[ ]   [ ]   [ ]                        [ ]      [ ]   [ ]
Eagles — Seven Bridges Road
Album: Eagles Greatest Hits Volume 2
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1749









Released: 2001
Length: 2:51
Plays (last 30 days): 0
There are stars
In the Southern sky
Southward as you go
There is moonlight
And moss in the trees
Down the Seven Bridges Road

Now I have loved you like a baby
Like some lonesome child
And I have loved you in a tame way
And I have loved you wild

Sometimes there's a part of me
Has to turn from here and go
Running like a child from these warm stars
Down the Seven Bridges Road

There are stars in the Southern sky
And if ever you decide
You should go
There is a taste of time sweetened honey
Down the Seven Bridges Road
Comments (237)add comment
Yes you can’t beat harmonies. I like CSNY
 DW4554 wrote:

The baritone is exceptional.  Like a bass guitar, anchors all the higher harmonies and makes everything work.  

Anyone know who that is?  


Don Felder it seems.
I have very fond memories of working out the harmonies in this song with a group of friends. Never performed it in public, we just did it to amuse and entertain ourselves. 
The baritone is exceptional.  Like a bass guitar, anchors all the higher harmonies and makes everything work.  

Anyone know who that is?  
 horacebork wrote:

does anyone know the actual lyrics at the ending?

on rp they are:
    a) there is a taste of time sweetened honey

i have also seen
   b) there is a taste of thyme sweetened honey
   c) there is a taste of time sweet and honey

i am actually inclined to believe (b), but (a) is reasonable as well.


I vote "a".   

Honey that sits in the honeycomb gets sweeter as time passes.  (Chemistry, baby!)   Honey doesn't change much after harvesting.  

Test it yourself: get bottled honey and "chunk" honey still in the comb or bottled with honeycomb wax.
 The_Enemy wrote:
I thought this was Frey, Henley and company but Wikipedia says it's the other Eagles from the UK. Who knew? 


I'm pretty sure this is the US version of The Eagles.  You know, the ones Jeffrey Lebowski hates.
This was an encore track from their 1994 concert album, "Hell Freezes Over." So named, because they famously reunited for a tour after being broken up for 14 years.
I thought this was Frey, Henley and company but Wikipedia says it's the other Eagles from the UK. Who knew? 
...I love the f***in' Eagles, man!
 bseib wrote:
...

In any case, it got me to dig around wikipedia on a few things, including the original Seven Bridges Road by Steve Young, which refers to a place in Montgomery Alabama. Steve's version is more like a soft, slow, straight country ballad, complete with airy strings in the background. And it's just Steve singing, without any acapella multi-part harmony. Here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpV83ovYAyY

...
 
I grew up in Montgomery. 'Seven Bridges Road' is about 'Old Woodley Road', in the Cloverdale (old money) neighborhood. It's probably been developed into oblivion by now, but it was a rural two-lane with huge trees right up to the pavement. And thick Spanish Moss hanging from them.

The Cloverdale neighborhood is prominent in the movie 'The Long Walk Home', since it's the least-changed part of town.
c.

I like everybody's version of this song.
The harmonies stop me in my tracks every time. 
OK BillG-- WHAT GIVES??

On my favorites playlist, I just heard Seven Sisters by Tori Amos, Seven Veils by Elbow and now Seven Bridges Road by The Eagles!!!

(Keep 'em coming Bill!)
My second concert was Eagles. This song plays live took me to another place! Harmonies. Perfect!
Shame about the morons in the audience.
This song is so beautiful I couldn’t even put a number to it Play it more please Thanks
Just a random pondering: Ive had the pleasure of listening for the past few hrs, and wondering if this is "Mellow Mix" wheres the soul music?
 Johnny-smooth wrote:
Always thought this was one of the "prettiest" Eagles songs.
Years and years later, finally hearing it again and my original thought was spot-on 

 
they had many more songs that were better in my humble opinion.  I encourage all haters to give their book of work a solid listen before dismissing it as nothing more than top 40 pablum
Meh.
this has always given me chills..
In the days before auto-tune, when singers needed that thing, what's it called, oh yeah . . . talent.
Always thought this was one of the "prettiest" Eagles songs.
Years and years later, finally hearing it again and my original thought was spot-on 
omg. makes me want to run.
sucko-barfo
BillG is trolling us with a run of criminally underrated songs, currently rated in the 6s, on the site.  Shame. Shame. Shame.  Bump 'em up people.
"The Concert for the animals" :)
I recently watched the "History of the Eagles" documentary on Netflix, which opens with the band warming up backstage with their acapella "Seven Bridges Road". That 40 second opening warm-up is beautiful, if you get the chance to watch it. Overall the documentary was interesting, although it felt like it was more of a story about Frey and Henley, and I'm sure there's more to the story with regard to the rift with Felder. Still worth seeing if you're a fan.

In any case, it got me to dig around wikipedia on a few things, including the original Seven Bridges Road by Steve Young, which refers to a place in Montgomery Alabama. Steve's version is more like a soft, slow, straight country ballad, complete with airy strings in the background. And it's just Steve singing, without any acapella multi-part harmony. Here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpV83ovYAyY

The surprise for me was that an Englishman named Ian Matthews was the one who decided to take Steve's song (for whatever reason) and create an arrangement with six/seven part harmony. Here's what Ian's version sounds like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mt2IFaCwTKk   Now *that* is exactly the version we all know, exact same harmonies, same cadence, same guitar pickin'. But compared to what we're used to, it sounds stiff, and about 4,000 miles away from Montgomery, Alabama, USA.

Long after the Eagles had performed and recorded Seven Bridges Road, Ian found himself hanging out with some of the Eagles at the Troubadour and ended up at Don's place where people were playing music. Don Henley had a copy of Ian's "Valley Hi" album, no doubt the source of the Eagles cover.
RIP Glen

Find the version by Iain Matthews & Mike Nesmith. 


Nice!
they were originally signed for their voices, ie harmonies
does anyone know the actual lyrics at the ending?

on rp they are:
    a) there is a taste of time sweetened honey

i have also seen
   b) there is a taste of thyme sweetened honey
   c) there is a taste of time sweet and honey

i am actually inclined to believe (b), but (a) is reasonable as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JlmvtAHhnc
Hey YOU - Yeah you - Burdell - can ya' hear it?  The sweet sound of.....HARMONY
The angels (the ones in heaven), The Ink Spots, The Maguire Sisters, The Four Freshmen, The Lettermen, The Beach Boys, Eagles, Huey Lewis and The News, Boyz To Men, Zack Brown Band - are ya seein' the trend here bucko? Hubris? Really? 
And yes...Eagles played this tune while you were obviously still in the womb or a fever dream - no worries...the rest of us loved it. Only fools like you believe bands (like Eagles) begin and end with their biggest hits. Hubris? HA! you're a hoot...dude.  Long live country rock - especially POCO! 
 
 BBoyes wrote:
This has to be one of the best Eagles songs. Really nice musicianship and vocals vs their more poppy/popular stuff.

 
You have to see them live to really appreciate their talent.
This has to be one of the best Eagles songs. Really nice musicianship and vocals vs their more poppy/popular stuff.
 oldfart48 wrote:
sweet as honey...........{#Guitarist}

 
Apple pie too...GBA
 burdell wrote:
This song destroyed the Eagles. I remember when this came out. On the eagerly waited follow album up to Hotel California. All of us who heard it were shocked and disgusted. So sad. Amazing what hubris can do to a great band.

 
No single song destroyed the Eagles.  Your argument is ridiculous.

The follow up album to Hotel California was The Long Run which is easily as good, if not better, than Hotel California.  The Long Run doesn't contain the song Seven Bridges Road.  This version of Seven Bridges Road is a live cover from the Eagles Live in 1980.  The Eagles sang this song their entire career.  Yes... this would include the time of Hotel California as well as the time before and after the album.


 randyblew wrote:
Okay, all of you Lebowski wannabes, get over it.

The Eagles were a pretty damn good band. Popular, yes. Overplayed, yes. But they made 70's rock much more interesting, their musicianship and vocal harmonies were first-rate, and they made a seminal album in Hotel California, a great piece of work.

Too bad hatin' and being smugly superior can get you everywhere, in your own head.

{#Nyah}{#Cheers}

 
Bravo!
Oh I just never don't get tired of hearing The Eagles.
 gypsyman wrote:

My, my. How soon we forget Rusty Young and Poco. And others. (Jim Messina, Richie Furay, come to mind.)





 
...never have forgot Rusty et al - selected a prime piece of hide and had the "Legend" album cover tattoed upon it.
Promise Bill, never again.
 jmkate wrote:
Everyone singing along raise your hand!
 
unclehud raises hand, singing lustily, until he realizes this is not the a capella version.  "It's still good, but not as powerfully done as the boys did back in the early days", he thinks.
sweet as honey...........{#Guitarist}
 Raised.

jmkate wrote:
Everyone singing along raise your hand!

 


Okay, all of you Lebowski wannabes, get over it.

The Eagles were a pretty damn good band. Popular, yes. Overplayed, yes. But they made 70's rock much more interesting, their musicianship and vocal harmonies were first-rate, and they made a seminal album in Hotel California, a great piece of work.

Too bad hatin' and being smugly superior can get you everywhere, in your own head.

{#Nyah}{#Cheers}
Everyone singing along raise your hand!
Looking at Eagles' song ratings.... Survey says... RP listeners hate The Eagles... Come on. This song isn't that bad.
Yegods those boys could harmonize when they get their act together.  And I wish I could fingerpick half that smoothly.
kommt gut  dachte erst an CSN&Y   schön
7, that's Numberwang!
 gemtag wrote:
Wow, a good Eagles song!
  ...where??.....


Not into this myself, but I'm giving it a 7 for you Randall, RIP.
 gypsyman wrote:
My, my. How soon we forget Rusty Young and Poco. And others. (Jim Messina, Richie Furay, come to mind.)
 
Let's not forget Gram Parsons!
"Sweetheart of the Rodeo" is the album that is generally credited with bringing "Country Rock" into the mainstream.
Pretty much copied Iain Matthews' version.
This song destroyed the Eagles. I remember when this came out. On the eagerly waited follow album up to Hotel California. All of us who heard it were shocked and disgusted. So sad. Amazing what hubris can do to a great band.
 WonderLizard wrote:

I love The Dude, but he was just wrong about the Eagles. What the Eagles crystalized—indeed, epitomized in this song—was the import of bluegrass-based vocal harmonies (often called the "high lonesome sound"—a term coined by John Cohen of The New Lost City Ramblers) into mainstream rock'n'roll. Each vocal part is well defined and assigned to the appropriate voice: high tenor, tenor, baritone, bass, and occasionally falsetto. The Eagles were IMHO a great rock'n'roll band who could sing their asses off, in may ways up there with The Beatles and The Beachboys for their vocal agility.
 
My, my. How soon we forget Rusty Young and Poco. And others. (Jim Messina, Richie Furay, come to mind.)




 WonderLizard wrote:

I love The Dude, but he was just wrong about the Eagles. What the Eagles crystalized—indeed, epitomized in this song—was the import of bluegrass-based vocal harmonies (often called the "high lonesome sound"—a term coined by John Cohen of The New Lost City Ramblers) into mainstream rock'n'roll. Each vocal part is well defined and assigned to the appropriate voice: high tenor, tenor, baritone, bass, and occasionally falsetto. The Eagles were IMHO a great rock'n'roll band who could sing their asses off, in may ways up there with The Beatles and The Beachboys for their vocal agility.
 
This explains why I love this song so much.
 cc_rider wrote:
This song is about an old road in Montgomery Alabama. Used to be a farm road, and the kids would drive out there for, uh, entertainment. The cool kids with cars, anyway. Needless to say I wasn't cool or rich.
 
The road is (or at least was) 'Old Woodley Road'. The song was written by Steve Young in the late 60's.

I remember that road, this song still evokes the image of that little road, with trees right up to the shoulder, their limbs making a tunnel. And big clumps of spanish moss hanging down. Beautiful during the day, slightly creepy at night.
 Cynaera wrote:
I don't care what anyone says - those a cappella harmonies are so exquisite that I will always love this song. Eagles are in my top ten group because they rocked, they harmonized, they wrote wicked-snarky lyrics, they fought, and they always produced music that made me grin, dance, scowl, cry, and bow down in praise.

I love Eagles. Let the lambasting begin.
 
I love The Dude, but he was just wrong about the Eagles. What the Eagles crystalized—indeed, epitomized in this song—was the import of bluegrass-based vocal harmonies (often called the "high lonesome sound"—a term coined by John Cohen of The New Lost City Ramblers) into mainstream rock'n'roll. Each vocal part is well defined and assigned to the appropriate voice: high tenor, tenor, baritone, bass, and occasionally falsetto. The Eagles were IMHO a great rock'n'roll band who could sing their asses off, in may ways up there with The Beatles and The Beachboys for their vocal agility.


I actually like a lot of Eagles songs but sympathize with those that hate them and fully understand why there are millions and millions of people who feel that they should be banned from every being played on any public airwaves......period.{#Yes} Except for Pretty Maids all in a Row.
I have to downvote this one to Hell. 
It has nothing to do with you guys, enjoy the song all you want, it just makes me think of this local cover band (yuppie attorneys) who try, and I emphasize the word "try" to perform this song live.
These guys are the biggest bunch of douches ever, trust me. 
Love the harmonies.  This is one of my favorite songs to sing very loudly while hiking through the woods — as an 'early warning' bear repellent.
Wow, a good Eagles song!
Please NO!!!{#Frustrated}
I don't care what anyone says - those a cappella harmonies are so exquisite that I will always love this song. Eagles are in my top ten group because they rocked, they harmonized, they wrote wicked-snarky lyrics, they fought, and they always produced music that made me grin, dance, scowl, cry, and bow down in praise.

I love Eagles. Let the lambasting begin.
It's a great party song, if you get five or more people singing this.  


 CamLwalk wrote:
Lebowski
It's been a long night and I hate the f#*king Eagles.
 

, MAN!!!
I agree Dude !!

 
CamLwalk wrote:
Lebowski
It's been a long night and I hate the f#*king Eagles.
 


All these years without having heard this song have not made me miss it or want to hear it ever again. Not my cup of tea.
Lebowski
It's been a long night and I hate the f#*king Eagles.
Love them Eagles ! 
Does anyone have the Ian Matthews version of this song?  I enjoy it so much more.  Especially the vocals
 rjewyo wrote:
Used to like the Eagles, back when they were, uh, the Eagles. Now Eagles Inc. sleeps with corporate america with their new release only distributed at Walmart ">

These boys are older...they're saving for retirement!{#Kiss}
 
If I like a musical act, I want to see them sell millions of records at Walmart and millions of downloads from iTunes.  If their artistry brings joy to me and my fellow citizens, shouldn't the artists be compensated for that?  I call that making an honest living.

 Walrus_Gumbo wrote:

The Eagles have become...The Ego's, much in the same way that Fleetwood Mac have become... Fleece the Pack.
As Tim Curry said, "Paradise Lost for capital gain, traded for a ticket on the gravy train."

 

Yeah, that's pretty cool how you must not work for a corporation, shop at walmart (or any other corporation), buy anything from corporations, and also drive a home-made car fueled with home-grown biodiesel, etc (maybe you just ride your bike?).. You must live on some commune somewhere, listening to old eagles vinyl cranked by hand... wow, what a life. Where'd you get that computer? Oh right, you're at the public library; I forgot.

Amazing how people go around bitch-slapping artists for essentially growing up and getting jobs (e.g. the rolling stones, eagles, even the great clapton all grew up and sold out at some point) when most of us never even have that free, artistic period in our lives that leads to all this great music.

Those artistic periods can be very brief.. I mean, look at radiohead — the VAST majority of what they released up until OK computer (the bends, and a ton of EPs) was all written and had been performed live before even pablo honey was released (pablo honey came out around 1993; OKC in 97) way before that thing known as 'Kid A' came out in late 2000 and radiohead proved to us that their magical, artistic period was long gone. Remember the angst and feeling in their first two albums and myriad EPs before they started imitating themselves? Why do I mention radiohead? Remember the whole "name-your-price-for-our-new-CD-and-download-it" scam a few years ago?

jktravl wrote:
Used to like the Eagles, back when they were, uh, the Eagles. Now Eagles Inc. sleeps with corporate america with their new release only distributed at Walmart ">
I'm puzzled! How do you imagine that the international distribution and promotion that allowed you to ever be aware of the Eagles happened? Hint: the records were not, sadly, handcrafted by elves in the Olde Forest and delivered by carrier pigeon to the free recording cooperative - although oddly enough that is kind of happening these days thanks to the holy interwebs.


This is one of those songs where I like everyone's version.
 Walrus_Gumbo wrote:

The Eagles have become...The Ego's, much in the same way that Fleetwood Mac have become... Fleece the Pack.
As Tim Curry said, "Paradise Lost for capital gain, traded for a ticket on the gravy train."

 
Thats the way live goes for a lot of people, not only artists. So , wether you like to hear their music, or not. Its up to you! I do not stop hearing the music only because they change their visions.

rjewyo wrote:
Used to like the Eagles, back when they were, uh, the Eagles. Now Eagles Inc. sleeps with corporate america with their new release only distributed at Walmart ">

These boys are older...they're saving for retirement!{#Kiss}

The Eagles have become...The Ego's, much in the same way that Fleetwood Mac have become... Fleece the Pack.
As Tim Curry said, "Paradise Lost for capital gain, traded for a ticket on the gravy train."

Sitting around doing (insert drink/drug of choice), singing with your friends, thinking you sound just like'm.  Good times.{#Daisy}
Used to like the Eagles, back when they were, uh, the Eagles. Now Eagles Inc. sleeps with corporate america with their new release only distributed at Walmart ">

These boys are older...they're saving for retirement!{#Kiss}
my favorite Eagles tune ~ but if you play Hotel CA it will drive her nuts LOL ~ sorry lol ~ love her wild...
not to date myself, but i remember singing this when i was like 7 years old.
Ian Matthews version is pretty good.
 jktravl wrote:
Used to like the Eagles, back when they were, uh, the Eagles. Now Eagles Inc. sleeps with corporate america with their new release only distributed at Walmart ">

 
And that has what, again, to do with this song?  Nothing?  That's right.  Nothing.

Just listen to that harmony.  Enjoy it.  Call that good . . . for it is.

boring music for the masses, I thought I enjoyed these guys when I was young........then again I was 10
wow...that's some cool harmony singing!
 WonderLizard wrote:
Man, this band sure gets its share of brickbats. But, dig it, there was a time when they were a very cool rock'n'roll band ("It's a girl my lord/In a flatbed Ford") at least through Hotel California. They could play and weave those 4- and 5-part harmonies. I don't understand what exactly caused them to fall from grace. Generally, a band this old and crotchety would simply be called passe, and we'd all move on.
 
pure ego man - pure eagles ego = eago
{#Cowboy}

You know...for my money...the Eagles and Jimmy Buffet are in the same category...talented musicians who make boring music with mass appeal.  For me...RP should aim a lot higher.  3
I remember the first time I heard this. 8th grade. My friend Gene bought it and excitedly played it for me. I had been into Hotel California before this. I truly hated this. Too much country, not enough nasty guitar.
I have always sung this song in my most private moments since I was a child.  Damn it's so freakin good!
Speaking of harmonies, my goodness they're GREAT!  Love the all-American, cowboy boots, dusty backroads, and pick-up trucks feel that the Eagles bring me.
"Find the Cost of Freedom" anyone? class? Bueller?
 WonderLizard wrote:
Man, this band sure gets its share of brickbats. But, dig it, there was a time when they were a very cool rock'n'roll band ("It's a girl my lord/In a flatbed Ford") at least through Hotel California. They could play and weave those 4- and 5-part harmonies. I don't understand what exactly caused them to fall from grace. Generally, a band this old and crotchety would simply be called passe, and we'd all move on.
  Well said ...


Not my thing.
I keep wondering when, after this song was recorded, The Eagles ceased to be musicians and became THE EAGLES!!! or whatever.

 
WonderLizard wrote:
Man, this band sure gets its share of brickbats. But, dig it, there was a time when they were a very cool rock'n'roll band ("It's a girl my lord/In a flatbed Ford") at least through Hotel California. They could play and weave those 4- and 5-part harmonies. I don't understand what exactly caused them to fall from grace. Generally, a band this old and crotchety would simply be called passe, and we'd all move on.
 


Man, this band sure gets its share of brickbats. But, dig it, there was a time when they were a very cool rock'n'roll band ("It's a girl my lord/In a flatbed Ford") at least through Hotel California. They could play and weave those 4- and 5-part harmonies. I don't understand what exactly caused them to fall from grace. Generally, a band this old and crotchety would simply be called passe, and we'd all move on.
LOVE THIS SONG!!! 10!!!  {#Guitarist}{#Clap}

The harmonies are simply delicous. Can't get enough.
It's been way too long since I've heard this.   {#Meditate}
kazuma wrote:
Don Barleycorn too.
alux wrote:
A radio station best judged by the rating and not the comments.
I fixed your quote for you.
A song best judged by the rating and not the comments.
sutcliff wrote:
John Henley must die.
Don Barleycorn too.
They pretty much copied Ia(i)n Matthews' arrangement.
Used to like the Eagles, back when they were, uh, the Eagles. Now Eagles Inc. sleeps with corporate america with their new release only distributed at Walmart ">
Geecheeboy wrote:
Maybe he's a practicing Contrarian.
On the contrary! : )
I have this recording in DTS 5.1 and it sounds, well heavenly. I really don't like the eagles, too much air play, but they could sing.
absolutley hate the whoopers in the crowd here
Im not an Eagles fan ... but the singing in this song is very tight very nice
John Henley must die.
Remember what The Dude said "I've had a bad day and I ..."
Always liked their music and their harmonies, even though I think Henley kind of a jerk.
MCKY wrote:
I know they're overplayed, obnoxious and corporate rock. But still enjoy hearing the Eagles. Their line "Deadhead sticker on a cadillac" sums up what happend to many of us.
That was Don Henley, solo. And I do love the harmonies in this song.
parrothead wrote:
I was there not too long ago, you really don't want to go there.
Yeppers. I spent junior high and HS years there. Interesting. Saw a Klan march once. Drove over the Edmund Pettus bridge near Selma a bunch of times, always gave me the creeps. Apparently it has changed a LOT. White flight continues eastward. I heard rumors of yuppie-style gentrification of downtown though: when I was there it was no-man's land after business hours. As much as I express distaste for Alabama in general and Monkeytown in particular, I still love 'Sweet Home Alabama'. Call me an old softy. c.
redeyespy wrote:
And thank God you're not caustic.
Maybe he's a practicing Contrarian.
The_Enemy wrote:
And then I realized it was The ^%#@$ Eagles -- The Band Time Forgot To Forget. Disappointed again.
:LOL: hahahaa!!!!
I like Dolly's version even better.
The Dude abides.