Mercedes Benz

Janis Joplin · Playlist: The Very Best Of Janis Joplin [2010]

I'd like to do a song of a great social and poetical import. It goes like this-

Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz?

My friends all drive Porches, I must make amends.

Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends.

So oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz?



Oh Lord, won't you buy me a color TV?

"Dialing for dollars" is trying to find me.

I wait for delivery each day until 3.

So oh Lord, won't you buy me a color TV?



Oh Lord, won't you buy me a night on the town?

I'm counting on you Lord, please don't let me down.

Prove that you love me and buy the next round.

Oh Lord, won't you buy me a night on the town?



Everybody



Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz?

My friends all drive Porches, I must make amends.

Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends.

So oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz?

About Mercedes Benz

Janis Joplin's "Mercedes Benz" stands as a potent anthem of mid-1960s rock, blending bluesy grit with the raw energy that defined her career. Recorded for the compilation *Playlist: The Very Best Of Janis Joplin [2010]*, the track captures her signature vocal style, characterized by a soaring, unapologetic delivery that cut through the instrumentation with equal force. The song reflects the era's fascination with automotive culture and the freedom of the open road, themes central to Joplin's persona and the broader spirit of the era. Musically, the recording showcases the interplay between Joplin's powerful voice and the driving rhythm section, creating a sound that was both commercially accessible and deeply personal. It serves as a testament to her ability to transform standard rock structures into emotionally charged statements. While often associated with her more famous hits, "Mercedes Benz" remains a vital piece of her discography, illustrating the consistent intensity and unique voice that made her a defining figure in the history of rock music.