Eagles – Earlybird

About The Song

“Earlybird” is an upbeat country rock track written by Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner. It appears as the third song on the Eagles’ debut studio album, Eagles, released on June 1, 1972, by Asylum Records. Produced by Glyn Johns and recorded at Olympic Studios in London, the track prominently features Leadon’s banjo playing, Meisner’s lead vocals, and whistling throughout, giving it a bright, bluegrass-flavored feel. The arrangement includes acoustic guitars, bass, and light drums, showcasing the band’s early emphasis on country influences.

The song was released as the B-side to the album’s second single, “Witchy Woman,” issued in August 1972. While “Witchy Woman” reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Earlybird” itself did not chart independently. The debut album peaked at number 22 on the Billboard 200 and eventually achieved Platinum certification from the RIAA, driven by singles “Take It Easy,” “Witchy Woman,” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling.”

Lyrically, “Earlybird” celebrates freedom and the open road, following a carefree traveler who rises with the sun, hitches rides, and embraces a nomadic life without ties or worries. References to the early bird getting the worm underscore a lighthearted philosophy of seizing the day. The whistling interludes and joyful tempo reinforce the song’s optimistic, footloose spirit, contrasting with darker tracks like “Witchy Woman” on the same record.

Bernie Leadon, drawing from his bluegrass background with groups like the Flying Burrito Brothers, brought the banjo-driven energy, while Randy Meisner’s high tenor suited the lead vocal perfectly. The track highlights the collaborative vocal and instrumental strengths of the original lineup—Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Leadon, and Meisner—before their shift toward more rock-oriented material on subsequent albums.

Although never a single or major live staple, “Earlybird” has been praised for its infectious charm and authentic country roots. Reviews from outlets like Ultimate Classic Rock and AllMusic note its role in establishing the Eagles’ early harmony-rich, genre-blending sound. It appears on compilations such as Selected Works: 1972–1999 (2000) and the 2013 remastered edition of the debut album. The song remains a fan favorite among those appreciating the band’s pre-Desperado country-rock phase.

Live performances were occasional in the early 1970s, often featuring extended banjo breaks, but the track largely faded from setlists as the band’s style evolved. “Earlybird” endures as a breezy highlight of the Eagles’ formative period, exemplifying Leadon’s influence before his departure in 1975.

Video

Lyric

Early in the morning
About the break of day
The earlybird is working
So his life don’t fade away
He spends his life complaining
That he’s working every day

But the earlybird gets the worm
And the early worm gets eaten
So don’t you worry about tomorrow
‘Cause tomorrow will worry about itself

Hitch a ride on the wind
Let the wind take you where it will
No need to worry ’bout a thing
‘Cause the wind don’t ever stand still

Whistling

Early in the morning
About the break of day
The earlybird is singing
For the dawn to come his way
He sings his song so sweetly
As the day begins to break

But the earlybird gets the worm
And the early worm gets eaten
So don’t you worry about tomorrow
‘Cause tomorrow will worry about itself

Hitch a ride on the wind
Let the wind take you where it will
No need to worry ’bout a thing
‘Cause the wind don’t ever stand still

Whistling