Lucky That Way

The Zoo Crew is spinning Lucky That Way by Joe Walsh from his 2012 album Analog Man, and Zoo Freaks, you’re in for some cool trivia about this tune. This song, co-written with Nashville songwriter Tommy Lee James, was sparked by a collaboration set up by Barbara Orbison, the widow of Roy Orbison. Walsh explained in a Billboard interview that Barbara sent Tommy Lee to Los Angeles with the beginnings of Lucky That Way, which Walsh instantly loved. They ended up writing three more songs for the album together. The track features Ringo Starr, Walsh’s brother-in-law through his marriage to Marjorie Bach, on drums, adding a personal touch. Walsh has called it a spiritual sequel to his 1978 hit Life’s Been Good, reflecting on his fortunate life with a nod to his sobriety and stable marriage, as noted in a 2012 Daily Mail interview.

Another tidbit from a Guitar World interview reveals that Tommy Lee James brought the chorus for Lucky That Way, and Walsh filled in the verses with personal anecdotes, making it deeply autobiographical. He shared that the song’s final verse about pretending to know what you’re doing—and getting away with it—rings true to his career. Fans on Joe Walsh’s official Facebook have echoed this sentiment, often posting about how the song’s laid-back vibe and witty lyrics capture Walsh’s charm. The song leans into a country-rock sound, with a steel guitar giving it a Nashville flair, which Walsh embraced after years of collaborating with country artists like Kenny Chesney, as mentioned in a 2012 Ultimate Classic Rock review.

Joe Walsh, born Joseph Fidler Walsh on November 20, 1947, in Wichita, Kansas, kicked off his musical journey in the mid-1960s. After moving to Montclair, New Jersey, and attending Montclair High School, he enrolled at Kent State University, where he played in local Ohio bands around Cleveland. His big break came in 1969 when he joined the James Gang, replacing guitarist Glen Schwartz. The band’s hit Funk #49 showcased Walsh’s gritty guitar riffs and vocals, propelling them to national fame, as detailed on his Wikipedia page. After leaving the James Gang in 1971, Walsh moved to Colorado and formed Barnstorm with drummer Joe Vitale and bassist Kenny Passarelli, releasing albums credited as solo work. His career soared when he joined the Eagles in 1975, bringing a harder rock edge to hits like Hotel California.

Walsh’s five-decade career includes stints with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band and solo hits like Life’s Been Good. Rolling Stone ranked him No. 54 on its “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” list, praising his fluid style. He’s also a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee with the Eagles. Zoo Freaks can connect with Walsh on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather at the Joe Walsh Fan Club on Facebook and Eagles Online Central, a fan site with dedicated Walsh content, to share their love for his music.