About the song
Janis Joplin’s “Half Moon” is a bluesy, soulful ballad featured on her posthumously released album, Pearl (1971).
Background:
- Writers: The song was written by John Hall and Johanna Hall.
- Recording: It was recorded in Toronto in June 1970, just a few months before Joplin’s untimely death.
- Release: “Half Moon” was never released as a single during Joplin’s lifetime. However, it gained significant popularity after her death and became a staple in classic rock radio.
Themes:
- Longing and Desire: The song expresses a deep longing for a lost love and the desire for connection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the singer waiting for her lover under the half moon, yearning for his return.
- Loneliness and Isolation: Despite the hopeful tone of waiting, the song also touches on themes of loneliness and isolation. The half moon, while beautiful, is also a symbol of incompleteness and the singer’s solitude.
- Hope and Optimism: Although the lyrics express sadness and longing, there’s also a sense of hope and optimism. The singer believes that her love will return, and she waits patiently for that day.
- Natural Imagery: The song uses natural imagery, particularly the moon, to create a melancholic and romantic atmosphere. The half moon serves as a backdrop for the singer’s emotions and her longing for her lover.
Overall:
“Half Moon” is a powerful and emotional ballad that showcases Janis Joplin’s incredible vocal talent and her ability to convey deep emotions through her music. The song’s themes of longing, loneliness, hope, and love continue to resonate with listeners today.
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Lyrics
Half moon, night time sky,Seven stars, heaven’s eyes.Seven songs on seven seasJust to bring all your sweet love home to me.
Hey, you fill me like the mountains,Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,You fill me like the sea, Lord,Not coming past but still at lastYour love brings life to me,Your love brings life to me, hey!
Rings of clouds and arms’ a’ flame,Wings rise up to call your name.Sun rolls high, Lord, it burns the groundJust to tell about the first good man I found.
Yeah, you fill me like the mountains,Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,You fill me like the sea, Lord,Not coming past but still at lastYour love brings life to me,Your love brings life to me.Oh oh oh oh oh oh yeah!
Half moon on night time sky,Seven stars, heaven’s eyes.Seven songs on seven seasJust to bring all your sweet love home to me.
Hey baby, you fill me like the mountains,Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,You fill me like the sea, Lord,Not coming past, honey, still at lastLord, you fill me like the mountains,Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,You fill me like the sea, Lord,Not coming past but still at last
Hey, you fill me like the mountains,Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,You fill me like the sea, oh Lord,You’re not coming past, honey, still at lastYour love brings life to me,Your love brings life to me,Your love… la la la la la la
Won’t you bring life to meI said you’re gonna ride aroundWhen I’m on a little home, babe,Bring it on home, you bring it on home,Bring it on home, bring it on home,I said your love brings life to me, yeah!