About the song
“Mercedes Benz,” an iconic a cappella piece, stands as a testament to Janis Joplin’s irrepressible spirit and artistic spontaneity. Crafted alongside Bob Neuwirth and Michael McClure, this song is more than just a whimsical ode to material desires; it encapsulates a deeper commentary on consumerism and societal values.
The genesis of “Mercedes Benz” occurred during a casual poetry session at Vahsen’s, a Port Chester bar, on August 8, 1970. Joplin, renowned for her raw vocals and uninhibited style, was joined by Neuwirth and influenced by McClure’s poem of the same name. Patti Smith’s memoir, “Just Kids,” vividly recalls the moment Joplin first voiced the lyrics, sparking a spontaneous percussion of beer mugs and the birth of an impromptu anthem.
The song itself is a plea to a higher power—humorous yet poignant—as Joplin beseeches, “Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz?” Her wish list extends to a color TV and a night on the town, mirroring the desires of an era fixated on material wealth. However, beneath the surface, some interpret the song as a critique of rampant consumerism, challenging the notion that possessions equate to happiness.
Recorded in a single take on October 1, 1970, “Mercedes Benz” became Joplin’s final recording before her untimely death just three days later. Included on the posthumous album “Pearl,” the song’s simplicity—stripped of instruments—captures Joplin’s unadulterated vocal prowess and unwavering authenticity.
Over the years, “Mercedes Benz” has been reimagined, notably in a 2003 remix that added subtle embellishments while preserving its original essence. This enduring piece continues to resonate, not just for its musical innovation, but for its reflection of Joplin’s rebellious spirit and her complex relationship with fame and materialism.
In essence, “Mercedes Benz” remains a timeless expression of Janis Joplin’s legacy—a song born from a moment of creative spontaneity that transcends its origins to confront deeper themes of desire, mortality, and the relentless pursuit of fulfillment in an ever-changing world.
Video
Lyrics
I’d like to do a song of great social and political import
It goes like this
Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz?
My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends
Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends
So, oh, Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz?
Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a color TV?
Dialing For Dollars is trying to find me
I wait for delivery each day until three
So, oh, Lord, won’t you buy me a color TV?
Oh, Lord, won’t you buy me a night on the town?
I’m counting on you Lord, please don’t let me down
Prove that you love me and buy the next round
Oh, Lord, won’t you buy me a night on the town?
Everybody
Oh, Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz?
My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends
Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends
So, oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz?
That’s it