Desperado
The Eagles - Lyrics
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You been out ridin' fences for so long now
Oh, you're a hard one
But I know that you got your reasons
These things that are pleasin' you
Can hurt you somehow
Don't you draw the Queen of Diamonds, boy
You know the Queen of Hearts is always your best bet
Now, it seems to me some fine things
Have been laid upon your table
But you only want the ones that you can't get
Desperado, oh, you ain't gettin' no younger
Your pain and your hunger, they're drivin' you home
And freedom, oh freedom, well that's just some people talkin'
Your prison is walking through this world all alone
Don't your feet get cold in the winter time?
The sky won't snow and the sun won't shine
It's hard to tell the night time from the day
You're losin' all your highs and lows
Ain't it funny how the feeling goes away?
Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?
Come down from your fences, open the gate
It may be rainin', but there's a rainbow above you
You better let somebody love you (let somebody love you)
You better let somebody love you
Before it's too late
The song "Desperado" by The Eagles, from their album "The Very Best Of ~" is a classic ballad that speaks to a generation about the perils of youth and the endless search for freedom. The song follows the story of a young man who has spent his life riding fences and living a life of solitude. The first verse implores the Desperado to come to his senses and to think about his actions, stating that he has been out riding fences for far too long.
As the song progresses, the singer speaks about some of the fine things that have been laid on the Desperado's table, but he only wants what he can't have. The Queen of Hearts is his best bet, instead of drawing the Queen of Diamonds, who will beat him if she's able.
The chorus repeats and asks the Desperado to come down from his fences, to open the gate and let somebody love him. While freedom may be important, it's true that no man can go it alone forever. The song ends with a warning that time waits for no one, and that he must act fast if he wants to let somebody love him.
Overall, "Desperado" is a powerful song that speaks to the human condition of loneliness and the search for love and happiness. It's a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today.
Line by Line Meaning
Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?
Why are you still behaving recklessly despite being in a bad situation?
You been out ridin' fences for so long now
You have been wandering aimlessly for a long time.
Oh, you're a hard one
You are stubborn and difficult to deal with.
But I know that you got your reasons
I understand that you have a valid explanation for your actions.
These things that are pleasin' you, can hurt you somehow
The things that you find enjoyable can be harmful to your life in some way.
Don't you draw the Queen of Diamonds, boy, She'll beat you if she's able
Do not pursue things that are harmful and dangerous to you.
You know the Queen of Hearts is always your best bet
Choose the things that are good for you and stick to them.
Now, it seems to me some fine things, have been laid upon your table
You have opportunities and choices available to live a good life.
But you only want the ones that you can't get
You are seeking things that are hard to obtain or unrealistic.
Desperado, oh, you ain't gettin' no younger, Your pain and your hunger, they're drivin' you home
Your distress and dissatisfaction are leading you back to your starting point.
And freedom, oh freedom, well that's just some people talkin', Your prison is walking through this world all alone
The notion of freedom is misleading, and you are trapped in your loneliness.
Don't your feet get cold in the winter time?
Are you not feeling the effects of your harsh living conditions?
The sky won't snow and the sun won't shine, It's hard to tell the night time from the day
Life seems bleak and monotonous with no variation or hope.
You're losin' all your highs and lows, Ain't it funny how the feeling goes away?
You are gradually becoming numb to the ups and downs of life.
Desperado, why don't you come to your senses? Come down from your fences, open the gate
It's time to get back to your senses and let go of your self-destructive behavior.
It may be rainin', but there's a rainbow above you, You better let somebody love you (let somebody love you)
Although life may seem rough, look for the good and allow someone to care for you.
You better let somebody love you, Before it's too late
Do not wait too long to allow people to care for you, or it may be too late.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Glenn Lewis Frey, Don Hugh Henley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind