About the song
This song, a classic slice of country-rock pie, has a fascinating history that intertwines with Ronstadt’s own journey to stardom. Let’s explore why it remains such a beloved track decades after its release.
Now, many of us remember Linda Ronstadt for her powerhouse vocals, capable of soaring through rock anthems, caressing tender ballads, and even tackling operatic pieces. But in the mid-1970s, she was still solidifying her identity as a solo artist. She’d tasted success with songs like “Different Drum” and “You’re No Good,” but her artistic vision was still taking shape.
Enter “It’s So Easy,” a song originally written and recorded by Buddy Holly back in 1958. Holly’s version, while charming, was a somewhat subdued affair, typical of the era’s rock and roll sound. Ronstadt, under the guidance of producer Peter Asher, took this simple tune and injected it with a shot of pure California cool.
Released on her 1977 album Simple Dreams, Ronstadt’s rendition of “It’s So Easy” became an instant hit. It perfectly captured the laid-back, almost nonchalant attitude that permeated the West Coast music scene at the time. But don’t let that “easy” vibe fool you; there’s a subtle complexity at play here.
Ronstadt’s vocals are, as always, impeccable. She delivers the lyrics with a world-weariness that belies her youthful age, hinting at a depth of experience beyond her years. The band, featuring seasoned session musicians like Danny Kortchmar and Waddy Wachtel, provides a rock-solid foundation, with those iconic guitar licks adding just the right amount of grit.
But what truly elevates “It’s So Easy” is the way Ronstadt and Asher reimagined the song’s arrangement. They stripped away the original’s doo-wop elements and infused it with a country-rock sensibility that was both fresh and familiar. The addition of a soaring guitar solo, courtesy of Wachtel, further cemented the song’s status as a rock radio staple.
Looking back, “It’s So Easy” represents a pivotal moment in Linda Ronstadt’s career. It showcased her versatility as an artist, capable of breathing new life into older material while simultaneously defining the sound of a generation. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal, a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication that continues to resonate with music lovers of all ages.
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Lyrics
It’s so easy to fall in love
It’s so easy to fall in love
People tell me love’s for fools
Here I go, breaking all the rules
It seems so easy (it’s so easy, it’s so easy)
Oh-oh, so doggone easy (it’s so easy, it’s so easy)
Yeah, it seems so easy (it’s so easy, it’s so easy)
Oh-oh
Where you’re concerned my heart can learn
Oh-oh-oh
It’s so easy to fall in love
It’s so easy to fall in love
Look into your heart and see
What your love book has set aside for me
It seems so easy (it’s so easy, it’s so easy)
Oh-oh, so doggone easy (it’s so easy, it’s so easy)
Yeah, it seems so easy (it’s so easy, it’s so easy)
Oh-oh
Where you’re concerned my heart can learn
Oh-oh-oh
It’s so easy to fall in love
It’s so easy to fall in love
It seems so easy (it’s so easy, it’s so easy)
Oh-oh, so doggone easy (it’s so easy, it’s so easy)
Yeah, it seems so easy (it’s so easy, it’s so easy)
Oh-oh
Where you’re concerned my heart can learn
It’s so easy to fall in love
It’s so easy to fall in love
It’s so easy to fall in love
It’s so easy to fall in love
It’s so easy to fall in love
It’s so easy to fall in love
This is a song by my friend Lowell George
It’s called “Willin'”