Meaning and Lyrics of Desperado by Linda Ronstadt

Song Lyrics meaning of Desperado by Linda Ronstadt

About Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt:
Linda Ronstadt is a renowned American singer known for her versatile vocal style and wide range of musical genres. Born in 1946 in Tucson, Arizona, she rose to fame in the 1970s with hits in folk, country, rock, and pop music. Ronstadt has won multiple Grammy Awards and achieved commercial success with numerous albums. One example of her iconic songs is “Desperado.” The soulful ballad was originally written by Glenn Frey and Don Henley of the Eagles and was later covered by Ronstadt on her 1973 album, “Don’t Cry Now.” Her rendition of “Desperado” has become a beloved classic and showcases her exceptional vocal abilities.

Meaning of Desperado by Linda Ronstadt

“Desperado” by Linda Ronstadt is a poignant and introspective song that delves deep into themes of longing, regret, and the search for love and acceptance. The lyrics address a person, metaphorically referred to as a “desperado,” who seems to be living a solitary and guarded life, riding metaphorical fences and resisting connection with others.

The song starts by questioning why the desperado is not coming to their senses, highlighting their hardened demeanor and the potential reasons behind it. The lyrics suggest that the desperado may be fixated on unattainable desires, overlooking the comforts and joys within reach.

The imagery of playing cards, with cautions about drawing the wrong queen, symbolizes the risky choices the desperado might be making. It speaks to the paradox of pursuing what is elusive while missing out on what is truly valuable and fulfilling.

As the song progresses, it delves into themes of aging and growing older, alluding to the desperado’s physical and emotional pain. The desperado’s search for freedom is depicted as an illusory concept, with the realization that true freedom might be found in letting go of their emotional walls and allowing themselves to connect with others.

The reference to the desperado feeling cold in winter and losing the distinction between night and day conveys a sense of disorientation and emotional numbness. The desperado seems to be going through a period of inner turmoil, marked by a loss of emotional depth and sensitivity.

In the final verses, the song shifts towards a message of hope and redemption. It encourages the desperado to open up, to allow love into their life before it’s too late. The metaphor of rain and rainbow symbolizes the potential for transformation and renewal, suggesting that embracing vulnerability and love can lead to a brighter and more fulfilling future.

Overall, “Desperado” is a profound and emotionally charged song that explores the complexities of human emotion, resilience, and the transformative power of love and connection.

Lyrics of Desperado by Linda Ronstadt

Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?
You been out ridin' fences for so long now
Oh, you're a hard one
But I know that you've got your reasons
These things that are pleasin' you
Can hurt you somehow

Don't you draw the queen of diamonds, boy
She'll beat you if she's able
Know the queen of hearts is always your best bet
Well, it seems to me, some fine things
Have been laid upon your table
But you only want the things that you can't get

Desperado, you know you ain't gettin' no younger
Your pain and your hunger, drivin' you home
And freedom, oh freedom
Well, that's just some people talkin'
Your prison is walking
Through this world all alone

And don't your feet get cold in the winter time?
The sky won't snow, and the sun won't shine
It's hard to tell the night-time from the day
You're losin' all your highs and lows
Ain't it funny how the feelin' goes away?

Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?
Come down from your fences, open the gate
It may be rainin', but there's a rainbow above you
You better let somebody love you (let somebody love you)
Let somebody love you, before it's too late

Discography Linda Ronstadt

Canciones de mi Padre (Deluxe Edition)

Release: 2022-09-16
Label: Iconic Artists Group
Popularity: 👏
1. Por Un Amor
2. Los Laureles
3. Hay Unos Ojos
4. La Cigarra
5. Tú Sólo Tú
6. Y Andale
7. Rogaciano El Huapanguero
8. La Charreada
9. Dos Arbolitos
10. Corrido DeCananea
11. La Barca De Guaymas
12. La Calandria
13. El Sol Que Tú Eres
14. Lago Azul (Blue Bayou) – Bonus Track
Tracklist Collapse

Hiding In Shadows (Live '73)

Release: 2021-06-04
Label: Iconic Artists Group
1. Nightingale – Live
2. I Fall To Pieces – Live
3. Silver Threads And Golden Needles – Live
4. Love Has No Pride – Live
5. Rock Me On The Water – Live
6. I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You) – Live
7. It Doesn’t Matter Anymore – Live
8. Dark End Of The Street – Live
9. I Believe In You – Live
10. Crazy Arms – Live
11. Long Long Time – Live
12. You’re No Good – Live
13. Steel Guitar Rag – Live
14. Break My Mind – Live
Tracklist Collapse

Beneath The Halo Moon (Berkeley California '74 KMET Broadcast Remastered)

Release: 2020-08-18
Label: Happenstance
1. Bill Graham Intro (Live) – Remastered
2. Colorado (Live) – Remastered
3. Silver Threads & Golden Needles (Live) – Remastered
4. I Cant Help It If Im Still In Love With You (Live) – Remastered
5. Desperado (Live) – Remastered
6. When Will I Be Loved (Live) – Remastered
7. Long Long Time (Live) – Remastered
8. You’re No Good (Live) – Remastered
9. Heatwave (Live) – Remastered
10. Heart Like A Wheel (Live) – Remastered
Tracklist Collapse

Upcoming Events for Linda Ronstadt

The Linda Ronstadt Experience - 2024-11-07

Price Range: $25 – 60 USD
Location: The Vogel at Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank

The Linda Ronstadt Experience - 2024-10-18

Price Range: $35 – 45 USD
Location: Iridium, New York

The Linda Ronstadt Experience - 2024-10-18

Price Range: $30 – 40 USD
Location: Mozambique, Laguna Beach
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Canciones de mi Padre (Deluxe Edition)

Release: 2022-09-16
Label: Iconic Artists Group
Popularity: 👏
1. Por Un Amor
2. Los Laureles
3. Hay Unos Ojos
4. La Cigarra
5. Tú Sólo Tú
6. Y Andale
7. Rogaciano El Huapanguero
8. La Charreada
9. Dos Arbolitos
10. Corrido DeCananea
11. La Barca De Guaymas
12. La Calandria
13. El Sol Que Tú Eres
14. Lago Azul (Blue Bayou) – Bonus Track
Tracklist Collapse

Hiding In Shadows (Live '73)

Release: 2021-06-04
Label: Iconic Artists Group
l
1. Nightingale – Live
2. I Fall To Pieces – Live
3. Silver Threads And Golden Needles – Live
4. Love Has No Pride – Live
5. Rock Me On The Water – Live
6. I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You) – Live
7. It Doesn’t Matter Anymore – Live
8. Dark End Of The Street – Live
9. I Believe In You – Live
10. Crazy Arms – Live
11. Long Long Time – Live
12. You’re No Good – Live
13. Steel Guitar Rag – Live
14. Break My Mind – Live
Tracklist Collapse

Beneath The Halo Moon (Berkeley California '74 KMET Broadcast Remastered)

Release: 2020-08-18
Label: Happenstance
l
1. Bill Graham Intro (Live) – Remastered
2. Colorado (Live) – Remastered
3. Silver Threads & Golden Needles (Live) – Remastered
4. I Cant Help It If Im Still In Love With You (Live) – Remastered
5. Desperado (Live) – Remastered
6. When Will I Be Loved (Live) – Remastered
7. Long Long Time (Live) – Remastered
8. You’re No Good (Live) – Remastered
9. Heatwave (Live) – Remastered
10. Heart Like A Wheel (Live) – Remastered
Tracklist Collapse
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