About the song
“Me and Bobby McGee” is a song deeply rooted in the history of American music, written by the legendary Kris Kristofferson and originally performed by him. Although the song was released by numerous artists, Kristofferson’s version in 1979 holds a special place for many listeners, offering a raw and emotional interpretation that only the songwriter himself could provide.
The song was initially brought to life in 1969, when Kristofferson penned the lyrics and melody, with the help of Fred Foster, who also co-wrote it. The song tells the poignant story of a man and his companion, Bobby McGee, as they travel across the country. It’s a classic road song that touches on themes of freedom, love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of life’s fleeting moments. The lyrics are a masterful narrative, painting vivid pictures of open highways, shared dreams, and the pain of parting ways.
When Janis Joplin recorded “Me and Bobby McGee” in 1970, it became an instant hit, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 after her untimely death in 1971. This version became so iconic that it sometimes overshadows the original Kristofferson recording. However, Kristofferson’s own rendition, released in 1979, offers a more introspective take on the song. His gravelly voice and soulful delivery bring out the song’s underlying melancholy, making it a reflective and deeply personal piece.
The 1979 release of “Me and Bobby McGee” by Kris Kristofferson gave fans a chance to hear the song from the man who wrote it, offering a different but equally powerful experience. His performance highlights the song’s narrative quality and emotional depth, making it a timeless piece that resonates with listeners across generations. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Kristofferson’s songwriting genius, and his version continues to be cherished by those who appreciate the profound simplicity and honesty of his music.
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Lyrics
Busted flat in Baton Rouge, waitin’ for a train
When I’s feelin’ near as faded as my jeans
Bobby thumbed a diesel down, just before it rained
And rode us all the way into New Orleans
I pulled my harpoon out of my dirty red bandana
I’s playin’ soft while Bobby sang the blues
Windshield wipers slappin’ time, I’s holdin’ Bobby’s hand in mine
We sang every song that driver knew
Freedom is just another word for nothin’ left to lose
Nothin’, don’t mean nothin’ hon’ if it ain’t free, no-no
And feelin’ good was easy, Lord, when he sang the blues
You know feelin’ good was good enough for me
Good enough for me and my Bobby McGee
From the Kentucky coal mine to the California sun
There Bobby shared the secrets of my soul
Through all kinds of weather, through everything we done
Yeah, Bobby baby, kept me from the cold
One day up near Salinas, Lord, I let him slip away
He’s lookin’ for that home, and I hope he finds it
But, I’d trade all of my tomorrows, for one single yesterday
To be holdin’ Bobby’s body next to mine
Freedom is just another word for nothin’ left to lose
Nothin’, and that’s all that Bobby left me, yeah
But feelin’ good was easy, Lord, when he sang the blues
That feelin’ good was good enough for me, mmm-hmm
Good enough for me and my Bobby McGee
La-da-da, la-da-da-da, la-da-da-da-da-da-da
La-da-da-da-da-da-da-da, Bobby McGee, yeah
La-da-da-da-da, la-da-da-da-da
La, la-la-la-da-da- Bobby McGee, oh yeah
La-da-da, la-da-da, la, da-da, la, da-da
La-da-da, la-da-da, la-di-da
Hey now, Bobby now, now Bobby McGee, yeah
Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord, lo-da-da, na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na-na
Hey now, Bobby now, now Bobby McGee, yeah
Well, I wanna call him my lover, call him my man
I said, I call him my lover, did the best I can, come on
Hey now, Bobby now, hey now Bobby McGee, yeah
Lord, a Lord, a Lord, a Lord, a Lord, a Lord, a Lord, a Lord, oh
Hey-hey-hey, Bobby McGee, Lord