Glenn Frey, co-founder of the Eagles, held a lingering regret about the handwritten lyrics for “Lyin’ Eyes.” Though the song became a classic, he wished he had kept those early drafts that captured the raw beginnings of the track.
Written in a Hollywood star’s home, “Lyin’ Eyes” is very much a product of its time. Its storyline, laced with sharp observations, struck a chord with listeners, though it also reflects some attitudes that feel outdated today.
The original notes contained unused lines and ideas, parts of the creative process that never made it to the final song. Frey often looked back, wishing he had preserved that small but irreplaceable piece of Eagles history.
Crafting Hits on Briarcrest Lane
In a 2003 interview with The Uncool, Glenn Frey reminisced about the Los Angeles house where the Eagles wrote some of their biggest hits. Perched on Briarcrest Lane, this home became a creative haven for the band.
Frey recalled how this spot inspired tracks for their One of These Nights album. Songs like “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Take It to the Limit,” and “After The Thrill Is Gone” all came to life within those walls.
It wasn’t just a house; it was where the Eagles’ iconic sound took shape. The memories of that place held a special significance for Frey as he looked back on the band’s journey.
The Unfolding of “Lyin’ Eyes”
According to Frey, “Lyin’ Eyes” felt almost effortless to write. The story behind the lyrics was so clear that words flowed naturally, something rare in the often uphill struggle of songwriting. Frey admitted he wished he still had the original legal pad with the unused verses.
Don Henley also shared memories of their songwriting process. He recalled that “Lyin’ Eyes” was one of the songs written when he and Frey shared a house in Trousdale, an area with its own Old Hollywood charm. This wasn’t just any house — it was once owned by actress Dorothy Lamour, known for her classic roles in The Jungle Princess and the Road to film series.
The historic setting seemed to add a unique atmosphere to their songwriting. In that home, the duo crafted songs that would become timeless classics, including the story-rich lyrics of “Lyin’ Eyes.”
The Eagles’ Nest with a View
Henley and Frey’s shared home in Trousdale, once owned by actress Dorothy Lamour, became a special retreat they nicknamed “The Eagles’ Nest” and “The House With the Million Dollar View.” From there, they enjoyed breathtaking 360-degree views of the city lights, snow-capped mountains, and the vast Pacific Ocean.
This inspiring view set the stage for some of the Eagles’ most iconic work. Henley and Frey were living there when they wrote songs like “One of These Nights,” capturing the magic of their surroundings in their music.
Henley called this period the band’s “Satanic country-rock era,” hinting at the creative edge that defined their sound then. The Trousdale home became more than a residence; it was a creative sanctuary for the duo during a key phase in their career.
The Success of “Lyin’ Eyes”
The Eagles’ “Lyin’ Eyes” soared on the charts, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying there for 14 weeks. Featured on their album One of These Nights, the song was a major hit, contributing to the record’s success as it peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for five weeks.
One of These Nights delivered even more chart-toppers. The title track climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and “Take It to the Limit” hit No. 4, remaining on the charts for an impressive 23 weeks. Each track showcased the Eagles’ signature blend of rock and storytelling.
Even though “Lyin’ Eyes” had verses that didn’t make the final cut, the song remains a classic. Its success is a testament to the band’s unforgettable lyrics and sound, even if we’ll never hear all of it.