A Woman Left Lonley
Janis Joplin · Pearl [1971]
a woman left lonely
will soon grow tired of waiting
she'll do crazy things
on lonely occasions
a simple conversation
with a new man now and again
makes a touchy situation
when a good thing's comin' to an end
and when she gets lonely
she's thinkin' 'bout her man
she knows he's takin' her for granted
honey, she doesn't understand
well, the fevers of the night,
they burn an unloved woman
yeah, those red-hot flames
try to push old love aside
a woman left lonely
is just a victim of her man, yes she is
when he can't give up his whole world, no
she's got to do the best that she can
a woman left lonely
that lonely girl
oh...
will soon grow tired of waiting
she'll do crazy things
on lonely occasions
a simple conversation
with a new man now and again
makes a touchy situation
when a good thing's comin' to an end
and when she gets lonely
she's thinkin' 'bout her man
she knows he's takin' her for granted
honey, she doesn't understand
well, the fevers of the night,
they burn an unloved woman
yeah, those red-hot flames
try to push old love aside
a woman left lonely
is just a victim of her man, yes she is
when he can't give up his whole world, no
she's got to do the best that she can
a woman left lonely
that lonely girl
oh...
A Woman Left Lonley
Janis Joplin's "A Woman Left Lonley" stands as a haunting testament to her raw, blues-infused vocal style and the existential themes prevalent in her 1971 album, Pearl. Recorded during a pivotal period in her career, the track exemplifies her ability to blend rock energy with folk sensibilities, delivering a performance that resonates with themes of isolation and resilience. The song captures the essence of her discography, showcasing her unfiltered emotional delivery that defined her status as a legendary figure in rock and blues history. Its enduring appeal lies in its authentic portrayal of female vulnerability within the context of the 1960s and 70s music scene.