About the song
Linda Ronstadt Revives a Heartbreak Anthem with “When Will I Be Loved”
When Linda Ronstadt released her version of “When Will I Be Loved” in 1975, she did more than cover a song—she transformed it into an anthem of heartbreak and resilience that still resonates today. Originally written and recorded by Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers in 1960, the song was already a classic, but in Ronstadt’s hands it became something bolder, louder, and undeniably hers. With her soaring vocals and emotional depth, she revived the tune for a new generation, proving once again why she was—and remains—one of the most powerful voices in American music.
The song’s lyrics are simple yet devastating, built around the repeated plea: “When will I be loved?” While the Everly Brothers gave it their signature harmony-rich treatment, Ronstadt brought raw energy and modern urgency. Her voice, with its mix of vulnerability and strength, captured the frustration of someone who had endured betrayal and disappointment in love yet refused to be silenced by it. Where the original was wistful, Ronstadt’s version was a full-throated cry from the heart.
Released as part of her Heart Like a Wheel album, “When Will I Be Loved” became a standout track, quickly climbing the charts. In June 1975, it reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing Ronstadt’s status as a crossover star who could bridge rock, pop, and country with ease. It also hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Singles Chart, making it one of her most successful and enduring hits. The achievement was especially significant for a female artist at a time when the music industry was dominated by male voices and perspectives.
What made Ronstadt’s interpretation so remarkable was not just her technical skill but her ability to convey genuine emotion. She didn’t just sing the words—she lived them. Listeners could feel the sting of betrayal in every note, as if she were channeling her own heartbreak into the performance. This emotional honesty became a hallmark of Ronstadt’s career, whether she was singing country ballads, rock anthems, or Mexican folk songs from her heritage.
The success of “When Will I Be Loved” also helped redefine the possibilities for female artists in popular music. Ronstadt was unapologetic about her power, her independence, and her ability to command a stage with the same force as her male counterparts. She proved that heartbreak didn’t have to be quiet or restrained—it could be loud, defiant, and liberating.
Decades later, the song remains one of Ronstadt’s most beloved recordings. Though her career was tragically cut short by illness—she retired from singing after being diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy—her legacy endures. Every time “When Will I Be Loved” plays on the radio, it carries with it the spirit of a woman who turned her pain into art, giving voice to countless others who had asked the same question.
Linda Ronstadt didn’t just revive a heartbreak anthem—she gave it fire, strength, and a timeless place in the story of American music.
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?
