About the song
“Piece of My Heart,” performed by the legendary Janis Joplin, is a song that resonates deeply with fans of classic rock and blues. Released in 1968, this track is a standout from the album “Cheap Thrills,” which was the second studio album by Big Brother and the Holding Company, the band fronted by Joplin. The song itself was written by Jerry Ragovoy and Bert Berns, both accomplished songwriters in their own right.
“Piece of My Heart” has a rich history and has achieved significant acclaim over the years. It reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, solidifying Joplin’s place in the pantheon of rock legends. The song’s powerful lyrics and Joplin’s soulful, gritty voice captured the spirit of the 1960s counterculture and the raw emotions of heartache and resilience. Her performance is often hailed as one of the most compelling vocal deliveries in rock history.
Janis Joplin’s interpretation of “Piece of My Heart” is more than just a song; it’s an anthem of defiance and vulnerability. The track showcases her unique ability to convey profound emotion, making listeners feel the pain and passion behind every note. “Cheap Thrills” as an album also received critical acclaim and became a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
Through the years, “Piece of My Heart” has been covered by numerous artists, but none have matched the intensity and authenticity of Joplin’s rendition. It’s a song that continues to inspire and move people, standing as a testament to Janis Joplin’s enduring legacy and her incredible contribution to music. Whether you’re revisiting this classic hit or discovering it for the first time, “Piece of My Heart” remains a powerful experience, a slice of musical history that transcends time.
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Lyrics
Oh, come on, come on, come on, come on
Didn’t I make you feel like you were the only man? Yeah
And 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 another little piece of my heart now, baby (whoa, break it)
Break another little bit of my heart now, darling, yeah, yeah, yeah (whoa, 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 said come on, come on, come on, come on and take it
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby
Break another little bit of my heart now, darling, yeah
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby
Well, 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 another little piece of my heart now, baby (whoa, break it)
Break another little bit of my heart, now darling, yeah, c’mon now (whoa, have a)
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby
You know you got it, whoa
Take it
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby (whoa, break it)
Break another little bit of my heart, now darling, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (whoa, have a)
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby, hey
You know you got it, child, if it makes you feel good