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.
You're Not Drinking Enough
Don Henley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you'd sell what is left of your soul for another go-round
You keep telling yourself she means nothing and maybe you should call her bluff
But you don't really believe it
You must not be drinkin' enough
Well, the perfume she wore you can buy down at the Five & Dime
You keep telling yourself you can take it-
Telling yourself that you're tough
But you still wanna hold her
You must not be drinkin' enough
You're not drinkin' enough to wash away old memories
And there ain't enough whiskey in Texas to keep you from beggin', Please,
Please, please.
She passed on your passion and stepped on your pride
Turns out you ain't quite so tough
Cause you still wanna hold her
You must not be drinkin' enough
Ay-yl-yl-yl
Ask yourself why
You still wanna hold her
You must not be drinkin' enough
Ay-yl-yl-yl etc.
In Don Henley's song "You're Not Drinking Enough," the singer is addressing someone who is clearly still hung up on a woman who let them down. He suggests that the person is not drinking enough to forget about her, and that they would sell their soul for one more chance with her. Despite the person telling themselves that she means nothing to them and that they are tough enough to handle it, they still yearn for her and want to hold her.
Henley uses the imagery of perfume to suggest that the person is trying to replace the memories of the woman they lost by finding her scent on someone else. However, it doesn't work, and they still want to be with her. He also highlights the person's lack of toughness, as they are still hurting from the rejection and need to drink more to forget. The repeated "Ay-yl-yl-yl" at the end of the song serves to emphasize the pain and frustration felt by the person who cannot forget the woman who let them down.
Overall, "You're Not Drinking Enough" is a song about heartbreak and the struggle to move on from someone who has hurt you deeply. It suggests that although alcohol can sometimes numb the pain, it cannot erase the memories or the desire to be with someone.
Line by Line Meaning
I can see that you haven't recovered from the girl who let you down
The singer observes that the listener is still not over a past lover who disappointed them.
And you'd sell what is left of your soul for another go-round
The listener is so desperate for another chance with their ex that they would give up anything to make it happen.
You keep telling yourself she means nothing and maybe you should call her bluff
The listener tries to convince themselves that their ex is not important and that they should test if their ex feels the same way.
But you don't really believe it
The listener knows deep down that their ex is still significant to them.
You must not be drinkin' enough
The artist implies that the listener is not drinking enough alcohol to forget their ex.
Well, the perfume she wore you can buy down at the Five & Dime
The listener can find the exact same fragrance their ex wore at a low-cost store.
But on some other woman it don't smell the same in your mind
However, the listener cannot find a perfume that would remind them of their ex on another woman.
You keep telling yourself you can take it-
The listener continues to convince themself that they can handle the heartbreak.
Telling yourself that you're tough
The listener tries to reinforce their strength.
But you still wanna hold her
Despite fighting the sentiment, the listener still longs for their ex.
You must not be drinkin' enough
The singer insists that the listener should drink more alcohol to forget their ex completely.
You're not drinkin' enough to wash away old memories
The listener is not consuming enough alcohol to forget the past memories completely.
And there ain't enough whiskey in Texas to keep you from beggin', Please, Please, please.
Even if the listener drinks an excessive amount of alcohol, it still wouldn't stop them from pleading to get their ex back.
She passed on your passion and stepped on your pride
The listener's ex rejected their affection and hurt their ego in the process.
Turns out you ain't quite so tough
The listener wasn't as resilient as they believed themselves to be.
Ay-yl-yl-yl
An interjection expressing empathy or distress.
Ask yourself why
The listener should reflect on why they are still holding onto something that is causing them pain.
You still wanna hold her
Despite everything, the listener is still not over their ex and wants to have them back.
You must not be drinkin' enough
The singer reiterates that the listener has to drink more to forget about their ex completely.
Ay-yl-yl-yl etc.
Repetition of the earlier interjection to convey an emotive tone.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
William Shynne
There isn't a man alive who can't relate to this song.
@tnman54
Thanks for posting this terrific song! been looking for it on you tube for a while now; had the lp back in the 80s but lost it some where along the way. Excellent audio! thanks again!!
@maryrichardson9246
Fantastic!!!!!
@geraldregits2630
This song comes through heart and soul great diddy
@johnbarnett6924
BACARDI 151 and Coke ,When I was a younger JARHEAD. THANKS FOR THESE MEMORIES.
@sprokethead
Oh this sick song described me to a "T" in the late eighties.. Her name was C A R O L (L) I thought I was going to fkng LOOSE my MIND!
@rockinremnants510
Building The Perfect Beast by Henley, best Album of the 80's!
@AnCorcaigh
I always thought he had some left over Eagles vibes in this song. =)
@aimeecurry46
Thank you so so so so much I have been looking for ever for this. And it's my birthday even. Thank you!
@jayfalco8635
An Absolute Fav