Don Henley's Lyric Aficionados Collective: "Dirty Laundry"
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“Dirty Laundry” is a hit piece — no pun intended.
After its release, it quickly became a hot song, with the lyrics describing mass media sensationalism in American culture.
Why was Don Henley so bent out of shape? Let’s dig in and find out!
Background
"Dirty Laundry" was released as the lead single from Henley’s debut solo album I Can't Stand Still in 1982. Henley wrote the song in collaboration with his pal Danny Kortchmar. It was born out of Henley's frustration with mass media sensationalism and the ethical lapses he observed.
At the time, Henley was increasingly disillusioned with how news outlets prioritized entertainment and scandal over factual reporting, a sentiment that resonated with many listeners. "Dirty Laundry" became a commercial success, earning a Grammy nomination and solidifying Henley's reputation as a solo artist with a critical edge.
Lyrical Analysis
The lyrics of "Dirty Laundry" offer a scathing critique of the media, particularly targeting the sensationalist practices of television news. Henley uses vivid imagery and sharp metaphors to depict the media as vultures preying on human suffering and scandal. The song opens with the line "I make my living off the evening news," immediately setting the stage for a critique of the news industry's priorities.
In the verses, Henley highlights the superficial and exploitative nature of news reporting. Lines like "We got the bubble-headed bleach-blonde who comes on at five" criticize the focus on appearance and ratings over substantive journalism.
The chorus symbolizes the exposure of private matters for public consumption. Henley sings, "Kick 'em when they're up, kick 'em when they're down," reflecting the media's opportunistic tendencies.
Henley's use of direct and unapologetic language conveys his disdain for the lack of journalistic integrity. Phrases like "You don't really need to find out what's going on" suggest that the news aims not to inform but to entertain. The song’s bridge introduces a sarcastic tone with lines like "We can do the innuendo, we can dance and sing," mocking the trivialization of serious news stories.
Overall, "Dirty Laundry" serves as both a pointed social commentary and a call for higher ethical standards in reporting. The song's critical message remains relevant in 2024.
Read the full lyrics here!
Musical Composition
"Dirty Laundry" features a distinctive blend of rock, new wave, and electronic music elements, characterized by its driving beat and synthesizer riff. The song opens with a crisp drum pattern played by Jeff Porcaro of Toto(!), which is soon joined by a pulsing bass line, providing a solid groove that anchors the track.
The synthesizer riff is catchy and repetitive. Throughout the track, layered synths add a sound indicative of the early 1980s musical landscape.
Henley's vocal delivery is sharp and cynical, aptly suited to the song's critical lyrics. His voice carries a sense of urgency and frustration, which enhances the song's confrontational message.
The overall production, handled by Henley and Greg Ladanyi, is polished and punchy.
Reception
“Dirty Laundry” went to #1 on the Billboard Top Album Tracks chart shortly after its release in October 1982. It also spent three weeks at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1983, eventually becoming a certified Gold single by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Fun Facts
The EAGLES 🦅 got back together for this song!
Well, kind of. Joe Walsh rips off the first guitar solo while Timothy B. Schmidt plays a steady bass and contributes his beautiful backing vocals.
They had a majority! Nevertheless, it would be another twelve years before all five Eagles from the 1980 lineup reunited.
Although an official music video was never made, Global News created a parody video in 1985. This video, attributed to the "News Brothers" (a group of Global News reporters), featured the song.
Finally, The "bubbleheaded bleach blonde" mentioned in the song was rumored to refer to Christine Lund, formally of KABC-TV in Los Angeles, but Henley has firmly denied this.
Song Credits
Personnel:
Don Henley — lead vocals, backing vocals
Steve Porcaro — keyboards, special keyboard effects
Roger Linn — Linn LM-1 (credited with “special effects”)
Danny Kortchmar — rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Joe Walsh — first guitar solo
Steve Lukather — second guitar solo
Timothy B. Schmidt — bass, backing vocals
Jeff Porcaro — drums
George Gruel — backing vocals
Written by:
Don Henley
Danny Kortchmar
Produced by:
Don Henley
Bruce Hornsby
Greg Ladanyi
Release Date: October 12, 1982
Label: Asylum
Length: 5:36
My Take
I go back and forth with this song. Lately, it’s been more back than forth because I’m fully appreciating the rest of the I Can’t Stand Still’s album.
Obviously, “Dirty Laundry” was written to be a commercial success. That’s fine. The lyrics that expose the media for unearthing untasteful things about people when they’re no longer around make sense to me. Especially when it’s “crap” to make media conglomerates* “king.” If it’s information that can actually be helpful or constructive, go for it. But that’s not usually the case. Negativity and tabloids sell.
*SUCCESSION, anyone?
So while I resonate with the lyrics — normally the most important aspect of a song for me — it’s really the music that seesaws my emotions. It’s a little too ‘80s sounding. I love Joe Walsh and it’s cool that he was part of this song, but his influence on the overall sound is pretty insignificant. That leaves the final product pretty mid-sounding.
In all, this song served the purpose of its time, both for meaning and sound. There ain’t nothing wrong with that; it’s just not a favorite of mine!
🎶 Listen on Spotify
Next week, we’ll head into space and cover “Talking to the Moon.”
Until then, let me know in the comments what you think of “Dirty Laundry” 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!!
Henley was still mad at the media in the 1990s, with "Get Over It", from the Eagles reunion album "Hell Freezes Over", satirizing daytime talk shows.