Don Henley's Lyric Aficionados Collective: "Taking You Home"
"Taking You Home," from Don Henley's 2000 album Inside Job, reflects his matured perspective on life & relationships, reaching #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, & was featured in notable TV shows.
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Background
"Taking You Home" was released in 2000 as part of Don Henley’s album Inside Job. This track marked Henley's return to solo work after a lengthy hiatus during which he was primarily involved with the Eagles and various other projects. The song reflects Henley's matured perspective on life, relationships, and family, showcasing his growth both as a musician and a person.
Lyrical Analysis
The lyrics convey a deep sense of commitment and love, illustrating Henley's dedication to his family.
Themes of redemption and personal growth are evident, with Henley reflecting on past mistakes and the journey to make amends.
The chorus emphasizes a sense of security and safety, with the phrase "taking you home" symbolizing a return to comfort and stability.
Henley's use of vivid imagery paints a picture of intimacy and close relationships.
The lyrics also explore the idea of home not just as a place, but as an emotional state where one feels truly loved and accepted.
Read the full lyrics here!
Musical Composition
The song features a mid-tempo arrangement, blending elements of rock, pop, and country.
Henley's distinctive voice is complemented by rich harmonies and layered backing vocals.
Instrumentation includes a mix of acoustic and electric guitars, providing a warm, inviting sound.
The rhythm section, with steady drums and bass, creates a solid foundation that enhances the song's soothing quality.
Subtle use of keyboards and strings adds depth, giving the song an uplifting, yet reflective atmosphere.
Reception
"Taking You Home" was well-received by both fans and critics, who praised its heartfelt lyrics and Henley's vocal performance. It became a significant part of Henley's solo repertoire, earning airplay on adult contemporary radio and resonating with listeners who appreciated its sincere and introspective nature.
"Taking You Home" is Henley’s only song to reach number one on the Adult Contemporary chart as a solo artist. It held the top spot for four weeks and also climbed to number fity-eight on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song was featured in the closing scenes of the "Such Sweet Sorrow" episode of ER's sixth season, where Carol Hathaway (Julianna Margulies) and Doug Ross (George Clooney) reunite after a year apart.
In 2017, it was also used in the season three finale of Hallmark Channel's Good Witch, during the engagement of Cassie Nightingale (Catherine Bell) and Dr. Sam Radford (James Denton).
Song Credits
Personnel:
Don Henley — lead vocals
Mike Campbell — guitar
Stan Lynch — drums
Scott Plunkett — keyboards
Written by:
Don Henley
Stuart Brawley
Stan Lynch
Produced by:
Don Henley
Stan Lynch
Mark Goldenberg
Release Date: May 23, 2000
Label: Warner Bros. Records
Length: 5:01
My Take
It’s the Henley Heartbreakers once again! I shouldn’t be surprised at this point but it’s still a bit shocking to see Mike Campbell and Stan Lynch pop up so often during Henley’s solo career. Now I’m wondering why they never formed some type of “super band” together, especially after the deaths of Glenn Frey and Tom Petty. We can dream, can’t we! Although we’ll have to wait until at least next year with the Eagles’ recent Vegas residency announcement!
This is a truly beautiful song. It’s probably my favorite melody of any of Henley’s solo tunes. It oozes romanticism and something about Teenage Colin resonated with that. Part of it was being fresh material. As I noted earlier, this was Henley’s first release since 1989.
I remember being excited about it because my parents were excited about it. They got the Inside Job Live DVD and I would come home after school and watch it daily. Usually, I’d get all sweaty and do a workout. I was a weird kid, what can I say. But it was one of the first times I could picture myself being on center stage. Under the lights. That’s what would get the adrenaline pumping for a workout, not necessarily the somber sound of “Taking You Home.”
Henley gets to soaring heights with his vocals in this one and that was always fun to sing along to. In the moment, I imagined I was as good as Don, but in reality, I was probably as good as Tom Cruise’s character Jerry Maguire when he belts Petty’s “Free Fallin’” in the car during one scene of the the movie with the main character’s same name.
Whatever.
For a long time, “Taking You Home” was my favorite Henley solo song. It remains firmly in my top five — the highest rated song from the Inside Job album.
It’s, as usual, quintessential Don Henley. Poignant lyrics, amazing vocals, and a magnetic backing instrumental. There’s a good chance, if you are a casual Henley fan, that you’ve missed this song. If that’s the case, click below and listen to it right now. Even if you’ve already heard it, click it anyway and get lost in the magic that is Don Henley’s music!
🎶 Listen on Spotify
Next week, we’ll be talking about forgiveness in “The Heart of the Matter” 🎶
Until then, let me know in the comments what you think of “Taking You Home” and share any stories, insights, and thoughts you have!
Lastly, if you have feedback on the structure of this column, drop that below too! I want this recurring column to resonate with you as much as Henley’s music does with me!!