About the song
Linda Ronstadt – When Will I Be Loved: Ah, a song that just aches with the yearning for love, isn’t it? Linda Ronstadt’s 1975 rendition of “When Will I Be Loved” is one of those timeless tracks that captures the bittersweet pangs of longing and vulnerability with a melody that burrows its way into your heart. Originally penned and recorded by Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers back in 1960, Ronstadt truly made this song her own. Her crystalline vocals, infused with a touch of country twang and a whole lot of emotion, transformed it into a bonafide hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
Now, what is it about this song that resonates so deeply with us, even decades later? For starters, the simplicity of the melody and lyrics allows the raw emotion to shine through. It’s a song about wanting to be loved for who you are, without pretense or conditions. That universal desire to be cherished and accepted is something we can all relate to, regardless of age or experience.
Ronstadt’s interpretation, in particular, adds another layer to this yearning. Her voice, with its characteristic blend of strength and vulnerability, conveys both the hope and the doubt that come with searching for love. There’s a sense of resilience in her delivery, but also a hint of weariness, as if she’s been asking this question for a long time.
The arrangement itself is a masterpiece of understated beauty. The gentle strumming of acoustic guitars, the subtle harmonies, and the weeping pedal steel guitar all work together to create an atmosphere of poignant longing. It’s the kind of music that invites you to sit back, close your eyes, and let the emotions wash over you.
But “When Will I Be Loved” is more than just a sad song. There’s an underlying strength to it, a sense of self-worth that shines through the melancholy. The protagonist isn’t begging for love; she’s demanding it, in a way. She knows her own value and refuses to settle for anything less than true, genuine affection.
And that’s what makes this song so enduring. It’s a reminder that we all deserve to be loved, and that it’s okay to hold out for the kind of love that truly nourishes our souls. So, let’s revisit this classic and allow Linda Ronstadt’s voice to transport us back to a time when music spoke directly to the heart.
Video
Lyrics
I’ve been cheated
Been mistreated
When will I be loved?
I’ve been put down
I’ve been pushed ’round
When will I be loved?
When I find a new man
That I want for mine
He always breaks my heart in two
It happens every time
I’ve been made blue
I’ve been lied to
When will I be loved?
When I find a new man
That I want for mine
He always breaks my heart in two
It happens every time
Oh, I’ve been cheated
Been mistreated
When will I be loved?
When will I be loved?
Tell me, when will I be loved?