About the song
“My Baby” is a song written by Jerry Ragovoy and Mort Shuman, originally recorded by The Garnets in 1965. Janis Joplin famously covered it for her posthumously released album “Pearl” (1971).
Background:
Janis Joplin’s version of “My Baby” is a blues-rock anthem that showcases her powerful vocals and passionate delivery. The song was recorded live in 1970, just a few days before her untimely death.
Themes:
- Love and Devotion: The song’s lyrics express a deep love and admiration for a romantic partner. The narrator is confident in their relationship, declaring that nothing can go wrong as long as they have their baby.
- Independence and Strength: Despite the strong feelings of love, there’s also a sense of independence and self-assuredness in the lyrics. The narrator is hardworking and doesn’t let anything bother them because they have the love of their baby to support them.
- Joy and Optimism: The song’s upbeat tempo and Joplin’s energetic performance convey a sense of joy and optimism. Despite the hardships of life, the narrator finds solace and happiness in their love.
Overall, “My Baby” is a celebration of love, strength, and resilience. Janis Joplin’s rendition of the song is a testament to her incredible talent and enduring legacy as a blues and rock icon.
Video
Lyrics
And when I work hard all day longI tell you, it don’t bother me nohow,‘Cause how could anything ever go wrongWhen I got my baby, Lord, yes,When I got my baby, oh Lord!
And when they tell me love is painI said it might be true for you, honey,But not for Janis no more, no no no no.All I’ve ever got to do is call that man’s nameYeah and I got m-my baby, Lord, yeah,Yes I got my baby, good good God,Honey, I wanna tell you something that I do.
Deep down, honey, in the dark night,When I lay my head down, I wanna go to sleep,And I know everything is gonna be alright,Yeah I got my baby, Lord yeah,‘Cause I got m-my baby, oh yeah.
And when I wanna call the namesOr the things to be that wanna be to you.And when I wanna reach out my handIt always seems you hold me, dear,Love, don’t you know how long I looked for youDaddy, daddy, daddy.Love, don’t you know how hard I tried,But now I got my baby, Lord, yeah,Now I got my baby, yeah.