The Boys of Summer

Don Henley

About The Boys of Summer

"The Boys of Summer" is a song released in 1984 by Eagles vocalist and drummer Don Henley, with lyrics written by Henley and music composed by Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The lead single from Henley's album Building the Perfect Beast, "The Boys of Summer" was released on October 26, 1984. It reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US, number one on the Billboard Top Rock Tracks chart, and number 12 in the UK Singles Chart. The music video won several awards. "The Boys of Summer" was also performed live by Henley with the reunited Eagles; a version is included on the group's 2005 DVD Farewell 1 Tour: Live from Melbourne. 


Year:
2009
4:49
386 
#2

Lyrics currently unavailable…


Don Henley

Donald Hugh "Don" Henley (born July 22, 1947, in Gilmer, Texas) is an American singer, songwriter and drummer, best known as a founding member of the Eagles before launching a successful solo career. Henley was the drummer and lead vocalist for the Eagles from 1971–1980, when the band broke up. Henley sings lead vocals on Eagles hits such as "Witchy Woman", "Desperado", "Best of My Love", "One of These Nights", "Hotel California", "Life in the Fast Lane", and "The Long Run". He and Glenn Frey formed one of the most successful songwriting partnerships in music history. more »

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10 facts about this song

Song Background
"The Boys of Summer" is a song by Don Henley, released in 1984 on his "Building The Perfect Beast" album. This was Henley's second solo album after his departure from his previous band, the Eagles.
Music Video
The music video for "The Boys of Summer" won several awards, including Video of the Year at the 1985 MTV Video Music Awards, making it the first-ever winner of this prestigious award.
Inspiration
The song was inspired by Henley’s nostalgic feelings during a trip to his hometown after having been away for a long time. The lyrics evoke the onset of autumn, a metaphor for the onset of middle age.
Collaborators
The song was co-written by Don Henley and Mike Campbell, who was Tom Petty's guitarist. Initially, the song was meant for Tom Petty, but when he declined, Henley used it for his solo project.
Billboard Success
"The Boys of Summer" reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in early 1985.
Musical Style
This song is a combination of aspects from the rock, pop, and new wave genres, and it's known for its distinctive, synthesized drum sound and atmospheric guitar work.
Song Interpretation
The song's lyrics discuss aging and the inevitable passage of youth, intertwined with a love gone wrong story. The phrase "Boys of Summer" is often interpreted as a metaphor for one's youthful past.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, most notably by punk band The Ataris in 2003, whose version hit No. 2 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart.
Use in Media
The track has been used in various forms of media, including television series such as The Office and Miami Vice. It's also featured in movies like Napoleon Dynamite and Side Out.
Acclaim
The song is not only popular among fans but also received critical acclaim. It was listed as one of the Top 100 Songs of the 1980s by Rolling Stone.

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    The Boys of Summer

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1985

    Billboard #5


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