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

The Eagles used their song ‘On the Border’ to make a sly political jab at US President Richard Nixon during the Watergate scandal. At the track’s close, Glenn Frey whispers “Say goodnight, Dick”, a comic sign-off aimed at Nixon as his presidency was nearing its end.

The song appeared on the band’s third studio album, released five months before Nixon resigned in August 1974. Don Henley later described the line as a “kiss-off” to Nixon, whom he felt was clearly on his way out. Henley also recalled that the song’s direction reflected a clash of styles within the band.