Janis Joplin – Summertime

About the song

Janis Joplin’s Soulful Take on “Summertime”

Janis Joplin’s rendition of “Summertime” is a unique and powerful interpretation of the classic Gershwin opera aria. Released on Big Brother & the Holding Company’s 1968 album Cheap Thrills, it showcases Joplin’s raw vocals and infuses the song with a whole new emotional depth.

A Departure from the Original:

While the original “Summertime” evokes a peaceful and idyllic summer scene, Joplin’s version takes a different approach. Her powerful vocals and bluesy improvisation convey a sense of longing and restlessness, contrasting with the leisurely atmosphere of the original.

Joplin’s Signature Style:

The song features Joplin’s signature stylistic elements. Her powerful vocals belt out the lyrics with intensity, conveying a range of emotions from melancholy to yearning. The use of blues scales and improvisation adds a distinctive edge to the song.

A Song of Longing:

Joplin’s interpretation highlights the underlying melancholy present in the lyrics. Lines like “Hush little baby, don’t you cry” take on a new meaning, suggesting a desire for comfort and escape from unspecified troubles. The summertime doesn’t feel idyllic, but rather a time of heightened emotions and contemplation.

A Powerful Reimagination:

Joplin’s “Summertime” isn’t just a cover; it’s a powerful reimagination of the original. Her unique vocal style and blues-infused arrangement transform the song into a personal expression of longing and emotional turmoil.

A Testament to Joplin’s Talent:

This version of “Summertime” stands as a testament to Janis Joplin’s talent and artistry. Her ability to take a familiar song and infuse it with such personal emotion and intensity cemented her place as a legendary vocalist.

Video

Lyrics

“Summertime”

 

Summertime, time, time,
Child, the living’s easy.
Fish are jumping out
And the cotton, Lord,
Cotton’s high, Lord, so high.

Your daddy’s rich
And your ma is so good-looking, baby.
She’s looking good now,
Hush, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby,
No, no, no, no, don’t you cry.
Don’t you cry!

One of these mornings
You’re gonna rise, rise up singing,
You’re gonna spread your wings,
Child, and take, take to the sky,
Lord, the sky.

But until that morning
Honey, n-n-nothing’s going to harm you now,
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,
Don’t you cry,
Cry.