Summertime
Janis Joplin · Other Songs - Janis Joplin
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.
Summertime - Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin's rendition of 'Summertime' stands as a definitive interpretation of the classic Gershwin standard, showcasing her raw, blues-inflected vocal power. Recorded during her early career, this performance captures the emotional depth and vulnerability that would later define her legendary status in rock and blues. Joplin transforms the gentle lullaby into a haunting expression of longing, utilizing her distinctive wail to convey a sense of impending sorrow rather than simple comfort. The recording highlights her ability to inhabit a song completely, drawing from the rich traditions of American folk and R&B to create something uniquely personal. As a cornerstone of her discography, this version remains a testament to her profound influence on vocal performance and her enduring legacy within the genre.