Like or dislike Bella Donna

[skcin]

We do so many lists of favorites, least favorite, best lyrics, best music, etc., it's hard to keep track of who likes/dislikes which tunes & why. I'm going to do a thread every few days on a specific song. I'll probably go in the order they are on the albums.

Please post your thoughts & opinions on the song - do you like it or dislike it? Why?

So, to start:

Bella Donna

I adore this song. The piano intro grabs me right away. I think the harmonies are some of the best she & the girls have ever done. I can overlook the goofy "phoney/pony" lyric because I love the music & vocal so much.

I know some dislike "face becomes thin" but I don't. I don't take it literally, like someone losing weight. I think of it in connection with the "tired/disappears" line; it's heartbreaking - a woman turns around one day & years have gone by & she's old & sad & alone.

I also like the guitar "whining" in certain parts, esp. live when Stevie would sing along with it.

The few live versions that exist are pretty true to the studio version & I would love to hear Stevie do this song live again.