It’s just that I’m not in the market/
For a boy who wants to love only me.
Linda Rondstadt was a heartbreaker.
In “Different Drum” she tells this guy that he can’t see the forest for the trees and that their hearts beat to a different drum. (Just to rub it in she also tells him that every time he comes around she goes running). The guy wants to be her boyfriend, but Ronstadt is having none of that. She wants to date around. She tells him he is perfectly fine, but she needs more. She doesn’t want to be tied down to one man. So, she tells him goodbye.
Think how revolutionary it was for a woman to be singing this song in 1967. It still is not a theme we hear too often. Interesting that this is a summer of love song.
Ronstadt’s vocals on “Different Drum” are amazing and the melody is exceptional. I always wanted to hear a version without the harpsichord. It is such a difficult instrument to work into a pop or rock song perfectly. It is an overpowering instrument. This would be the Stone Poney’s only hit. After this song Ronstadt went on to a huge solo career.
Different Drum Lyrics
You and I travel to the beat of a diff’rent drum
Oh, can’t you tell by the way I run
Every time you make eyes at me Wo oh
You cry and you moan and say it will work out
But honey child I’ve got my doubts
You can’t see the forest for the trees
So, don’t get me wrong It’s not that I’m knockin’
It’s just that I’m not in the market
For a boy who wants to love only me
Yes, and I ain’t sayin’ you ain’t pretty
All I’m sayin’s I’m not ready for any person
Place or thing to try and pull the reins in on me
So Goodbye, I’ll be leavin’
I see no sense in the cryin’ and grievin’
We’ll both live a lot longer if you live without me
Oh, don’t get me wrong It’s not that I’m knockin’
It’s just that I’m not in the market
For a boy who wants to love only me
Yes, and I ain’t sayin’ you ain’t pretty
All I’m sayin’s I’m not ready for any person
Place or thing to try and pull the reins in on me
So Goodbye, I’ll be leavin’
I see no sense in the cryin’ and grievin’
We’ll both live a lot longer if you live without me
Songwriters: Michael Nesmith