About the song
Few artists have so effortlessly balanced vocal finesse with emotional depth quite like **Linda Ronstadt**, and her rendition of **“Poor Poor Pitiful Me”** is a powerful example of her unmatched ability to reinterpret a song and make it entirely her own. Originally written and recorded by **Warren Zevon** in 1976, the song carried a sarcastic, hard-edged rock vibe—an ironic tale of personal woes steeped in masculine bravado. But when Ronstadt released her version in 1978, on her album *Simple Dreams*, she did far more than just cover it. She reimagined it, flipping the gender dynamics and infusing it with a fierce, defiant energy that spoke directly to the evolving role of women in rock during the late ’70s.
**Linda Ronstadt’s** voice, always full of power and clarity, brings a kind of no-nonsense swagger to **“Poor Poor Pitiful Me.”** Instead of echoing Zevon’s dark wit, she injects the track with a wry confidence, showcasing her capacity to be vulnerable and unyielding at the same time. It’s a masterclass in transformation—proof of how a skilled interpreter can reshape a song’s meaning without losing its edge. Ronstadt subtly alters the lyrics to suit her perspective, but never dilutes the song’s spirit. In fact, her version arguably hits harder, offering a female protagonist who’s tired of being pitied and is ready to take control.
Musically, the track benefits from Ronstadt’s collaboration with some of the finest players of the era. The production leans into a roots-rock sensibility, with guitar lines that shimmer and punch in equal measure. It’s both radio-friendly and rebellious—classic Ronstadt territory. And yet, for all its rock bravado, there’s still room for nuance. Ronstadt never oversings; instead, she lets the story breathe, lending it just enough sarcasm to reveal the layers beneath the bravado.
**“Poor Poor Pitiful Me”** stands today as one of those special recordings where a cover becomes definitive. Thanks to **Linda Ronstadt**, what began as a sardonic male lament evolved into a triumphant feminist anthem. It’s no wonder the song has remained a fan favorite, decades after its release—a testament to the artistry and instinct of a woman who helped define an era of American music.
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
