About the song
Janis Joplin’s rendition of “Piece of My Heart” stands as a towering monument in the annals of rock and roll. Released in 1968 as part of Big Brother and the Holding Company’s album Cheap Thrills, the song catapulted Joplin into the public consciousness and established her as a bona fide rock icon.
Originally penned by Jerry Ragovoy and Bert Berns, “Piece of My Heart” had been recorded by Erma Franklin in 1967, but it was Joplin’s raw, emotionally charged performance that transformed the song into an anthem of heartbreak and defiance. Her voice, a tempestuous blend of grit and vulnerability, perfectly captured the song’s essence of a woman demanding respect and reclaiming her emotional power.
Joplin’s interpretation is a masterclass in vocal delivery. Her voice, at times a soulful whisper, at others a powerful roar, conveys a depth of emotion that is both raw and cathartic. She inhabits the character of the heartbroken woman with such authenticity that it is impossible not to be drawn into her world of pain and longing.
The song’s arrangement is equally compelling. The driving rhythm section, coupled with the searing guitar solos, provides a perfect backdrop for Joplin’s vocals. The band’s tight interplay creates a sense of urgency and desperation that mirrors the lyrics’ emotional intensity.
Beyond its musical merits, “Piece of My Heart” resonates with listeners on a profound level. The song speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak and loss, while also serving as an empowering anthem for women. Joplin’s performance is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity.
It is no exaggeration to say that “Piece of My Heart” is one of the greatest rock vocal performances of all time. Janis Joplin’s iconic rendition of this song continues to inspire and move listeners decades after its release.
Video
Lyrics
“Piece Of My Heart”
Didn’t I make you feel like you were the only man – yeah!
An’ didn’t I give you nearly everything that a woman possibly can ?
Honey, you know I did!
And each time I tell myself that I, well I think I’ve had enough,
But I’m gonna show you, baby, that a woman can be tough.
I want you to come on, come on, come on, come on and take it,
Take it!
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby!
Oh, oh, break it!
Break another little bit of my heart now, darling, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Oh, oh, have a!
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby,
You know you got it if it makes you feel good,
Oh, yes indeed.
You’re out on the streets looking good,
And baby deep down in your heart I guess you know that it ain’t right,
Never, never, never, never, never, never hear me when I cry at night,
Babe, and I cry all the time!
But each time I tell myself that I, well I can’t stand the pain,
But when you hold me in your arms, I’ll sing it once again.
I’ll say come on, come on, come on, come on and take it!
Take it!
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby.
Oh, oh, break it!
Break another little bit of my heart now, darling, yeah,
Oh, oh, have a!
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby,
You know you got it, child, if it makes you feel good.
I need you to come on, come on, come on, come on and take it,
Take it!
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby!
Oh, oh, break it!
Break another little bit of my heart, now darling, yeah, c’mon now.
Oh, oh, have a
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby.
You know you got it – whoahhhhh!!
Take it!
Take it! Take another little piece of my heart now, baby,
Oh, oh, break it!
Break another little bit of my heart, now darling, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
Oh, oh, have a
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby, hey,
You know you got it, child, if it makes you feel good.