Introduction
When the world thinks of Linda Ronstadt, it often recalls the golden-voiced ballads, the tender confessions, and the soaring love songs that made her one of America’s most treasured singers. But in “How Do I Make You,” Ronstadt flips the script. This is not the Linda of soft harmonies and velvet tones. This is a woman cornered by desire, clawing her way through obsession, and demanding answers with a rawness that feels almost dangerous.
The shock lies in its urgency. With every beat, she’s not just singing—she’s tearing down the polite mask of romance and exposing something darker, more primal. The song throbs with impatience, as if she can’t stand another second without knowing: what will it take to break through? Ronstadt delivers the words like a challenge, a dare, a plea that borders on madness. This isn’t a safe love song—it’s a storm.
And perhaps that’s why the track still startles today. Released at the dawn of the 1980s, it hit like a slap across the face to those expecting gentle country-rock ballads. Instead, Ronstadt channeled the restless energy of punk and new wave, proving she could be as fierce and uncompromising as any rocker on the scene. For many listeners, it was a revelation—and for some, a shock they never recovered from.
In an era when women in music were often expected to soften desire, Linda Ronstadt refused. “How Do I Make You” doesn’t ask politely—it demands, it shouts, it bleeds with the urgency of wanting. It’s not just a song; it’s a confession of raw human hunger.
And that’s what makes it unforgettable.
Video
Lyrics
You’re a doll
Your eyes see all
And how do I make you
How do I make you
How do I make you
want to see me?
You’re so young
But your feelings are deep
And how do I make you
How do I make you
How do I make you feel for me
You put your head on my pillow
And you’re fast asleep
And how do I make you
How do I make you
How do I make you
Dream about me?
Ooh, ooh, baby
The world’s a wall of ice
You’re gonna need someone
To treat you warm
And keep you nice
I like the way you dance
The way you spin
And how do I make you
How do I make you
How do I make you
Spin for me?
You put your head on my pillow
And you’re fast asleep
And how do I make you
How do I make you
How do I make you
Dream about me?
Dream about me?
