You can exhaust yourself with endless activity, constantly seeking answers and purpose. You might relentlessly pursue meaning, chasing one goal after another. Yet, sometimes the most profound wisdom lies in simplicity, much like the message within The Eagles’ song, “Learn to Be Still.”
We often discuss songs that uplift us, motivate us, and guide us through life’s challenges. Music possesses a unique power to provide solace and comfort, acting as a form of therapy in times of need. Lately, revisiting The Eagles’ discography, a particular, perhaps lesser-known, gem resurfaced, resonating deeply – “Learn to Be Still.”
This introspective song is featured on their 1994 reunion album “Hell Freezes Over.” While the album is celebrated for its mix of new tracks and live renditions of classics, and hits like “Get Over It” and “Love Will Keep Us Alive” dominated charts, “Learn to Be Still” offers a different kind of impact. “The Girl from Yesterday” evokes the classic Eagles sound, reminiscent of their “Hotel California” era, but “Learn to Be Still” delves into deeper emotional territory.
Penned by Don Henley and Stan Lynch, formerly of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, “Learn to Be Still” weaves a sonic tapestry of both energy and peace. The interplay of electric and acoustic guitars creates a soundscape that is simultaneously stirring and soothing, perfectly complementing Henley’s signature vocals.
Fans of Eagles ballads like “Wasted Time” or “The Sad Cafe” will likely find resonance in “Learn to Be Still.” It forgoes grand symphonic arrangements, focusing instead on themes of confusion, the relentless pursuit of happiness, the pitfalls of blindly following, and the importance of finding inner peace and appreciating the present moment.
“You thought you could find happiness just over that green hill / You thought you would be satisfied, but you never will / Learn to be still.”
Some might perceive this as simplistic advice, lacking in depth. However, within these lines lies a profound truth. We often fall into the trap of relentless striving – working to exhaustion, chasing external validation, and sacrificing our well-being for fleeting achievements. But to what end?
The path to happiness, inner peace, or complete acceptance remains a personal journey, unique to each individual. Like many, I navigate this road, learning as I go. Over time, the futility of constant striving becomes apparent. The pursuit of “everything” and the pressure to “be everything” often leads to burnout, with rewards that are often short-lived or illusory.
In these moments of overwhelm, the most effective remedy can be to simply pause, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and embrace stillness.
“Now the flowers in your garden, they don’t smell so sweet / Maybe you’ve forgotten the heaven lying at your feet.”
Often, it is the seemingly insignificant details that enrich our lives most profoundly. The advice to appreciate sunrises or “stop and smell the roses” might sound cliché, but clichés often hold fundamental truths. Allowing ourselves to savor these small wonders can elevate us above the daily grind. Music, too, serves as a powerful antidote to the monotony of routine.
The release of “Hell Freezes Over” in 1994 was eagerly anticipated by Eagles enthusiasts. My own introduction to the band came through my father, who introduced me to “Eagles Greatest Hits, Vol. 2.” This compilation was my gateway to their iconic sound – “Hotel California,” “Heartache Tonight,” “Seven Bridges Road,” each track a masterpiece in its own right.
Prior to “Hell Freezes Over,” The Eagles’ last studio album, “The Long Run,” was released in 1979. The band essentially disbanded after their 1980 tour, leaving fans wondering about a potential reunion. The phrase “when hell freezes over” became synonymous with the unlikelihood of their return.
However, time has a way of healing rifts, fostering understanding, and rebuilding common ground. Against all odds, The Eagles reunited.
When “Hell Freezes Over” was released as a CD and DVD, it was a gift for my father. We played it frequently, my parents singing along to “Love Will Keep Us Alive” and classics like “Tequila Sunrise,” “Take It Easy,” and “Desperado.” The live rendition of Joe Walsh’s “Pretty Maids All in a Row” on “Hell Freezes Over” remains my preferred version.
Yet, it was “Learn to Be Still” that truly resonated then, and continues to do so. Adolescence often brings a sense of gravity to life’s questions. The urge to question authority and seek deeper meaning can dominate one’s perspective.
“We are like sheep without a shepherd, we don’t know how to be alone / So we wander ’round this desert, and wind up following the wrong gods home.”
During those formative years, I would often pick up my inexpensive acoustic guitar, despite my limited playing ability and its persistent tuning issues, and strum along to this song. Closing my eyes and singing the lyrics, I felt a profound connection to its message.
That feeling persists. As we mature, our challenges and concerns evolve, but they never entirely disappear. Existential questions remain – “How do I find my place? Where do I belong?”
These questions may be lifelong companions. But through The Eagles’ music, particularly “Learn to Be Still,” we receive guidance, a soothing balm for the restless mind: learn to be still. This simple yet powerful message encourages us to find peace within ourselves, amidst the constant motion of life, a lesson that remains perpetually relevant.
