About the song
Few voices in American music history possess the emotional clarity and effortless power of **Linda Ronstadt**, and her rendition of **“When Will I Be Loved”** remains one of the most memorable showcases of her vocal gifts. Originally written and recorded by **The Everly Brothers** in 1960, the song found new life and deeper resonance when Ronstadt recorded it for her 1974 album ***Heart Like a Wheel***. With her version, she didn’t merely cover a classic—she redefined it, injecting a fresh layer of strength and vulnerability that spoke directly to a new generation of listeners, especially women navigating heartbreak and disillusionment.
Ronstadt’s interpretation stands apart for its blend of country-rock instrumentation with a pop sensibility that was polished yet emotionally raw. From the opening guitar strum to the soaring harmonies that echo behind her voice, **“When Will I Be Loved”** delivers a bittersweet message with both elegance and grit. At just over two minutes, the song is deceptively simple, yet it encapsulates a deeply relatable emotional arc—betrayal, longing, and the yearning for something more enduring and true.
One of the most striking aspects of Ronstadt’s version is her ability to sound both wounded and resolute. She’s not just lamenting a string of unfaithful partners; she’s standing up and asking a question many have been too afraid to voice: *When will it be my turn?* In an era when female artists were still fighting for control over their music and image, Ronstadt’s performance resonated as an act of quiet rebellion wrapped in the familiar tones of folk, rock, and country.
The song became one of her biggest hits, reaching **No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100** in 1975, and helped solidify Ronstadt’s reputation as a powerful interpreter of American song. More than just a hit, **“When Will I Be Loved”** captures the universal ache of unfulfilled love and the quiet strength required to keep hoping. It’s a timeless piece that reminds us how a well-sung question can echo louder than any answer.
Video
Lyrics
I’ve been cheated
Been mistreated
When will I be loved?
I’ve been put down
I’ve been pushed ’round
When will I be loved?
When I find a new man
That I want for mine
He always breaks my heart in two
It happens every time
I’ve been made blue
I’ve been lied to
When will I be loved?
When I find a new man
That I want for mine
He always breaks my heart in two
It happens every time
Oh, I’ve been cheated
Been mistreated
When will I be loved?
When will I be loved?
Tell me, when will I be loved?
