Meaning of "Poor Poor Pitiful Me" by Linda Ronstadt

"Poor Poor Pitiful Me" is a song that explores the theme of victimhood and the speaker's frustration with her romantic relationships. The lyrics portray a woman who feels sorry for herself and believes that she is constantly mistreated by men. The repeated phrase "poor poor pitiful me" reflects her self-pity and serves as a refrain throughout the song. The opening lines, "Well I lay my head on the railroad track, Waiting on the Double E, But the train don't run by here no more," symbolize the protagonist's desire for escape or change but her realization that things are not going to change for her. She feels trapped and hopeless, as if there is no way out of her current situation.

The song then goes on to narrate specific encounters with different men. The line, "Well I met a man out in Hollywood, Now I ain't naming names, Well he really worked me over good, Just like Jesse James," suggests that the man in Hollywood took advantage of her or treated her poorly. This experience has left her feeling hurt and betrayed. The song also mentions a man in the Vieux Carres and one in Yokohama, both of whom have treated her disrespectfully or caused her pain.

The lyrics use exaggeration and hyperbole to emphasize the protagonist's self-pity and victimhood. The line, "Put me through some changes Lord, Sort of like a Waring blender," suggests that the man from Hollywood caused her intense emotional turmoil or confusion. Additionally, the line "He picked me up and he threw me down, He said 'Please don't hurt me Mama'" indicates that the man from Yokohama was physically abusive towards her. These exaggerated descriptions heighten the sense of the protagonist's despair and the negative experiences she has encountered in her relationships.

Overall, the lyrics of "Poor Poor Pitiful Me" explore themes of victimhood, mistreatment, and self-pity. The protagonist feels sorry for herself, emphasizing her constant disappointment in men and longing for mercy. The song captures the emotional toll of failed relationships and the speaker's sense of powerlessness in changing her situation.