Desperado, why don't you come to your senses? You been out ridin' fences for so long now Oh, you're a hard one But I know that you got your reasons These things that are pleasin' you Can hurt you somehow Don't you draw the queen of diamonds, boy She'll beat you if she's able You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet Now it seems to me, some fine things Have been laid upon your table But you only want the ones that you can't get Desperado, oh, you ain't gettin' no younger Your pain and your hunger, they're drivin' you home And freedom, oh freedom well, that's just some people talkin' Your prison is walking through this world all alone Don't your feet get cold in the winter time? The sky won't snow and the sun won't shine It's hard to tell the night time from the day You're losin' all your highs and lows Ain't it funny how the feeling goes away? Desperado, why don't you come to your senses? Come down from your fences, open the gate It may be rainin', but there's a rainbow above you You better let somebody love you Let somebody love you You better let somebody love you before it's too late
I'm 32 years old now, my father used to play the eagles when I was a kid and I never paid attention to it. I started to get into a lot of trouble through my teenage years and 20s and later into my 20s I heard this again and srated to cry picturing my father looking at me. This song helped me see how selfish and jagged I was.. I will forever love this song because it helped me see what I was doing to meself!!
The Eagles were such a versatile band, playing anything from country (Tequila Sunrise) to hard driven rock (Life In The Fast Lane) to ballads (I Can't Tell You Why) to Christmas songs (Please Come Home For Christmas)....and make them all sound damn good. Their harmonizing was off the charts great!
You can thank Don Felder and Joe Walsh for the versatility. Mostly Felder! His melodies and fill-ins are still unmatched even today in my opinion and I’m 29 years old. Frey and Henley were the downfall of the band bc of their greed 🤷🏻♂️
Mr. Don Henley, if you EVER see this post. YOU were one of the most influential persons in the lives of thousands who sang their hearts out....God Bless You.
This song is a masterpiece sung by a man whose voice is capable of delivering it like very few could. I've listened to the Eagles for over 45 years and was fortunate enough to see them in concert. They are an American treasure.
Voices change overtime, men get deeper and rougher but Don’s voice is still a pleasure to listen too. Love Howard Stern and his show. Thanks for bringing this to us!
I saw them in concert in 2015 in Okc. I had concerns about them sounding as good as their recorded work from 40 years ago. I was blown away by how much better they sound live!
I’m 70 years old and have been blessed to live through some of the best music. My two favorite groups of all times are the Beatles and the Eagles. And Desperado may be my all time favorite.
Its strange, I think the 26 year old Don Henley wouldn't like this version much either. He's a perfectionist with an incredible talent. One of my all time favorites.
My daughters best friend saying that a cappella at my daughters funeral it was very moving and very brave of the young lady this is an all time classic and always will be thanks to Don and all the Eagles and all their hard work
My God! Don Henley is the definition of vocal and melodic perfection! I could listen to him sing constantly and never get tired of it. So soothing and beautiful! THIS is what music is all about!
I always wonder what he must feel while singing this song - I want to believe that he closes his eyes and drifts back to the 70s and the great memories he must have. This song is absolutely timeless.
Everything I hear the Eagles it stirs up deep emotions in me. 1974 on vacation, driving and wearing out our Eagles cassette. Years have changed much in my life, but I still have those great memories. Thank you
When I was a kid, my cousin played this for me once. Not the record/cd, he played it on piano and sang it flawlessly. After that, every time he was playing any music shows, I had him play this song. He got me into music by introducing me to the Eagles, the Beatles, and many many other great bands among many different genres. He passed away a few years ago from a brain tumor at 41 years old. Between this song, and "My Hometown" by Bruce Springsteen, I don't know which one makes me think of him more. Bitter sweet memories. In the end, it is all we are left with, and all that we leave for our loved ones.
This guy gives me goosebumps every time I hear him. I'm 40 and I've had the pleasure of listening to Don Henley all my life. Thanks for the memories ❤☘❤
Those early videos of them performing live in front of BBC cameras are great. Looking very young, with long hair, beards and moustaches and dressed like they just got off a Greyhound bus. Amazing to think this song was written almost 50 years ago.
What notes ? He's not singing Boston or Foreigner....Can we get real here.....? If Paul Carrack did this song it would blow Henley away....PLEASE....next....
I saw Paul McCartney concert a few years back, and I was truly amazed by his ability to sing. He sang for 2 hours straight, not a single note off key. And the man was well into his 70's. These guys are unbelievable.
The Eagles must be my favorite band. So many of their songs have impacted me in serious ways. I couldn't express the knowledge I've gained just from listening.
You've still got it Mr Henley. I love your voice. You see so many older musicians singing their old hits and they just can't hit the notes, or they change the key. But Mr Henley you sound just as good, if not better, as you did 40 odd years ago.
To me, the most introspective line in any song these ears have ever heard. "Don't your feet get cold in the wintertime, the sky won't snow and the sun won't shine, it's hard to tell the night time from the day". What a beautiful yet hauntingly true set of words which describe the good and the bad times of merely being a human being and living our lives. Don is a homeboy to me, he grew up not 20 miles from where I sit here in Texarkana, AR. Don grew up in Linden, TX. Just a little jaunt down Hwy 59.
Desperado is such a timeless classic. So is Don Henley and his 68 year (2015) old unmistakable and unmatched voice. He's still feeling it. And he makes me feel it too - after more than 40 years. Just great. 😍
I use to do security years ago... I worked a concert with Don Henley and he had Katrina and the waves open for him... Would have been early to mid 80s...I was blown away how good Don Henleys voice was... At that time I had no idea he was that good... I worked alot of concerts and live he was one of the few performers that sounded as good or better live than on album...
As perfect as the first one if u are still singing it at 80 or 90 years old it will sound to me as perfect as the first one thank u don henley for that beautiful song
It sounds just as awesome as the recording. This group is a one of kind and more than incredible. I have loved ever since they started as a group. Their songs are timeless.
This man is one of the all time greats of American music (rip G.F) vocals and instrumental and the Eagles would have to be one of the greatest bands...
God bless Don Henley, I'm so glad Hell froze over and brought the Eagles back to us, Until the untimely death of Glenn Frye. RIP. Love the flannel Don, just like in the old days.. Stay healthy and god bless..
Was Recently blessed to get to see the eagles live in Atlanta Ga . Bar none the best concert I’ve ever seen! Would pay big money to go again and again And again!
J. D. Souther may have said it best: “Don Henley could sing anything he wrapped his voice around. That insanely beautiful voice, like 400-grain sandpaper, rough but fine, is incredible to hear.”
Even though Don Henley often says this song was sung better by Linda Ronstadt, I have to disagree. She obviously has an amazing voice but I always imagined this song being sung by a man telling his friend or son that they have to change the way they are living or they will be left old and lonely. So for me; no one sings this song better than Don Henley.!
Almost 50 years later, this is still one of the all-time great American songwriting achievements... I'd be honored if some Eagles fans would take a listen to my acoustic piano & vocal UA-cam performance of DESPERADO in tribute to legendary bandleader Glenn Frey. Live acoustic with no autotune or digital editing. Peace and everybody stay safe.
He's crazy. The original Desperado recording is perfect. It's enough to make you cry.
James Robert I so agree
yeah, but i still cried. i'm always a pussy becuz of this song lol
both are beautiful
absolutely!!
Damn near every single time I hear it
Unquestionably one of the greatest songs ever written.
100%%
Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?
You been out ridin' fences for so long now
Oh, you're a hard one
But I know that you got your reasons
These things that are pleasin' you
Can hurt you somehow
Don't you draw the queen of diamonds, boy
She'll beat you if she's able
You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet
Now it seems to me, some fine things
Have been laid upon your table
But you only want the ones that you can't get
Desperado, oh, you ain't gettin' no younger
Your pain and your hunger, they're drivin' you home
And freedom, oh freedom well, that's just some people talkin'
Your prison is walking through this world all alone
Don't your feet get cold in the winter time?
The sky won't snow and the sun won't shine
It's hard to tell the night time from the day
You're losin' all your highs and lows
Ain't it funny how the feeling goes away?
Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?
Come down from your fences, open the gate
It may be rainin', but there's a rainbow above you
You better let somebody love you
Let somebody love you
You better let somebody love you before it's too late
Thanks for sharing. Lol
Amen
Absolutely! This was played at a best friend's funeral. Hard to listen to at times. I miss him so much
I'm 32 years old now, my father used to play the eagles when I was a kid and I never paid attention to it. I started to get into a lot of trouble through my teenage years and 20s and later into my 20s I heard this again and srated to cry picturing my father looking at me. This song helped me see how selfish and jagged I was.. I will forever love this song because it helped me see what I was doing to meself!!
Good for you. Let the song, and your father's image, make you a better person.
Chills. Adds a whole new perspective to this song for me.
The Eagles were such a versatile band, playing anything from country (Tequila Sunrise) to hard driven rock (Life In The Fast Lane) to ballads (I Can't Tell You Why) to Christmas songs (Please Come Home For Christmas)....and make them all sound damn good. Their harmonizing was off the charts great!
Great point. There was something for everyone. I love how their songs just flow seamlessly.
Shout out to Bernie Leadon's country influence on The Eagles.
You can thank Don Felder and Joe Walsh for the versatility. Mostly Felder! His melodies and fill-ins are still unmatched even today in my opinion and I’m 29 years old. Frey and Henley were the downfall of the band bc of their greed 🤷🏻♂️
New York Minute
Don the original version is a flawless masterpeice and so is this!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don Henley is one of the greatest of this century.
This song was played at my 21 yr old nephews funeral in 1998.. RIP Jason. I still miss you every day buddy❤😢
Mr. Don Henley, if you EVER see this post. YOU were one of the most influential persons in the lives of thousands who sang their hearts out....God Bless You.
He still is.
Don Henley is what I call a rock singer artist...His voice is just super fitted for slow rock songs...
This song is a masterpiece sung by a man whose voice is capable of delivering it like very few could. I've listened to the Eagles for over 45 years and was fortunate enough to see them in concert. They are an American treasure.
His voice ages like fine wine...
Very few can sound like they can cry in tune. Don Henley is one who can and he does so with soul and a truthful vulnerability.
He was really feeling the song, noticed he was even crying towards the end of the song. No doubt one of the best vocals in the industry hands down.
Voices change overtime, men get deeper and rougher but Don’s voice is still a pleasure to listen too. Love Howard Stern and his show. Thanks for bringing this to us!
I love Don's vocal on Desperado. It was raw.
He does Desperado a whole step lower than he did on the record. It was written and performed in G. This time it's in F major.
I saw them in concert in 2015 in Okc. I had concerns about them sounding as good as their recorded work from 40 years ago. I was blown away by how much better they sound live!
And thanks for giving Don a second chance :)
I’m 70 years old and have been blessed to live through some of the best music. My two favorite groups of all times are the Beatles and the Eagles. And Desperado may be my all time favorite.
This man’s talent on vocals AND drums is unsurpassed.
imagine singing while playing drums. Still the legend Don Henley
Singer/songwriter, yes! Drummer....meh. There are literally hundreds of drummers as good or better than Henley.
Only one better...Karen Carpenter.
Not exactly Buddy Rich on the toms, but got by with the other parts of the music package.
The only time I’ll watch anything on Howard stern....this man’s voice is pure gold.
I love Don Henley’s voice so much. He’s my favorite singer of all time. ❤️
Its strange, I think the 26 year old Don Henley wouldn't like this version much either. He's a perfectionist with an incredible talent. One of my all time favorites.
My daughters best friend saying that a cappella at my daughters funeral it was very moving and very brave of the young lady this is an all time classic and always will be thanks to Don and all the Eagles and all their hard work
Henley and the Eagles are always on point when performing. Their vocals are so good it sounds like your listening to their album.
Oh wow! A private concert by Don Henley, outstanding. RIP Glenn Frey...you are missed.
He's still got it! One of the great vocalists of his time.
Anyone tear up? Beautiful song.
The sound engineer on this show needs a raise
Unbelievable. I wish i was born in the era where this music was the mainstream
My God! Don Henley is the definition of vocal and melodic perfection! I could listen to him sing constantly and never get tired of it. So soothing and beautiful! THIS is what music is all about!
One of the most beautiful voices and one of the best written and most emotionally powerful songs of all time!!!
Straight up one of the finest voices in rock.
One of my dads favourite ever songs god rest him.
Sorry about your loss my dad is in heaven too
Henley could record it a thousand times and every take/cut would be great.
I always wonder what he must feel while singing this song - I want to believe that he closes his eyes and drifts back to the 70s and the great memories he must have.
This song is absolutely timeless.
Everything I hear the Eagles it stirs up deep emotions in me. 1974 on vacation, driving and wearing out our Eagles cassette. Years have changed much in my life, but I still have those great memories. Thank you
Quit your lying! You are not impressing anybody
When I was a kid, my cousin played this for me once. Not the record/cd, he played it on piano and sang it flawlessly. After that, every time he was playing any music shows, I had him play this song. He got me into music by introducing me to the Eagles, the Beatles, and many many other great bands among many different genres. He passed away a few years ago from a brain tumor at 41 years old. Between this song, and "My Hometown" by Bruce Springsteen, I don't know which one makes me think of him more. Bitter sweet memories. In the end, it is all we are left with, and all that we leave for our loved ones.
Desperado is an amazing song
Don Henley is a perfectionist , the original was perfect, and he doesn't see it that way - thats poetry
This guy gives me goosebumps every time I hear him. I'm 40 and I've had the pleasure of listening to Don Henley all my life.
Thanks for the memories
❤☘❤
The best of the best. Oh that voice..
I need to know why there is 121 thumbs down ??? I think that making a thumb down should have a mandatory reason behind it. Love ya from Australia.
He could've done better? He was freaking awesome....love it as much today as I did then.
Man. It’s like history every time he played that song live. So crazy. It’s one of the top 10 songs of all time.
I was with a Mr. Desperado for 22 years. This song always gives me a lump in my throat. Thanks, Don for sharing it once more.
Hi
This is tuned an entire step down from the original for his aged voice. Sounds beautiful.
Don such a legend
If you like self absorbed dousches....
Those early videos of them performing live in front of BBC cameras are great. Looking very young, with long hair, beards and moustaches and dressed like they just got off a Greyhound bus. Amazing to think this song was written almost 50 years ago.
I saw him singing this on stage during one of their tours he was dressed all in black no music not even a piano just his voice ...fabulous
😳❤😲
Classic perfection
Henley is my all-time favorite voice/ artist. He is just as enthralling as he was in the 70's.
You talk about standing the test of time. Both artist and piece. Good show, young man.
For a man that age to be able to hit those notes tells me he does a whole lot of vocal exercises. That's an instrument.
What notes ? He's not singing Boston or Foreigner....Can we get real here.....? If Paul Carrack did this song it would blow Henley away....PLEASE....next....
I saw Paul McCartney concert a few years back, and I was truly amazed by his ability to sing. He sang for 2 hours straight, not a single note off key. And the man was well into his 70's. These guys are unbelievable.
Looks like he's human after all, he is singing it in the key of F. The original was in G, a whole note higher. He still sounds amazing though.
it does sound beautiful---but truth be known, he has dropped the key two steps here from the original version. :)
I doubt he does exercises. I remember seeing an interview when he says it just comes naturally. Alot of musicians from those eras seem to say that.
Oh Don. The original version still breaks my heart bringing me to tears after all these years.
That was pretty darn good.
Here we are in 2021 this song will never age, just awesome what a talent
Hay Don, You are amazing.
What a talented group of musicians!! So glad I was lucky enough to see the entire band a bunch of years ago!they did not disappoint! RIP Glenn Frye!
He says thanks Diane "Boyre"
Hi
The Eagles must be my favorite band. So many of their songs have impacted me in serious ways. I couldn't express the knowledge I've gained just from listening.
This song always make me cry
Xtibus Me2
If that doesn't reach down into your heart! This is why I love Don Henley! :)
You've still got it Mr Henley. I love your voice. You see so many older musicians singing their old hits and they just can't hit the notes, or they change the key. But Mr Henley you sound just as good, if not better, as you did 40 odd years ago.
Don't much care what others think, any version of this song touches mine and many hearts!!! Thank you Don H
thank you Don, you are one of the all-time greats...
still one of the best songs ever written.
To me, the most introspective line in any song these ears have ever heard. "Don't your feet get cold in the wintertime, the sky won't snow and the sun won't shine, it's hard to tell the night time from the day". What a beautiful yet hauntingly true set of words which describe the good and the bad times of merely being a human being and living our lives. Don is a homeboy to me, he grew up not 20 miles from where I sit here in Texarkana, AR. Don grew up in Linden, TX. Just a little jaunt down Hwy 59.
A beautiful song, always brings a tear to my eye.
Howard I've been listening to you for 20 years. You are arguably the best interviewer of all time :)
Howard won’t argue with u about that.
" desperado" for over 30 years has been my all time #1 album and it will be for the next 30.
I love Don Henley. Just a beautiful song.
one of the greatest songs and greatest voices ever
Don Henry is full of wisdom and exudes a unique charm, I really like him. Many listeners in Taiwan are fans of Tang Henry.
Uhhmmm.. "Henley" ~ you're welcome
詹惠敏 u mean Don Henley?
Thank you for not ad-libbing this classic to the point of not recognizing, like so many do.
Desperado is such a timeless classic. So is Don Henley and his 68 year (2015) old unmistakable and unmatched voice.
He's still feeling it. And he makes me feel it too - after more than 40 years. Just great. 😍
One of the very best voices of all time! Cannot beat Don.
I use to do security years ago... I worked a concert with Don Henley and he had Katrina and the waves open for him...
Would have been early to mid 80s...I was blown away how good Don Henleys voice was...
At that time I had no idea he was that good... I worked alot of concerts and live he was one of the few performers that sounded as good or better live than on album...
Beautiful version. Good show Don.
OH WOW.... Still have that beautiful voice that made so many fall in love. Very soulful song and voice. Hats off to you Mr. Henley. Bravo!! 😍👍🏻✌🏻❤️
As perfect as the first one if u are still singing it at 80 or 90 years old it will sound to me as perfect as the first one thank u don henley for that beautiful song
It sounds just as awesome as the recording. This group is a one of kind and more than incredible. I have loved ever since they started as a group. Their songs are timeless.
Don Henley ... what a performer ... what a band ... there music just does not date !!!
My all time favorit
One of the best songs ever created 💗
Let's boogie down to it then little mama!
the 270 thumbs down on this video are freaking crazy... this is beautiful
That just made my day!! Absolutely love Don Henley. And what a fantastic interview, band, backing singers and studio set up! Thanks for sharing this.
Hello
This man is one of the all time greats of American music (rip G.F) vocals and instrumental and the Eagles would have to be one of the greatest bands...
God bless Don Henley, I'm so glad Hell froze over and brought the Eagles back to us, Until the untimely death of Glenn Frye. RIP. Love the flannel Don, just like in the old days.. Stay healthy and god bless..
I don't care how he sings it ... It was awesome then and it is awesome now. Love that man!
Was Recently blessed to get to see the eagles live in Atlanta Ga . Bar none the best concert I’ve ever seen! Would pay big money to go again and again And again!
J. D. Souther may have said it best: “Don Henley could sing anything he wrapped his voice around. That insanely beautiful voice, like 400-grain sandpaper, rough but fine, is incredible to hear.”
You did it so right first time musicians so critical of them selves blown away by by both versions
One of my favorite songs. Great job.
Jesus hes the best. Him and chris cornell with those eerie half notes..Unmatched
Oh how I love Don Henley absolutely.
Amazing !!! Still the Best .. Still The Eagles soaring up the zenith .. Still listening to you guys .. will keep on listening for the rest of my life.
Thanks Don Henley,
From a guy at the old Virga - Tatoo - Caribou crowd, Aspen. Ur one of the greatest!! Blessings. to all
My favorite Eagles sing just got better!!!
I can’t imagine opening my mouth & having that voice come out! I would be crying in the shower.
Even though Don Henley often says this song was sung better by Linda Ronstadt, I have to disagree.
She obviously has an amazing voice but I always imagined this song being sung by a man telling his friend or son that they have to change the way they are living or they will be left old and lonely.
So for me; no one sings this song better than Don Henley.!
best version i ever heart.....welldone don henley............
Wowsers! What a beautiful voice....what a pro!!!
Almost 50 years later, this is still one of the all-time great American songwriting achievements... I'd be honored if some Eagles fans would take a listen to my acoustic piano & vocal UA-cam performance of DESPERADO in tribute to legendary bandleader Glenn Frey. Live acoustic with no autotune or digital editing. Peace and everybody stay safe.
Wow! Howard, you get a lot of credit for only accepting perfection. You nailed it, Don!