Who wrote the song "Seven Bridges Road," later recorded by the Eagles?

Steve Young wrote “Seven Bridges Road,” the song later recorded by the Eagles. Young first recorded it for his 1969 album Rock Salt & Nails, years before the Eagles made it a signature live performance.

The song draws on Woodley Road in Montgomery, Alabama, a rural route associated with seven bridges. Young said he began developing it after spending time there with friends, though he also described the song’s meaning as partly mysterious and instinctive.

The Eagles recorded their famous harmony arrangement in 1980. Their version became especially prominent in concert and appeared on the live album Eagles Live, helping many listeners mistakenly assume the band wrote it. Earlier versions included recordings by Young and English musician Iain Matthews.

The other options are associated with Eagles history, which can cause confusion: Warren Zevon and JD Souther were connected to the band’s songwriting circle, while Gram Parsons was an influential country-rock figure. None wrote this song.