Gainesville
Linda Ronstadt Lyrics


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I was born in Gainesville, Florida
And my father was a tailor
And my mother ran a cafe near the university

I've a brother died aborning
And another who's a sailor
I've a sister who is older, and living on her own
I have tried all my life to be kind to others
Even when others were unkind to me
I've been told all my life when I found someone
He would look at me and I'd know

Are you really mine?
Are you really mine?
Does your heart glow
When you see me walkin' down the street, boy?
Do your eyes shine
When you know that we're about to meet?
I don't think they do

I was born in Gainesville, Florida
And my father was a tailor




And my mother ran a cafe near the university
And she didn't raise a fool when she raised me

Overall Meaning

Linda Ronstadt's song "Gainesville" is a nostalgic reflection on her hometown in Florida and her family's roots and history there. The opening lines set the scene by establishing her origins in Gainesville, with her father working as a tailor and her mother running a cafe near the university. The simple, almost poetic language immediately transports the listener to a small town in the southern United States.


Ronstadt goes on to share intimate details about her family, including the tragic loss of her brother and the fact that her older sister is living on her own. These personal revelations add depth and emotion to the song, while also giving listeners a glimpse into the singer's own experiences growing up. Additionally, Ronstadt reflects on her own values and actions, noting that she has always tried to be kind to others even when they were unkind to her.


The lyrics then shift to focus on Ronstadt's romantic life, with the singer asking whether the person she is interested in really cares for her in return. The questions "Are you really mine?" and "Does your heart glow?" are vulnerable and honest, revealing the doubts and insecurities that are often present in relationships. Ultimately, however, Ronstadt's confidence shines through as she asserts that her mother did not raise a fool when she raised her.


Overall, "Gainesville" is a powerful and introspective song that showcases Linda Ronstadt's masterful storytelling and emotive vocals.


Line by Line Meaning

I was born in Gainesville, Florida
The singer was born in Gainesville, Florida.


And my father was a tailor
The singer's father had a profession as a tailor.


And my mother ran a cafe near the university
The singer's mother owned and operated a cafe within close proximity to a university.


I've a brother died aborning
The singer had a brother who was stillborn.


And another who's a sailor
The singer has a living brother who is currently employed as a sailor.


I've a sister who is older, and living on her own
The singer has an older sister who has moved out and is currently living on her own.


I have tried all my life to be kind to others
Throughout her life, the singer has made an effort to treat others kindly.


Even when others were unkind to me
Despite instances where others have been unkind to her, the singer has continued to treat them with kindness.


I've been told all my life when I found someone
The singer has been informed since she was young that she would know when she found the right person.


He would look at me and I'd know
The singer believes that she would be able to tell if someone was right for her based on the way they look at her.


Are you really mine?
The singer questions whether or not the person she is with is truly hers.


Does your heart glow
The singer wonders if her partner's heart feels happy when they are together.


When you see me walkin' down the street, boy?
The singer questions whether or not her partner feels happy when they see her walking down the street.


Do your eyes shine
The singer inquires whether her partner's eyes light up when they are about to meet.


When you know that we're about to meet?
The singer questions if her partner's eyes light up when they know they will be meeting.


I don't think they do
The singer does not believe that her partner's eyes light up when they see her.


And she didn't raise a fool when she raised me
The singer credits her mother for raising her to be intelligent and wise.




Contributed by Savannah Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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