“Get Over It”: The Eagles’ Reunion Anthem and its Chart-Topping Legacy
After a prolonged hiatus of fourteen years, the legendary rock band The Eagles made a powerful comeback with their single “Get Over It”. Released during the wave of their much-anticipated reunion, this track not only marked a significant moment in rock history but also showcased the enduring songwriting partnership of Don Henley and Glenn Frey. The song debuted on their Hell Freezes Over tour in 1994, a name symbolically reflecting the band’s return since they had previously joked that they would only play together again “when hell freezes over.”
“Get Over It” resonated with fans old and new, propelling The Eagles back into the limelight of the U.S. music scene. It climbed to No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking their first top 40 hit after a fourteen-year gap. Moreover, the song achieved a remarkable No. 4 position on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, reaffirming the band’s rock credentials and their ability to adapt to the evolving music landscape.
The track’s lyrics are a candid reflection of Henley’s disdain for the culture of victimhood and entitlement that he perceived in society, particularly among those who air their grievances on television talk shows. Henley’s sharp and critical words, “Old Billy was right: let’s kill all the lawyers—kill ’em tonight,” echo a line from William Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Part II, showcasing his knack for integrating literary references into rock lyrics. This line amplifies the song’s thematic focus on personal responsibility and the rejection of blame-shifting.
Musically, “Get Over It” features the characteristic Eagles blend of rock with hints of country influences. The powerful guitar riffs and Henley’s distinctive vocal delivery provide a robust sonic backdrop to the song’s biting lyrics. The track’s aggressive tone and straightforward message contrast sharply with some of their mellower, more introspective hits from the 70s, reflecting a band that has matured but hasn’t lost its edge.
Despite its success and the pivotal role it played during their comeback tour, “Get Over It” was notably absent from the Eagles’ setlists after the Hell Freezes Over tour. This limited live performance history adds a layer of exclusivity to the song, making it a unique relic of their reunion era. It remains a testament to The Eagles’ ability to evolve with the times while staying true to their roots, resonating with a broad audience and securing its place as a memorable chapter in the annals of rock music.
The legacy of “Get Over It” extends beyond charts and tours; it symbolizes a moment of renewal and continuity for The Eagles, serving as a bridge between their illustrious past and their continued influence in music. For fans and critics alike, the song is a reminder of the band’s resilience and their unapologetic approach to music and life.
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Lyrics
I turn on the tube what do I see
A whole lotta people cryin’ don’t blame me
They point their crooked little fingers everybody else
Spend all their time feelin’ sorry for themselves
Victim of this victim of that
Your momma’s too thin and your daddy’s too fat
Get over it
Get over it
All this whinin’ cryin’ pitchin’ a fit
Get over it get over it
You say you haven’t been the same since you had your little crash
But you might feel better if they gave you some cash
The more I think about it old Billy was right
Let’s kill all the lawyers kill ’em tonight
Don’t want to work you want to live like a king
But the big bad world doesn’t owe you a thing
Get over it
Get over it
If you don’t want to play then you might as well split
Get over it get over it
It’s like going to confession every time I hear you speak
You’re makin’ the most of your losin’ streak
Some call it sick but I call it weak…
Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah
Yeah you drag it around like a ball and chain
Wallow in the guilt wallow in the pain
Wave it like a flag wear it like a crown
Got your mind in the gutter bringin’ everybody down
Complain about the present blame it on the past
I’d like to find your inner child kick its little ass
Get over it
Get over it
All this bitchin’ and moanin’ pitchin’ a fit
Get over it get over it
Get over it
Get over it
It’s gotta stop sometime
So why don’t you quit?
Get over it get over it
Get over it