About The Song
“Take the Devil” is a track by the American rock band Eagles, appearing as the tenth and final song on their self-titled debut studio album, Eagles, released on June 17, 1972, by Asylum Records. The album was recorded primarily at Olympic Studios in London and Wally Heider Recording Studio in Los Angeles between February and March 1972, produced by Glyn Johns (known for his work with the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and the Who). “Take the Devil” was not released as a single and did not chart individually on the Billboard Hot 100 or other major lists. The album itself peaked at number 22 on the Billboard 200, achieved 1× Platinum certification from the RIAA, and spawned three charting singles: “Take It Easy” (number 12 Hot 100), “Witchy Woman” (number 9), and “Peaceful Easy Feeling” (number 22). It has sold over 7 million copies worldwide and is considered a cornerstone of the country-rock genre.
The song runs 3:57 in duration and features Randy Meisner on lead vocals with band harmonies from Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Bernie Leadon. Songwriting credits belong to Randy Meisner. Musically, “Take the Devil” is a mid-tempo country-rock ballad with a gentle, rolling rhythm, acoustic and electric guitars (including Leadon’s distinctive banjo-like picking and pedal steel accents), and Meisner’s warm, plaintive vocal delivery. The production by Glyn Johns emphasizes clean, spacious sound with subtle reverb and a laid-back groove typical of the Eagles’ early California sound. The track stands out on the debut album for its introspective tone amid the project’s mix of upbeat rockers and harmony-driven ballads, providing a reflective close to the record.
Lyrically, “Take the Devil” is a plea for redemption and escape from inner demons or a destructive lifestyle. The narrator addresses a higher power or fate, asking to be freed from temptation and darkness (“Take the devil from my back / Take the devil from my soul / Take the devil from my mind / Before he takes control”). Verses describe a man haunted by his past (“I’ve been down so long / Feels like my soul is gone”), seeking salvation and a fresh start (“Give me strength to carry on / Lead me to the light”). Meisner has described the song in interviews as personal, reflecting struggles with temptation and the desire for peace—common themes in early Eagles material influenced by their Southern California lifestyle and the era’s counterculture. The lyrics blend spiritual yearning with country storytelling, aligning with the album’s overall blend of rock, country, and folk influences.
“Take the Devil” emerged during the Eagles’ formative years as a new band formed in 1971 from Linda Ronstadt’s backing group (Frey and Henley) and Poco alumni (Meisner and Leadon). It highlights Meisner’s songwriting and vocal contributions before his departure in 1977. While not a commercial standout, the song has gained appreciation in retrospectives for its emotional sincerity and role in establishing the band’s harmonious, introspective style. It appears on compilations such as The Very Best of the Eagles (2003), Selected Works 1972-1999 (2000 box set), and Legacy (2018). Live performances are included on various bootlegs and official releases like Hell Freezes Over (1994 tour recordings). The track remains a fan favorite for its gentle melody and heartfelt plea, encapsulating the early Eagles’ blend of country roots and rock craftsmanship in their debut era.
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Lyric
Take the devil from my back
Take the devil from my soul
Take the devil from my mind
Before he takes controlI’ve been down so long
Feels like my soul is gone
Give me strength to carry on
Lead me to the lightTake the devil from my back
Take the devil from my soul
Take the devil from my mind
Before he takes controlLord, I’ve tried so hard
To walk the narrow road
But the devil keeps on callin’
Pullin’ at my loadTake the devil from my back
Take the devil from my soul
Take the devil from my mind
Before he takes control