In 1974, the Eagles took aim at US President Richard Nixon with just four words. Five months later, he resigned

Key Points:

• Despite their laid-back, California rock image, the Eagles had political roots stemming from the 1960s counterculture movement, which inspired them to engage with social and political issues through their music.
• The band responded to the Watergate scandal and President Richard Nixon’s presidency with the song “On the Border” from their third album, incorporating subtle political commentary and humor.
• Internal creative tensions affected the final version of “On the Border,” but the Eagles still managed to deliver a pointed message, including the whispered line “Say goodnight, Dick,” a direct jab at Nixon’s impending resignation.
• Don Henley described the song’s political stance as a “kiss-off” to Nixon, reflecting the band’s willingness to critique political corruption despite their generally apolitical public image.
• Nixon’s presidency was widely criticized by musicians of the era, with the Eagles joining many artists in using their platform to protest and ridicule the embattled president.