Linda Ronstadt – Heat Wave

About the song

Linda Ronstadt Turns Up the Heat: “Heat Wave”

Linda Ronstadt, a versatile songstress known for her powerful vocals and genre-bending explorations, brought her magic touch to the 1963 classic “Heat Wave” in 1975. Originally recorded by Martha and the Vandellas, Ronstadt’s version became a hit in its own right, showcasing her ability to reinterpret familiar songs and leave a lasting impression.

A Song of Longing in Summer’s Embrace

“Heat Wave” isn’t your typical love song. While the scorching summer heat forms the backdrop, the lyrics delve deeper, exploring themes of longing and desire. Lines like “guess I’ll just have to sit here and sweat it out” paint a picture of physical discomfort that mirrors the emotional yearning of the narrator. The song is a captivating exploration of how external elements can intensify our internal feelings.

Ronstadt’s Captivating Performance

Ronstadt’s powerhouse vocals take center stage in “Heat Wave.” She delivers the song with a soulful intensity that perfectly captures the underlying emotions. The arrangement, featuring driving instrumentation and prominent backing vocals, complements her voice and adds layers of energy to the track.

A Genre-Bending Hit

Ronstadt’s version of “Heat Wave” exemplifies her ability to transcend genre limitations. While the original leaned towards Motown sounds, Ronstadt infuses it with a touch of rock and roll, creating a unique and dynamic listening experience. This approach resonated with audiences, propelling the song to become a Top 10 hit on the Billboard charts.

A Song That Endures

“Heat Wave” remains a testament to Ronstadt’s enduring legacy. Her captivating performance and the song’s relatable themes of longing and the summertime blues continue to resonate with listeners across generations. The song serves as a reminder of Ronstadt’s artistry in breathing new life into classic tunes and captivating audiences with her powerful voice.

Video

Lyrics

“Heat Wave”

 

 

Whenever I’m with him
Something inside
Starts to burning
And I’m filled with desire
Could it be the devil in me
Or is this the way love’s supposed to be

It’s like a heat wave
Burning in my heart
Can’t keep from crying
It’s tearing me apart

Whenever he calls my name
Soft, low, sweet and plain
I feel, yeah yeah
Well I feel that burning flame
Has high blood pressure got a hold on me
Or is this the way love’s supposed to be

It’s like a heat wave
Burning in my heart
Can’t keep from crying
It’s tearing me apart

Sometimes I stare into space
Tears all over my face
I can’t explain it
Don’t understand it
I hadn’t ever felt like this before
Now that funny feeling has me amazed
I Don’t know what to do
My head’s in a haze

It’s like a heat wave
Burning in my heart
Can’t keep from crying
It’s tearing me apart

Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Yeah yeah oh oh (heat wave)
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
oh (heat wave)

Don’t pass up this chance
This time it’s true romance
Heat wave
Heat wave
Heat wave
Oooh heat wave