Synopsis

Filmed in stark black and white, the video follows a young man's passage from childhood into adulthood. Images of family life, romance, military service, work, and loss unfold alongside Don Henley's performance, creating a portrait of personal disillusionment and a changing America. The intimate memories gradually broaden into a darker social commentary, as the innocence of youth gives way to war, political power, and the compromises of adult life.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was released in 1989 to promote Henley's third solo album, also titled "The End of the Innocence."

• Its black-and-white photography and observational images draw on the documentary style associated with Robert Frank's photo book "The Americans."

• Henley included two pointed political references: Ronald Reagan campaign posters appear during the line about "beating plowshares into swords," while television footage of Oliver North's congressional testimony accompanies the reference to lawyers.

• The song was co-written by Henley and Bruce Hornsby. Hornsby also played piano on the recording.

• The video helped earn Henley the MTV Video Music Award for Best Male Video in 1990.

• The title track won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male, at the 32nd Annual Grammy Awards.