"You're No Good" is a song written by American music artist Clint Ballard J… Read Full Bio ↴"You're No Good" is a song written by American music artist Clint Ballard Jr. that was first performed by Dee Dee Warwick for Jubilee Records in 1963 with production by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The song has since been covered by many artists, including charting versions by Betty Everett in 1963, The Swinging Blue Jeans in 1964, and Linda Ronstadt in 1975 (whose version was a number 1 hit in the United States).

You're No Good
Linda Ronstadt Lyrics

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Feeling better now that we're through
Feeling better 'cause I'm over you
I 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

I'm telling you now, baby, and I'm going my way
Forget about you, baby, 'cause I'm leaving to stay

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

Overall Meaning

The song “You’re No Good” by Linda Ronstadt is an expression of relief and empowerment after enduring a toxic relationship that left scars. The singer is finally feeling better now that the relationship is over and recognizes the ex-partner for who they are. The lyrics “I learned my lesson, it left a scar, Now I see how you really are” imply that the relationship was tumultuous and the singer now understands the true nature of their partner. The repetition of “You’re no good” emphasizes the point of the song that the singer has moved on and found inner strength to break free from the toxic relationship.

The song also includes remorse over the damage that was caused to a third party, the singer’s previous partner. The lyrics “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” show that the singer is aware of the hurt they caused, but it was a result of being manipulated and deceived by their toxic partner.

Overall, “You’re No Good” is a powerful anthem of liberation from a controlling and harmful relationship, with the message that recognizing the toxicity and finding the courage to leave ultimately leads to healing and strength.

Line by Line Meaning