Me And Bobby Mcgee
Joan Baez · Other Songs - Joan Baez
Waitin' for the train
Feelin' nearly faded as my jeans
Bobby thumbed a diesel down
Just before it rained
Rode us all the way to New Orleans
I pulled my harpoon out of my dirty red bandanna
And was playing soft
While Bobby sang the blues
With them windshield wipers slappin' time
I was holdin' Bobby's hand in mine
We sang every song that driver knew
Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose
Nothin' ain't worth nothin' but it's free
Feelin' good was easy, Lord,
When he sang the blues
And feelin' good was good enough for me
Good enough for me and Bobby McGee
From Kentucky coal mines
To the California sun
Bobby shared the secrets of my soul
Through all kinds of weather, Lord
Through everything I done
Bobby baby kept me from the cold
Then somewhere near Salinas, Lord
I let him slip away
Lookin' for the home I hope he'll find it
And I'd trade all of my tomorrows
For one single yesterday
Holdin' Bobby's body next to mine
Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose
Nothin' left is all that Bobby left me
Feelin good was easy, Lord
When he sang the blues
And buddy, that was good enough for me
Good enough for me and Bobby McGee
Me And Bobby Mcgee
Joan Baez's 1961 recording of 'Me And Bobby Mcgee' stands as a seminal work in American folk music, blending traditional acoustic instrumentation with a sophisticated, jazz-influenced arrangement. The song, originally written by Gordon Lightfoot, was reimagined by Baez to feature a prominent electric guitar solo by Larry Knebel, creating a unique fusion that bridged the gap between folk and rock. Released during a pivotal era for the folk revival, the track became a defining anthem of the era, known for its poignant lyrics about unrequited love and its haunting, emotive delivery. Its enduring legacy lies in its ability to transcend genre boundaries, influencing countless artists who followed and cementing Baez's reputation as a masterful interpreter of both traditional and contemporary material.