About the song
When we consider the artists who truly dominated the airwaves in the 1970s, establishing themselves as forces to be reckoned with, Linda Ronstadt is undoubtedly at the top of that list. Her voice was a marvel – clear, powerful, and capable of conveying an incredible range of emotions across genres, from rock to country to pop. She wasn’t just a singer; she was an interpreter, a tastemaker who could take a song and make it entirely her own, often propelling it to greater fame than its original version. Her artistry lay in her ability to connect with the material and deliver it with undeniable conviction.
One prime example of this remarkable talent is her iconic rendition of “Poor Poor Pitiful Me”. Released in 1977 on her multi-platinum album Simple Dreams, this track, originally penned and performed by the brilliant but often sardonic Warren Zevon, became a massive hit for Ronstadt. While Zevon’s version had a dark, self-deprecating humor, Ronstadt infused it with a different kind of energy – a playful defiance and a powerful, almost triumphant reclamation of agency. She famously altered some of the lyrics, particularly changing the gender of the aggressor in the song’s vivid vignettes, to better suit her perspective.
For those of us who appreciate clever songwriting and powerful vocal performances, “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” remains a standout. It’s a rock-and-roll romp with a wicked sense of humor, detailing a series of unfortunate romantic encounters where the protagonist consistently gets the short end of the stick. Yet, despite the trials and tribulations described, Ronstadt’s delivery is anything but downbeat. Instead, there’s an underlying strength and resilience in her voice, almost as if she’s winking at the listener, acknowledging the absurdity of it all. “Lord, have mercy on me, woe, woe is me,” she sings, but with a vibrant energy that suggests she’s ready for the next round, no matter what it brings. The driving beat, the sharp guitar riffs, and Ronstadt’s undeniable vocal swagger turn what could have been a lament into an empowering declaration of survival. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to deal with life’s punches is to acknowledge them, pick yourself up, and face the world with a knowing smile and a healthy dose of self-awareness.
Video
Lyrics
Well, I lay my head on the railroad track
Waiting on the double E
But the train don’t run by here no more
Poor, poor pitiful me
Poor, poor pitiful me
Poor, poor pitiful me
Oh, these boys won’t let me be
Lord, have mercy on me
Woah-woah, is me
Well, I met a man out in Hollywood
Now I ain’t naming names
Well, he really worked me over good
Just like Jesse James
Yes, he really worked me over good
He was a credit to his gender
Put me through some changes, Lord
Sort of like a waring blender
Poor, poor pitiful me
Poor, poor pitiful me
Oh, these boys won’t let me be
Lord, have mercy on me
Woah-woah, is me
Well, I met a boy in the Vieux Carres
Down in Yokohama
Picked me up and he threw me down
He said, “Please don’t hurt me, mama”
Poor, poor pitiful me
Poor, poor pitiful me
Oh, these boys won’t let me be
Lord, have mercy on me
Woah-woah, is me
Poor, poor, poor me
Poor, poor pitiful me
Poor, poor, poor me
Poor, poor pitiful me
Poor, poor, poor me
Poor, poor pitiful me
