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Joe Walsh — Life of Illusion
Album: There Goes the Neighborhood
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1572









Released: 1981
Length: 3:22
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Sometimes I can't help the feeling that I'm
Living a life of illusion
And oh, why can't we let it be
And see through the hole in this wall of confusion
I just can't help the feeling I'm
Living a life of illusion

Pow! Right between the eyes
Oh, how nature loves her little surprises
Wow! It all seems so logical now
It's just one of her better disguises
And it comes with no warning
Nature loves her little surprises
Continual crisis

Hey, don't you know it's a waste of your day
Caught up in endless solutions
That have no meaning, just another hunch
Based upon jumping conclusions
Caught up in endless solutions
Backed up against a wall of confusion
Living a life of illusion
Comments (112)add comment
Rewind to 1981 back in my midwest hometown lounging by a pool with my high school friends, taking in rays, the stereo playing this song. Letting the good times roll. 😎
Posted 9 months ago by bluebeag    [ Reply ]
I was 16 when this song came out. Haven't listened to it for long, now I'm smiling. Thanks RP
Posted 9 months ago by grandemarch    [ Reply ]
reminds me that I need to dig out The Confessor some time.
Posted 11 months ago by pilgrim    [ Reply ]
 lily34 wrote:


i love him so much.


You and me both lily34
Posted 1 year ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:

Interesting "hook".  Not your typical three-chord crush, or a ripping "seven-blue-notes-finished-with-tremolo".

Joe Walsh can play -- no question -- but his true redeeming value is an ability to poke fun at himself and the music industry.

"There Goes the Neighborhood ..."



i love him so much.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
This song will forevermore make me flash back to the opening scene of The 40-Year-Old Virgin. 
Posted 1 year ago by ginger    [ Reply ]
Anyone else hearing Street Fighting Man in the vocals?
Posted 1 year ago by CCSandman    [ Reply ]
In addition, he's Ringo Starr's brother-in-law....
Posted 2 years ago by MKoMOne    [ Reply ]
Nature loves her little surprises.
Posted 3 years ago by theralph    [ Reply ]
Interesting "hook".  Not your typical three-chord crush, or a ripping "seven-blue-notes-finished-with-tremolo".

Joe Walsh can play -- no question -- but his true redeeming value is an ability to poke fun at himself and the music industry.

"There Goes the Neighborhood ..."
Posted 4 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 slaven41 wrote:
The only reason this song doesn't suck is because it's too bland to suck.
 

See below. 
Posted 4 years ago by nomnol    [ Reply ]
If this song doesn't get you going you may just be dead. 
Posted 5 years ago by dopeonaropesoap    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite JW songs! Playful with great riffs.

Posted 5 years ago by Isabeau    [ Reply ]
Pow, right between the eyes
Posted 5 years ago by ColdMiser    [ Reply ]
Just realized he's still touring - looked it up, but it's listed as an Eagles Tour.
Call me when it's a James Gang or just Joe Walsh Tour.
Posted 5 years ago by stevesaw    [ Reply ]
I'm hearing a bit of Spoon, and there's nothing wrong with that.  And, yes, I do know that this came first ...
Posted 5 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
Joe just knows how to have fun, and his guitar sings its joy and I can't help but jump in and have a good time too!  Every. Single. Time. I. Hear. Him.
Posted 5 years ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
where is this hour playlist (my douther is asking)...?
Posted 6 years ago by amimaoz    [ Reply ]
 freddyfender wrote:
The only cool member of the Eagles!
 
And while he's there... a very humble man.
Joe is a really nice guy.
Posted 6 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
The only reason this song doesn't suck is because it's too bland to suck.
Posted 6 years ago by slaven41    [ Reply ]
good dude Joe Walsh. Joe's been very active helping fight the opioid epidemic. Giving his time to help the cause to promote recovery
Posted 6 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
The only cool member of the Eagles!
Posted 6 years ago by freddyfender    [ Reply ]
I love Joe Walsh. A big thank you RP.
Posted 6 years ago by slowchair    [ Reply ]
 Bozo wrote:
If Joe's running for president again, he has my vote!!!
 
https://www.tdpri.com/attachments/1_02b4bf7d73fdae0cf256b73b9f343d26-jpg.360810/
Posted 7 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 Bozo wrote:
If Joe's running for president again, he has my vote!!!

 
Joe, time to run is now. NOW DAMNIT!


Posted 7 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Love the horns!
Posted 7 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]
Joe is a good man. Came out for the Facing Addiction Rally in DC and gave it his all
Posted 8 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Joe was listening to too much Rolling Stones when he wrote this song.  Can't you hear Street Fightin' Man?{#Bananajam}
Posted 8 years ago by below72    [ Reply ]
One of my fav Joe Walsh songs, not heard often. Thanks, Bill!
 
Posted 8 years ago by Wilfrue    [ Reply ]
Cool hearing Joe today! Just yesterday biked to the fountain dedicated to his departed daughter Emma (d. '74) in North Boulder park...
Posted 8 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 FatPants wrote:
Hell, I loved all the videos on MTV when I was a kid (except of course for Heart's "Cities Burning" which was horrible.)

 
Ann Wilson (OK-I'll be nice and keep it succinct instead of mean) would like a word with you.
Posted 8 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
 LowPhreak wrote:

Similar to what you did there - going around correcting people.

 
True; as I wrote in the prior post: it could make one unpopular in certain circles.
Posted 8 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
I loved this video on MTV when I was a kid.  Hell, I loved all the videos on MTV when I was a kid (except of course for Heart's "Cities Burning" which was horrible.)
Posted 8 years ago by FatPants    [ Reply ]
 countyman wrote:

Timothy B. Schmit sucks? Why?  And just for the record, why DO the others?

 
Big Lebowski:

Are you that taxi driver? 

Great song. 
Posted 9 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 DownHomeGirl wrote:
The one and only Eagle who doesn't suck.

 
Timothy B. Schmit sucks? Why?  And just for the record, why DO the others?


Posted 9 years ago by countyman    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:
{#Lol}Honestly, this is the most accurate song I have ever heard as regards to the human experience. {#Sorry}{#Dance}{#Lol}{#Lol}

 
agree
Posted 9 years ago by DanFHiggins    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

Those pronunciations are used all over the U.S., not just in the South.  Anyhow, Joe Walsh is not from the South - he primarily grew up around Columbus, Ohio and the NYC area. 
So, you go around correcting other people's elocution?  That could make you unpopular in some circles.

 
Similar to what you did there - going around correcting people.
Posted 9 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
Joe is cool...
Posted 9 years ago by QuestionMark    [ Reply ]
Nice! Thanks Bill - has stood the test of time.
Posted 10 years ago by stevesaw    [ Reply ]
 musikluvr wrote:
One of those songs that I didn't think much of back in the day, but now, I really enjoy hearing.

 

Same here.  Really love this cut, especially the Mariachi horns!
Posted 10 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]
This is one of those that sound really good on a mid level system really loud!  Old school
Posted 10 years ago by Zocket    [ Reply ]
One of those songs that I didn't think much of back in the day, but now, I really enjoy hearing.
Posted 10 years ago by musikluvr    [ Reply ]

The only guy on the planet to create adjoining hotel rooms with a chainsaw while on the road. {#Bananajumprope}
Posted 11 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
Fun and profound, much thanks.
Posted 11 years ago by kdarwish    [ Reply ]
Noisy and somewhat junky. I do like the windy and harmonic bass part though.
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Great to hear this one here.  Haven't heard it in years.
Posted 11 years ago by Cyclehawk    [ Reply ]
One Of my favorite madmen!
Posted 11 years ago by dew34    [ Reply ]
back when I was just noticing music I really liked this tune ....Didn't have a clue to who Joe was, who he had played with, etc ... Now, I still really like this tune..
Posted 12 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
{#Lol}Honestly, this is the most accurate song I have ever heard as regards to the human experience. {#Sorry}{#Dance}{#Lol}{#Lol}
Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
If Joe's running for president again, he has my vote!!!
Posted 12 years ago by Bozo    [ Reply ]
Another song that takes me back to my junior high days, listening to Chicago's WLS AM on my crappy little clock radio.
Posted 12 years ago by deepwoodskev    [ Reply ]
What a great song, holds up well over time!  One of his best
Posted 12 years ago by Baketown    [ Reply ]
Well, this takes me back! Great song. 
Posted 12 years ago by K_Love    [ Reply ]
I really like this song.  I know you were all on the edge of your seats waiting for my verdict on this song.  {#Foot-in-mouth}  {#Lol}
Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 Giselle62 wrote:
Many Southern people say "wonder" for "wander" and also say "pitcher" for "picture" and even reverse these no matter how you correct them.
 
Those pronunciations are used all over the U.S., not just in the South.  Anyhow, Joe Walsh is not from the South - he primarily grew up around Columbus, Ohio and the NYC area. 
So, you go around correcting other people's elocution?  That could make you unpopular in some circles.
Posted 12 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
The one and only Eagle who doesn't suck.
Posted 12 years ago by DownHomeGirl    [ Reply ]
*chair dancing*
Posted 12 years ago by K_Love    [ Reply ]
Pow, right between the eyes {#Clap}
Posted 12 years ago by ColdMiser    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:
This is just a fun song, anybody who don't like this is a Communist.
 

mmhmm {#Yes}
Posted 12 years ago by MiracleDrug    [ Reply ]
My homie! When I went to Kent State, we used to go see the James Gang for a buck.
Posted 12 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
Spichanator, any chance you can convince him to listen to/drop in on RP and regale us with a few stories? Seems like a lot of people here miss him. 
 spichanator wrote:
Get a ham license and talk to him. He's a long time amateur radio guy and is quite active in promoting the hobby.
  unclehud wrote: 


Posted 13 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Get a ham license and talk to him. He's a long time amateur radio guy and is quite active in promoting the hobby.
  unclehud wrote:
 nagsheadlocal wrote:
A vastly underrated musician. He has strong skills in writing and arranging and his playing speaks for itself.   ...

Agreed, wholeheartedly.  His skills were apparent way back with James Gang and that ape-hanger chopper, through the Eagles, and on to his half-humor solo stuff.  Love to spend an afternoon chatting with him, since he seems like a good guy.
 

Posted 13 years ago by spichanator    [ Reply ]
This is just a fun song, anybody who don't like this is a Communist.
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Ten points for the album name!
Posted 13 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
Many Southern people say "wonder" for "wander" and also say "pitcher" for "picture" and even reverse these no matter how you correct them.
Posted 13 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
 nagsheadlocal wrote:
A vastly underrated musician. He has strong skills in writing and arranging and his playing speaks for itself.   ...

Agreed, wholeheartedly.  His skills were apparent way back with James Gang and that ape-hanger chopper, through the Eagles, and on to his half-humor solo stuff.  Love to spend an afternoon chatting with him, since he seems like a good guy.
Posted 13 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
I hadn't heard this in a long time, i like it.
Posted 13 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
I saw a headline in The Onion today while on campus - "Joe Walsh wakes up in middle of guitar solo again".
Posted 13 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Yeah,why be cheap,bumped it up to nine,,just for the tempo !{#Bananajam}
Posted 13 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
 HazzeSwede wrote:
Always have enjoyed Joes' solo stuff. #8
 
Right you are!

Posted 13 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Always have enjoyed Joes' solo stuff. #8
Posted 14 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
ah very chill, almost Caribbean feel to this.  Makes me feel good all over.
Posted 14 years ago by vicariance    [ Reply ]
With regard to some of the comments:  People are just so MEAN.

With regard to the song:  Like it a lot!

Posted 14 years ago by casey1024    [ Reply ]
Hell yes! Love this song :D
Posted 14 years ago by mybaldbird    [ Reply ]
Have not heard this one in a long time ... I like the brass!
The man is creative.
Posted 14 years ago by The_gnome    [ Reply ]
macadavy wrote:

"I wondered (not wandered!) over to the box office only about five hours before the show, and they had a few single tickets on the front row! I bought one."

You sweet little lost boy, do you still wonder about? And how's about that Panama Red (er, I mean Panama Floyd!) {#Wink}

Well, that was a really condescending comment!  I actually agree with Panama Floyd. I'd rather listen to Joe Walsh over Stevie Nicks any day!

Posted 14 years ago by Walrus_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
first time hearing - me likey ... sounds fresh!
Posted 14 years ago by lophrequa    [ Reply ]
Nice!
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 acidreflucks wrote:

Ok nothing much to do with the song (which I dig) but how can one listen to RP without loggin in?  Bill says so often, 'Go to our webpage' that I know the only answer is not mine: Well I have to be there since I'm listening.  Just curious.

 

Not necessarily
Posted 15 years ago by choiceimage    [ Reply ]
Absolutely. Joe Walsh leaves everyone behind in the review mirror of his Mazeratti that he used to drive before he lost his license.
Go Joe, Go Joe.
Posted 15 years ago by Kokoloco53    [ Reply ]
What a fun song. Joe always puts a smile on my face when I hear his music.
 
Posted 15 years ago by sharkartist    [ Reply ]
 Panama_Floyd wrote:

Strangest concert experience I've ever had...in the early 1980's I was living in Starkville, Mississipi, and the group at MS State announced that they had secured a date on Stevie Nicks' tour for her solo record. The "warm-up" act was to be Joe.

I had heard Stevie's solo record, and it really didn't do anything for me. But I'd never seen Joe Walsh play in person, so on the day of the show, I decided I'd try to get a ticket. I wondered over to the box office only about five hours before the show, and they had a few single tickets on the front row! I bought one.

Joe played really well, and avoided his "hits". He played stuff like "The Bomber", and some stuff from "Barnstorm"! (IIRC, "Home", "Here We Go", and "Turn To Stone") He also played "Life of Illusion".

He played really well, but for only about 45 minutes. At first, I was a little ticked off that there was no encore, but then I remembered that he wasn't headlining that night. I smiled to myself, and left the arena.

Out in the parking lot, I realized a lot of people were leaving. And we all had the same expression on our faces..

"..you, too? I thought I was the only one!"

 


 
"I wondered (not wandered!) over to the box office only about five hours before the show, and they had a few single tickets on the front row! I bought one."

You sweet little lost boy, do you still wonder about?  And how's about that Panama Red (er, I mean Panama Floyd!)   {#Wink}


Posted 15 years ago by macadavy    [ Reply ]
 acidreflucks wrote:

Ok nothing much to do with the song (which I dig) but how can one listen to RP without loggin in?  Bill says so often, 'Go to our webpage' that I know the only answer is not mine: Well I have to be there since I'm listening.  Just curious.

 
I bookmark the stream URL in whichever media player I am using, and need not open a browser or the website itself.
Good song by the way.

Posted 15 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Joe Walsh for President!
Posted 15 years ago by jjfflyboy    [ Reply ]
Always been a follower of Mr Walsh' musical paths,hope Bill puts some more in rotation.{#Clap}
Posted 15 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
 Panama_Floyd wrote:

Strangest concert experience I've ever had...in the early 1980's I was living in Starkville, Mississipi, and the group at MS State announced that they had secured a date on Stevie Nicks' tour for her solo record. The "warm-up" act was to be Joe.

I had heard Stevie's solo record, and it really didn't do anything for me. But I'd never seen Joe Walsh play in person, so on the day of the show, I decided I'd try to get a ticket. I wondered over to the box office only about five hours before the show, and they had a few single tickets on the front row! I bought one.

Joe played really well, and avoided his "hits". He played stuff like "The Bomber", and some stuff from "Barnstorm"! (IIRC, "Home", "Here We Go", and "Turn To Stone") He also played "Life of Illusion".

He played really well, but for only about 45 minutes. At first, I was a little ticked off that there was no encore, but then I remembered that he wasn't headlining that night. I smiled to myself, and left the arena.

Out in the parking lot, I realized a lot of people were leaving. And we all had the same expression on our faces..

"..you, too? I thought I was the only one!"

 


 

'Had this same experiance after seeing Joni Mitchell open for Bob Dylan at GA Tech, in '98.


Posted 15 years ago by Hairfarmer    [ Reply ]
 Gryn wrote:
I didn't recognize this song as a Walsh song until I logged in.
 
Ok nothing much to do with the song (which I dig) but how can one listen to RP without loggin in?  Bill says so often, 'Go to our webpage' that I know the only answer is not mine: Well I have to be there since I'm listening.  Just curious.

Posted 15 years ago by acidreflucks    [ Reply ]
Turn up your headphones, and THEN say you dont like old Joe, pretty fly for a white guy! {#Music}
Posted 15 years ago by redstorm    [ Reply ]
{#Sunny} Gawd do I love Joe Walsh.
Posted 15 years ago by blades    [ Reply ]
It's nice to hear this again.

Posted 15 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]
A vastly underrated musician. He has strong skills in writing and arranging and his playing speaks for itself. He has a speach impediment and that leads some people to think he's stupid - and his hard-party image doesn't help in that regard.

"The Smoker you drink" is one of my favorite albums from the 70s with "Days Gone By" a strong effort.
Posted 16 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
 Panama_Floyd wrote:

Strangest concert experience I've ever had...in the early 1980's I was living in Starkville, Mississipi, and the group at MS State announced that they had secured a date on Stevie Nicks' tour for her solo record. The "warm-up" act was to be Joe.

I had heard Stevie's solo record, and it really didn't do anything for me. But I'd never seen Joe Walsh play in person, so on the day of the show, I decided I'd try to get a ticket. I wondered over to the box office only about five hours before the show, and they had a few single tickets on the front row! I bought one.

Joe played really well, and avoided his "hits". He played stuff like "The Bomber", and some stuff from "Barnstorm"! (IIRC, "Home", "Here We Go", and "Turn To Stone") He also played "Life of Illusion".

He played really well, but for only about 45 minutes. At first, I was a little ticked off that there was no encore, but then I remembered that he wasn't headlining that night. I smiled to myself, and left the arena.

Out in the parking lot, I realized a lot of people were leaving. And we all had the same expression on our faces..

"..you, too? I thought I was the only one!"

 

 

Grand,  but....what is the strange experience?  {#Propeller} Sounds like you guys need more exciting things to do in MIssissippi.  {#Biggrin}


Posted 16 years ago by superfido    [ Reply ]
 Hairfarmer wrote:
Ol' Joe. The best thing that ever happend to The Eagles.
 
Hail Joe!

Posted 16 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]

Strangest concert experience I've ever had...in the early 1980's I was living in Starkville, Mississipi, and the group at MS State announced that they had secured a date on Stevie Nicks' tour for her solo record. The "warm-up" act was to be Joe.

I had heard Stevie's solo record, and it really didn't do anything for me. But I'd never seen Joe Walsh play in person, so on the day of the show, I decided I'd try to get a ticket. I wondered over to the box office only about five hours before the show, and they had a few single tickets on the front row! I bought one.

Joe played really well, and avoided his "hits". He played stuff like "The Bomber", and some stuff from "Barnstorm"! (IIRC, "Home", "Here We Go", and "Turn To Stone") He also played "Life of Illusion".

He played really well, but for only about 45 minutes. At first, I was a little ticked off that there was no encore, but then I remembered that he wasn't headlining that night. I smiled to myself, and left the arena.

Out in the parking lot, I realized a lot of people were leaving. And we all had the same expression on our faces..

"..you, too? I thought I was the only one!"

 


Posted 16 years ago by Panama_Floyd    [ Reply ]
MAS JOE POR FAVOR SIIIII SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII.
Posted 16 years ago by buena_vista    [ Reply ]
I have always gotten a kick out of Joe W.  Such a character and has the talent to do some cheesy stuff and pull it off.  Quite a musician too.
Posted 16 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:
i like joe. i'm going to hunt down some of his more unique stuff and upload it to torture my fellow rp listeners!

Love this song!

I uploaded "Theme from Boat Weirdos" to the LRC. Didn't make it. Sorry 41/8. If you haven't heard it, give it a turn. Awesome instrumental that reminds me of cruisin' with the top down at dusk along A1A from Jacksonville to Daytona in the middle of summer. Those were the days!


Posted 16 years ago by ajlept    [ Reply ]
 Hairfarmer wrote:
Ol' Joe. The best thing that ever happend to The Eagles.
 
I agree with Xeric below, some of Joe Walsh's solo music is on the dippy side (not that I'm not a fan of some!).  I'd say that the Eagles and Joe Walsh were the best thing that happened to both of them.  The Eagles brought out some of the best in Joe and they both benefited from it.


Posted 16 years ago by justlistening    [ Reply ]
 Hairfarmer wrote:
Ol' Joe. The best thing that ever happend to The Eagles.
 


Posted 16 years ago by n4ku    [ Reply ]
Ol' Joe. The best thing that ever happend to The Eagles.
Posted 16 years ago by Hairfarmer    [ Reply ]
Perfect song to hear in the middle of the day-thanks!
Posted 16 years ago by jim1964    [ Reply ]
I didn't recognize this song as a Walsh song until I logged in. I'm even more impressed, now.
Posted 16 years ago by Gryn    [ Reply ]
One of my favourite Joe Walsh tunes. Pleeeeease play more JOE! :-)
Posted 16 years ago by big_gare    [ Reply ]
I've always liked the contrast between the sentiment of "Life's Been Good to Me So Far" which I believe came out first and this song.
Posted 17 years ago by RobRyan    [ Reply ]
Wow, I was thinking of this song today! It's really grown on me over the years. Good to hear it, today. Thanks Bill!!
Posted 17 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]
Kurt_from_La_Qui wrote:
i like joe. i'm going to hunt down some of his more unique stuff and upload it to torture my fellow rp listeners!
Torture us, please! /me Joe Walsh fan too
Posted 17 years ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
I've always loved this tune.
Posted 20 years ago by redeyespy    [ Reply ]
Kurt_from_La_Qui wrote:
i like joe. i'm going to hunt down some of his more unique stuff and upload it to torture my fellow rp listeners!
I'm all for it. (Joe Walsh, not torture that is) :)
Posted 20 years ago by veegez    [ Reply ]
i like joe. i'm going to hunt down some of his more unique stuff and upload it to torture my fellow rp listeners!
Posted 20 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
Much of Walsh's work is a bit on the dippy side (and the horns in this one are pushing it a bit), but this is a nice tune. Oh, how nature loves her little surprises. . . .
Posted 20 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]