No. 23: Linda Ronstadt - Country's Most Powerful Women

About the Song

Linda Ronstadt’s powerful vocals and emotive delivery have made her a beloved figure in the world of rock and pop music. Her 1975 hit song, “You’re No Good,” showcases her ability to convey raw emotion and vulnerability through her music.

The song tells the story of a woman who is coming to terms with the end of a relationship. She sings about her feelings of betrayal and heartbreak, but also her determination to move on. Ronstadt’s voice conveys a range of emotions, from anger and sadness to hope and resilience.

The song’s simple yet poignant lyrics and catchy melody have made it a timeless classic. The song’s message of empowerment and self-love has resonated with audiences for generations.

“You’re No Good” is a testament to Ronstadt’s talent as a singer and songwriter. Her ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level is evident in every note. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal.

Linda Ronstadt’s “You’re No Good” is a classic rock anthem that continues to inspire and entertain listeners today. Its raw emotion, relatable lyrics, and catchy melody have made it a beloved song for generations. Whether you are a fan of Ronstadt’s music or simply appreciate great songwriting, “You’re No Good” is a track that is sure to leave a lasting impression.Linda Ronstadt on New Doc, #MeToo and Life After Singing

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Lyrics: You’re No Good

Feelin’ better, now that we’re through
Feelin’ better, cause I’m over you
I’ve learned my lesson, it left a scar
Now I see how you really areYou’re no good, you’re no good, you’re no good
Baby, you’re no good (I’m gonna say it again)
You’re no good, you’re no good, you’re no good
Baby, you’re no goodI broke a heart, that’s gentle and true
Well, I broke a heart over someone like you
I’ll beg his forgiveness on bended knee
I wouldn’t blame him if he said to meYou’re no good, you’re no good, you’re no good
Baby, you’re no good (I’m gonna say it again)
You’re no good, you’re no good, you’re no good
Baby, you’re no good[Musical Interlude]I’m telling you now baby, that I’m goin’ my way
Forget about me baby, ’cause I’m leaving this day

You’re no good, you’re no good, you’re no good
Baby, you’re no good (I’m gonna say it again)
You’re no good, you’re no good, you’re no good
Baby, you’re no good
Oh, oh, no
You’re no good, you’re no good, you’re no good
Baby, you’re no good

 

You Missed

For Vince Gill, the memory of singing with Dolly Parton came down to their final note together at the 1995 CMA Awards. Thirty-one years later, on the day she died, he shared that performance again. “We are all crushed here at our house,” he wrote. He called the closing note of their duet one of the most beautiful sounds he had ever heard. Their recording of “I Will Always Love You” began with Dolly’s album *Something Special*. That summer, she revisited three of her classics, including the farewell she had written for Porter Wagoner in 1973. It had already topped the country chart twice in her own voice, and Whitney Houston’s 1992 recording had brought it to listeners worldwide. For this version, Dolly invited Vince to join her. They performed it on the Grand Ole Opry on August 26, 1995, during a TNN broadcast. Radio programmers began playing the duet before Columbia officially issued it as a single. That unsolicited airplay carried it onto Billboard’s country chart at No. 53. On October 4, they sang it again at the CMA Awards. Vince, then 38, was hosting the broadcast at the Grand Ole Opry House. He stepped away from those duties to sing beside the woman who had written the song when he was sixteen. As the performance ended, their voices met on one sustained note. Decades later, that was the moment he singled out. Released as a single that November, the duet reached No. 15, received a Grammy nomination and won the 1996 CMA award for Vocal Event of the Year. But Vince’s remembrance centered on what he had heard standing beside her. Dolly died in Nashville on August 25, 2026, at 80, after a brief battle with cancer. Two days later, Vince appeared at the Midland Theatre in Kansas City. He told the audience how deeply his family was hurting, then began “I Will Always Love You.” This time, he sang it alone. Fan footage captured him struggling with his emotions throughout the performance. When he stepped back to compose himself, people in the audience carried the words. Musicians behind him wiped their eyes. He reached the closing note without Dolly’s voice beside his. After finishing, he moved away from the microphone, placed a hand over his chest and lowered his head.