Behind the Meaning of Eagles’ “Victim of Love”

The “Victim of Love” we all know and love today was almost very different. Don Felder was promised a couple of lead vocal spots on the accompanying album, including this mid-tempo hit. Eventually, he was lured away by their manager and replaced by Don Henley on the mic.

Though it was a sore spot for Felder at the time, it has become a certified classic in the rockers’ discography. Revisit the meaning behind this track, below.

[RELATED: 3 Eagles Hits That Highlight Don Felder’s Indelible Guitar Playing]

Behind the Meaning

What kind of love have you got?
You should be home, but you’re not
A room full of noise and dangerous boys
Still makes you thirsty and hot

“Victim of Love” sees Henley sing to an unidentified person, concerned about their love life. From an outside perspective, her (presumably) love life seems rocky. Nevertheless, she revels in the chase. A room full of noise and dangerous boys / Still makes you thirsty and hot, the lyrics read.

In the second verse, Henley asks the question that is hanging around in the air: You say he’s a liar and he put out your fire / How come you still got his gun in your hand? He calls her out on her hypocrisy, though there is a tongue-in-cheek element to it.

Victim of love, you’re just a victim of love
I could be wrong, but I’m not, no, I’m not
Victim of love, now you’re a victim of love
What kind of love have you got?
What kind of love have you got?
What kind of love have you got?

In the chorus, Henley cuts to the bone. He adds more fuel to the fire, calling her out on the part that she is playing. He alludes to the fact that she often confides in him about her romantic troubles, but secretly finds it thrilling.

(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)