Don Henley – Dirty Laundry

About the song

“Don Henley – Dirty Laundry” is a timeless classic that delves deep into the complexities of media sensationalism and societal voyeurism. Released in 1982 as part of Don Henley’s debut solo album “I Can’t Stand Still,” this song quickly became a hit and remains relevant today, resonating with audiences across generations.

The track opens with a catchy drumbeat and a groovy bassline that set the tone for Henley’s gritty vocals. As the song progresses, listeners are drawn into a world where news is not just information but a form of entertainment, where headlines are crafted to captivate rather than inform. Henley’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a media landscape obsessed with scandal and sensation, where “bubble-headed bleach-blondes” deliver news that is more about spectacle than substance.

One of the song’s most memorable lines, “We got the bubble-headed bleach-blonde / Comes on at five / She can tell you ’bout the plane crash with a gleam in her eye,” reflects the cynical view of how news is presented, highlighting the disconnect between the seriousness of events and the way they are portrayed for ratings and attention.

Musically, “Dirty Laundry” combines elements of rock, pop, and a touch of funk, creating a sound that is both catchy and thought-provoking. The guitar riffs add an edge to the song, while the chorus is instantly recognizable and invites sing-alongs.

Thematically, “Dirty Laundry” remains relevant in today’s media-saturated world, where sensationalism and clickbait headlines dominate the news cycle. Henley’s critique of the media’s role in shaping public perception and the commodification of tragedy is as poignant now as it was when the song was first released.

Overall, “Dirty Laundry” is not just a song but a social commentary that invites listeners to question the media narratives they are fed and to think critically about the information presented to them. Don Henley’s distinctive voice and sharp lyrics ensure that this song will continue to be a classic that stands the test of time.

Video

Lyrics

I make my living off the evening news
Just give me something
Something I can use
People love it when you lose
They love dirty laundry

Well, I coulda been an actor
But I wound up here
I just have to look good
I don’t have to be clear
Come and whisper in my ear
Give us dirty laundry

Kick ’em when they’re up
Kick ’em when they’re down
Kick ’em when they’re up
Kick ’em when they’re down

Kick ’em when they’re up
Kick ’em when they’re down
Kick ’em when they’re up
Kick ’em all around

We got the bubble headed
Bleached blonde
Comes on at five
She can tell you ’bout the plane crash
With a gleam in her eye
It’s interesting when people die
Give us dirty laundry

Can we film the operation
Is the head dead yet
You know the boys in the newsroom
Got a running bet
Get the widow on the set
We need dirty laundry

You don’t really need to find out
What’s going on
You don’t really want to know
Just how far it’s gone
Just leave well enough alone
Eat your dirty laundry

Kick ’em when they’re up
Kick ’em when they’re down
Kick ’em when they’re up
Kick ’em when they’re down

Kick ’em when they’re up
Kick ’em when they’re down
Kick ’em when they’re stiff
Kick ’em all around

(Kick ’em when they’re up)
(Kick ’em when they’re down)
(Kick ’em when they’re up)
(Kick ’em when they’re down)

(Kick ’em when they’re up)
(Kick ’em when they’re down)
(Kick ’em when they’re stiff)
(Kick ’em all around)

Dirty little secrets
Dirty little lies
We got our dirty little fingers
In everybody’s pie
We love to cut you down to size
We love dirty laundry

We can do the innuendo
We can dance and sing
When it’s said and done
We haven’t told you a thing
We all know that crap is king
Give us dirty laundry