A native of Wichita, Kansas, Walsh moved to Montclair, New Jersey and attended Montclair High School. He spent time in various bands playing around the Cleveland area while attending Kent State University, but came to widespread attention in 1969 after replacing Glen Schwartz as lead guitarist for the James Gang, an American power trio. Walsh was the standout of the band, noted for his innovative rhythm playing and creative guitar riffs. The James Gang had several minor hits and became an early AOR staple before Walsh left the group in 1971 for a career as a solo artist.
Walsh's solo debut was Barnstorm (1972). Its follow-up was The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get (1973). Several cuts from these albums, notably "Rocky Mountain Way", received heavy airplay and continue to be classic rock favorites.
After releasing another studio album and a live set, Walsh was invited to join the Eagles in 1976, replacing departing guitarist Bernie Leadon. He brought a harder-edged sound to the group, giving their light country rock sound a shot in the arm and kept the Eagles from becoming a country act altogether.
As the Eagles began to decline after the release of Hotel California, Walsh re-ignited his solo career with the well-received discs But Seriously Folks (1978) (which featured his hit comic depiction of rock stardom, "Life's Been Good") and There Goes the Neighborhood (1981). He continued to record and release albums throughout the 1980s. In 1989, Walsh recorded a MTV Unplugged with the RnB musician Dr. John, but musical trends had passed him by and he maintained a very low profile until the late-1990s Eagles reunion and tour. Walsh sang the US National Anthem at the beginning of Game 4 of the 1995 World Series. In 2004, Walsh performed live before a huge crowd at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival in Texas.
A versatile guitarist, Walsh's abilities on acoustic, electric, and slide guitar have also made him well-regarded as a featured player or guest soloist; Walsh has recorded and performed with many other artists including Dan Fogelberg, Steve Winwood, The Who's John Entwistle and on the first two Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band tours.
Joe Walsh ran for President in the 1980 US Elections promising "free gas for all". In an interview for Planet Rock radio station he commented that he did this to raise people's awareness of the election. He felt that many Americans were not even aware that there was an election going on.
Some of his most recent compositions deal with his struggles with substance abuse.
Joe Walsh (WB6ACU) is an active amateur radio operator. Joe is also an active member and contributor of the ARRL, the National Association for Amateur Radio. Joe has contributed to many simmilar causes over the years.
In The City
Joe Walsh Lyrics
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Out beyond the neon lights
I know there must be somethin' better
But there's nowhere else in sight
It's survival in the city
When you live from day to day
City streets don't have much pity
In the city, oh, oh.
In the city
I was born here in the city
With my back against the wall
Nothing grows, and life ain't very pretty
No one's there to catch you when you fall
Somewhere out on that horizon
Faraway from the neon sky
I know there must be somethin' better
And I can't stay another night
In the city, oh, oh.
In the city
Joe Walsh's song "In The City" talks about the struggles of living in the city, where there is little empathy for those who are down on their luck. The song begins with Walsh acknowledging that there may be something better beyond the horizon outside the city, but it is nowhere in sight. He describes the city as a place where survival is difficult, where people live from day to day, and where the city streets don't have much pity for those who are struggling.
Walsh reveals that he was born in the city with his back against the wall, leaving him with little room for growth. He notes that nothing grows in the city and that life is far from beautiful. There is no one to catch him when he falls, leaving him feeling trapped. It seems that Walsh has had enough of the city and is ready to move on to something better, but as he sings "I can't stay another night", it is unclear whether he will actually leave or remain.
Overall, "In The City" is a powerful commentary on the hardships of living in a city where life can be tough , and where there may be a sense of hopelessness. Walsh's lyrics paint a vivid picture of life in the city, and his portrayal of the difficult nature of city living is both insightful and moving.
Line by Line Meaning
Somewhere out there on that horizon
There's a feeling that something better exists somewhere, but it's unknown and far off.
Out beyond the neon lights
This feeling is beyond the bright and intoxicating city lights.
I know there must be somethin' better
There's a certainty to this feeling; something does exist beyond the current circumstances.
But there's nowhere else in sight
Despite the certainty, the better circumstances aren't immediately visible or attainable.
It's survival in the city
Living in the city is a constant battle for survival.
When you live from day to day
This survival is a daily struggle.
City streets don't have much pity
The city is an unforgiving place; there's little compassion or mercy.
When you're down, that's where you'll stay
Falling down in the city can lead to being permanently trapped in the same circumstances.
I was born here in the city
The city has always been this person's home; they've never known anything else.
With my back against the wall
They've always been in a precarious position; there's never been any safety net or fallback option.
Nothing grows, and life ain't very pretty
The city is a harsh, tough place where opportunities are scarce and life is difficult.
No one's there to catch you when you fall
There's no safety net or support system; it's entirely up to the individual to keep themselves from falling.
And I can't stay another night
This person is done with the city; they can't spend another night there.
In the city, oh, oh.
The chorus emphasizes the title's phrase and summarizes the overall feeling of the song.
In the city
The phrase is repeated to repeat the message and emphasize the overall meaning of the song.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: Joe Fidler Walsh, Barry R. De Vorzon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind