About the song
“Turtle Blues” was a song written and performed by Janis Joplin, initially appearing on the 1968 album “Cheap Thrills” by Big Brother and the Holding Company. Here’s some background and the main themes explored in the song:
Background:
- The song is characterized by Joplin’s raw and powerful vocals, backed by the psychedelic rock sound of Big Brother and the Holding Company.
- The lyrics are often seen as autobiographical, reflecting Joplin’s experiences with relationships, self-image, and her wild lifestyle.
Themes:
- Female empowerment and independence: The lyrics express a defiant attitude towards societal expectations of women, with lines like “I’m a mean, mean woman” and “I just treats ’em like I wants to.” The song celebrates a woman who takes charge of her own desires and refuses to conform.
- Self-reliance and resilience: The “turtle” metaphor suggests a protective shell, symbolizing a guarded exterior developed to navigate a tough world. It also suggests a resilience and determination to survive and thrive despite challenges.
- Vulnerability and longing for connection: Despite the tough exterior, the song also hints at a desire for genuine connection and affection, as seen in lines like “Won’t you invite me along please.”
- The dark side of freedom: The song acknowledges the potential consequences of a free-spirited lifestyle, with hints at the difficulties of maintaining relationships and the potential for self-destructive behavior.
Overall, “Turtle Blues” is a complex and powerful song that resonates with listeners through its raw honesty, powerful vocals, and exploration of universal themes of love, loss, independence, and the search for meaning in a challenging world.
Video
Lyrics
Ah, I’m a mean, mean woman
And I don’t mean no one man, no good, no
I’m a mean, mean woman
I don’t mean no one man, no good
I just treats ’em like I wants to
I never treats ’em, honey like I should
Oh, Lord, I once had a daddy
He said he’d give me everything in sight
Once had a daddy
Said he’d give me everything in sight
Yes, he did
So I said, “Honey, I want the sunshine
you take the stars out of the night
Come on and give ’em to me, babe, ’cause I want ’em right now”
I ain’t the kind of woman
Who’d make your life a bed of ease, ha ha ha ha!
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
I’m not the kind of woman, no
To make your life a bed of ease
Yeah, but if you, if you just wanna go out drinkin’, honey
Won’t you invite me along please
Oh, I’ll be so good to ya babe, yeah!
Whoa, go on!
I guess I’m just like a turtle
That’s hidin’ underneath its horny shell
Whoa, whoa, oh yeah, like a turtle
Hidin’ underneath its horny shell
But you know I’m very well protected
I know this goddamn life too well
Oh! Now call me mean, you can call me evil, yeah, yeah
I’ve been called much worser things things around
Honey, don’t ya know I have!
Whoa, call me mean or call me evil
I’ve been called much worser things, all things around
Yeah, but I’m gonna take good care of Janis, yeah
Honey, ain’t no one gonna dog me down
Alright, yeah