About the song
Linda Ronstadt’s rendition of “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” is a masterful reimagining of Warren Zevon’s original song. Known for her ability to cross genres seamlessly, Ronstadt’s version of this track, released in 1977, is a testament to her versatility and interpretive skills. The song was featured on her multi-platinum album “Simple Dreams,” which remains one of her most successful albums.
“Poor Poor Pitiful Me” was originally written by Warren Zevon, whose dark humor and sharp wit infused the lyrics with a satirical edge. The original verses included lines such as “I met a girl on the Sunset Strip / She asked me if I’d beat her / She took me up to her hotel room / And wrecked my mojo heater,” which were reflective of Zevon’s edgy style. However, recognizing that these lyrics wouldn’t suit her, Ronstadt, with Zevon’s blessing, altered them to fit her own style and persona. She humorously changed the lines to: “Well, I met a boy in the Vieux Carré / Down in Yokohama / He picked me up and he threw me down / Saying, ‘Please don’t hurt me, Mama!’” This clever modification not only made the song more relatable to her audience but also showcased her ability to maintain the song’s playful spirit while making it her own.
Produced by Peter Asher, Ronstadt’s interpretation was a standout on “Simple Dreams,” an album that solidified her status as a rock and roll icon. The song’s success was immediate; it debuted as the highest new entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in January 1978 and eventually peaked at number 31 on Billboard and number 26 on the Cash Box Top 100. The song also appeared on the soundtrack for the 1978 movie “FM” and on her “Greatest Hits, Volume 2” album.
Ronstadt’s version of “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” not only preserved the humorous essence of Zevon’s original but also highlighted her remarkable ability to adapt and personalize songs from different genres. It remains a beloved track, showcasing her powerful voice and enduring appeal in the music industry. Her performance brought a new dimension to the song, blending her unique vocal delivery with a more approachable and relatable storyline, and it continues to resonate with audiences today.
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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
Woe, woe 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
Woe, woe is me
Well, I met a boy in the Vieux Carres
Down in Yokohama
He 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
Woe, woe 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