How Don Henley's Flu Led To Eagles' 'Witchy Woman', 42% OFF

About the Song

Ah, those early Eagles! Remember them? Back before the smooth sounds of “Hotel California” took over the airwaves, the Eagles were a band with a touch of country twang and a whole lot of rockin’ energy. Today, we’re going to revisit a track from their very first album, 1972’s simply titled “Eagles,” and set our sights, or should we say ears, on a song that helped propel them to national fame: “Witchy Woman”.

Written by Don Henley and Bernie Leadon, this wasn’t exactly your typical love ballad. “Witchy Woman” wasn’t about sunshine and holding hands; it was about a captivating woman who stirred something wild and unpredictable within the narrator. Her allure, as the lyrics hint with lines like “raven hair and ruby lips,” is undeniable, but it’s laced with a hint of danger. She’s a “restless spirit on an endless flight,” someone who keeps the narrator off-balance and maybe a touch bewitched.

Released as the second single from their debut album, “Witchy Woman” became a surprise hit, reaching number nine on the Billboard pop singles chart. It showcased a different side of the Eagles than their breakout hit “Take It Easy,” with its driving beat, soaring harmonies, and Bernie Leadon’s scorching lead guitar work. It was a song that resonated with a generation looking for something a little more mysterious and untamed in their music. So, put on your dancing shoes, metaphorical or otherwise, and let’s take a trip back to 1972 with the Eagles’ “Witchy Woman”.

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