Hasten Down the Wind (song)

"Hasten Down the Wind" is a song written and performed by Linda Ronstadt, released in 1976 as the title track of her platinum-selling album of the same name. The song is a ballad exploring themes of love, loss, and the desire for solace and release from emotional pain.

The lyrics, written by Karla Bonoff, tell the story of someone pleading with a personified force, presumably death or a metaphorical wind, to "hasten down" and take away their loved one's suffering. The imagery evokes a sense of urgency and empathy, highlighting the speaker's desire to alleviate the pain of someone they care for.

Ronstadt's rendition is characterized by its emotive vocal performance and understated instrumentation, allowing the song's lyrical content to take center stage. "Hasten Down the Wind" became one of Ronstadt's signature songs and remains a popular and critically acclaimed piece. The song has been interpreted in various ways, often associated with themes of compassion, acceptance of mortality, and the complexities of human relationships.