Take It to the Limit - Eagles (1977) 6/8/21

There's a certain irony behind today's "Great Song of the '70s: "Take It to the Limit" by the Eagles.

Founding member Randy Meisner started writing the song, but after a while, his ideas ran dry, so he asked bandmates Glen Frey and Don Henley to help him finish it. They were happy to oblige.

In late 1975, the song was released as a single from the album "One of These Nights," and promptly climbed into the Top 10, peaking at #4 on both the Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary Charts.

"Take It to the Limit" became an audience favorite at Eagles concerts, and that's where the irony began. Randy had sung lead on the single, but did NOT want to sing it in concert. It was a combination of stage fright and the firm belief that he wouldn't consistently be able hit the high notes. It actually gave him an ulcer.

The rest of the band thought (very strongly) he should be singing it since the hit version was in his voice. Finally, one night, Randy refused. He had caught the flu, was feeling poorly and just couldn't--and wouldn't do it. This led to an altercation backstage... and shortly thereafter, Randy left the group.

Basically, he had "taken it to the limit" and couldn't go further. Irony, right?

After that, Frey would sing the song in concert...in a lower key. Then, in 2017, Vince Gill joined the group on tour and, with his clear tenor voice, he was able to sing it in the original key.

Note: In late 1983, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings released a cover version that was a big hit on the Country Charts: #1 in Canada and #8 in the US.

"Take It to the Limit:" A "Great Song of the '70s" (and '80s ) no matter WHO sings it!

Eagles:

Willie & Waylon: