Fly Like an Eagle (1977) 12/11/20

Today we've got a “Great Song” and some fascinating links. Check 'em out!

Sometimes, inspiration for a “Great Song” can strike quickly. A few days ago, I mentioned that Billy Swan was able to write his 1974 hit “I Can Help” in about 20 minutes.

But sometimes it takes years for a song to come together, and that was certainly the case with today's “Great Song of the '70s: ” “Fly Like An Eagle” by Steve Miller.

Steve first performed and recorded the song in 1973 as sort of a bluesy guitar-based track, using the hook from a song he originally recorded in 1969, called “My Dark Hour,” which featured Paul McCartney. The lyrics suggested the “eagle” wanted to fly away from an from a Native American Reservation.

As time passed, “Fly Like an Eagle” morphed into something a lot more funky with a synthesizer taking over some of the guitar parts, and altered lyrics that was more of a homage to the song “Slippin' Into Darkness” by War.

When Steve re-recorded it as the title cut of his 1976 album and released it as a single, it was almost an entirely different song—and people loved it!

In early 1977, it reached #2 on Billboard's Hot 100 and Canada's Top 40, and sold over a million copies!

It's pretty clear that all the tinkering was worth it! :-)

Twenty years later, in 1997, Seal recorded an excellent cover version that did pretty well worldwide. In addition to being a Top10 hit in the US, Canada, and Belgium, it charted in 8 other countries from Australia to Iceland.

“Fly Like An Eagle:” A “Great Song of 1977” for Steve Miller, and 1997 for Seal!

Steve Miller:

Seal:

For reference purposes, here are some cool links:

“My Dark Hour:”

“Fly Like an Eagle” (1973 version):

“Slippin' Into Darkness” (War):