Intruder
Big Brother & the Holding Company and Janis Joplin Lyrics


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You come around here
Trying to make your demand.
You've got a need, darling,
I've seen it grow and expand.

Yeah, you want to reveal my life
With your own two hands.
Well, tell me now
What are you trying to do ?

Those holes in your life
Show what you require.
You're needin' new eyes,
Oh Lord, honey take any wire ?

Yeah you've gotta save us all
Before the next big fire.
Tell me now
What are you trying to do ?

Walked in my life,
Child, and I don't even know your name.
You put others around behind ya
As if they were lame.

You insist a simple feeling
Will be all the same.
Well, tell me now
What are you trying to do ?

Now I look like I'm suffering,
N-n-n-n-n-n-now I'm doing fine.
One look at yourself baby,
Child, I got you alive.

Yeah, you're gonna take care of yours,
I'll take care of mine.




What are you trying to do ?
Hey!

Overall Meaning

The song "Intruder" by Big Brother & The Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin is about someone who is trying to invade and control the singer's life. The lyrics talk about how this person is trying to make demands and reveal intimate details about the singer's life. The singer questions why this person is trying to do this and what their motives are. The lyrics also suggest that this person has holes in their own life that they are trying to fill through controlling someone else's life. The singer refuses to let this person control them and insists on taking care of their own life.


Overall, the song is a commentary on control and the need for individuals to have autonomy over their own lives. The lyrics suggest that attempts at control stem from a lack of fulfillment in one's own life and a desire to fill that void by controlling others. The singer rejects this and insists on taking care of their own life and not allowing someone else to invade it.


Line by Line Meaning

You come around here
You approach me and enter my space


Trying to make your demand.
Attempting to request something from me


You've got a need, darling,
You have a desire or requirement


I've seen it grow and expand.
I have observed it become larger and more significant


Yeah, you want to reveal my life
You desire to expose and uncover information about me


With your own two hands.
Through your own effort or actions


Well, tell me now
Please inform me at this moment


What are you trying to do ?
What is your goal or intention?


Those holes in your life
The deficiencies or inadequacies in your existence


Show what you require.
Display what it is that you need


You're needin' new eyes,
You require a different perspective or outlook


Oh Lord, honey take any wire ?
Would you consider any method or means?


Yeah you've gotta save us all
It is my belief that you must rescue and preserve everyone


Before the next big fire.
Before the upcoming calamitous event


Tell me now
Please inform me presently


What are you trying to do ?
What is your objective or purpose?


Walked in my life,
You entered into my existence


Child, and I don't even know your name.
Yet I have no knowledge of your identity


You put others around behind ya
You utilize and take advantage of those around you


As if they were lame.
As if they were inferior or insignificant


You insist a simple feeling
You maintain that a basic emotion


Will be all the same.
Will have an equivalent impact


Well, tell me now
Please inform me at this moment


What are you trying to do ?
What do you intend or aim to accomplish?


Now I look like I'm suffering,
It appears as though I am experiencing pain or distress


N-n-n-n-n-n-now I'm doing fine.
However, presently I am coping well


One look at yourself baby,
A single glance at yourself, my dear


Child, I got you alive.
Led me to believe that you have been revived or invigorated


Yeah, you're gonna take care of yours,
You will attend to your own matters


I'll take care of mine.
I will handle my own affairs


What are you trying to do ?
What do you hope to achieve?


Hey!
An exclamation or attention-grabber




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JANIS JOPLIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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