The video at the end of the article
Introduction
Poor Poor Pitiful Me” is a song that perfectly encapsulates Linda Ronstadt’s ability to blend vulnerability with a powerful, almost defiant, vocal delivery. Originally written and recorded by Warren Zevon for his self-titled 1976 album, Ronstadt’s cover, released on her 1977 album Simple Dreams, became a far more recognizable hit, reaching number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her interpretation transformed Zevon’s sardonic, self-deprecating track into something simultaneously more empathetic and more assertive.
The song’s lyrics paint a picture of someone feeling truly down and out, seeking sympathy and perhaps even a bit of dramatic attention. Lines like “Well, I woke up this morning, and I got myself a beer” and “Oh, I got a house in a good neighborhood, and I got a woman that’s good to me” juxtaposed with the repeated refrain of “Poor, poor pitiful me” highlight a certain existential malaise, a feeling of discontent despite apparent good fortune. It’s a relatable sentiment, acknowledging that sadness can strike even when outwardly everything seems fine.
Ronstadt’s vocal performance is key to the song’s enduring appeal. She imbues the lyrics with a raw, almost theatrical despair, yet there’s a subtle underlying strength that prevents the character from becoming purely pathetic. Her voice, rich and expressive, navigates the emotional landscape of the song with precision, from the weary resignation of the verses to the slightly more theatrical wail of the chorus. The arrangement, with its driving rock beat and prominent guitar work, provides a robust foundation for her vocals, elevating the song beyond a simple lament.
“Poor Poor Pitiful Me” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a testament to Ronstadt’s artistry in taking a song and making it uniquely her own. She understood the nuanced humor and pathos in Zevon’s writing and delivered a performance that resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying its place as a classic in her extensive catalog. It’s a song that allows listeners to wallow a little, but also to recognize the universal human experience of feeling a bit “poor, poor pitiful.”
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…