One Day At A Time

Album: Analog Man (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about Joe Walsh's recovery from heavy alcohol and cocaine addictions. Whilst touring New Zealand with the reggae band Herbs in 1989, Walsh had "a moment of clarity" and on his return to America decided to seek help. He told Billboard magazine: "I ran out of options, and I had to do something, so I got sober. It was not easy, it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, and I had to stop and learn how to do everything over again sober. So that song is about the way it was and what it's like now, which I have a wonderful life I never could have imagined back then. So I wanted to put that song on the album for anybody that comes across my music and might be in trouble too. It feels like the phone weighs 80 pounds when you pick it up, but you gotta pick it up and ask for help."

Comments: 7

  • Johnv from UkI'm not so familiar with Joe's solo work as with Eagles back catalogue, but love what I've heard. I just came across this for the first time while listening to Boom Rock online radio, and immediately thought that with that guitar work and that vocal it had to be the great Dave Edmunds. Imagine my surprise - I'm astonished but it's not just a very inspiring message but musically terrific as well.
  • Bruce from Kasilof Alaska32 yrs sober . Thank You Joe, Thank You God
  • Joe from Collegeville, Pa, United StatesI'm 15 years sober and I can relate to Joe Walsh! Very proud!!
  • Littl Dog A Travelin Alcoholic from Fairbanks And Las VegasSaw joe walsh in Colorado Springs with James Gang (Funk 49). Awesome. I was s 20 year soldier 1970. Now with 19 years sobriety i just now heard “One day at a time”. Thank you.
  • Thomas Ramey from Villa Park, Illinois I am a great Joe Walsh fan and have just recently became sober. I have the Farewell Melbourne dvd set and heard him sing the song many times but not until 9 months ago did I really listen. Thanks Joe!
  • Richie from The Mile High CityHearing the word of God, I always questioned, hearing the words of Mr. Joe Walsh saved my ass and yes, sir, that f-ing phone was heavy! Thank you, sir, THANK YOU!!
  • David H Katof from The Worldthis song is everybody's life.. my favorite song. i love joe walsh
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou HarrisSongwriter Interviews

She thinks of herself as a "song interpreter," but back in the '80s another country star convinced Emmylou to take a crack at songwriting.

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"They're Playing My Song

With the band in danger of being dropped from their label, Alice Cooper drummer Neal Smith co-wrote the song that started their trek from horror show curiosity to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.