About the song
“To Love Somebody,” performed by Janis Joplin, is a poignant and powerful song that showcases Joplin’s extraordinary vocal talent and emotional depth. Originally written by Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, the song was first recorded by them in 1967 and became a classic. However, it was Janis Joplin’s rendition that brought a new layer of raw emotion and soulful intensity to the track.
Janis Joplin’s version of “To Love Somebody” was released in 1969 as part of her critically acclaimed album *I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama!* This album marked a significant departure from her earlier work with Big Brother and the Holding Company, highlighting her shift towards a more blues-oriented sound. Joplin’s performance of “To Love Somebody” is characterized by its deep, expressive delivery and heartfelt interpretation, which perfectly aligns with her reputation as one of the most influential and dynamic voices of the 1960s.
The song’s lyrics explore themes of longing and unfulfilled love, capturing the essence of emotional vulnerability and the desire for connection. Joplin’s powerful vocals infuse the song with a sense of urgency and passion that resonates deeply with listeners. Her ability to convey complex emotions through her singing is evident throughout the track, making it a standout moment in her musical career.
Despite being recorded during a turbulent time in Joplin’s life, her performance remains a testament to her artistry and resilience. The song’s soulful melody and Joplin’s commanding voice create a memorable listening experience that continues to captivate audiences. “To Love Somebody” has been praised for its ability to bridge the gap between pop and blues, and Joplin’s version is often celebrated for its emotional depth and vocal strength.
In the broader context of Joplin’s career, “To Love Somebody” serves as an example of her versatility and ability to interpret songs in a way that brings new meaning to familiar material. Her rendition of this classic song remains a beloved and enduring piece of her musical legacy, illustrating why she is remembered as one of the greats in rock and blues history.
Joplin’s performance of “To Love Somebody” continues to be appreciated for its authenticity and emotional resonance, making it a cherished part of her discography and a highlight of her artistic achievements.
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Lyrics
There’s a light, certain kinda light,
Never ever, never shone on me, no, no.
Honey, I want, I want my whole life
To be lived with you, babe,
That’s what I want oh, was to be
Living and loving you.
There’s a way, oh everybody say
You can do anything, every thing yeah.
But what good, what good,
Honey, what good could it ever bring
‘Cause I ain’t got you with my love
And I can’t find you babe, no I can’t.
You don’t know, you don’t know what it’s like,
No you don’t, honey no you don’t know,
You don’t know what it’s like
To love anybody.
Oh honey, I wanna talk about love
And trying to hold somebody
The way I love you babe,
And I’ve been loving you babe.
In my brain, oh I can see your face again,
I know my frame of mind, yeah.
But nobody, nobody has to ever be so blind,
Honey, like I did, I know I was blind,
Honey, I tell you that I was, I was very, very blind.
Oh but I’m just a girl,
Can’t you just take a look at me and tell,
Tell that I live, honey I live and I breathe for you,
Don’t you know I do!
But what good, what good,
Honey, what good could ever do
‘Cause I ain’t got you, that’s all I’ve ever wanted,
And I ain’t got you, babe, oh but I’ve been looking ’round.
But you don’t know, you don’t know what it’s like,
No you don’t, no, no, no, you don’t know,
Honey, you don’t know what it’s like
Oh to love anybody.
Oh honey I wanna talk about
Trying to hold somebody when you’re lonely
The way I loved you, baby,
And I just want you to know I tried.
Oh I know that there’s a way
‘Cause everybody came to me one time and said,
“Honey, you can do anything,
Every little thing, ” and I think I can.
Oh, but what good, what good,
Honey, what awfully good can it ever, ever bring,
‘Cause I can’t find you with my love,
And I can’t find you babe, oh anywhere.
Oh, but you don’t know,
You don’t know what it’s like,
No you don’t and you never ever, ever did.
You don’t know, honey,
You don’t know what it’s like
Oh, to love anybody.
Oh, honey I wanna talk about trying to hold you.
Oh baby, baby, baby, yeah,
But you don’t know,
You don’t know what it’s like,
And you never ever, ever did,
I said I tried to throw my love around you
And I tried to help you darling.
But you never ever, no you never ever,
No you never ever, no you never ever,
I know that you know that
No you never ever, ever, ever,
Oh let me throw my love,
Throw my love all around you, yeah.