Eagles – Peaceful Easy Feeling

Introduction:

The year is 1972. California’s Laurel Canyon music scene is thriving, a hotbed of burgeoning talent and a breeding ground for a new sound – a blend of rock and roll with influences from country, folk, and bluegrass. Emerging from this scene are the Eagles, a newly formed band bringing together seasoned musicians with diverse backgrounds. Glenn Frey (lead vocals, guitar), Bernie Leadon (guitar, banjo), Randy Meisner (bass guitar, vocals), and Don Henley (drums, vocals) – the founding members of the Eagles – were all already established musicians, but together they would create something truly magical.

Their self-titled debut album, simply called Eagles, released in 1972, would become a cornerstone of classic rock. It featured a collection of songs that captured the spirit of the times – a yearning for freedom, a connection to nature, and a touch of melancholy. One of the standout tracks on the album, destined to become a signature song for the Eagles, was “Peaceful Easy Feeling”.

The origins of “Peaceful Easy Feeling” lie with songwriter Jack Tempchin. Tempchin, a friend of Glenn Frey’s, had a strong connection to the California country rock scene and had already written for artists like Linda Ronstadt. Tempchin’s laid-back Californian vibe is imbued in the song’s lyrics, which paint a picture of emotional contentment and a connection with a special someone under a vast desert sky.

“Peaceful Easy Feeling” was not initially intended to be a single. However, radio stations gravitated towards the song’s relaxed melody and relatable themes. The song’s easygoing nature struck a chord with listeners, becoming a surprise hit and propelling the Eagles to national recognition. “Peaceful Easy Feeling” peached at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, solidifying the Eagles’ place in the burgeoning rock scene.

The impact of “Peaceful Easy Feeling” transcended the music charts. The song became an anthem for a generation seeking a simpler, more carefree way of life. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the Eagles’ ability to capture a specific time and place in American culture, while also expressing universal themes of love, peace, and connection. “Peaceful Easy Feeling” continues to be a beloved classic, played on radio stations worldwide and instantly recognizable to music fans of all ages.

Video:

Lyrics:

I like the way your sparkling earrings lay
Against your skin so brown
And I want to sleep with you in the desert night
With a billion stars all around

‘Cause I got a peaceful easy feelin’
And I know you won’t let me down
‘Cause I’m already standin’
On the ground

And I found out a long time ago
What a woman can do to your soul
Aw but she can’t take you any way
You don’t already know how to go

And I got a peaceful easy feelin’
And I know you won’t let me down
‘Cause I’m already standin’
On the ground

I get this feelin’ I may know you
As a lover and a friend
This voice keeps whisperin’ in my other ear
Tells me I may never see you again

‘Cause I get a peaceful easy feelin’
And I know you won’t let me down
‘Cause I’m already standin’
I’m already standin’
Yes, I’m already standin’
On the ground