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.
Rivers
Joe Walsh Lyrics
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I'm a patient man. s'il vous plait
And if what you earn, and what you deserve
Isn't worth the price you pay
Save it for a rainy day
I'm a patient man
So you made a wish, on a falling star
And here you are, like it or not
And the truth is - everyone else
Shares the same cloudy sky
It's so useless, blaming yourself
Heaven knows you try
And if it takes until the rivers run dry
Til the rivers run dry
If it takes until the rest of my life to see why
I'm going to wait until the rivers run dry
Til the rivers run
Save 'em for a rainy day
And if it takes until the rivers run dry
Til the rivers run dry
If it takes until the rest of my life to see why
I'm going to wait until the rivers run dry
Til the rivers run dry
Til the rivers run dry.
In Joe Walsh's song "Rivers," he seems to be speaking to someone who is feeling discouraged or disheartened by their present circumstances, telling them to have patience and wait for things to get better. The first verse suggests that the person may be frustrated with the fact that they are not getting what they deserve, but Walsh advises them to hold off on any rash decisions and "save it for a rainy day." This is a metaphorical expression meaning to put something valuable away for later use when it's really needed.
The second verse is more introspective, with Walsh acknowledging that sometimes life doesn't work out the way we want it to, and blames ourselves for our misfortunes. He reminds the listener that they are not alone in their struggles, and that ultimately we are all facing the same challenges under a "cloudy sky."
The chorus emphasizes the theme of patience and waiting for the right time, even if it takes a lifetime ("if it takes until the rest of my life to see why"). The imagery of waiting until the rivers run dry is a powerful one, suggesting that Walsh is willing to wait as long as it takes for things to change for the better.
Overall, "Rivers" is a song about resilience and the power of perseverance. Walsh encourages listeners to hold on to hope and remain patient in the face of adversity, no matter how long it takes.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a master plan, or so they say
People may believe that there is a predetermined plan for everyone's lives, but it is not certain.
I'm a patient man. s'il vous plait
I am a patient man, please be patient with me.
And if what you earn, and what you deserve
If the efforts you put in and the rewards you receive do not match up
Isn't worth the price you pay
If it does not seem to be worth the sacrifice
Save it for a rainy day
Save it for when it is really needed
I'm a patient man
I have the ability to wait and not rush into things
So you made a wish, on a falling star
You made a wish upon a star that is falling from the sky
That's what you got, Oh
That is what you received
And here you are, like it or not
Regardless of whether you are happy or upset with the outcome
And the truth is - everyone else
The reality is that everyone else
Shares the same cloudy sky
Experiences the same uncertainty and lack of clarity
It's so useless, blaming yourself
It is pointless and unproductive to blame yourself for things beyond your control
Heaven knows you try
You are doing your best, and that is acknowledged by a higher power
And if it takes until the rivers run dry
Even if it takes a long time, possibly forever
If it takes until the rest of my life to see why
If it takes your entire life to understand
I'm going to wait until the rivers run dry
I am willing to wait for as long as it takes
Save 'em for a rainy day
Save your resources for when they are truly needed
Til the rivers run dry
Until there is no more water to flow in the rivers
Til the rivers run dry
Until there is no more water to flow in the rivers
Til the rivers run dry.
Until there is no more water to flow in the rivers.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DON FELDER, JOE WALSH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind