Eagles – The Long Run

About the Song

Eagles’ “The Long Run” is a song that beautifully encapsulates the band’s signature blend of country rock, smooth melodies, and introspective lyrics. Released in 1979 as the title track of their final studio album before their initial breakup, “The Long Run” is both a reflection on the journey of life and a commentary on the complexities of relationships and personal growth.

The song’s lyrics explore themes of perseverance, resilience, and the toll that time and experience can take on a person. It speaks to the idea of pushing forward, even when the road is long and filled with challenges. Eagles capture this feeling with a sense of bittersweet nostalgia, acknowledging the hardships while also embracing the necessity of enduring the struggles. The chorus, with its repetitive line “We get it on in the long run,” serves as a reminder that the journey, no matter how difficult, is worth the effort in the end.

Musically, “The Long Run” is a perfect example of the Eagles’ ability to merge rock, country, and folk influences into a sound that is uniquely their own. The song opens with a catchy guitar riff that is instantly recognizable, setting the tone for the track. The lush harmonies of the band members are front and center, making the song feel both personal and expansive, as if it is both a reflection on their own careers and a universal meditation on the passage of time.

The production on “The Long Run” is polished but not overly commercial, maintaining the authentic feel that Eagles fans appreciate. It balances rock energy with introspective moments, giving it a timeless quality that still resonates today. The track’s emotional depth, paired with its accessible yet thought-provoking lyrics, makes it a standout in the Eagles’ catalog.

For longtime fans of the band, “The Long Run” is a testament to their enduring legacy in rock music. It is a song that has stood the test of time, with its introspective lyrics and timeless sound still capturing the hearts of listeners, decades after its release. Whether reflecting on the long run of life, love, or the pursuit of dreams, this song continues to speak to those who understand that the journey is just as important as the destination.

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Lyrics: The Long Run

I used to hurry a lot, I used to worry a lot
I used to stay out till the break of day
Oh, that didn’t get it
It was high time I quit it
I just couldn’t carry on that way

Oh, I did some damage, I know it’s true
Didn’t know I was so lonely, till I found you
You can go the distance
We’ll find out in the long run
(In the long run)
We can handle some resistance
If our love is a strong one (is a strong one)

People talkin’ about us
They got nothin’ else to do
When it all comes down we will
Still come through
In the long run
Ooh, I want to tell you, it’s a long run

You know I don’t understand why you don’t
Treat yourself better
Do the crazy things that you do

‘Cause all the debutantes in Houston, baby
Couldn’t hold a candle to you

Did you do it for love?
Did you do it for money?
Did you do it for spite?
Did you think you had to, honey?

Who is gonna make it?
We’ll find out in the long run
(In the long run)
I know we can take it
If our love is a strong one
(Is a strong one)

Well, we’re scared, but we ain’t shakin’
Kinda bent, but we ain’t breakin’
In the long run
Ooh, I want to tell you, it’s a long run
In the long run
In the long run …