About the song
“To Love Somebody” is a classic song performed by the legendary Janis Joplin. Originally written by Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, this soulful ballad was first released in 1967 by the Bee Gees themselves. However, it was Janis Joplin’s emotive and powerful rendition that brought a new depth and raw emotion to the song, solidifying its place in rock history.
Janis Joplin, often hailed as one of the greatest and most influential blues singers of all time, recorded her version of “To Love Somebody” for her posthumously released album “Pearl,” which came out in 1971. This album, which also features hits like “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Mercedes Benz,” became one of Joplin’s most successful records, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart and remaining there for nine weeks. Her interpretation of “To Love Somebody” showcases her unique ability to convey deep feeling and vulnerability, making it a standout track.
The song itself is a heartfelt expression of unrequited love, with lyrics that speak to the longing and sorrow of loving someone who does not feel the same way. Joplin’s gritty, soulful voice adds an extra layer of poignancy to these themes, capturing the essence of heartache and desire. Her performance is often praised for its raw emotional intensity and authenticity, qualities that have endeared her to fans across generations.
“To Love Somebody” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but Janis Joplin’s version remains one of the most beloved and revered. It is a testament to her enduring legacy and her unparalleled ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level. Through her music, Joplin continues to inspire and move audiences, proving that her spirit and talent are timeless.
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Lyrics
There’s a light, certain kinda light,
Never ever, never shone on me, no, no.
Honey, I want, I want my whole life
To be lived with you, babe,
That’s what I want oh, was to be
Living and loving you.
There’s a way, oh everybody say
You can do anything, every thing yeah.
But what good, what good,
Honey, what good could it ever bring
‘Cause I ain’t got you with my love
And I can’t find you babe, no I can’t.
You don’t know, you don’t know what it’s like,
No you don’t, honey no you don’t know,
You don’t know what it’s like
To love anybody.
Oh honey, I wanna talk about love
And trying to hold somebody
The way I love you babe,
And I’ve been loving you babe.
In my brain, oh I can see your face again,
I know my frame of mind, yeah.
But nobody, nobody has to ever be so blind,
Honey, like I did, I know I was blind,
Honey, I tell you that I was, I was very, very blind.
Oh but I’m just a girl,
Can’t you just take a look at me and tell,
Tell that I live, honey I live and I breathe for you,
Don’t you know I do!
But what good, what good,
Honey, what good could ever do
‘Cause I ain’t got you, that’s all I’ve ever wanted,
And I ain’t got you, babe, oh but I’ve been looking ’round.
But you don’t know, you don’t know what it’s like,
No you don’t, no, no, no, you don’t know,
Honey, you don’t know what it’s like
Oh to love anybody.
Oh honey I wanna talk about
Trying to hold somebody when you’re lonely
The way I loved you, baby,
And I just want you to know I tried.
Oh I know that there’s a way
‘Cause everybody came to me one time and said,
“Honey, you can do anything,
Every little thing, ” and I think I can.
Oh, but what good, what good,
Honey, what awfully good can it ever, ever bring,
‘Cause I can’t find you with my love,
And I can’t find you babe, oh anywhere.
Oh, but you don’t know,
You don’t know what it’s like,
No you don’t and you never ever, ever did.
You don’t know, honey,
You don’t know what it’s like
Oh, to love anybody.
Oh, honey I wanna talk about trying to hold you.
Oh baby, baby, baby, yeah,
But you don’t know,
You don’t know what it’s like,
And you never ever, ever did,
I said I tried to throw my love around you
And I tried to help you darling.
But you never ever, no you never ever,
No you never ever, no you never ever,
I know that you know that
No you never ever, ever, ever,
Oh let me throw my love,
Throw my love all around you, yeah.