Desperado
Linda Rondsadt Lyrics
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Why don't you come to your senses
You've been out riding fences for so long now
Oh you're a hard one
But I know that you've got your reasons
These things that are pleasing you will hurt you somehow
Don't you draw the queen of diamonds boy
The queen of hearts is always your best bet
Well it seems to me some fine things
Have been laid upon your table
But you only want the things that you can't get
Desperado
you know you ain't getting younger
Your pain and your hunger are driving you home
And freedom, oh freedom
Well that's just some people talking
Your prison is walking through this world all alone
Don't your feet get cold in the wintertime
Sky won't snow and the sun won't shine
It's hard to tell the night time from the day
You're losing all your highs and lows
Ain't it funny how the feeling goes away
Desperado
Why don't you come to your senses
Come down from your fences
Open the gate
It may be raining
But there's a rainbow above you
You better let somebody love you
Let somebody love you
Before it's too late
The song "Desperado" by Linda Ronstadt is a melancholic ballad that tells the story of a man who is constantly on the run, taking risks and facing challenges head-on. The first verse starts with the singer addressing the man, urging him to "come to his senses," after spending a long time "riding fences" or taking unnecessary risks. She acknowledges that he is "a hard one," implying that he might be a tough man to deal with, but she believes he has his reasons. She warns him not to "draw the queen of diamonds," a metaphor for not taking risks that could potentially harm him.
The chorus speaks about the man's restlessness, pain, and hunger, which are driving him home. She reminds him that freedom is just talk, and he is still stuck in his prison, walking alone in the world. She points out that he's losing his sense of direction, struggling to differentiate between day and night. The third verse urges him once again to come to his senses, reminding him that he's not getting any younger. She implores him to step down from his fortress, risk vulnerability, and open up to the possibility of love. The song ends with the message, "Let somebody love you before it's too late," a poignant reminder of the importance of not living life in isolation.
Line by Line Meaning
Desperado
This is a song about a desperate person.
Why don't you come to your senses
You need to stop acting recklessly and think logically.
You've been out riding fences for so long now
You've been wandering aimlessly and avoiding commitment for too long.
Oh you're a hard one
You're a tough individual.
But I know that you've got your reasons
You have valid excuses for your behavior.
These things that are pleasing you will hurt you somehow
The things you think you need will eventually harm you.
Don't you draw the queen of diamonds boy
Don't choose the wrong option--it will hurt you.
She'll beat you if she's able
She will harm you if she can.
The queen of hearts is always your best bet
Choose the most valuable option.
Well it seems to me some fine things
It appears as though you have many good things in life.
Have been laid upon your table
You have access to many opportunities and blessings.
But you only want the things that you can't get
You're prone to crave things that are not within your reach.
Desperado you know you ain't getting younger
You're growing older and should take action.
Your pain and your hunger are driving you home
Your suffering and desires are compelling you to return home.
And freedom, oh freedom
Freedom does not exist.
Well that's just some people talking
Freedom is just a concept that some people talk about.
Your prison is walking through this world all alone
You feel trapped and lonely in this world.
Don't your feet get cold in the wintertime
Aren't you ever affected by the consequences of your actions?
Sky won't snow and the sun won't shine
You don't see the positives or negatives of life.
It's hard to tell the night time from the day
You're confused and lost in life.
You're losing all your highs and lows
Your emotions are becoming monotonous.
Ain't it funny how the feeling goes away
It's strange how emotions can suddenly dissipate.
Desperado why don't you come to your senses
Recurrence to line 2.
Come down from your fences
Abandon isolation and commit to others.
Open the gate
Make yourself available to other opportunities and people.
It may be raining
Life may not always be easy.
But there's a rainbow above you
There is still beauty and hope in life.
You better let somebody love you
It's better to allow others to care for you.
Let somebody love you
Be open to receiving love from others before it's too late.
Before it's too late
Time is running out, so act before it's too late.
Contributed by Aubrey E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@slownoman
One woman, one piano, one microphone. If you can listen to this without getting the chills....how? Beyond greatness.
@politicalfoolishness7491
"One woman, one piano, one microphone." 100% correct, but a million hearts, you forgot that little part. Count me as one of them.
@karlc2869
Right on. BTW get lost. You're a nuisance YouTuber.
Thanks, girl.
@mountainoceankath
Truth! Voice of an angel. I so wish there could be a way to heal her...
@karlc2869
@@mountainoceankath Yes.
@carolbowen1693
@@mountainoceankath there i but they can't patent it so no $$$$
@josephtefft4483
No auto tune, no theatrics, just a piano and her flawless voice.
@bentonscrivener
Flawless
@politicalfoolishness7491
Truth!
@ethanweeter2732
And lovely to boot.