About the song
“Love Has No Pride.” Written by Eric Kaz and Libby Titus, this magnificent ballad was a standout track on Ronstadt’s landmark 1973 album, Don’t Cry Now. While it wasn’t a major single, it quickly became a beloved classic among fans and critics alike, recognized as one of her most moving and definitive performances. It’s far more than just a popular song; it’s a timeless testament to the humbling power of love lost, the dignity in vulnerability, and the painful realization that when it truly matters, ego simply fades away.
The lyrics of “Love Has No Pride” paint a stark, honest picture of a narrator grappling with the aftermath of a relationship’s end. There’s no anger or blame, but rather a profound sense of self-awareness and resignation to the emotional state she finds herself in. She admits to crying, to being unable to move on, and to the bitter truth that her pride, once a shield, is utterly useless against the tide of her heartache. The song brilliantly articulates how true love, when it departs, exposes one’s deepest vulnerabilities, leaving them open and raw. Phrases like “I’ve cried a tear for every lie / I’ve lived a lonely life” and “And I guess you’d call it pride / But love has no pride” perfectly capture this blend of profound sadness, emotional honesty, and the humbling realization that genuine affection strips away all pretense. The song speaks to the universal human experience of profound loss, the agonizing process of healing, and the desperate wish for the pain to simply dissipate, even as the heart remains stubbornly attached. It’s about the lingering effects of a fractured trust and the profound sense of vulnerability that can overwhelm the soul when love departs. It resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt the sting of a broken heart and the humbling truth that genuine emotion leaves little room for ego.
Linda Ronstadt’s vocal performance on “Love Has No Pride” is nothing short of extraordinary and remains one of her most emotionally raw and compelling. Her voice, renowned for its incredible purity, its remarkable control, and its extraordinary ability to convey both fragile vulnerability and soaring emotional anguish, here delivers the lyrics with a palpable sense of desperate sincerity and unvarnished pain. She doesn’t just sing the words; she embodies the broken spirit of the narrator, making the listener feel every nuance of her heartache, her weariness, and the relentless grip of a love that simply won’t let go. There’s a perfect blend of delicate, almost pleading vulnerability in the verses and powerful, resonant emotional swells in the chorus, a controlled intensity that makes the song incredibly poignant and universally relatable. Ronstadt’s brilliance lies in her unparalleled ability to infuse such a deeply emotional narrative with raw, authentic feeling, connecting with audiences on a visceral, empathetic level through the sheer honesty and breathtaking power of her instrument. It is a masterclass in conveying profound sorrow and desperate longing through song, solidifying her reputation as one of music’s greatest interpreters of the human heart.
The musical arrangement of “Love Has No Pride” in Linda Ronstadt’s rendition is a pristine example of her early 1970s country-rock and folk-infused sound, meticulously crafted to enhance the song’s emotional impact and highlight her stunning vocals. It typically features a prominent, melodic acoustic guitar that provides a tender, inviting foundation, often complemented by gentle piano chords that add a layer of melancholic reflection. Subtle basslines and soft, precise percussion maintain a steady, contemplative rhythm that allows Ronstadt’s powerful vocals and the poignant lyrics to remain front and center. The inclusion of tasteful steel guitar or gentle string flourishes adds touches of wistful country soul, enriching the harmonic landscape without ever overpowering the core emotional message. The instrumentation is exquisitely balanced and meticulously crafted to evoke the song’s somber atmosphere. The production is clean, warm, and remarkably clear, ensuring that every instrumental nuance and, crucially, Linda Ronstadt’s incredible vocal are heard with pristine clarity, enhancing the song’s profound emotional impact and its undeniable accessibility. It’s an arrangement that feels both intimate and expansive, perfectly suited for a heartfelt lament of heartbreak.
“Love Has No Pride” resonated profoundly with audiences because its universal themes of heartbreak, vulnerability, and the humbling truth of lingering love are deeply understood and intensely felt. It remains a cherished gem in Linda Ronstadt’s extensive catalog, a true signature song that cemented her legacy as an unparalleled interpreter of profound human emotion. It stands as a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder that sometimes, when it comes to true heartache, Love Has No Pride.
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Lyrics
I’ve had bad dreams too many times,
To think that they don’t mean much any more.
Fine times have gone and left my sad home,
Friends who once cared just walk out my door.
Love has no pride when I call out your name.
Love has no pride when there’s no one left to blame.
I’d give anything to see you again.
I’ve been alone too many nights
To think that you could come back again.
But I’ve heard you talk: “She’s crazy to stay.”
But this love hurts me so, I don’t care what you say.
Love has no pride when I call out your name.
Love has no pride when there’s no one left to blame.
I’d give anything to see you again.
If I could buy your love, I’d truly try my friend.
And if I could pray, my prayer would never end.
But if you want me to beg, I’ll fall down on my knees;
Asking for you to come back
I’d be pleading for you to come back
Begging for you to come back to me.
Love has no pride when I call out your name.
Love has no pride when there’s no one left to blame.
I’d give anything to see you again.
Yes, I’d give anything to see you again.
