About the song
Linda Ronstadt is renowned for her ability to convey deep emotion through her powerful voice, and her rendition of “Hurt So Bad” is a prime example of this talent. Originally written by Teddy Randazzo, Bobby Weinstein, and Bobby Hart, “Hurt So Bad” was first recorded by Little Anthony and the Imperials in 1965. The song quickly became a hit, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, when Linda Ronstadt covered the song in 1980, she gave it a fresh, rock-infused interpretation that resonated with a new generation of listeners.
Ronstadt’s version of “Hurt So Bad” was featured on her 1980 album *Mad Love*, which marked a significant departure from her earlier work, as it leaned more heavily into rock and new wave influences. Despite this shift in style, her cover of “Hurt So Bad” stayed true to the song’s emotional core, delivering a performance that was both passionate and heart-wrenching. The song became a commercial success, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of Ronstadt’s biggest hits of the 1980s.
“Hurt So Bad” is a song about the pain of unrequited love, and Ronstadt’s powerful delivery captures this sentiment perfectly. Her voice, with its blend of strength and vulnerability, brings the lyrics to life, making the listener feel the anguish of longing for someone who doesn’t feel the same way. The arrangement of the song, featuring prominent guitars and a steady rhythm, adds to the intensity of the emotions being expressed.
Ronstadt’s ability to interpret and breathe new life into a classic song is evident in “Hurt So Bad.” Her version not only pays homage to the original but also elevates it, making it a standout track on *Mad Love*. This album itself was a commercial success, reaching number 3 on the Billboard 200 and earning Ronstadt a platinum certification.
Listening to “Hurt So Bad,” one can appreciate the raw emotion that Linda Ronstadt brings to the song. It’s a performance that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the pain of love, making it a timeless piece in her extensive catalog.
Video
Lyrics
I know you
Don’t know what I’m going through
Standing here looking at you
Well let me tell you that it hurts so bad
It makes me feel so sad
It makes me hurt so bad to see you again
Like needles and pins
People say, “You’ve been making out okay
He’s in love, don’t stand in his way”
Well let me tell you that it hurts so bad
It makes me feel so sad
It’s gonna hurt so bad if you walk away
Why don’t you stay and let me make it up to you?
I’ll do anything you want me to
You loved me before, please love me again
I can’t let you go back to her
Please don’t go
Please don’t go
Please don’t go
Please don’t go
Hurt so bad
Come back it hurts so bad
Don’t make it hurt so bad
I’m begging you please
Oh oh oh
Come back it hurts so bad
Come back it hurts so bad
I’m begging you please
Oh! No!
No!