About the song
“Work Me, Lord” by Janis Joplin is a raw and emotional track that exemplifies the soul-stirring power of Joplin’s unique voice and emotional depth. Released in 1971, the song is part of her posthumous album “Pearl,” which was released shortly after her tragic death in October of that year. This album would go on to become one of the most defining releases in Joplin’s career, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest female rock singers of all time.
“Work Me, Lord” stands out as one of the most spiritually charged songs in Joplin’s catalog, with its lyrics reflecting themes of personal struggle, redemption, and a yearning for divine intervention. The song’s title itself is a plea for the Lord to “work” on her—suggesting a desire for guidance and strength in the face of life’s difficulties. Through its lyrics, Joplin seems to be searching for a sense of purpose and peace amidst the chaos of her tumultuous life, making the song resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level.
Musically, “Work Me, Lord” is a fusion of gospel, blues, and rock—a genre-bending style that was characteristic of Joplin’s musical range. The track starts off slowly, building with intensity as Joplin’s powerful voice ascends to the kind of emotional peak that only she could achieve. Her voice, full of gravel and grit, is perfectly suited to the song’s raw longing and vulnerability, creating a sense of both despair and hope. The sparse instrumentation and soulful backing vocals further enhance the song’s gospel-like atmosphere, making it feel both intimate and grand in scope.
While “Work Me, Lord” was never released as a single, it became a standout track on the “Pearl” album, which also included hits like “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Cry Baby.” The album went on to become one of Joplin’s best-selling works, and its success further amplified the impact of her short but powerful career. The song is often seen as a poignant reflection of Joplin’s struggles with addiction and personal turmoil, and her search for solace and understanding.
In terms of social impact, “Work Me, Lord” highlights the era’s cultural and musical trends, particularly the blending of spiritual themes with rock music, and serves as a profound testament to Joplin’s unmatched ability to convey the human experience. Her music resonated deeply with the countercultural movements of the late 1960s and early 1970s, where themes of personal liberation, self-expression, and searching for deeper meaning were central. Joplin’s legacy continues to influence countless artists, and “Work Me, Lord” stands as a testament to the emotional power of music as a form of expression and healing.
In summary, “Work Me, Lord” is a compelling and introspective piece that showcases Janis Joplin at her most vulnerable and emotionally raw. Its deep spiritual undertones, paired with Joplin’s unparalleled vocal delivery, make it one of her most memorable and enduring tracks. Through this song, she not only opened a window into her personal struggles but also left a lasting mark on the world of music.
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Lyrics
Work me, Lord, work me, LordPlease don’t you leave meI feel so useless down hereWith no one to loveThough I’ve looked everywhereAnd I can’t find me anybody to loveTo feel my careSo, oh, oh, work me, LordWhoa, use me, LordDon’t you know how hard it is,Trying to live all alone?Every day I keep trying to move forwardBut something is driving me, oh, backHoney, something’s trying to hold on to meTo my way of lifeSo don’t you forget me down here, LordNo, no, no, no, no, no, no…Ah, ah, don’t you forget me, LordWell I don’t think I’m any very specialKind of person down here, I know betterBut I don’t think you’re gonna find anybodyNot anybody who could say that they tried like I triedThe worst you can say all about meIs that I’m never satisfied. Whoa!Whoa, oh, oh, work me, Lord, hmm, use me, LordPlease, honey, don’t you leave meI feel so useless down hereI can’t find me anybody to love meAnd I’ve looked aroundI’ve looked everywhere, everywhereAnd I can’t find me anyone to loveTo feel my careSo honey, don’t you go and leave me, LordNo, no, no, no, no, no, no…Honey, don’t you go and leave me, LordCan I show you how hard it isTrying to live when you’re all alone?Everyday I keep pushingKeep trying to move forwardBut something is driving me, oh, backAnd something’s trying to hold on to meTo my way of life, why?Oh please, please, oh don’t you go andForget me down here, don’t forget me, LordI think that maybe you can use me, maybeMaybe I can help you, say that, whoaOh please, please, don’t you go and leave me, LordNo, no, no, no, no, no, no, whoa, whoa pleaseHmm please, don’t you leave me, Lord