Desperado is a song by the Eagles, written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, featured on the bands 1973 album of the same name. The song is a ballad about an outlaw, combining Old West imagery with modern themes. It is considered one of the bands best-known songs, discussing themes of forgiveness and redemption. Over the years, Desperado has been covered and recorded by many artists across various music genres.
Key: G
G
G7
C
Cm
G
Em
A7
D7
G
G7
C
Cm
Desperado, why don't you come to your senses
G
Em
You've been out ridin' fences,
A7
D7
for so long - now.
G
G7
Oh you're a hard one.
C
Cm
I know that you've got your reasons.
G
Em
These things that are pleasin' you
A7
D7
G
D
Can hurt you somehow.
Em
Bm
Don't you draw the queen of diamonds boy
C
G
She'll beat you if she's able.
Em
C
G
D
You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet.
Em
Bm
Now it seems to me, some fine things
C
G
Have been laid upon your table.
Em
A7
But you only want the ones
Am
D
That you can't get.
G
Desperado,
G7
C
Cm
Ohhhh you ain't getting no younger.
G
Em
Your pain and your hunger,
A7
D7
They're driving you home.
G
G7
And freedom, oh freedom.
C
Cm
Well that's just some people talking.
G
Em
A7
D7
G
D
Your prison is walking through this world all alone.
Em
Bm
Don't your feet get cold in the winter time?
C
G
The sky won't snow and the sun won't shine.
Em
C
G
D
It's hard to tell the night time from the day.
Em
Bm
And you're losing all your highs and lows
C
G
ain't it funny how the feeling goes
Am
D
D7
away...
G
Desperado,
G7
C
Cm
Why don't you come to your senses?
G
Em
A7
D7
come down from your fences, open the gate.
G
G7
C
Cm
It may be rainin', but there's a rainbow above you.