Ronstadt, Linda - Prisoner In Disguise Lyrics






You think the love you never had might save you
But true love takes a little time
You can touch it with your fingers
And try to believe your eyes
Is it love or lies

So you're keeping your distance
A little bit of room around you
But if he doesn't return your call on time
Oh my my
You just act like a fool on a holiday
There's nothing that you wouldn't try
You must be a prisoner in disguise

Well this night life is my life
But there's no one else in it
And sometimes those lonesome breezes blow
But it's no show so you might as well go
If you think you could win it
Without losing and letting it show

The city is no place to hide in
Everybody knows your number
And you know that you could never be alone if you tried
You just run like a man with no reason to run
And no place to ever arrive

You must be a prisoner
Look just like a prisoner
Well you must be a prisoner in disguise





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Ronstadt, Linda Prisoner In Disguise Comments
  1. I.... H....

    PERFECTION

  2. 1.... ....

    In addition to giving us beautiful music, she also provided a platform and gave exposure to such talented writers like JD Souther and Warren Zevon and Karla Bonoff.

  3. M.... C....

    On the weekends my mom would bring out her 8-track player and would play ABBA Arrival,Fleetwood Mac Rumors,K Tel Hit Machine and Linda Rondstadt Prisnoner In Disguise.

  4. N.... ....

    I had the pleasure and honor of interviewing Linda one time and she couldn't have been nicer or more friendly--zero ego and happy to share any memory she was asked about. It's rare that someone as famous and gifted as she is/was is also equally decent. While we miss her voice today, her records are reminders of just how amazing her vocal gifts were--few more than this song.

  5. K.... S....

    This was her best musical pairing, from the heart, pure music, the greatest singer, period.

  6. t.... ....

    Ms. Ronstadt and a glass of red. Note the strings -- a foreshadowing of her American Songbook years.

  7. L.... M....

    Maybe we're

  8. A.... d....

    Such a beautiful song

  9. G.... L....

    Prisoner in Disguise was one of the 8 track tapes I kept in my box in my car back in the 70s. I wore it out.

  10. A.... ....

    Souther & Ronstadt. Magical, heart stopping beauty.

  11. L.... m....

    Is it love or lies....

  12. G.... D....

    Such a beautiful, sad song.. JD Souther sung the best harmonies on the planet...

  13. r.... ....

    I don't remember the last time I heard this song - 35 years, maybe - yet I still know it by heart, didn't miss a word.

  14. L.... m....

    You were such a part of my younger days...I salute you and your bravery now...

  15. G.... F....

    Fantastic melody and voice.

  16. c.... n....

    Beautiful tune, Linda and john David Souther together singing, awesome.

  17. B.... L....

    Most beautiful song they ever did.

  18. R.... F....

    Some harmonies are untouchable.

  19. H.... H....

    Killer. Emotional surrender. Effortless beauty and sorrows. Linda... very very special.

  20. g.... r....

    beautifulwomanvocals

  21. d.... ....

    Best song ever. Forty years have gone by and it's still my favorite.

  22. G.... K....

    Killer tune and vocals to die for. Listen on Vinyl if you can.

  23. A.... C....

    one of the most beautiful songs on this YouTube thing!😁 what is so silly is those Trump-head supporters who wanna tear this incredible woman down! only God's love is real, and Linda is proof of that!

  24. T.... S....

    Such a consummate musician and I love JD's song and harmony.. this is the way GREAT music sounded!!

  25. S.... B....

    thank u Linda, your. music still means so much to me....its 1973 when i listen .... : )

  26. N.... ....

    I was making commercials in the 80's and JD's agent called me and offered him as a voice over artist. I was happy to audition him, and told him my son had written an essay for high school about "Prisoner." Yawn. Then I went out and tried to create a Del Monte jingle with the same harmonic feeling. Bust. This is an amazing song. I also slapped my cassette (I told you it was the 80's) of original songs into his hand. I'll bet it wound up in the trash before he hit the front door. Oh well.

  27. B.... C....

    I ask one thing of all of you.
    Please remember Linda as this. Don't make decisions about her based on now. I will always think of her when she was singing this type of music. She could sing anything. This album "Prisoner in Disguise" is how she is locked in my mind. I will miss her but these songs are her best.

    B.... C....

    Well, Ms. Ronstadt got old. Several of the artists of her generation never lived to be old. She is now a a beautiful old lady who is still trying to do good things in this world. And old songs of hers are fantastic.

  28. T.... P....

    Prisoner in Disguise was one of LInda's best albums along with Hasten Down The Wind. Her voice in the title song is so sad, lonely and haunting. She had one of the most powerful and dynamic voices ever. Truly a talent for the ages. Linda you are loved and your voice will never be stilled!

  29. W.... P....

    This and "Faithless Love" will both tear you apart-I can listen to either one for an hour at a time. These are melodies that only come along once and a while and someone like Linda was talented and lucky enough to get them, no small thanks to JD Souther. She attained surreal status early in her career, just based on her musical talent. You only get one like this, unfortunately. Thank God she knew how to handle her talent, did not self-destruct, or do crazy things. Just an incredible catalog of music by a lovely human being.

  30. G.... H....

    I miss that time when everything came so organic, pure and human in compare to our time now, even the life is so generic and digitally manufactured.

  31. D.... O....

    Not sure I understand this song at all but I can listen to this dozens of time per day. How I love her voice. So sad she can't sing anymore!

    D.... O....

    Dan Ocala what,,! Why?

    D.... O....

    Her health has been drastically affected by Parkinsons disease. She's still around, but pretty much out of music industry. Wrote her memoir a couple years ago.

  32. L.... N....

    "Prisoner In Disguise"

    You think the love you never had might save you
    But true love takes a little time
    You can touch it with your fingers
    And try to believe your eyes
    Is it love or lies

    So you're keeping your distance
    A little bit of room around you
    But if he doesn't return your call on time
    Oh my my
    You just act like a fool on a holiday
    There's nothing that you wouldn't try
    You must be a prisoner in disguise

    Well this night life is my life
    But there's no one else in it
    And sometimes those lonesome breezes blow
    But it's no show so you might as well go
    If you think you could win it
    Without losing and letting it show

    The city is no place to hide in
    Everybody knows your number
    And you know that you could never be alone if you tried
    You just run like a man with no reason to run
    And no place to ever arrive

    You must be a prisoner
    Look just like a prisoner
    Well you must be a prisoner in disguise

    L.... N....

    Laurylie Norman great song great lyrics and performance.

    L.... N....

    Thank you for those lyrics. I like to think Linda was muse to JD.

  33. W.... N....

    Just got my husband hooked on this beautiful song. I have loved L.R. since childhood and this titled album is my favorite. My sister and I play & sing along at least once a year. Great memories. And that Pure voice of Linda's is one of my very, cherished favorites. Talent we rarely see, or hear, these days.
    Wishing Linda well as always.
    And "Thank You" for your gifts.

  34. t.... ....

    i love this album, listened to it so many many times...had it on vinyl, then cassette, then cd, now digital!

  35. S.... A....

    my all time favorite male  female duet, the ending is the most dramatic, two great voices, I am nothing before this music, melody, arrangement, words harmony,s ..my words have no weight here...done

  36. S.... A....

    the ending of this perfect song is as dramatic as it gets in pop music, It stops me in my tracks everytime, outstanding !

  37. W.... ....

    I was 5 years old when my mother would play this over and over... I was given the greatest gift from my mother.... My musical abilities...  My mother died in 2005... There will never be one single time until the day I leave this earth that this song will not reduce me to tears... Its one of the most beautifuly crafted songs... Thank you Mom, Happy Easter, and I miss you more than you can imagine.

    W.... ....

    “The Sweetest Gift, A Mother’s Smile.” Your Mother didn’t give you a beautiful gift, just as the mother in this song, another tender, achingly beautiful, simple song song full of feeling by Linda In which I frequently am moved to tears

  38. A.... H....

    for the sake of history...The Eagles were originally the back up band for Linda Ronstadt. nuff said!! Linda had the sweetest voice in music and was the most angel like lady. what a star, and to this day is still one of my best... she just had it all!! this song and whole album are just so just "linda ronstadt" meaning "uncomparable"" .....

    A.... H....

    And so? We all knew they continued to play together in various configurations. So why go on about it? It would take a bookeeper to keep track of who played on what. I don't care THAT much. That does not make the Eagles her back-up band anyway. Weird.

    A.... H....

    Al Huggins I

    A.... H....

    ABSOLUTLY

    A.... H....

    Finally, someone got it right. Laurel.

  39. C.... S....

    Lyrics: "Prisoner In Disguise"
    You think the love you never had might save you
    But true love takes a little time
    You can touch it with your fingers
    And try to believe your eyes
    Is it love or lies

    So you're keeping your distance
    A little bit of room around you
    But if he doesn't return your call on time
    Oh my my
    You just act like a fool on a holiday
    There's nothing that you wouldn't try
    You must be a prisoner in disguise

    Well this night life is my life
    But there's no one else in it
    And sometimes those lonesome breezes blow
    But it's no show so you might as well go
    If you think you could win it
    Without losing and letting it show

    The city is no place to hide in
    Everybody knows your number
    And you know that you could never be alone if you tried
    You just run like a man with no reason to run
    And no place to ever arrive

    You must be a prisoner
    Look just like a prisoner
    Well you must be a prisoner in disguise

  40. b.... ....

    This is a wonderful album, sung by a a truly great artist. I can recall listening to this album when it came out back then. The song, Silver Blue was hauntingly beautiful song. I could not play Prisoner In Disguise enough for me. I used to listen to this album when I was overseas, while serving in the US Navy. I believe her songs gave me peace.

    b.... ....

    bear3of9
    They made me cry. She wore her heartbreak on her sleeve. A truly beautiful lady. She sang with everything she had. It was more than most could deal with. She will live forever in her music. It was magnificent and she picked her songs perfectly. Remember her. Don't ever forget. I mean that.

    b.... ....

    Let's not act as if she is dead, she is very much still here! She has Parkinson's, and can't sing, but she has written a great biography and she is still doing things.

    b.... ....

    Yes, but we can't go back in time, although heaven knows we'd all desperately love to go back to the 1970s Linda. We loved her then and still love her now.

  41. R.... M....

     This was recorded for the album Prisoner in Disguise and the song is a carefully sung thing of beauty. Each of her songs early in her career were hand picked and chosen for their uniqueness and melodic qualities. For anyone who hasn't heard the whole album, please listen to it in its entirety. Each song is a gem and a thing of beauty. God Bless you Linda for giving me so many years of pleasure through your magnificent voice.

    R.... M....

    I agree, it's a beautiful record and my favorite.  Thank you Linda!

    R.... M....

    Thanks, that is a very good summation. All the songs were carefully picked, and each album was treated as a creative act of love. Others do it also, Linda was exceptional at giving listeners the very best.

  42. j.... b....

    Always my favorite song of Linda's.  Many prayers for her struggles. <3

  43. W.... ....

    Truly one of the best by one of my favorite singers of all times.. The melody and harmonies are absolutely beautifully haunting and this song will drive me to tears every time

    W.... ....

    WARDMAN3 agreed as in now

  44. R.... D....

    Over the past eighty years I heard so many great  one's.  The one I still miss the most is LINDA RONSTADT.

    R.... D....

    Robert Dorff
    Yes sir. The first time I heard her was with the Stone Pony's and her sister Susie was always putting it onand turning it up. Who's going to do that now. Some say she was country. That is not true. She sang every thing with love and all of her heart. She had a gift that you heard. She was a soul singer. Tucson soul. I love her always. She is too damn beautiful in every way that counts. Peace Linny. Be free.

    R.... D....

    She could have only come from Tucson. A very gifted, unique place. It's nothing like Phoenix. Tucson is art, soul, racial harmony. Linda reflects that.

  45. P.... M....

    so you're keeping your distance...a little bit of room around you....but if he doesn't return your call on time, oh, my my....

  46. S.... B....

    I loved this song as a teen ... I had no idea it would be a map for my life ... my theme song? JD Souther is such a brilliant songwriter.. Gershwinesque ... Can't wait to see him next weekend - and hope he sings this chestnut!

  47. c.... n....

    My favorite ballad by Ms,Ronstadt thank u, thank,!

    c.... n....

    Linda recorded so many wonderful songs that it's difficult for me to choose a favorite. Thia certainly deserves consideration as does "I Will Always Love You."

    c.... n....

    @catman916 I appreciate the comment, and agreed "I will always love you" another beautiful ballad by Linda.

  48. L.... B....

    Amazing song...and no one sings like Linda. I bow down to both of these talented artist.

  49. p.... ....

    I received the album "Prisoner In Disguise" as a Christmas gift from a classmate in my senior year of high school.  I had known of Linda prior to that, but this album would spark my love affair of all things Linda.  By the way, I still have this exquisite album and a turntable that works.

  50. R.... P....

    What a babe ! Such heart rending songs ......I'll always  love Linda !

  51. D.... A....

    Two voices singing beautifully together.. Great song J.D.

  52. r.... a....

    very pretty.  made me cry the first time i heard it.

  53. A.... L....

    I think I will Catman. Thanks.

  54. A.... L....

    John David Souther has been my favorite songwriter since '74 when I noticed his name credited on my favorite Eagles and Ronstadt tunes.

    A.... L....

    Check out his Natural History album, Alan.

    A.... L....

    Also, it should be stated about the quality and timbre of Souther's voice. Here he is doing backing vocals, and the sound against Linda's lead is beautiful. Linda's voice sounded really good with male backing--Andrew Gold, Souther, Jackson Browne I believe and others.

  55. p.... b....

    J.D. Souther really accompanies her with this; terrific harmony. Linda Ronstadt, as ever, is Brilliant.

  56. P.... ....

    This Album has endured over 3 Decades as my Favorite. The Song has rung true in my life at many points.

  57. f.... ....

    I read today that Linda has Parkinson's disease and can no longer sing. I saw her so many times back in the 70's and she could belt out any song like no one else. It was a pleasure and a privilege to have been there when she performed. Good wishes and prayers for this beautiful lady!!!

  58. D.... A....

    John David Souther I met on the set of Nashville TV show. What nice guy. What a great writer.

  59. H.... ....

    I think when people 'dislike' a video, most times it's just to be rude. As for the two dislikes for this clip, yeah...rude.

  60. c.... ....

    Linda had a way of taking other peoples songs and making them her own. A good example is "Feels Like Home." I can say the same thing about Emmylou Harris.

  61. c.... ....

    It must be Neil Young's song, "Love is a Rose."

  62. c.... ....

    It is so difficult choosing a "best" song for someone as great as Linda Ronstadt. She has recorded very many wonderful songs over the past 47 years. She has excelled in every music style which she has used: rock, country, country-rock, folk, American standards, and ranchero. I have loved "Long, Long, Time" ever since I first heard it in 1970. If you check my many uploads of her recordings, you will not be disappointed.

  63. H.... R....

    I think it IS the best song she ever recorded.

  64. p.... m....

    I think so (people say I'm nuts) but the harmony with JD Souther who wrote the song those voices together are just magic

  65. G.... c....

    You're welcome dear Gabs I had this vinyl and this was the name of the album did ok, and I always love hearing this sad but so beautiful song, my gosh woow!!
    PS: Saw Linda as the opening act for Neil Young on march '73 in San Diego, was a nice surprise I still remember her great performance, thank you dear Gabs!

  66. G.... c....

    this is what I call a true woman's voice nothing near has yet ever come since Linda. Only spur of the moment and TV made millionaires that only last till next season ratings

  67. b.... ....

    That chime-clear voice and uncanny ability to harmonize -- doesn't get any better than this ...

  68. L.... N....

    thanks Linda for teaching me how to sing, your music is the happiest of my childhood memories

  69. J.... ....

    My favorite!!! JD Souther wrote it and Linda sang it. Can't get much better. I wore out my "Prisoner in Disguise" album, because of this song. Love JD's harmony with Linda's voice. Perfection.

  70. k.... ....

    Ever since buying the album when it was released, this has always been my favorite Ronstadt song; also my favorite song that J.D. Souther wrote. Between her lead and his harmony, I just don't know how much better a song can sound than this one. I'm a football-loving guy, yet this one grabs me inside and gets me a little misty eyed more times than I should admit. Blows me away every time I hear it. Hard to believe they never released it as a single, especially the album's title track. Puzzling.

  71. d.... ....

    The Voice of an Angel. At this point in her career Ms Ronsdadt was riding a wave many sucesses ! Like many other artist sometimes the material was not well chosen,( I don't like her Rock & Roll ) but every note in this song is perfection.

  72. J.... P....

    I cannot believe I ever missed this. I have several of her albums, but don't recall this one. Now the search is on. I always got goos bumps from her voice. Thanks so much for bringing attention to this.

  73. c.... ....

    @irishwolf1953 Yes, you are correct. You can find my upload of "I Will Always Love You" which I did on August 13, 2009.

  74. B.... K....

    Love this song and performer. Many do not know that she was one of the first to record and release on an album Dolly Parton's (now classic) "I Will Always Love You" made famous years later by Whitney Houston. Dolly and Linda were friends and Dolly gave Linda permission to record it.

  75. S.... H....

    This may be the best song Ronstadt recorded ever.

  76. h.... ....

    Thanks for the upload. Always great to listen to classic Linda!

  77. t.... ....

    Very enjoyable video and beutiful song and singing........thank you to Judie for sharing........ Terry XXX