Linda Ronstadt – Someone to Lay Down Beside Me

About the song

Yearning for Connection: Linda Ronstadt’s “Someone to Lay Down Beside Me”

Linda Ronstadt, a versatile vocalist who conquered genres from rock to country, delivers a poignant exploration of loneliness in “Someone to Lay Down Beside Me.” This 1976 ballad, originally written by Karla Bonoff, paints a picture of yearning for connection and the solace found in human touch.

A Song of Quiet Longing

“Someone to Lay Down Beside Me” isn’t a desperate plea for love or a grand romantic declaration. Instead, it’s a quiet expression of loneliness, a simple desire for companionship. Lines like “Even though it’s not real / Just someone to lay down beside me” capture a deep yearning for connection, even if it’s not a perfect or permanent solution.

Ronstadt’s Captivating Vocals

Ronstadt’s voice takes center stage in the song. She delivers the lyrics with a vulnerability and emotional honesty that perfectly reflects the character’s longing. Her voice is both gentle and expressive, conveying a yearning for connection without melodrama. The sparse instrumentation, featuring acoustic guitar and piano, creates an intimate atmosphere that allows the lyrics to resonate deeply.

A Universality of Loneliness

The beauty of “Someone to Lay Down Beside Me” lies in its universality. Loneliness is a common human experience, and the song taps into that feeling in a way that resonates with listeners across generations. Whether it’s a single person yearning for a partner, someone experiencing a temporary period of isolation, or anyone simply seeking a sense of connection, the song offers a voice to their quiet longing.

A Timeless Ballad

“Someone to Lay Down Beside Me” remains a powerful ballad in Ronstadt’s vast catalog. It showcases her ability to connect with listeners on a personal level through her emotive vocals and relatable storytelling. The song continues to resonate today, offering a comforting reminder that we’re not alone in our desire for connection and the solace found in human touch.

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Lyrics

“Someone To Lay Down Beside Me”

 

There’s somebody waiting alone in the street
For someone to walk up and greet
Here you are all alone in the city
Where’s the love that you took to your side
Lonely faces will stare through your eyes in the night

And they’ll say
Woman sweet woman
Please come home with me
You’re shining and willing and free
But your love is a common occurrence
Not like love that I feel in my heart
Still you know that may be what I need

Is someone to lay down beside me
And even though it’s not real
Just someone to lay down beside me
You’re the story of my life

Someone to lay down beside me
And even though it’s not real
Just someone to lay down beside me
You’re the story of my life

The morning is breaking
The street lights are off
The sun will soon share all the cost
Of a world that can be sort of heartless
Not like love that I feel in my heart
Still you know that may be all you’ll get

Is someone to lay down beside you
And even though it’s not real
Just someone to lay down beside you
You just can’t ask for more