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

[J. K. Beach]

Possibly the best line of any song ever... "Freedom's just another word for nothing left to loose..." Ol' Janice could sure sing the blues! Great tribute!

[Kelly Scheppers]

There were so many great lines in that song to choose from. Thanks, Jeff!

[1VJ]

She was certainly a force to be reckoned with, immensely talented and gone too soon. Wonderful homage for a brilliant woman who had a big impact upon music and influenced her unique bluesy style. My favorite of hers, Piece of My Heart and Summertime was grand.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Some songs are simply meant to be classics, and should never be covered again. Janis's "Piece of My Heart" is one of them. I just can't see it happening! I'm so thrilled you enjoyed this...thank you!

[Lyn Anderson]

Awesome tribute, and vivid description of a true legend. When I hear some of the mindless drivel that passes as music sometimes, I shudder -- there are those who truly stand out in music, and you certainly picked one of them.

[Kelly Scheppers]

There's an impression that some leave upon your heart. She came through loud and clear to me when I heard this song. I agree with you, Kara, it's amazing what passes off these days as music. So true, and so, so sad. Thank you so much!

[Will Neill]

There is nothing better than the sound of a stylus on vinyl when you listen to your favourite song, I never gave into cd's preferring to stay with my lp's-now the world has come full circle. So I'm trending again.
Loved it Kelly.
Will

[Kelly Scheppers]

You're so right, Will...it is coming back full circle, and I am on board with you! There's nothing comparable to "that" sound, and I was such a fan of the LP art that you just don't get with a CD. I am most grateful you came by to read this today...thank you so much!

[Lydia Shutter]

Waiting for a train....feeling near as faded as my jeans.....OMG....I will be singing that song all night now! That last line....making me wish it was your body I was holding next to mine......WOW! Those were the days, my friend.....alas, they did end, but we remember them well. Wonderful work, Kelly. Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

In digging for a photo I wanted to use with this, I went through a lot of images and found some with quotes by Janis, herself. One really stuck...she said "On stage, I make love to 25,000 different people, then I go home alone." That's some pretty powerful stuff! I knew you would love this, Lydia, as much as I enjoyed writing it. And such a compliment coming from you, I truly hold most dear...thank you!

[Lydia Shutter]

She died too soon. Brilliant talent!

[Kelly Scheppers]

Her birthday is Oct. 4. My intent was to hold off and post it, then...but I couldn't wait. She was only 27.

[Lydia Shutter]

I remember.