Don Henley Quotes, born Donald Hugh Henley on July 22, 1947, in Gilmer, Texas, is an American singer-songwriter, drummer, and founding member of the Eagles, one of the most successful rock bands in history.
Renowned for his lead vocals on hits like “Hotel California,” “Desperado,” and “The Boys of Summer,” Henley also launched a successful solo career with albums like Building the Perfect Beast (1984).
His lyrics often explore themes of love, societal issues, and personal reflection, blending sharp wit with emotional depth. These 15 quotes—sourced from his songs, interviews, and public statements—reflect his insights on music, life, love, and the world around him.
15 Don Henley Quotes
- “Sometimes you get the best light from a burning bridge.” (Song, “My Thanksgiving,” Cass County, 2015)
- “Let hope inspire you, but let not idealism blind you. Don’t look back, you can never look back.” (Song, “The Boys of Summer,” Building the Perfect Beast, 1984)
- “A man with a briefcase can steal millions more than any man with a gun.” (Song, “Gimme What You Got,” I Can’t Stand Still, 1982)
- “How can love survive in such a graceless age? The trust and self-assurance that lead to happiness, they’re the very things we kill.” (Song, “The Heart of the Matter,” The End of the Innocence, 1989)
- “I think music can change the world because it can change people.” (Interview, Bookey, 2023)
- “I saw a Dead Head sticker on a Cadillac. A little voice inside my head said, don’t look back, you can never look back.” (Song, “The Boys of Summer,” Building the Perfect Beast, 1984)
- “I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter, but my will gets weak, and my thoughts seem to scatter, but I think it’s about forgiveness.” (Song, “The Heart of the Matter,” The End of the Innocence, 1989)
- “I try to write conversationally; I try to write like people speak and put the emphasis on the right syllable.” (Interview, American Songwriter, 2024)
- “The music industry can be a really tough place, but I always believed that if I stayed true to myself and my values, I would find success.” (Interview, Bookey, 2023)
- “It was pretty frightening because as we all know, when large, famous groups break up, a lot of the members don’t survive in solo careers.” (Interview, IMDb, n.d.)
- “I don’t care what anybody says about Ringo. I cut my rock-n-roll teeth listening to him.” (Interview, QuoteFancy, 2025)
- “In the old days, words like sin and Satan had a moral certitude. Today, they’re replaced with self-help jargon, words like dysfunction and antisocial behavior, discouraging any responsibility for one’s actions.” (Song, “Little Tin God,” The End of the Innocence, 1989)
- “I’m always jotting things down on pieces of paper. I’ve got pieces of paper all over my house.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “The bubble-headed bleach blonde comes on at five, she can tell you ‘bout the plane crash with a gleam in her eye.” (Song, “Dirty Laundry,” I Can’t Stand Still, 1982)
- “I have a certain pool of subject matter that I like to write about, things that interest me: politics, religion, ecology, and relationships between men and women.” (Interview, American Songwriter, 2024)
Don Henley’s quotes blend poetic lyricism with sharp social commentary, reflecting a career dedicated to meaningful music. Which one resonates with you? Drop it in the comments and keep the Eagles’ spirit soaring!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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