About the song
Linda Ronstadt is known for her extraordinary ability to convey deep emotion through her music, and her live performance of “Down So Low” is a striking example of this talent. Originally written by the singer-songwriter Tracy Nelson for her band Mother Earth in 1968, “Down So Low” is a powerful blues ballad that expresses intense feelings of heartache and despair.
Linda Ronstadt’s live rendition of the song adds a new layer of intensity and vulnerability. She first included “Down So Low” on her 1976 album *Hasten Down the Wind*, which won her a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female. The album itself was a commercial success, reaching number 3 on the Billboard 200 and going platinum. However, it’s in her live performances that Ronstadt truly shines, bringing raw emotion to every note.
“Down So Low” is a song that deals with the pain of lost love, with lyrics that speak to the deep sadness and emptiness one feels when a relationship ends. In her live performance, Ronstadt’s voice is both powerful and poignant, capturing the essence of the song’s sorrowful mood. The stripped-down arrangement allows her vocals to take center stage, emphasizing the emotional depth of the lyrics.
Performing live, Ronstadt connects with her audience on a personal level, making them feel the anguish and longing conveyed in the song. Her interpretation of “Down So Low” resonates with anyone who has experienced the lows of heartache, making it a memorable and moving part of her concert repertoire.
The song’s impact is heightened by Ronstadt’s ability to convey complex emotions with authenticity and grace. Her performance of “Down So Low” is a testament to her skill as an interpreter of songs, capable of making even the most difficult emotions accessible to her listeners. For those who appreciate the art of live music, Linda Ronstadt’s rendition of “Down So Low” is a masterclass in how to deliver a deeply emotional and unforgettable performance.
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Lyrics
When you went away I cried
Cried for so long
And I wanted you to stay
Ah but that was all wrong
The pain you left behind
Has become part of me
And it’s burned out a hole
Where my love used to be
But it’s not losing you
That’s got me down so low
I just can’t find another man
To take your place
Well you know I love you
But that wasn’t enough
We both fell apart
When things got too tough
And I’ve learned how to give now
But what good
But what good would that do
No one can touch me
The way you used to do
But it’s not losing you
That’s got me down so low
I just can’t find another man
To take your place
Well I know your opinion
Of me is not good
Please try to understand
That I’d change
Well I’d change if I could
And this coldness inside me
Well it’s starting to build
And a woman can’t be a woman
Unless she’s fulfilled
But it’s not losing you
That’s got me down so low
I just can’t find another man
To take your place
There’s no one can