How Linda Ronstadt Helped Immortalize the Eagles’ “Desperado”

Released in 1973 on the Eagles’ second studio album Desperado, the song “Desperado” has become one of the band’s most enduring and beloved ballads. Written by Glenn Frey and Don Henley, the track is a slow, haunting piano-driven piece that blends country-rock with introspective lyricism.

Although it was never released as a single, “Desperado” grew into a signature song for the Eagles, often regarded as one of the finest works in their catalog. Its reflective lyrics and soulful delivery resonate with themes of loneliness, emotional struggle, and the longing for freedom.

The song later gained more recognition through its inclusion on the Eagles’ greatest hits compilations, becoming a classic staple of American rock music.

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At its heart, “Desperado” tells the story of a restless outlaw who lives outside of society but struggles with his own solitude. The lyrics serve as both a metaphor for the Wild West and a reflection of human vulnerability. Don Henley’s poignant vocals underscore the tension between independence and the need for love, making the song deeply relatable.
Despite its fame today, “Desperado” was never released as a single during the Eagles’ career.

Rolling Stone included “Desperado” in its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

The song has been covered by many artists, including Linda Ronstadt, whose version helped bring wider attention to the piece.

Don Henley once said that “Desperado” was one of the songs that came to him and Glenn Frey “almost fully formed.”

The track’s iconic opening piano chords are instantly recognizable, cementing its status as one of rock’s most emotional ballads.

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