I almost didn’t do a music post tonight, so distraught am I over the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  But, I figure since I’m not likely to sleep anyway, why not listen to some music and share with my friends?  Continuing on with Eagles’ Week, I have chosen one of my most favourite Eagles’ songs.

Eagles bass player Timothy B. Schmit, who replaced Randy Meisner in 1977, sang lead and was the primary songwriter.  According to Schmit …

“It was co-written by me and Don (Henley) and Glenn (Frey). I did bring a portion of that song, unfinished, to them back then, because I was new in the band and they wanted to introduce me on a good note, no pun intended. And I had this little piece of a tune that they really liked. It was loosely based on my own experiences.”

Glenn Frey played lead guitar on this song, which was rare at the time since Don Felder or Joe Walsh usually played lead, relegating Frey to rhythm.  In an interview with Bob Costas, Frey said that this and One Of These Nights were the two Eagles songs he helped write that he would put into a time capsule to represent the Eagles best work.

Now here’s something that might surprise you.  Jimmy Buffett sang background on this track and David Sanborn played saxophone. Timothy B. Schmit is the one who came up with the term “Parrotheads” to describe Jimmy Buffett’s fans.

I Can’t Tell You Why
Eagles

Look at us baby, up all night
Tearing our love apart
Aren’t we the same two people who live
Through years in the dark?
Ahh
Every time I try to walk away
Something makes me turn around and stay
And I can’t tell you why

When we get crazy
It just ain’t to right (try to keep you head little girl)
Girl I get lonely too
You don’t have to worry
Just hold on tight (don’t get caught in your little world)
Cause I love you
Nothing’s wrong as far as I can see
We make it harder than it has to be
And I can’t tell you why
No, baby, I can’t tell you why
I can’t tell you why

Every time I try to walk away
Something makes me turn around and stay
And I can’t tell you why
No, no, baby, I can’t tell you why
I can’t tell you why
I can’t tell you why

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Don Henley / Timothy B. Schmit / Glenn Lewis Frey
I Can’t Tell You Why lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Eb Music Services