About the song
Among the many jewels in **Linda Ronstadt’s** rich discography, **”All My Life”** stands out as one of her most emotionally resonant and artistically mature recordings. Released in 1989 as part of her Grammy-winning album *Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind*, the song captures a moment of heartfelt sincerity and musical finesse that only an artist of **Ronstadt’s** caliber could deliver. Featuring a stirring duet with **Aaron Neville**, the track is a masterclass in vocal harmony and interpretative subtlety.
**”All My Life”** is a love song, yes, but not one rooted in youthful infatuation or fleeting passion. Instead, it speaks to a deeper, more enduring kind of devotion—one that matures over time and carries the weight of experience. The lyrics, penned by **Karla Bonoff**, explore the idea of finding the right person after a lifetime of searching, and both **Ronstadt** and **Neville** sing with a gentle reverence that suggests they’ve lived through every word. The line *”I’ve looked all my life for you”* is delivered not as a throwaway sentiment but as a quiet declaration of something long hoped for and finally found.
The arrangement is elegant and restrained, with lush string sections and a gentle piano accompaniment that allow the voices to remain front and center. **Ronstadt’s** crystalline soprano blends seamlessly with **Neville’s** soulful tenor, creating a harmonic richness that is both soothing and deeply moving. It’s a reminder of the power of two distinct voices meeting in perfect harmony—something rare and magical in popular music.
For longtime fans of **Linda Ronstadt**, **”All My Life”** represents one of her finest moments, not just as a singer but as an interpreter of emotion. It’s a song that resonates with listeners who understand that love, when it finally arrives, is all the more precious for having been delayed. In this track, **Ronstadt** offers a musical gift to those who’ve waited, hoped, and perhaps even doubted. And in doing so, she delivers a timeless ballad that continues to speak to the heart with clarity and grace.
Video
Lyrics
Am I really here in your arms?
This is just like I dreamed it would be
I feel like we’re frozen in time
And you’re the only one I can see
Hey, I’ve looked all my life for you
Now you’re here
Hey, I’ll spend all my life with you
All my life
And I never really knew how to love
I just hoped somehow I’d see
And oh, I asked for a little help from above
Send that angel down to me
Hey, I’ve looked all my life for you
Now you’re here
Hey, I’ll spend all my life with you
All my life
All my life
Never thought that I could feel love so tender
Never thought I could let those feelings show
But now my heart is on my sleeve
And this love will never leave
I know, I know
Hey, I’ve looked all my life for you
And now you’re here
Hey, I’ll spend all my life with you
All my life (all my life)
Hey, I’ve looked all my life for you
And now you’re here (now you’re here)
Hey, I’ll spend all my life with you
All my life
