About the song
“Best of My Love,” penned by Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and J.D. Souther, stands as a landmark in the Eagles’ discography, capturing both critical acclaim and commercial success upon its release in 1974. Featured on their album “On the Border,” the song marked a pivotal moment for the band, becoming their first Billboard Hot 100 number one single in March 1975 and ranking as the twelfth top song of the year according to Billboard’s annual charts.
**Songwriting and Composition**
The genesis of “Best of My Love” emerged from a blend of inspiration and collaboration among Eagles members. J.D. Souther noted that Glenn Frey initially found the tune, which he believed stemmed from a Fred Neil record, during a creative session in London for the album “On the Border.” Frey, recalling the song’s inception, mentioned experimenting with a guitar tuning introduced by Joni Mitchell, ultimately stumbling upon the melodic foundation for what would become “Best of My Love.” The lyrics, primarily crafted by Don Henley, were born out of personal experience, reflecting his emotions following a breakup with his then-girlfriend Suzannah Martin.
**Recording and Production**
Recorded at Olympic Studios in London under the guidance of producer Glyn Johns, the track underwent a significant production journey. Initially dissatisfied with Johns’ direction, particularly his inclination towards country rock, the Eagles ultimately refined their sound and vision for the album with Bill Szymczyk, who later remixed “Best of My Love” to achieve its final polished form. Despite initial reservations from Glenn Frey about releasing the song as a single, its strong reception on WKMI-AM in Kalamazoo, Michigan, prompted a limited release before its full debut in November 1974.
**Musical Style and Impact**
“Best of My Love” is distinguished by its folk-rock roots and acoustic instrumentation, showcasing the Eagles’ signature harmonies and meticulous production. Its melodic simplicity coupled with heartfelt lyrics resonated deeply with audiences, propelling it to become not only a chart-topper but also a timeless classic in the band’s repertoire. The song’s success marked a turning point for the Eagles, solidifying their position in the music industry and paving the way for future achievements.
**Legacy and Reception**
Critically acclaimed upon its release, “Best of My Love” was praised for its beautiful melodies, impeccable harmonies, and introspective lyrics. Cash Box lauded it as a “very pretty country flavored ballad,” highlighting the Eagles’ musical finesse and emotive delivery. Record World similarly commended its “easy-goin’ beauty” and soaring production, predicting it to be one of the band’s biggest hits. Despite internal frustrations over the single’s unauthorized edit, which led to tension within the band, its undeniable success cemented its status as a quintessential Eagles masterpiece.
In conclusion, “Best of My Love” remains a timeless testament to the Eagles’ songwriting prowess and musical legacy. With its evocative lyrics, heartfelt vocals, and enduring popularity, the song continues to resonate with listeners, capturing the essence of love and loss in a way that transcends generations. As a pivotal moment in their career, it stands as a shining example of the Eagles’ ability to craft poignant ballads that touch the hearts of millions worldwide.
Video
Lyrics
Every night I’m lyin’ in bed
Holdin’ you close in my dreams
Thinkin’ about all the things that we said
Comin’ apart at the seams
We try to talk it over
But the words come out too rough
I know you were tryin’
To give me the best of your love
Beautiful faces and loud, empty places
Look at the way that we live
Wastin’ our time on cheap talk and wine
Left us so little to give
That same old crowd was like a cold dark cloud
That we could never rise above
But here in my heart I give you the best of my love
Oh, sweet darlin’, you get the best of my love
(You get the best of my love)
Oh, sweet darlin’, you get the best of my love
(You get the best of my love)
I’m goin’ back in time
And it’s a sweet dream
It was a quiet night and I would be all right
If I could go on sleepin’
But every mornin’ I wake up and worry
What’s gonna happen today
You see it your way, and I see it mine
But we both see it slippin’ away
You know we always had each other, baby
I guess that wasn’t enough
Oh, but here in my heart, I give you the best of my love
Oh, sweet darlin’, you get the best of my love
(The best of my love)
Oh, sweet darlin’, you get the best of my love
(The best of my love)
Oh, sweet darlin’, every night and day you get the best of my love
(The best of my love)
Oh, sweet darlin’, you get the best of my love
(The best of my love)
Oh, sweet darlin’, you get the best of my love
(You get the best of my love)
Oh, sweet darlin’, you get the best of my love
(The best of my love)
Oh, sweet darlin’, you get the best of my love