Liberal Arts Blog — Linda Ronstadt (1946 — ) “Just One Look,” “You’re No Good,” “Different Drum”
Liberal Arts Blog — Thursday is the Joy of Music Day
Today’s Topic: Linda Ronstadt (1946 — ) “Just One Look,” “You’re No Good,” “Different Drum”
Linda Ronstadt was the biggest female pop star of the 1970s, but she was not a song writer and is best known for her voice rather than any particular song. Perhaps for that reason, her star has somewhat dimmed with time. Today, three of her biggest hits, a few quotes, and notes on her collaboration with the Eagles, Emmylou Harris, and Dolly Parton. Experts — please chime in. Correct, elaborate, elucidate.
“YOU’RE NO GOOD” (1974) — her only #1 hit, written by Clint Ballard, first recorded by Dee Dee Warwick
1. Feelin better now that we’re through, Feelin better ’cause I’m over you I learned my lesson, it left a scar, now I see how you really are
2. You’re no good, you’re no good, you’re no good, Baby, you’re no good
3. I’m gonna say it again, you’re no good, you’re no good, you’re no good Baby, you’re no good.
NB: I broke a heart that’s gentle and true, Well, I broke a heart over someone like you, I’ll beg his forgiveness on bended knee I wouldn’t blame him if he said to me: you’re no good, you’re no good, you’re no good, Baby, you’re no good
Linda Ronstadt — You’re No Good
Linda Ronstadt “You’re No Good” Live 1976 (Reelin’ In The Years Archives)
“JUST ONE LOOK” (1978) — co-written by Doris Troy and Gregory Carroll (1963) previously recorded by The Hollies (1964)
1. Just one look and I fell so hard In love, with you, oh oh; I found out how good it feels To have, your love, oh oh; Say you will, will be mine; Forever, and always, oh oh
2. Just one look and I knew; That you were my only one, oh oh; I thought I was dreaming; But I was wrong, oh yeah yeah; Ah but I’m gonna keep on scheming; Till I make you, make you my own
3. So you see, I really care; Without you I’m nothing, oh oh; Just one look and I know I’ll get you someday, oh oh; Just one look That’s all it took, hah, just one look; That’s all it took, woah, just one look
Linda Ronstadt — Just One Look (Live)
“DIFFERENT DRUM” — written by Michael Nesmith (1964), most famous as a member of the Monkees, Ronstadt flipped the gender references
1. You and I travel to the beat of a different drum; Oh, can’t you tell by the way I run; Every time you make eyes at me? Whoa; You cry and moan and say it will work out; But honey child I’ve got my doubts; You can’t see the forest for the trees
2. So, don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I knock it It’s just that I am not in the market; For a boy who wants to love only me; Yes, and I ain’t sayin’ you ain’t pretty; All I’m saying’s I’m not ready for any person; Place or thing to try and pull the reins in on me,
3. So Goodbye, I’ll be leavin’ I see no sense in this cryin’ and grievin’ We’ll both live a lot longer if you live without me
FOOTNOTES I — growing up in Tucson, Arizona in a Mexican-American version of the Trapp Family; singing as an “exercise in exorcism;” her middle name
1. “If I didn’t hear it on the radio, or if my dad wasn’t playing it on the piano, or if my brother wasn’t playing it on the guitar or singing it in his boys’ choir, or my mother and sister weren’t practicing a Broadway tune or a Gilbert and Sullivan song, then I can’t do it today. It’s as simple as that. All of my influences and my authenticity are a direct result of the music played in that Tucson living room.” (LR)
2. “I grew up singing Mexican music, and that’s based on indigenous Mexican rhythms. Mexican music also has an overlay of West African music, based on huapango drums, and it’s kind of like a 6/8 time signature, but it really is a very syncopated 6/8. And that’s how I attack vocals.” (LR)
3. “Music is meant to lighten your load. By singing it … you release (the sadness). And release yourself … an exercise in exorcism. … You exorcise that emotion … and diminish sadness and feel joy.” (LR)
NB: “Rampant eclecticism is my middle name.” (LR)
FOOTNOTES II — THE EAGLES, EMMYLOU HARRIS, DOLLY PARTON
1. The Eagles began as Linda Ronstadt’s backup band.
2. Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt were huge fans of each other and put out the album Trio in 1987. It went platinum.
Linda Ronstadt with Eagles — Silver Threads & Golden Needles
Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris Trio Documentary
LAST FOUR YEARS OF POSTS ORGANIZED THEMATICALLY
PDF with headlines — Google Drive
ATTACHMENT BELOW:
Adams House Senior Common Room presentation handout: “39 Songs, Prayers, and Poems: Keys to the Hearts of Seven Billion People” (11/20)
YOUR TURN
Time to share the coolest thing you learned in the last week related to music. Or the coolest thing you learned in your life related to music. Say your favorite song or songs. Or your favorite tips for breathing, posture, or relaxation. Or some insight into the history of music….Or just something random about music… like a joke about drummers. jazz, rock….or share an episode or chapter in your musical autobiography.
This is your chance to make some one else’s day. And perhaps to cement in your memory something important you would otherwise forget. Or to think more deeply than you otherwise would about something that matters to you.
