About the song
“Poor Poor Pitiful Me.” This song, released in 1977 on her highly successful Simple Dreams album, isn’t just a cover; it’s an undeniable declaration of independence and a rollicking good time, delivered with Ronstadt’s signature blend of power and sass.
Originally written and recorded by Warren Zevon, “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” found its definitive voice in Linda Ronstadt. While Zevon’s version had a darker, more sardonic edge, Ronstadt transformed it into a defiant anthem of resilience. The song humorously chronicles a series of misfortunes and romantic woes, culminating in a wry, self-aware declaration of being “a poor, poor pitiful me.” But beneath the self-pity, there’s a palpable sense of strength and a refusal to truly succumb to the hard knocks of life and love. “Oh, the only thing that keeps me alive / Is the hope that I’ll get to see you again,” she sings with a knowing wink, making it clear that she’s not truly defeated, just a bit bruised and ready for the next adventure. This blend of vulnerability and toughness is incredibly appealing, especially to an audience that has navigated their own share of life’s ups and downs with a sense of humor.
What makes Linda Ronstadt’s rendition of “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” so infectious is her sheer vocal command and the palpable joy she brings to the performance. Her voice, already a marvel of clarity and power, takes on a playful, almost mischievous quality here. She navigates the rapid-fire lyrics with precision and injects every line with character, making the listener feel like she’s sharing a knowing laugh with them about the absurdities of life. It’s a performance that perfectly balances the song’s humorous lament with an underlying current of resilience, showcasing her ability to interpret a song and make it entirely her own, fitting it perfectly into her dynamic rock-country repertoire.
Musically, the song is a driving, guitar-fueled rock ‘n’ roll number, a testament to the muscular sound Ronstadt cultivated in the late 70s. The sharp guitar riffs, the pumping bassline, and the insistent drum beat create an irresistible energy that demands you tap your foot or sing along. It’s clean, punchy, and utterly captivating, a perfect example of how Ronstadt seamlessly blended genres and brought a sophisticated rock edge to her country roots. “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” remains a vibrant, enduring track in Linda Ronstadt’s celebrated catalog, reminding us of her formidable talent and her uncanny ability to turn a tale of woe into an exhilarating declaration of strength.
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
