About the song
“Willin'” is a poignant and evocative song performed by the immensely talented Linda Ronstadt, captured beautifully in her live performance from 1976. Originally written by Lowell George of the band Little Feat, “Willin'” is a ballad that resonates with themes of wanderlust, resilience, and the rugged life on the road.
Linda Ronstadt, whose versatile voice and genre-crossing abilities have made her one of the most revered artists in American music, brought a unique sensitivity and emotional depth to “Willin'”. This song features on her album “Heart Like a Wheel,” which was released in 1974. Although “Heart Like a Wheel” is better known for hits like “You’re No Good” and “When Will I Be Loved,” Ronstadt’s rendition of “Willin'” stands out as a testament to her ability to convey profound storytelling through music.
The song “Willin'” itself is a narrative from the perspective of a weary truck driver, chronicling his travels and travails across the American landscape. Its lyrics are a mix of yearning and determination, capturing the essence of a life dedicated to the open road. Ronstadt’s live performance in 1976 showcases her ability to infuse the song with both strength and vulnerability, making it a memorable and moving experience for the audience.
While Linda Ronstadt’s version of “Willin'” did not chart as a single, it has remained a beloved track among her fans and continues to be celebrated for its lyrical beauty and heartfelt delivery. The album “Heart Like a Wheel” itself achieved critical and commercial success, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart and earning Ronstadt a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
In summary, Linda Ronstadt’s 1976 live performance of “Willin'” is a powerful rendition of a classic song that highlights her extraordinary vocal talent and deep connection to the music. It’s a piece that continues to resonate with audiences, particularly those who appreciate the timeless appeal of a song well-sung and a story well-told.
Video
Lyrics
I’ve been warped by the rain, driven by the snow
I’m drunk and dirty, don’t you know
But I’m still willin’
Out on the road late last night
I’d see my pretty Alice in every headlight
Alice, Dallas Alice
And I’ve been from Tucson to Tucumcari
Tehachapi to Tonopah
Driven every kind of rig that’s ever been made
Driven the backroads so I wouldn’t get weighed
And if you give me weed, whites and wine
And you show me a sign
And I’ll be willin’ to be movin’
And I’ve been kicked by the wind, robbed by the sleet
Had my head stove in but I’m still on my feet
And I’m still willin’
And I smuggled some smokes and folks from Mexico
Baked by the sun every time I go to Mexico
Oh but I’m still
And I’ve been from Tucson to Tucumcari
Tehachapi to Tonopah
Driven every kind of rig that’s ever been made
Driven the backroads so I wouldn’t get weighed
And if you give me weed, whites and wine
And you show me a sign
And I’ll be willin’ to be movin’