5 Things to Know About Bettye LaVette's I've Got My Own Hell to Raise

The album features only songs written by women. Every track is a cover of a female songwriter, including Fiona Apple, Lucinda Williams, and Dolly Parton.

LaVette chose these songs to highlight women’s perspectives. She deliberately avoided male-written material to showcase stories and emotions from a female point of view.

The title track comes from Fiona Apple’s 1999 album. LaVette’s version strips down Apple’s original, emphasizing raw vulnerability and defiance.

Lucinda Williams contributed two songs to the album. “Joy” and “Overtime” are both Williams originals, reimagined with LaVette’s signature soulful grit.

Dolly Parton’s “Little Sparrow” gets a bluesy makeover. LaVette transforms the country ballad into a slow-burning, gospel-tinged lament.