How Long

How Long

JD Souther

Like a bluebird with his heart removed - lonely as a train
I've run just as far as I can run
If I never see the good old days shining in the sun
I'll be doing fine, and then some

I know that we’ve all already heard this song and I don’t know if I can write anything to add to this, but I’ll echo what Glenn said in the recent Billboard interview.  When I first heard this version, sitting in the airport in Minneapolis, waiting to head to my 20^th High School reunion, one thought popped into my head:  “They’re back.”

This wasn’t “Hole in the World” or “Love Will Keep Us Alive” (not to take anything away from those finely crafted songs). The songs that have been released since the resumption are great, but they’ve always seemed to be lacking something. The oomph or some verve or what Simon Cowell calls the “X Factor” just hasn’t been present.

Whatever it is, it’s there in How Long. This rollicking, up-tempo toe-tapper is reminiscent of “Take it Easy” and “Already Gone”. It pays tribute to their roots and that’s never a bad thing. It’s a perfect follow-up to the first track.  If “No More Walks in the Wood” is an example of what the band is capable of, “How Long” is the example of how those talents will be put to use.

The Eagles are back.

Comments

[Ole Magnus]

They are back, for sure! Amazing song, fantastic rythm and the choir; wow! Really looking forward to the album, and to see Eagles in NORWAY again! Hopefully....

[Nils]

I have listened to the original by John David Souther for so many years now, and he really did a good job by the way, BUT this version by the Eagles is def. better. First of all because of the harmonies & then you have the up-to-date technology.
This version is more powerful.

[Stuart]

A great "Hello, we're back!" song - and a great choice of first single. Should have been the album opener. Sounds ever so slightly like ALREADY GONE, but a better song in my opinion. Great to hear both Glenn and Don taking turns on the vocals, also.

[Pawmuk]

I much prefer Already Gone! The new arrangement really rocks.

I'm glad How Long seems to be the most countryish song on the album. I can quite happily live with that, even with SS [laying lead guitar.

[Jeff]

Great song (even it´s an oldie), but recyled to Eagles standards. I agree that it has the feel of Already Gone...
It´s like they wanna say: Hi we´re the Eagles, we´re back!

[mitchie (kiweagle)]

Needed to be recorded in 1972, but well worth the wait. Another one they should record is the "B" side to Take it Easy which is not on an album, although I can't remember the title???

[Nils]

Mitchie: The B-side;I think it's called "In The Mood".

[Jonathan W.]

The song sounds different following No More Walk in the Woods as opposed to simply hearing the song played on the radio. The contrast is striking and enhances the song.

[Andrew McIntyre]

This is just a great song and all the harmonies just make it far richer than the JD Souther original. It's a great songs to drive around to much like "Take it easy" was.

[Theo]

Once I saw The Eagles perform it way back in 1973 I noticed how close this new recording is to that early version. The guys did a great job on recalling what they used to play in the beginning.

[Pawmuk]

I thought I'd be discarding this track when the main course was served (ie the full album) but I'm loving it as much as ever.... and Fast Company and even the 2 year old No More Cloudy Days.

I'm even giving Do Something another chance....

[Daniella]

Your amazing!! All of you.. I get a thrill out of listening, just like I did when you first began. I look forward to seeing you on the CMA's. God Bless you all. You sound even better, if that is possible.

[Dave]

This song is amazing.......the classic old sound......cause its a classic song they USED TO DO back in 72 (check out youtube)....no complaints for this one

[buffy]

Catchy. I read where Henley said Frey had the memory of an elephant and remembered they played this song way back in the day. I also read where Frey said his kids found it on YouTube and Frey's wife suggest they record it. Either way, JD Souther is the fave songwriting cousin of the Eagles family.

[Martin]

This was a kick ass way to start the album!!! Great song and sound for the band

[Phil]

I haven't heard the original version people keep talking about, but this song is most definitely classic Eagles country.

[jane]

Great Song!

[eaglenest]

my take on this song is somewhat different from almost everyone else in the universe. first I agree that it is one of the catchiest tunes the eagles ever recorded, and true, it captures all of what the first three eagles albums were about. but . . . the words make little sense to me, which is where the power of a song comes from to me.

'i want to get out of prison but if I don't I'll be doing fine and then some,' what the bleep does that mean? what this song desperately needs is some henley/frey lyrical rewrite. then it could achieve true greatness. There may be one other logical reason why they did this song besides a tip of the hat to their collaborate J.D., "how long" may be a not-so-veiled reference to the war. I probably will change over time like I did with 'Already Gone', a rather infantile lyric but undeniably one of the great songs of both the band and the 70's. this song will succeed by momentum.

[Jane]

Oh Color me happy! Been stuck here in Nashville for decades (with a few California intervals) and I usually take no interest in the CMA award shows or the local industry scene until this year when I heard Eagles would play at the award show and also because my window overlooks the Cabana a local cafe where last year's CMA after party was held

So I wondered what one of their songs they might play and whether the after party would be across the street again ... and maybe they would be " just outside' where the "freedom river runs"!!

Which is to say I turned on the tv award show and stunned to bliss hearing them perform a song by John David Souther I heard decades ago! Beam me up Scotty! I was in misunderstood unknown starving artist nirvana .... I was sure they would be just outside at the Cabana soon so I hurried on out to where I figured the "Freedom River" runs ... I'm taking it totally personally like its all about us ... in the art world ... So here I come with whatever camera is available at the moment to capture our souls ....

Well I had the wrong info and it was a different private party at that cafe .... I didn't know it at the time .. and some obnoxious guard hired for the deal didn't get why I was hanging around ... Luckily I was able to transcend his interference in my unguarded inspiration by going inside the Trace next door to wait for the kodak moment, the just because I'm not famous and have a camera instead of a guitar moment ....

Thanks I look forward to drifting away with A Long Road Out Of Eden asap

JD

[Jane]

here's apology for accidentally posting comment several times ....I don't know much about computers ... and this one kept asking for codes to type in & and I did nt see a confirmation of the posting ... & I'm not much of a typist either .... I guess I get it now - If u click on psst, it does

Sorry for repetitions so I guess & hope they have been deleted now ..

( It's my starry night & I'll be eccentric if I need to) sung 2 the tune of It's my party and ...!

[Randy]

After turning 48 i look back and miss the days of my younger years. laying in the 120 degree heat at the colorado river and cranking up the eagles and having a great time doin nothin but being young and not worring about tomorrow.After the day has passed and the desert sun slides into the desert landscape the desert becomes cool and a whole different place to experience.Before i fall asleep i think about a girl i once new and hope she is in my dreams tonight. I thought those memories were long gone until i heard this song peformed by the Eagles. Thanks guys for bring me home once more.

[michael okeefe]

someone please e-mail me the words and the chords to HOW LONG thanks