About the Song

“Take It to the Limit” stands out as one of Randy Meisner’s greatest contributions to the Eagles’ catalog. Known for its soaring high note, this song became one of the band’s most iconic tracks, showcasing Meisner’s vocal prowess. However, while it marked a significant success for him as a co-writer, it also created tension within the band, leading to an intense backstage dispute.

The song’s meaning draws on the exhausting lifestyle of a touring musician—endless road trips, long nights, and limited rest. In the lyrics, Meisner expresses the feeling of reaching a breaking point, yet still finding the strength to push forward. “Take it to the limit” symbolizes persevering even when everything seems overwhelming. As Meisner once explained, the song reflects a realization of how aging and exhaustion can weigh on you, yet you keep going “one more time.”

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

Despite the song’s success, its execution on stage created tension. The high note at the end of the track became a source of anxiety for Meisner, especially during live performances. In one instance, Meisner refused to perform the song as an encore, which led to a heated confrontation with Glenn Frey. This disagreement marked the beginning of the end for Meisner’s tenure with the Eagles, as he left the band shortly after.

Nevertheless, “Take It to the Limit” remains a signature track, one that highlights both Meisner’s vocal talent and the internal struggles that often accompanied the pressures of stardom.

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)

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