Today’s classic song of the day was never released as a single, but it should have been. The song is “Heart Like a Wheel” and it was written by Canadian singer/songwriter Anna McGarrigle, recorded by both Anna and her sister Kate and by big-time American singer Linda Ronstadt.
“Heart Like a Wheel” is a beautiful song about how wonderful and how terrible love can be. It’s best to let Anna’s touching lyrics speak for themselves:
Some say the heart is just like a wheel
When you bend it, you can’t mend it
But my love for you is like a sinking ship
And my heart is on that ship out in mid-oceanWhen harm is done no love can be won
I know it happens frequently
What I can’t understand oh please God hold my hand
Why it had to happen to meAnd it’s only love and it’s only love
That can wreck a human being and turn him inside out
“My love for you is a like a sinking ship and my heart is on that ship out in mid-ocean.” Simply gorgeous.
Linda Ronstadt was at the top of her game when she recorded “Heart Like a Wheel” for her 1974 album, Heart Like a Wheel. It was Ms. Ronstadt’s first number-one album and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Album of the Year. (She lost to Paul Simon’s Still Crazy After All These Years.) The album spawned two hit singles, both covers: “You’re No Good” and “When Will I Be Loved.” Her version of “Heart Like a Wheel” is both lovely and emotionally wrenching.
Ms. Ronstadt’s recording of “Heart Like a Wheel” led to Kate and Anna McGarrigle finally gaining enough recognition to get signed to a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records. They released their version of “Heart Like a Wheel” on their 1976 debut album, Kate & Anna McGarrigle.
Hailing from Quebec, Kate and Anna McGarrigle started writing songs and performing together in folk clubs in the mid-60s. While they didn’t achieve mainstream success, they did develop a devoted following and had their songs recorded by a number of more-famous artists, including Emmylou Harris, Judy Collins, and Maria Muldour. The McGarrigles’ albums, especially Kate & Anna McGarrigle (1976), Dancer with Bruised Knees (1977), Pronto Mondo (1978), Love Over and Over (1982), and Heartbeats Accelerating (1990), are highly recommended, especially if you like quirky, intelligent contemporary folk music.
Kate McGarrigle, unfortunately, passed away of cancer in 2010, age 63. Her sister Anna is still with us today; she’s 80 years old.
And here’s your truly extra special daily bonus video of the day, Linda Ronstadt along with Kate and Anna McGarrigle singing “Heart Like a Wheel” in 1984. Damn, this is a good song—and I could listen to these ladies sing it all day long. And it’s only love…
