When the world wouldn't throw me a crumb
But I kept on believing
That this day would come

And this love
Is like nothing I have ever known
Take my hand, love
I'm taking you home
I'm taking you home

Where we can be with the ones who really care
Home, where we can grow together
Keep you in my heart forever

And this love
Is like nothing I have ever known
Oh no, no baby
Take my hand, love
I'm taking you home
Taking you home

And this love
Is like nothing I have ever known
Oh no, baby
Take my hand,
I'm taking you home
Yes I am
I'm taking you home

Taking you home, baby
Taking you home

Overall Meaning

Don Henley's song "Taking You Home" is a beautiful ode to love and its transformative power. The song is about how the singer's life was previously incomplete and lacked meaning before they found love. The singer had friends and freedom, but still felt a deep sense of sorrow and emptiness. However, when they found love, they gained the strength they never knew they had. The lyrics suggest that the love the singer found was like nothing they had ever known before, and they are willing to take their partner home and keep them in their hearts forever.

The chorus's repetition emphasizes the importance of love in bringing a sense of completeness and fulfillment to life. The singer's belief in the power of love helped them to navigate the difficult times in life "when the world wouldn't throw me a crumb." The lyrics suggest that when one is in love, they can be with the ones who genuinely care, grow together, and become better through each other.

In conclusion, "Taking You Home" by Don Henley is a touching love song that emphasizes the importance of love and its transformative power. The lyrics are a beautiful tribute to the strength and completeness that love can bring to one's life.

Line by Line Meaning

I had a good life
Before meeting you, I was content with my life

Before you came
Prior to our relationship

I had my friends and my freedom
I had a social life and was able to do what I pleased

I had my name
My reputation and identity were intact

Still there was sorrow and emptiness
Despite all of that, I felt unfulfilled inside

'Til you made me glad
Until you came along and brought me happiness

Oh, in this love, I found strength I never knew I had
Our relationship has given me newfound inner strength

And this love
Our romantic connection

Is like nothing I have ever known
Is unlike any love I've experienced before

Take my hand, love
Let me guide you

I'm taking you home
I want to bring you to a place of comfort and love

There were days, lonely days
I experienced periods of loneliness

When the world wouldn't throw me a crumb
When I felt like I wasn't receiving any blessings or opportunities

But I kept on believing
I maintained my faith and optimism

That this day would come
That I would ultimately find love and happiness

Where we can be with the ones who really care
A place of togetherness with those we truly love

Home, where we can grow together
A place where we can build our relationship

Keep you in my heart forever
Hold onto you for a lifetime

Oh no, no baby
An expression of disbelief

Taking you home
A declaration of commitment to the relationship

Yes I am
Confirmation of the commitment

Taking you home, baby
Reiterating the commitment to bring you into a place of love and comfort

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DON HENLEY, STUART BRAWLEY, STANLEY LYNCH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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