Me and Bobby McGee

 

 

Me and Bobby Mcgee

 

 

 

 

I was acclimated to

the proverbial sound

of speakers, hissing

 

the stylus needle

gliding effortlessly across

the ingrained vinyl

of Janis Joplin,

“busted flat in Baton Rouge”

lamenting her liaisons

all the way to New Orleans

 

Her uninhibited, wailing style

slayed me

making me wish

it was our song

 

making me wish

it was your body I was holding

next to mine.

 

Author's Note

As many of you might already know, I used to work in a record store in the mid eighties, back when LP’s were just beginning to phase out and make way for the CD. It was, undoubtedly, the very best time of my life…introducing me to musical icons I may never have known. I remember hearing this song, in which my poem is in tribute to. I was wowed by Janis’s incredible bluesy voice, and simply had to write something in an ode to it . I can still hear Janis wailing, in reading this. I hope you can, too!

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

This song was one of the first songs I learned on guitar as a teen. I've always been a big Kristofferson fan. The man wrote some of the most beautiful poetry and song lyrics out there, including this one co-authored with Fred Foster. Janis took it and made it a hit as much as Johnny Cash made Sunday Morning Coming Down a hit; another Kristofferson tune. Ray Price crooned, "For The Good Times" all the way to number one on the charts with lyrics like this, "Lay your head upon my pillow/ hold your warm and tender body close to mine/ hear the whisper of the raindrops blowing soft against the window/ and make believe you love me one more time/ for the good times. Kris and Janis dated for a short time. And he later married Rita Coolidge. Janis is gone but her songs and Kris remain with us, He's an American Treasure in his own right. I enjoyed this.

[Kelly Scheppers]

This is my absolute favorite Joplin song! I didn't know her and Kris had dated. I knew about him marrying Rita Coolidge, though. She's a pretty good singer in her own right. Thank you, Fabian!

[Neal S]

I miss that old album hisss. I really dig this piece.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I have six other music icons I wrote about, and I'm in the process of doing "She Talks to Angels" by the Black Crowes. I am very proud of each, and I'm thrilled you enjoyed it!

[Neal S]

Weird! I was listening to that in my car today. So strange you would mention that song. I will most definitely check them out.

[Another Relic]

In watching old clips of her, you can see how much she gave of herself. She was often out of breath after a song. The tribute bands of today simply can't do that. She was one of a kind. I remember the day she died.

You did a fine job of equating your feelings for someone in such a fine way.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I am thrilled with delight that you enjoyed this, truly. Writing about a music icon isn't something I do on a regular basis, so I knew whatever response I was to garnish was going to make or break whatever I did. Thank you so much for your review!

[Another Relic]

You did fine Kelly. One little problem with this site is the age differences. Some are too young to 'get it' or 'latch onto' the one being spoken about. Therefore, a lyric can go right over their heads. The same is true for older readers when reading a younger poet.

[Samuel Dickens]

I love the way you describe your feelings about Janis's music and the record store. Easily, I can put myself in that scene. Janis's death, like those of JFK, MLK, Lennon and others left an indelible image in my head. We were far out at sea, aboard the aircraft carrier Saratoga when we heard the news. Months later, when the cruise ended, I went right out and bought "Pearl".

[Kelly Scheppers]

What an indelible impression you've given me, Samuel. It's palpable memories like this that warm my heart the most - when something I've written takes my reader back in time, and I am there, too. I had a friend from out of town visit me in July, and we went to the Hard Rock Hotel and spent two nights. There's this huge black and white picture of Janis there, with a bottle of Southern Comfort by her side. I think the image must have made an indelible impression upon me, for shortly after that, I wrote this. And while I have this chance, may I also thank you for your service! Take care!

[TrimarcoRansome]

And wasn't Janis one of the legends!! I could hear the song as I read your words!

[Kelly Scheppers]

She was, indeed. Thank you so much, Helen!

[James]

I love that song, she did it so much better than Roger Miller. I don't think anyone could listen to that song and not imagine themselves sitting in that truck. "sing'n every song that driver knew"

[Kelly Scheppers]

I'm hearing you, James...loud and clear! Thanks so much!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

not only through this poem can i hear her---but i am so reminded...i have that album on vinyl.."Pearl" such a classic...

yes, Kelly, "take another little piece of my heart"

because Janis' blues were "down on me"--

she was the bluesiest white singer...and joe cocker the bluesiest male white singer...

both missed immensely...yet you brought her back in this poem so vividly...

j.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I couldn't agree with you more, Jacob. I am envious that you have the LP...you know it's gotta be worth something! Wow, you gave me chills with this...thank you so much!

[Jamestown]

I love JJ and truly enjoy your work:)
Thanks for sharing and b-blessed!

[Kelly Scheppers]

She certainly was a force, wasn't she? Thank you, JT!

[aLittlePain]

Digital cannot capture the living colour and richness of vinyl...I dig your words they invoke her, that throaty goodness that can only be Janis! Vinyl is making a hearty come back. This is a very dope tribute, epic write. Regards Rach x

[Kelly Scheppers]

I had planned to wait till the anniversary of her death, Oct. 4, to post it, but I simply couldn't wait. I really appreciate your insight...thanks, Rachel!

[aLittlePain]

Sure thing Kelly I enjoyed this piece immensely, there's great energy about your writing

[Kelly Scheppers]

...aww, thank you!

[Papaya]

Aww, I love the vinyl. That old crackling sound. I worked in a 'record' store too but by then records were gone and the only time one came in was if someone special ordered it or on rare occasion one of the record company reps would bring us one. I remember Pearl Jam's daughter on vinyl. One of the guys had order it and we listened and listened, for hours. Of course we were high so our focus was good.
I sometimes miss those days but I'm a mom now so I gave up some of my bad habits. This poem took me back to those days of appreciating good music but good lyrics even more and those times when a song just feels like you could have written it because it says everything you feel about him.

[Kelly Scheppers]

So, you worked in a record store, too? I was in charge of special orders...anything from sheet music, to video to cassettes. Remember cassettes? I believe vinyl is making a come-back, and with much applause. Thank you, Ana!

[Papaya]

Yes, I did. It was my part time job in high school. It was the best job I ever had. So much fun. :)
I got lots of free promo CDs. It was super. And now CDs are being replaced by downloads. The evolution of music, the hardware... What next eh? :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

Lol, how funny...I got a lot of promos, too. Spoke to a lot of music reps about the selling of an item, how many pieces sold of a particular unit. I had a label rep walk into my store one night, and hand me a 50 dollar bill - all because I had a display up on the wall for the product, and an opened CD for store play! Those were the days!! Thanks for the chat, Ana! ; )