THIS song by Bonnie Raitt is NOT ALLOWED anymore! It's also the PERFECT tonic to pitch correction! 

Bonnie singing I Can’t Make You Love Me is one of my all-time favorites💕. She is so fricking REAL

Bonnie winning the Grammy for this gave me a tiny bit of hope that maybe authentic music will still have a place in the world. Thank you Fil.

ahhhhhhhh, I've been in luv with Bonnie for 50 or so years. She is a remarkable talent.

Bonnie is just fabulous. I've loved her music only from the first time I ever heard her back in the 70's right up to today. I'm 71 and love great music because it never grows old. It's timeless healing to my soul.

Bonnie is magnificent. They should never mess with Bonnie’s voice.

Wait, this won RECENTLY? Wow. I've paid so little attention to popular music because I find it soulless. But if this can still win, there is still hope. What a masterful performer she is. Fantastic analysis on this, thank you for your spot on insight.

I was so amazed she won. I’ve been a huge fan of her for 30 years. Great singing, playing, and song writing. She’s a goddess!

I just saw her perform this live 3 days ago. I've literally never experienced such a flawless, perfectly expressed song. I looked around and people had tears running down their faces. If you think she's amazing in the recording, you'd be floored at hearing this live. She's one of the rare performers who never lost her passion and authenticity over the course of a very long career.

Bonnie is amazing, so happy she won the Grammy!!! she is also the sole songwriter on this track, very unusual these days, and as always it sounds simple but 'simple' is not mean easy. She wrote is after seeing a TV show about a woman that lost her son and his heart was given to a doner that eventually tracked down the mother... beautiful song and masterfully performed.

This song is literally like a breath of fresh air. I’ve bitterly missed unprocessed vocals for decades now, but it’s not until I heard a totally raw new recording that I realised how much. It hits hard. It’s imperfect, and that’s what makes it awesome.

What an incredible song. Bonnie Raitt is one of our best story tellers in song and has been for decades. She's one of our most underappreciated singers because she's always insisted on being herself and didn't play into the marketing machine. Her very human nuances in her singing are absolutely divine. No technology can improve upon the expression of the human experience that she imbues into her singing.

Wow. Thank goodness this beautiful song wasn’t ruined by pitch correction. Thanks Fil.

She is in my top 3 for female singers. I actually waited on her when I was a waitress. She was so nice.❤

Saw her do this live, March 2023. Bonnie is amazing. She improves with age, like the fine wine she doesn't drink. I also love her for talking about her sobriety. She inspires on so many levels!

Man, you are a treasure. Just knowing there are other competent musicians that can truly appreciate things from Diamondhead to Glen Campbell and breakdown the intricacies of great songs of all genres without cork-sniffing snobbery, is a great service to humanity and music in general. Much love to you.

I'm GenX and my parents were of the Silent Generation. I was raised on music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Vocals with color and emotion, unlike the over-processed drivel prevalent in today's music. This is why I stick with indie artists for the most part. If it's the same 1-3 lines repeated for 2 1/2 minutes, it's not a song, it's a jingle.

She is not just singing, she is acting the part, feeling the emotions. Great video, thanks Fil.

This song has a sacredness about it. The topic, the organ, the humanity of it... beautiful on many levels.

Just saw Bonnie March 10 in Southern California - first show for her and her band in the new year, and she said they were just itching to get back on stage and make music again. She had a large contingency of family there and put on a wonderful show. She can make you cry, then turn around and rip. Glad to see the recognition she is getting at age 73. What do you want the girl to do? Just what she is great at.

I haven't checked whether someone else has already said this, but even if they have, it's worth repeating. As well as singing the song, of course Bonnie wrote it, and I'm pretty sure she produced it, too. And I imagine she was playing one of the guitars... She is a truly outstanding musician. 🥰

I’m so glad she remained true to herself- while so many others became marketable and successful, she sang her way. I’ve loved her for decades.

Last heard Bonnie sing live in concert around 40 years ago - her voice was fine back then (before auto tune was a thing), and it's just fine now. Later heard her singing "Angel From Montgomery" with John Prine, both before and after John's throat cancer, and neither of them used or needed auto tune. Nice presentation!

Very lovely voice. Her father was John Raitt, a great singer in musical theater. Thanks for your thorough analysis, Fil.

"Blending pitch with expression and dipping in and out of pitch with vocal fry ".Love the way you explain music so astutely 🎵🎼 The subtlety &simplicity of the song is so well explained by you Fil:)

Unplugged has a potential for a whole new meaning: Music made WITHOUT programming "plug in" aps. You, know like they have been doing it on recorded music for decades before.

This is such a lovely song! I love how Bonnie sung it with a lot of emotion in her voice. I like the natural, unedited voice of a singer because you can hear the emotions in their voices that you wouldn't hear if they were pitch corrected. Pitch correction and auto tune should be outlawed, lol!

You've perfectly explained to the people who don't believe she deserved the award why she absolutely did. I've always said that purity and talent is by far the greatest basis of lasting music. Thanks, as always Fil!!!

I adore Bonnie Raitt! The word is overused but her voice is truly authentic. IT IS THE STORY in her songs that she delivers like no one else can. She's a superb musician as well as a singer but it is the troubadour character to her singing that so few had that puts it over the top.

She makes the impossible, possible. Incredible song.

Bonnie Raitt's talent is enormous! She has an incredible range. I love your analisis of this soulful song.

I took your advice and listened to the song uninterrupted. Cried the whole time. So powerful. Also made me think of Leonard Cohen, don't know why.

How had I not heard this before? The problem with ignoring modern popular music out of frustration is that once in a while you’ll miss something breathtaking. Also - never underestimate the ability of the Hammond(?) organ and Leslie speaker to magnify emotions. Thanks for the fantastic analysis of this incredible performance!

I choke up every time I hear this song. Incredible lyrics, fantastic performance by Bonnie and the musicians, and top notch production. Absolutely Grammy-worthy, and showing modern "artists" and the kids who listen to them how it's supposed to be done.

Thank our lucky stars we have Bonnie in this world ❣️💙💕

I love artists that aren’t over processed. I can hear their emotions, and that’s what grabs me. It’s so REAL, like she’s sitting next to me. Thank you, Fil and whoever requested this one.

First saw her in 1977, saw her again with my daughter in 2005. Obviously we had all aged but her voice had not. Still the finest, most smooth with a little grit, effortless voice I’ve ever heard.

I love how you say she's singing as if the person telling the story is singing. I hear that person's sad acceptance of circumstances and the grief related to those circumstances in the way Bonnie is singing. This song is perfect in the way it expresses the subject matter.

She sure did deserve her Grammy award for this awesome song! You took a very insightful look at her naturally appealing vocal, too...loved it!

I love how much you love the "Art" of music!!!! It encourages my heart. True and real music and singing does that, doesn't it. It touches our hearts ❤

Bonnie Rait is underrated and totally rocks.

Thank you, Fil, for doing what you do. Your treatment here of Bonnie Raitt, in her rendition of this beautiful song, is not unlike her very performance - That of loving artistry. Heart and understanding, and an ability to express, which informs and captivates.

I've been head over heels for this tune since the first time I heard it. But TBH I was so focused on the storytelling aspect (I swear she's channeling John Prine!) that I completely let the technical aspects slip past me. Thanks for unpacking it. Looking at all the elements brings a whole 'nother level of appreciation. You've truly outdone yourself here, Fil. Cheers!

Bonnie is amongst my top favorite vocal performers. But, I don't keep up with that so much anymore. She's a story teller. Lots of people can sing a song, but Bonnie brings them to life. She tells the story like it's hers. That's an artist. 🥰

I hope you all get a chance to see this Queen LIVE. It's as real as it gets - she is perfection at her age!

Keeping it REAL! As opposed to Manipulated. Bonnie has just such an incredible voice and just sings with a spoken beauty. Her interpretive ability is yes, indeed an art form.

Bonnie Raitt is phenomenal. And seeing her live is the ultimate treat. She is humble and respectful and grateful while being the tops in her craft. This song is so touching - and also so reminds me of John Prine in its 'story'.

Bonnie is an honest musician, expect nothing less. Thanks for your glowing analysis of this song. Admiration sure shines thru w/every word!

Exactly right, mate, she is also acting as she sings, she moves through perspectives and we move with her, so subtle, she holds us in authentic space like a director actor as well as singer performer.

This one reminds me of my favorite Sheryl Crow album, The Globe Sessions. Sheryl's voicings and expression is amazing. Her approach on these songs is both musical and artistically expressive of character, gliding in and out of "perfect".

Bonnie Raitt's a cousin of mine. I always liked her sad soulful songs the best and I told her that once but she told me that her upbeat ones were the most popular with the crowds. Well, of course, that is how it is...Glad you are pointing out how brilliant this aspect of her talent is conveyed and without the pitch tech correction still carries through with her unique voice. I write and sing my own songs and many of them are the more obscure and subtle kind such as this song is. Bonnie's career always gives the status quo a surprise or two, doesn't it?

Bonnie’s performance is exquisite. Her vocals are a masterclass in storytelling.

I saw her in concert here in Tucson about 10 years or so ago with a couple of my girlfriends. She was fabulous! Real voice. Real music. Real talent. ❤❤❤

Feelings/emotions are not perfect. They're erratic. That comes through in the human voice. She uses her singing where appropriate, in order to tell the story the way SHE feels it. It comes from inside her, her soul, as it were, and her heart. It's just her, being her. It's her musical DNA. Only way I can really describe it. Gordon Lightfoot was a great storyteller. Sorry I missed that video- but on the plus side? I still have that one to look forward to. Great talents, both. Excellent breakdown, Fil.

Bonnie's vocals in this song absolutely capture and reflect the pain, tinged with bitterness a grieving mother carries in her heart. This song both makes me cry, and gives me hope that someday such a stranger will appear at my door.

Been Bonnie Raitt fan forever…. Very proud.

You're technical analysis is always enlightening, but it's your love of music that makes it special. Another great video

Had not heard this song before. I was a big fan of her second album, from the early 70's, _Give It Up._ Especially her treatment of the Eric Kaz song, _Love Has No Pride._ It never ceases to bring a lump to my throat. The song featured in this video strikes me as though it could have been written by Bob Dylan; she almost seems to be channeling him here. As I listen to this song develop, I think that lump is coming back. Truly magic & marvelous. Gives "keepin' it real" a whole new meaning. I've always admired her vocal work, and this only strengthens that admiration. Chip off the old block, BTW - her father John was well known for his long vocal soliloquy in the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, _Carousel._ Thanks for your wonderful analysis! I heartily agree that no one will ever do, with Autotune, anything one-tenth as great as Bonnie can do "right out of the box." Fred

Bonnie is great....love her songs.

She is a great all-around performer. She plays beautifully and tells a wonderful story. The song deserves to win awards. I wish there was more music like this in the world. It's so hard and stressful these days and we need to destress with something like this. Thanks, Bonnie, for a wonderful performance. Thanks, Fil, for the analysis. Stay safe and take care.

Bonnie was always amazing!!! Her voice doesn't require computer correction, unlike so many of the newer artists. Some of her songs are so raw and poignant that they bring tears to my eyes. Love has No Pride - Don't we all know it. Always happy to hear new material from her and for her to receive recognition for her brilliant work. Rock on Bonnie!

Brother, if you are crazy, you have good company! Anyone that truly loves music gets this...I had never heard this song until now...and I was blown away...is real music, real life, and real life is much stranger than fiction...Thanks for doing what you do, I always learn something

Very reminiscent of Johnny Cash. This is absolutely lovely Fil. I hadn't heard of this song. Her wistful voice near the end reminds me of wandering thoughts and how we process moments like this in our mind, mulling over the memories, the feelings, and the acceptance. And because she is speaking for someone else it reminded me of EMPATHY and how we can connect through seeing another persons experiences and stories. The whole thing is a masterpiece. Thank you for doing this. Bravo Bonnie and Congrats on her award.

THANK YOU for the comments about pitch corrected vocals. And this is a brilliant beautiful song.

The only thing that matters is True human emotion expressed through the natural voice, one take live is true art.

I saw Bonnie Raitt live, a few years ago. She is a great singer and guitarist. I met her too. I'm a fan of her work. Thanks for sharing this analysis video. Cheers, Fil! ✌️

The greatest night of my life involved/included the great Bonie Raitt. At her break-out Grammy Awards (1990) I had the amazing privilege to be back stage-in the Green room with my date; Jan Gaye (Marvin's widow), her friend, Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Sting, BB King and a woman I had never seen before-had no idea who she was. At one point she chatted me up, then was called to the stage..she returned-with a Grammy and actually made her way back to the sofa I was sitting on and shared her feelings/emotions-with me. She was so happy yet so down to earth and cool. . I still had no idea who she was or why she kept coming bac to me-but was happy for her-winning one, then two then three awards. And each time she talked to me with not just joy but humility. In addition to Ms. Raitt, I got to meet the others and share a few -very-amazing moments with each (well, Stevie's body guards were a bit off-putting so I didn't get much more than an introduction to him). All and all, it was The greatest night of my life...And I'm so happy to have "been there" for Ms. Bonnie Raitt.

Saw her in Sydney about 15 years ago. Unbelievable band, Jon Cleary on keys. Awesome power. On one song, Bonnie pulled up after singing one line, laughed and apologised for getting the pitch wrong, let loose the F word, very engaging. Must say, I didn't notice the error at all 😂. Brilliant, brilliant concert.

Oooomgg i LOVE BONNIE RAITT. One of my favorite singers

Great song and vocals by Bonnie Raitt. The simplicity and storytelling of it reminds me of Bobbie Gentry and her style of singing.

I absolutely love Bonnie's voice and music! I'm so glad nobody messed with this beautiful song!

Bonnie's singing is somewhat like she was telling you a story and occasionally breaks into song....then she is singing a song and occasionally returns to simple speech and back again.

Bonnie Raitt is one of those singer/songwriters that exemplified what true musical talent is all about. Not only is she an amazing lyricist, but she is an incredibly expressive guitar player, and an amazingly emotive singer. Every aspect of her musical talent rings true and genuine, because of her minimalist style, and her utter rejection of post-production shenanigans. There aren't many musicians today like Bonnie Raitt, and we should all feel deeply blessed to live in a time when someone as talented and gifted as Bonnie is performing so that we can experience it first-hand...

Saw her in London Ontario on 05 Oct 2023 and her and her band were great....but this song...wow tears all around. Her performance was magic!

I have been an admirer and appreciator of Bonnie Raitt since her early career. Thanks for analyzing this song.

I sob every time I hear this song. Her vocal delivery is so grief-worn, just like the storyteller - the mother - in the song. It's the voice you would imagine hearing after years of cigarettes, alcohol, and sleepless nights living in utter grief. I can see the mother in a worn down town. I could almost see a movie spin up from this one powerful song.

Thank you Fil , for such a peaceful time listening to your analysis of this great work by Bonnie.

Thank you for giving Bonnie her flowers! She is a living legend. I have always loved her music and there have been so many young ladies who she has inspired.

Thank God, for authentic artists.

I had instant great respect for her the first time I ever heard her and then saw her play and perform. I made room for her on the top shelf. She was every bit the master "song-teller" that was Johnny Cash, Harry Nisen, Jim Croce, Bill Withers, Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan. This is as story-deep as "Shes Leaving Home" by The Beatles. Stories speaking (musically) to the pain and beauty of humans in the act of being human beings. A privilege to receive such a piece of fine art. You can bet that any of that "slide" sound is being played by Bonnie; a slide guitar specialist.

Sounds wonderful! Bonnie's voice is REAL and great as ever❤‍🔥

I can honestly say I never really took much notice of Bonnie although aware of her as I was. This is an impressive performance backed by what feels like a true story and honestly moved me to tears as I understood and empathised completely with the content and Bonnie's human emotional interpretation. Another sensitive appraisal by Fil who never ceases to amaze me with his perceptive precision

I've loved Bonnie Raitt since 1971 Thank you for this vid.

Her voice!! I've loved her for a long time, so glad she's still killing it & still has that great voice.

Thank you, FIL ….. Excellent; beautiful 😢❤👏👏👏👏👏🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🎶🎵🎵🎶🎵🎵🎶

Both this song and your analysis was beautiful, Fil. Thank you!

Bonnie Raitt. Best concert I have ever attended because she is mesmerizing. She truly is a story teller

I luv it when Fil smiles his secret smile of pleasure at artistry!

Love how you mimic the song. You are Spot on. You are simply Awesome. Thanks for your Great channel ❤️❤️❤️

Bravo for astutely recognizing how she used her voice to evoke the persona of that mother & trying to explain difference between telling a story & bringing you into “her” story!

She’s a true musician, a treasure. This song is so “real.”

I got to see her live the summer of 1995 and because I parked in a handicapped parking spot (because of a physical disability) I parked near her tour busses. I ended up waiting for the venue parking lot to clear out, I stayed long enough that I met and talked to her and her entire band. They stayed so long, talking to the seven of us who stayed, their bus driver had to say they needed to get going to the next venue. I got signatures on my ticket stub and the envelope it came in of Bonnie and the whole band. That summer, I bought my first acoustic guitar and I started lessons. I'm still playing guitar to this day because of that evening.

What a storyteller she is! Thanks, Fil, for lending your expert analysis to the processes and dynamics involved in bringing this masterpiece to our ears. It’s even a bit of a comeback for Bonnie and provides a much-needed break from that bass-heavy, electronica-obscenica, leaking from the car next to me at the light.

Great analysis and thanks for bringing this song forward. I hope there will be a trend toward less over-production and more authenticity. This song is a beautiful kick in the chest.

You know by now how *obsessed* I am with Fil's amazingly beautiful Rocker mane, but BONNIE is my own personal HAIR HERO!! Since my own red hair has started going cinnamon-sugar, I now seperate the sugar into *bold* streaks and color the rest as flame red as I can manage, and get tons of compliments! "You look like a SUPERHERO!" is my 2nd favorite compliment, comparisons to the guitar GODDESS whom I copied make my entire day, lol!

Bonnie Raitt is a treasure. She sings a ballad like nobodies business.

Thanks, I needed this today. Bonnie Raitt's voice often makes me feel like I want to cry - in a good way☺. Even before I realized what this song is about she was pulling at my heartstrings. She is masterful. And to loosely paraphrase my favorite character from Jurassic Park, "They spent so much time figuring out whether they _could_ hit the notes, they never stopped to think whether they _should_ hit them."

Thank you SO MUCH for the insightful and respectful appreciation of this AMAZING and REAL music! :D I know I can always count on thoughtful and well-expressed video content here! And re: Bonnie's amazing music.. it's SUCH a DELIGHT/THRILL to know that she's still putting out this quality of music at this stage of her career, this time of her life, whereas the general "entertainment industry" is SO dismissive of mature artists, especially WOMEN artists! Bonnie is a beacon of light and hope to all! :D

In the aftermath of the “controversy” surrounding Bonnie’s Grammy win (many thinking this song may not be deserving of the award) this was actually my first listen. I hadn’t listened to the full song…shame on me. It is a wonderful performance and Bonnie Raitt a wrote and gave us a beautiful song. Many have popularity mixed up with quality. Most of the other nominees for song of the year have never approached the the stunning quality of this song in an entire career. Bonnie has been doing this kind of thing since her start in the early 1970s.

I'm not a musician so the instrumental discussion goes right over my head. But the impact is in Bonnie's voice - so raw and real. The emotion of the story and how she shares it - I can't count how many times I've listened to it, but it brings a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes every time. Any attempt to "polish it up" would gut the authenticity. Bonnie is the real deal and has shared that gift for Decades.

Bonnie Rait was the only singer ever, that I went miles to be in one of her concerts in upper state New York in 1975! What an awesome, moving( in many ways) experience! Thank you