The Solo Song Don Henley Thought Was Too Controversial
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- 08 Aug 2024
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Releasing a debut solo album is a delicate balance, particularly when transitioning from a successful band to an individual artist. Don Henley, famously known for his time with the Eagles, faced this challenge head-on with his first solo single, “Johnny Can’t Read.” Reflecting on the song later, Henley believed it was too controversial—not for its lyrics, but for its distinct musical departure. Here's why Henley regretted this particular choice.
Football, baseball, basketball games
Drinkin’ beer, kickin’ ass, and takin’ down names
With the top down, get-a-round, shootin’ the line
Summer is here and Johnny’s feelin’ fine
Although the Eagles evolved musically over their career, their foundation remained rooted in country-rock. Even when they experimented with different sounds, a western influence was always present. Fans accepted subtle shifts in the band's style, but Henley feared they wouldn't handle a drastic change.
When Henley introduced his debut album, I Can’t Stand Still, with the single “Johnny Can’t Read,” he made a bold move away from the Eagles' signature sound. Unsurprisingly, some fans struggled to accept this new direction.
But Johnny can’t read
Summer is over and he’s gone to seed
Johnny can’t read
He never learned nothin’ that he’ll ever need
“‘Johnny Can’t Read’ [the album’s first single] was the wrong thing to do,” Henley once admitted. “It was a little bit too much of a leftfield turn from the Eagles days, and it took a lot of people by surprise. It was too controversial. It pissed people off.”
Well, Johnny can dance and Johnny can love
Johnny can push and Johnny can shove
Johnny can hang out; Johnny can talk tough
Johnny can get down and Johnny can throw up
The track’s upbeat, jaunty vibe was more reminiscent of a Billy Joel song than what fans expected from Henley. This stark contrast made it challenging for listeners to reconcile Henley's new sound with his established musical identity. Unlike his later solo hits such as “Dirty Laundry” and “The Boys of Summer,” which resonated more with his Eagles legacy, “Johnny Can’t Read” demanded a significant mental adjustment from fans.
In hindsight, Henley recognized that the drastic shift in musical style was a risky move that didn't pay off as he had hoped. “Johnny Can’t Read” remains a bold, if not controversial, chapter in his career, illustrating the challenges artists face when reinventing themselves.
