i think she's the perfect voice for this song. i could listen to her sing the phone book and it would be perfect. i'm a real emotional Boy when it comes to Linda Ronstadt.
In so many of his songs it's Randy singing in the role of a woman. Here he has a woman singing one of his songs, and it's from the standpoint of a man.
This is classic Newman. At first glance and if you listen to the key lines, you think it's a sweet love song, but the person narrating is the reason cries in her sleep. I think the song is sung from an abusive husband's point of view, when he's in a loving, not a hitting, mood.
I see it as a song about a couple of damaged people.
A woman who can't/won't commit because of her past and a guy who she's using for sex and who takes what he can get because that's all she'll give.
The way I hear the lyrics, the reason she cries in her sleep is because of the first guy who dumped her and now she won't really open up to anyone else because she's still afraid of being hurt again.
You nailed it; that is EXACTLY what the song is about. I lost my father/hero at a young age, knew NOTHING about men and fell into the same situation. I am in my 50s now and still dealing w/lost loves (both my father and first love) Thanks for your posting.
That's an interesting reading of the lyric. Though I'm not so sure that "a real emotional girl" would use someone just for sex. She probably isn't willing to fully commit to the narrator for fear of having her heart broken again.
At least, that's what the narrator seems to think.
I think this is the closest to the meaning of the song based on the UK interview he did on it. The interviewer suggests the song is written from a man who is "diseased" I think is the word she used, and Randy complimented her for getting it, saying that not too many people get this song. Interesting
Does anyone know of a version of this song with a male singer? Not that Linda doesn't do an outstanding job as she always does. She always sings like an angel. Just wondering.
If you know the series Ally McBeal there was once an episode where this song was performed by her father. I tried to find it here but couldn't... such a shame. I always loved that version...
I'm from Megan's Madams (Megan Mullally) Megan sings this on her cd, Big as a Berry and she does an awesome job. Randy is a great writer and Linda sings this beautifully. Thank you for posting this video
what a blast from the past, Linda as beautiful as I remember her being back then. Beautiful singing, and great quality video. What show was this from and what year? thanks for posting
i think she's the perfect voice for this song. i could listen to her sing the phone book and it would be perfect. i'm a real emotional Boy when it comes to Linda Ronstadt.
BrianandSnoopy1 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
sit down lady....let randy sing it
radishrose 1 year ago
so hot.
unfloppo 2 years ago
she's so perfectly awesome it's ridiculous.
MobiusBandwidth 2 years ago 3
the mixture of newman & ronstadt is just perfect. videoed this many years ago. it's still awesome!
kavorka999 2 years ago 4
This comment has received too many negative votes show
so that's what the hall & oates guy sounds like without his moustache (and in a dress).
radishrose 2 years ago
Love how he starts out with his original preface, stops,
shakes it off and restarts with a longer, prettier prelude for Linda. Class.
edsdet 2 years ago 2
In so many of his songs it's Randy singing in the role of a woman. Here he has a woman singing one of his songs, and it's from the standpoint of a man.
Videoneoneo 2 years ago
This is classic Newman. At first glance and if you listen to the key lines, you think it's a sweet love song, but the person narrating is the reason cries in her sleep. I think the song is sung from an abusive husband's point of view, when he's in a loving, not a hitting, mood.
falstaffinfection 3 years ago
I see it as a song about a couple of damaged people.
A woman who can't/won't commit because of her past and a guy who she's using for sex and who takes what he can get because that's all she'll give.
The way I hear the lyrics, the reason she cries in her sleep is because of the first guy who dumped her and now she won't really open up to anyone else because she's still afraid of being hurt again.
Gwynne66 3 years ago 2
You nailed it; that is EXACTLY what the song is about. I lost my father/hero at a young age, knew NOTHING about men and fell into the same situation. I am in my 50s now and still dealing w/lost loves (both my father and first love) Thanks for your posting.
KPeter51 2 years ago
That's an interesting reading of the lyric. Though I'm not so sure that "a real emotional girl" would use someone just for sex. She probably isn't willing to fully commit to the narrator for fear of having her heart broken again.
At least, that's what the narrator seems to think.
jpcohen1978 2 years ago
I think this is the closest to the meaning of the song based on the UK interview he did on it. The interviewer suggests the song is written from a man who is "diseased" I think is the word she used, and Randy complimented her for getting it, saying that not too many people get this song. Interesting
Catlovertea4 2 years ago 5
absolutely beautiful, one of my favourite songs! <3
CorneliaFromSweden 3 years ago
just like the honest sweetness of this song.
fleekitch1 3 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
my profile working?
becher 3 years ago
Actually this one sounds pretty amazing! Love it!
OCLover4Life 3 years ago
BethnJulia, Randy Newman recorded this song himself on his 1983 album, Trouble In Paradise. Always been a favorite. :)
prufrock27 3 years ago
Does anyone know of a version of this song with a male singer? Not that Linda doesn't do an outstanding job as she always does. She always sings like an angel. Just wondering.
Thanks.
BethnJulia 3 years ago 2
Randy newman himself sang this, and did a great job on the album, trouble in paradise.
vivalaskeek 3 years ago
If you know the series Ally McBeal there was once an episode where this song was performed by her father. I tried to find it here but couldn't... such a shame. I always loved that version...
JibrilMudo 3 years ago
Amazing song...amazing performance!
Zipster08 3 years ago 3
she sings like an angel, I love when they work together. thank you.
wonkeaux 4 years ago
i prefer the version of it when it's on ally mc beal
ALiiiiinchen 4 years ago
me too. but this one is great too.
OCLover4Life 3 years ago
Great lyrics.
Ronstadt does so much justice to Randy Newman, Jimmy Webb, Warren Zevon, Bob Dylan and George Gershwin songs..... A Blast, hearing her sing this...
DicksonprestoPreston 4 years ago 11
great. Still looking for Rider in the Rain sung along with Randy and Ry that same night. Would surely
save me the 11 hour plane ride to buy the DVD in the US.
velhobarreto 4 years ago
I wish she would have sung more than two songs that night; they were both gems and her voice was heartbreaking and emotional.
maryfan5 4 years ago
I'm from Megan's Madams (Megan Mullally) Megan sings this on her cd, Big as a Berry and she does an awesome job. Randy is a great writer and Linda sings this beautifully. Thank you for posting this video
siglemom1972 4 years ago 2
Randy rules - espcially with Rontadt
singing his songs
Mack6667 4 years ago
I liked his version better.
vivalaskeek 3 years ago
HEY, AND I LIKE THIS VERSION. AND RANDY's song writing skills. Hey.
DietrichHamilton 3 years ago 8
Randy rules, thanks for putting this out there..
jmr37104 4 years ago
This is music beauty.
Mack6667 4 years ago
Randy Newman - Live at the Odeon - available on DVD. Produced in 1983.
barrettd 5 years ago
Randy Newman is brilliant! It's too bad this was never recorded separately from this DVD video.
Eddiebauerman16 5 years ago
what a blast from the past, Linda as beautiful as I remember her being back then. Beautiful singing, and great quality video. What show was this from and what year? thanks for posting
kingpleasure 5 years ago
ohh there are so many randy songs that are begging to be covered??? nice video and a very young and slim randy too.
willieshing 5 years ago
Beautiful song. Thanks for this.
qoquaq 5 years ago
In an understated way this is one of Randy's best songs. This is great footage, please post more if you have it.
Gaucho71 5 years ago