Long Road Out of Eden

The song Long Road Out of Eden by the Eagles is a sprawling ten-minute epic from their 2007 album of the same name, marking their first studio release since 1979’s The Long Run. Written by Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Timothy B. Schmit, the song reflects Henley’s frustration with American foreign policy under George W. Bush, particularly the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Henley uses biblical imagery to critique what he saw as misguided leadership, with lines like “bloated with entitlement, loaded on propaganda” painting a nation lost in its own hubris. In a 2007 interview with CNN, Henley called the album potentially the band’s last, emphasizing its weighty themes. The song’s lyrics also include a unique nod to “brisket,” a rare culinary reference in rock, as noted by fans on Songfacts, where one commenter praised the line “smokin bad cigars and telling lies” for its vivid nostalgia.

The track took years to craft, with Henley starting the writing process in 2001 alongside Frey and Schmit. According to Rolling Stone, the band’s meticulous approach stretched production over six years, with Henley carefully shaping the song’s pointed lyrics. Its release broke records, as the album topped the Billboard 200, setting the longest gap—28 years—between successive number-one albums for the Eagles. Fans on Reddit’s EaglesBand community have called it a masterpiece, with some comparing the album to The Beatles’ White Album for its ambition, though others felt it could have been trimmed to a single disc for stronger impact.

The Eagles began in Los Angeles in 1971, born from the city’s vibrant music scene. Founding members Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner had all backed Linda Ronstadt, playing on her 1972 self-titled album. Their shared time in Ronstadt’s band sparked a connection, and manager David Geffen signed them to Asylum Records as a group. Their 1972 debut album, featuring hits like “Take It Easy,” blended country and rock, establishing them as pioneers of the genre. Over the years, the lineup evolved, with Don Felder, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit joining, though Felder was dismissed in 2001 before Long Road Out of Eden. After Frey’s death in 2016, the band continued with Frey’s son Deacon and Vince Gill, touring as recently as 2023 on their farewell The Long Goodbye Tour.

You can follow the Eagles on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for updates on tours and releases. Their official website, eagles.com, offers tour dates and merchandise. Fans connect on platforms like the Eagles Fan Group on Facebook, a community for sharing memories and news. Another fan hub, r/EaglesBand on Reddit, hosts discussions about the band’s music, including debates over tracks like Long Road Out of Eden. These spaces keep the Eagles’ legacy alive for their devoted Zoo Freaks.