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The forty-first Skipped on Shuffle episode will be focused on the song “Too Many Hands” by Eagles off their 1975 album One of These Nights.
Eagles dominated the ’70s, helping to popularize the country rock genre and delivering one of the most revered records of all time with 1976’s Hotel California. But behind the classic songs, there was nearly constant conflict. While clashes were initially between Glenn Frey and Glyn Johns, the producer of their first two records, disputes soon grew between band members on subsequent albums. As Frey and Don Henley became the main songwriters and vocalists of the group, they pushed for a heavier rock sound. This left the other original band members, Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner — who were more traditional country musicians — finding their input dwindling and placed under increased scrutiny.
In an effort to further a more rock-and-roll direction, Eagles officially added Don Felder to their lineup. He was first recruited by the band for his slide guitar work, performing on two tracks on the group’s 1974 record, On the Border. With Felder now a permanent member also seeking to establish himself in the band, he teamed up with Meisner to write “Too Many Hands.”
Jason discusses the ways “Too Many Hands” stands out musically from the Eagles catalog. From a driving acoustic guitar in an alternate tuning to a percussive breakdown with a bass solo to dueling solos during the song’s outro, an idea the band would famously revisit in the iconic closing section of “Hotel California,” there is a considerable amount of unique musical flair on this track. At a time of turmoil, as band members sought to be heard and a new guitarist looked to establish themselves, Jason feels “Too Many Hands” lets everyone in the band shine.
Scott and Jason also talk about the lyrics of “Too Many Hands,” in which the narrator spits harsh judgments about an ex’s private life. While the lyrics are problematic, especially by modern standards, Scott explains that the song fits into the themes of an album that explores when relationships take a turn.
Hi, just listened to this episode..just a touch late..but certainly better late than never. I am unashamedly an Eagles fan and also a Randy Meisner fan, so great to hear an episode featuring one if his contributions and especially, the wonderful, growly and complex “Too Many Hands”.
A few corrections re Eagles’ history…Randy was one of the band members that wanted more rock. He wasn’t sacked as such as left in bits and pieces due to the stress of coping with family and touring, his marriage was on the rocks, his health was failing and he wasn’t adapting well to having to being a sidekick after being one of the founding members. Also, he wasn’t the one who decided if JD was in the band, and the Greatest Hits outsold MJ’s “Thriller.”
However, the biggest comment I’d like to make is about the meaning of the song itself. It is ambiguous however, it’s about “mother earth”, not a woman per se. It’s an environmental anthem, which has aged incredibly well..in fact, it’s more timely than ever.
I’ve heard him introduce this song at a live performance in the 90’s after he left the Eagles. If you re-listen to the song lyrics from this perspective, you’ll see how it fits perfectly. The earth is being treated like an abused woman.
Just wanted to set this record straight. Randy is a big nature lover, not a misogynist.
Thanks again.
Wow, this is a very interesting perspective we hadn’t heard of. Thanks so much for this info!
Thanks Scott, I’ve just been going over the lyrics again and listening to the song and it strikes me that even if it were about a woman, it’s burning with outrage at how she’s being treated, not anger! It’s the opposite of misogynistic and powerful whether about a woman or about the earth. That’s the cleverness of the song.
There’s a live performance of it at an Eagles’ concert post Randy, with Vince Gill singing lead and the backdrop has many women’s’ faces.. lovely ones of women of a variety of ages etc. Certainly not of women as objects of contempt nor sex, but rather women to be loved as sisters, mothers, wives or lovers whom are to be protected. Nevertheless, Randy’s said, he intended it to be about the earth.
Hey there!! Really enjoyed your perspective and content. Just a couple observations from a fan of 50 years. I have always thought this song is about Mother Earth. Even after hearing them in concert many times in the 70’s, I felt the changing of the band from a true band, to an ensemble surrounding Frey and Henley. Once Irving Azoff became their manager, he quickly surrounded the cash cows (song writers get more money for royalties) with the “What’s best for the Eagles” mantra. Azoff also pushed to have his previously signed client, Joe Walsh, included in his plan to gain wealth and power. It is a well known adage that Azoff’s 15% of everybody’s income was more than anyone’s individual 85%.
I enjoy many of the Eagles’ songs and I’ve noticed the majority of the ‘hits’ are co-writes of Henley and Frey AND some other song writers. The popular saying “Change/add a word, claim a third” certainly applies to Frey, and Henley continued the practice of needing a co-writer during his ‘solo’ career.
Keep pushing the content!! Some of the best treasures are buried!