My Gen X Playlist: You’re No Good – Linda Ronstadt

Somewhere I’ve heard it said not to be the antagonist in someone else’s story. That stuck with me. It’s not a difficult thing to do, but it’s made me pause a few times when my initial reaction was probably not the best. I don’t want to be the Eddie Haskell in anyone else’s show. That’s no fun.

Having said that, I think I’d like people think of me as a good guy. This is not to be confused with wanting to be the good guy. I don’t have any superhero tendencies and I’m not out to save the world. But if a challenging moment happens to arise, I hope I’m strong enough to do the right thing.

This is also not to be confused wanting to be a nice guy. Being a good guy has elements of a nice guy, but I’m not sure I can be nice all of the time. I like being nice, but I know myself all too well. I couldn’t keep that up 24/7.

So, I’ll settle for being a good guy. Good guys are not perfect, but they are solid. I’m OK with that.

I’m reaching back for another song from mom’s car radio station. This song is on the other side, but it came to mind while writing. Linda Ronstadt recorded You’re No Good in 1974. I had no idea this was a cover from the 60’s and the initial plan was for Ronstadt to sing an R&B version.

This song had been around for a while before Linda Ronstadt took it to the top of the chart. It was originally recorded by Dee Dee Warwick in 1963.

– Songfacts

“They were trying to do an R&B version of the song . . . Ronstadt vetoed the . . . arrangement; she recalls: “It was just the wrong groove for me.”

– Wikipedia

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

We get the picture, Linda. There’s no need to say it again. It’s loud and clear, thanks.

–

For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

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 are

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

I 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 me

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

[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