The Story Behind Take It to the Limit by Randy Meisner
Randy Meisner, a key member of the Eagles, wrote several songs for the band, but Take It to the Limit is often regarded as his most significant contribution. The song’s iconic high note, which Meisner hits toward the end, remains one of the track’s most memorable features. However, the creation of this song didn’t come without its challenges, especially behind the scenes, where it stirred tension within the band. Here’s the story behind the song and the drama that followed its success.
The song’s lyrics reflect the struggles of a touring musician—long stretches on the road, grueling performances, and little rest. In Take It to the Limit, Meisner sings about pushing through these hardships, even when the weight of it all feels overwhelming. The line “take it to the limit” serves as a message of perseverance, a reminder to keep going despite the fatigue.
Meisner once explained, “The line ‘take it to the limit’ was to keep trying. You reach a point in your life where you feel you’ve done everything and seen everything – it’s part of getting old. And just to take it to the limit one more time, like every day just keep punching away at it.”
Some of the lyrics include:
“You know I’ve always been a dreamer
And it’s so hard to change
Can’t seem to settle down
But the dreams I’ve seen lately
Keep on turning out and burning out and turning out the same”
“So put me on a highway
Show me a sign
Take it to the limit
One more time”
The recorded version of the song showcases Meisner’s ability to hit a soaring high note, but replicating that vocal performance live caused him significant anxiety. This pressure came to a head during an Eagles concert when Meisner refused to perform Take It to the Limit as an encore. His decision led to a heated argument with bandmate Glenn Frey, which ultimately led to Meisner leaving the Eagles shortly thereafter.
Despite the personal challenges this song caused, Take It to the Limit remains one of Meisner’s greatest musical achievements, and it continues to be a standout track in the Eagles’ catalog.
Lyrics
All alone at the end of the evening
And the bright lights have faded to blue
I was thinking ’bout a woman
Who might have loved me
I never knew
You know I’ve always been a dreamer (spent my life running round)
And it’s so hard to change
Can’t seem to settle down
But the dreams I’ve seen lately
Keep on turning out and burning out and turning out the same
So put me on a highway
Show me a sign
Take it to the limit
One more time
You can spend all your time making money
You can spend all your love making time
If it all fell to pieces tomorrow
Would you still be mine?
And when you’re looking for your freedom (nobody seems to care)
And you can’t find the door
(can’t find it anywhere)
When there’s nothing to believe in
Still you’re coming back
You’re running back
You’re coming back for more…
Put me on a highway
Show me a sign
Take it to the limit
One more time
Take it to the limit
Take it to the limit
Take it to the limit
One more time
(take it to the limit)
W-e-e…
(take it to the limit)
Come on
(take it to the limit)
One more time
(take it to the limit)
W-e-e…
(take it to the limit)
We gotta
(take it to the limit)
One more time…
(take it to the limit)
(take it to the limit)
(take it to the limit)
One more time
(take it to the limit)
W-e-e…
(take it to the limit)
Come on
(take it to the limit)
One more time
(take it to the limit)
Aaah-aaah-aaah
(take it to the limit)
Aaah-aaah
(take it to the limit)
One more time…
(take it to the limit)
(take it to the limit)AdvertisementAdvertisement
