Introduction

For anyone who grew up in the 1960s and 70s, the name **Linda Ronstadt** carries with it a flood of memories. She wasn’t just another singer on the radio—she was a voice that defined a generation. Powerful yet tender, bold yet vulnerable, her songs spoke directly to the heart. Among her many unforgettable performances, one that continues to stand out is **“When Will I Be Loved.”**

Originally written and recorded by the **Everly Brothers** in 1960, the song was already a familiar favorite when Linda decided to make it her own. But that’s exactly what she did—she transformed it from a sweet rock-and-roll tune into a driving anthem of frustration and heartache. Released in 1975 on her album *Heart Like a Wheel*, Linda’s version of “When Will I Be Loved” became a massive hit, climbing the charts and further cementing her reputation as one of the most gifted interpreters of American music.

What made Linda’s rendition so special was the raw honesty in her delivery. The lyrics are simple—asking, almost pleading, when it will finally be her turn to find love that lasts. But in her voice, those words carried the weight of every heartbreak, every disappointment, and every longing moment that listeners themselves had felt. For many, it was as if she was singing not just her own story, but theirs as well.

The mid-1970s were a remarkable period for Linda Ronstadt. She had already proven herself versatile, moving easily between **country, rock, folk, and pop**, yet with *Heart Like a Wheel* she found her true stride. “When Will I Be Loved” was a perfect showcase of that versatility: it had the drive of rock, the spirit of country, and the emotional punch of a classic ballad. For older fans today, hearing that song can be like stepping into a time machine—back to days of vinyl records, long drives with the radio on, and the soundtrack of youth playing in the background.

For those now in their sixties, seventies, or beyond, revisiting Linda’s music can bring both joy and a touch of wistfulness. Her songs remind us of a time when voices were real, unfiltered, and filled with character. There were no digital tricks, no auto-tuning—just pure talent and emotion. Linda Ronstadt possessed both in abundance, and “When Will I Be Loved” remains a shining example of how she could take a song and make it unforgettable.

Sadly, Linda’s singing career was cut short when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and later progressive supranuclear palsy, conditions that robbed her of that extraordinary voice. Yet her recordings endure, and perhaps even mean more now than they did decades ago. For those who lived through her era, they are reminders of youth and love. For newer generations, they are lessons in what true artistry sounds like.

“When Will I Be Loved” is more than just a hit single. It’s a song that speaks to the universal longing for love and belonging, delivered by one of the greatest voices of our time. And for those of us who still carry her music in our hearts, it’s a reminder that some voices—and some feelings—never truly fade.

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?

By van