Born Janis Eddy Fink on 7th April 1951 to a Jewish family in New York City, she was primarily raised in New Jersey, initially on a farm, and attended East Orange High School and the New York City High School of Music & Art. Her parents, Victor (a music teacher) and Pearl, ran a summer camp in upstate New York, and, in that Cold War era, were frequently under government surveillance because of their left-wing politics. (Ian alluded to these years later in her song "God and the FBI"). Young Janis admired the work of folk pioneers such as Joan Baez and Odetta. At the age of twelve, Ian wrote her first song, "Hair of Spun Gold", which was subsequently published in the folk publication Broadside and was later recorded for her debut album.
At the age of thirteen she legally changed her name to Janis Ian, using as her new last name her brother Eric's middle name. Also in that year, Ian wrote and sang her first hit single, "Society's Child (Baby I've Been Thinking)", about an interracial romance forbidden by a girl's mother and frowned upon by her peers and teachers; the girl ultimately decides to end the relationship, claiming the social norms of the day have left her no other choice. Produced by George "Shadow" Morton and released three times between 1965 and 1967, "Society's Child" finally became a national hit on its third release, after Leonard Bernstein featured it in a television special: Inside Pop: The Rock Revolution. The song's content was taboo for some radio stations, and they withdrew or banned it from their playlists; in her 2008 autobiography Society's Child, Ian recalls receiving hate mail and death threats as a response to the song, and mentions that a radio station in Atlanta that played it was burned down. In the summer of 1967, "Society's Child" reached number fourteen on the Billboard Hot 100.
Her most successful single in the United States was "At Seventeen", released in 1975, a bittersweet commentary on adolescent cruelty, the illusion of popularity, and teenage angst, as reflected upon from the perspective of a twenty-four-year-old. It reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Adult Contemporary chart. It won the 1975 Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance - Female. The song's album, Between the Lines, reached number one on Billboard's Album chart. It was quickly certified gold, and later earned a platinum certification for sales of over a million copies sold in the U.S.
Ian finally became one of the first "indie artists", resurfacing in 1993, with the worldwide release of Breaking Silence and its title song about incest. She also came out as a lesbian with that release. Her most recent album, Folk Is the New Black, was released in 2006; it is the first in over twenty years for which she did all the songwriting herself.
Stars
Janis Ian Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Except tonight, I'm bringing everything I know that's real
Stars, they come and go
They come fast or slow
They go like the last light of the sun, all in a blaze
And all you see is glory
But it gets lonely there
When there's no one here to share
People lust for fame
Like athletes in a game we break our collarbones
And come up swinging
Some of us are downed
Some of us are crowned
And some are lost and never found
But most have seen it all
They live their lives in sad cafes and music halls
They always have a story
Some make it when they're young
Before the world has done its dirty job
And later on, someone will say
"You've had your day you must make way"
But they'll never know the pain
Of living with a name you never owned
Or the many years forgetting what you know too well
The ones who gave the crown have been let down
You try to make amends without defending
Perhaps pretending you never saw the eyes
Of grown men of twenty five that followed as you walked
And asked for autographs
Or kissed you on the cheek
And you never could believe they really loved you
Some make it when they're old
(Perhaps they have a soul they're not afraid to bare
Or perhaps there's nothing there)
Some women have a body
Men will want to see,
So they put it on display
Some people play a fine guitar
I could listen to them play all day
Some ladies really move across a stage
And gee, they sure can dance
I guess I could learn how if I have it half a chance
But I always feel so funny when my body tries to soar
And I seem to always worry about missing the next chord
I guess there isn't anything to put up on display
Except the tunes and whatever else I say
Anyway, that isn't really what I meant to say
I meant to tell a story
I live from day to day
Stars, they come and go they come fast or slow
They go like the last light of the sun, all in a blaze
And all you see is glory
But those who've seen it all they live their lives
In sad cafes and music halls
We always have a story
So if you don't lose patience with my fumbling around,
I'll come up singing for you even when I'm down
The lyrics to Janis Ian's song "Stars" tell the story of a musician's life in the spotlight. The first two lines suggest that the singer has never been comfortable expressing her true feelings through her music until now. She then reflects on how stars - celebrities - rise and fall quickly and how the glory they receive can be lonely if there's no one to share it with. She explains that while some achieve fame early in life, there are those who don't experience it until later, but they may not have the same emotional depth as those who don't. She also highlights how people crave fame, like athletes in a game, and how some never recover from the letdown of it all.
The chorus repeats throughout the song, reminding listeners that the life of a star is fleeting and that it takes its toll. She finishes by acknowledging that she knows there isn't much to display when it comes to her body, but instead, she has her music and her stories to share. The overall message of the song suggests that despite the risk of loneliness and the frailty of fame, artists have stories to share, good or bad, and they will always come up singing.
Line by Line Meaning
I was never one for singing what I really feel
I usually keep my true feelings to myself and don't express them through my songs.
Except tonight, I'm bringing everything I know that's real
But tonight, I'll be singing about everything that is real and true to me.
Stars, they come and go
Fame and fortune can be fleeting and unpredictable.
They come fast or slow
Some people achieve success quickly, while others have to work hard for it over a long period of time.
They go like the last light of the sun, all in a blaze
When someone's moment in the spotlight is over, it can be sudden and dramatic, like the sun setting.
And all you see is glory
From the perspective of outsiders, fame can seem like a life filled with only positive experiences.
But it gets lonely there
However, the reality is that being famous can often be a lonely and isolating experience.
When there's no one here to share
If you don't have people to share the experience with, it can feel empty and meaningless.
We can shake it away if you'll hear a story
Sometimes telling a story or sharing your experiences can help you deal with the negative aspects of fame.
People lust for fame
Many people aspire to be famous, seeing it as a desirable and fulfilling goal.
Like athletes in a game we break our collarbones
However, the journey to fame can be difficult and painful, just like the injuries athletes suffer while competing.
And come up swinging
Despite the obstacles, many people still fight to achieve their dreams and goals.
Some of us are downed
Some people never make it to fame and face constant setbacks and failures along the way.
Some of us are crowned
Others achieve fame and success and are rewarded for their hard work.
And some are lost and never found
But some people get lost along the way and never make it to where they wanted to be.
But most have seen it all
Many people who achieve fame have been through it all—the good, the bad, and the ugly.
They live their lives in sad cafes and music halls
Even after achieving fame, some people continue to struggle and live a sad and difficult life.
They always have a story
But despite the struggles, everyone who achieves fame has a unique story to tell.
Some make it when they're young
Some people achieve fame at a young age, before they have had a chance to experience much of life.
Before the world has done its dirty job
They achieve fame before they have faced the negative aspects of the entertainment industry and the world at large.
And later on, someone will say 'You've had your day you must make way'
However, eventually someone will tell the person that their moment in the spotlight is over and they must step down to make room for someone else.
But they'll never know the pain
Those who haven't achieved fame will never truly understand the pain and struggle that comes with it.
Of living with a name you never owned
A name or identity can be forced upon someone once they achieve fame, making them feel like they have lost control of their own life and identity.
Or the many years forgetting what you know too well
Over time, someone who is famous may forget what their life was like before they were famous, making it difficult to connect with others.
The ones who gave the crown have been let down
The people who helped someone achieve fame may eventually feel let down by that person and their actions, which can cause strain or even end the relationship.
You try to make amends without defending
In an attempt to salvage these relationships, someone who is famous may try to make things right without making excuses or defending their behavior.
Perhaps pretending you never saw the eyes of grown men of twenty five that followed as you walked
In order to maintain a sense of normalcy, someone who is famous may try to ignore the attention and adoration they receive from fans, including grown men following them around.
And asked for autographs or kissed you on the cheek
Some fans may ask for autographs or even try to kiss someone who is famous, which can be uncomfortable or even dangerous.
And you never could believe they really loved you
Despite the adoration, someone who is famous may have a hard time believing that fans truly love them, seeing it as a superficial or temporary feeling.
Some make it when they're old
Some people achieve fame later in life after years of hard work and perseverance.
(Perhaps they have a soul they're not afraid to bare
These people may have achieved success because they are unafraid to show their true selves and express their emotions through their work.
Or perhaps there's nothing there)
Alternatively, they may have achieved fame because they are simply skilled at what they do, without any deep emotional connection to their work.
Some women have a body men will want to see, so they put it on display
Some female celebrities achieve fame because of their physical appearance, and may feel pressure to put their bodies on display to maintain that fame.
Some people play a fine guitar
Some people achieve fame and success because of their musical talent.
I could listen to them play all day
Their talent is so impressive that it is enjoyable to listen to them play for extended periods of time.
Some ladies really move across a stage
Some people achieve success because of their skills as dancers or performers.
And gee, they sure can dance
Their dancing is so impressive that it is enjoyable to watch for the audience.
I guess I could learn how if I have it half a chance
The singer acknowledges that they could learn to dance if they were given the opportunity.
But I always feel so funny when my body tries to soar
However, when the singer tries to dance, it feels unnatural and uncomfortable to them.
And I seem to always worry about missing the next chord
Additionally, even when playing music, the artist is constantly worrying about making a mistake or missing a note.
I guess there isn't anything to put up on display
The artist feels that they don't have anything about themselves that is worthy of being promoted or displayed.
Except the tunes and whatever else I say
The only thing of value the singer can offer is the music they create and the stories they tell through their lyrics.
Anyway, that isn't really what I meant to say
The singer realizes they have gone off on a tangent and want to refocus the conversation.
I meant to tell a story
They want to share something meaningful and important with the audience.
I live from day to day
The artist lives their life one day at a time, not knowing what the future holds for them.
But those who've seen it all they live their lives
In sad cafes and music halls
Even among those who have achieved fame and success, many continue to live a difficult and lonely life.
We always have a story
Regardless of our individual experiences, everyone has a unique story to tell.
So if you don't lose patience with my fumbling around, I'll come up singing for you even when I'm down
Despite the ups and downs of life, the artist promises to continue creating music and sharing their stories with the audience, even if they may stumble along the way.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: PER HAKAN GESSLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
tropicwave1
Stars
Janis Ian
I was never one for singing what I really feel
Except tonight I'm bringing everything I know that's real
Stars, they come and go, they come fast or slow
They go like the last light of the sun, all in a blaze
And all you see is glory
Hey but it gets lonely there when there's no one here to share
We can shake it away, if you'll hear a story
People lust for fame like athletes in a game,
we break our collarbones and come up swinging,
some of us are downed
some of us are crowned, and some are lost and never found
But most have seen it all,
they live their lives in sad cafes and music halls
They always come up singing
Some make it when they're young,
before the world has done its dirty job
and later on someone will say
"You've had your day, now you must make way"
But they'll never know the pain of living with a name you never owned
or the many years forgetting what you know too well
That the ones who gave the crown have been let down
You try to make amends without defending
Perhaps pretending you never saw the eyes of grown men of twenty-five
that follow as you walk and ask for autographs
Or kiss you on the cheek and you never can believe they really loved you
Some make it when they're old
(Perhaps they have a soul they're not afraid to bare
or perhaps there's nothing there)
Stars, they come and go, they come fast they come slow
They go like the last light of the sun, all in a blaze
And all you see is glory
But most have seen it all,
they live their lives in sad cafes and music halls
They always have a story
Some women have a body men will want to see
and so they put it on display
Some people play a fine guitar, I could listen to them play all day
Some ladies really move across the stage and gee, they sure can dance
I guess I could learn how, if I gave it half a chance
But I always feel so funny when my body tries to soar
And I seem to always worry about missing the next chord
I guess there isn't anything to put up on display
Except the tunes, and whatever else I say
But anyway, that isn't really what I meant to say
I meant to tell a story, I live from day to day
Stars, they come and go, they're coming fast they come slow
They go like the last light of the sun, all in a blaze
And all you see is glory
But most have seen it all,
who live their lives in sad cafes and music halls
And we always have a story
So if you don't lose patience with my fumbling around
I'll come up singing for you, even when I'm down
Writer(s): Janis Ian
Boohbah
I was never one for singing what I really feel
Except tonight, I'm bringing everything I know that's real
Stars, they come and go
They come fast or slow
They go like the last light of the sun, all in a blaze
And all you see is glory
But it gets lonely there
When there's no one here to share
We can shake it away if you'll hear a story
People lust for fame
Like athletes in a game we break our collarbones
And come up swinging
Some of us are downed
Some of us are crowned
And some are lost and never found
But most have seen it all
They live their lives in sad cafes and music halls
They always have a story
Some make it when they're young
Before the world has done its dirty job
And later on, someone will say
"You've had your day you must make way"
But they'll never know the pain
Of living with a name you never owned
Or the many years forgetting what you know too well
The ones who gave the crown have been let down
You try to make amends without defending
Perhaps pretending you never saw the eyes
Of grown men of twenty five that followed as you walked
And asked for autographs
Or kissed you on the cheek
And you never could believe they really loved you
Some make it when they're old
(Perhaps they have a soul they're not afraid to bare
Or perhaps there's nothing there)
Some women have a body
Men will want to see,
So they put it on display
Some people play a fine guitar
I could listen to them play all day
Some ladies really move across a stage
And gee, they sure can dance
I guess I could learn how if I have it half a chance
But I always feel so funny when my body tries to soar
And I seem to always worry about missing the next chord
I guess there isn't anything to put up on display
Except the tunes and whatever else I say
Anyway, that isn't really what I meant to say
I meant to tell a story
I live from day to day
Stars, they come and go they come fast or slow
They go like the last light of the sun, all in a blaze
And all you see is glory
But those who've seen it all they live their lives
In sad cafes and music halls
We always have a story
So if you don't lose patience with my fumbling around,
I'll come up singing for you even when I'm
robindruggles
I was never one for singing
What I really feel
Except tonight, I'm bringing
Everything I know that's real
Stars, they come and go
They come fast or slow
They go like the last light
Of the sun, all in a blaze
And all you see is glory
But it gets lonely there
When there's no one here to share
We can shake it away
If you'll hear a story
People lust for fame
Like athletes in a game
We break our collarbones
And come up swinging
Some of us are downed
Some of us are crowned
And some are lost
And never found
But most have seen it all
They live their lives in
Sad cafes and music halls
They always have a story
Some make it when they're young
Before the world has
Done its dirty job
And later on, someone will say
"You've had your day
You must make way"
But they'll never know the pain
Of living with a name you never owned
Or the many years forgetting
What you know too well
The ones who gave the crown
Have been let down
You try to make amends
Without defending
Perhaps pretending
You never saw the eyes
Of grown men of twenty five
That followed as you walked
And asked for autographs
Or kissed you on the cheek
And you never could believe
They really loved you
Some make it when they're old
(Perhaps they have a soul
They're not afraid to bare
Or perhaps there's nothing there)
Some women have a body
Men will want to see,
So they put it on display
Some people play a fine guitar
I could listen to them
Play all day
Some ladies really
Move across a stage
And gee, they sure can dance
I guess I could learn how
If I have it half a chance
But I always feel so funny
When my body tries to soar
And I seem to always worry
About missing the next chord
I guess there isn't anything
To put up on display
Except the tunes
And whatever else I say
Anyway, that isn't really
What I meant to say
I meant to tell a story
I live from day to day
Stars, they come and go
They come fast or slow
They go like the last light
Of the sun, all in a blaze
And all you see is glory
But those who've seen it all
They live their lives
In sad cafes and music halls
We always have a story
So if you don't lose patience
With my fumbling around,
I'll come up singing for you
Even when I'm down
tropicwave1
Stars
Janis Ian
I was never one for singing what I really feel
Except tonight I'm bringing everything I know that's real
Stars, they come and go, they come fast or slow
They go like the last light of the sun, all in a blaze
And all you see is glory
Hey but it gets lonely there when there's no one here to share
We can shake it away, if you'll hear a story
People lust for fame like athletes in a game,
we break our collarbones and come up swinging,
some of us are downed
some of us are crowned, and some are lost and never found
But most have seen it all,
they live their lives in sad cafes and music halls
They always come up singing
Some make it when they're young,
before the world has done its dirty job
and later on someone will say
"You've had your day, now you must make way"
But they'll never know the pain of living with a name you never owned
or the many years forgetting what you know too well
That the ones who gave the crown have been let down
You try to make amends without defending
Perhaps pretending you never saw the eyes of grown men of twenty-five
that follow as you walk and ask for autographs
Or kiss you on the cheek and you never can believe they really loved you
Some make it when they're old
(Perhaps they have a soul they're not afraid to bare
or perhaps there's nothing there)
Stars, they come and go, they come fast they come slow
They go like the last light of the sun, all in a blaze
And all you see is glory
But most have seen it all,
they live their lives in sad cafes and music halls
They always have a story
Some women have a body men will want to see
and so they put it on display
Some people play a fine guitar, I could listen to them play all day
Some ladies really move across the stage and gee, they sure can dance
I guess I could learn how, if I gave it half a chance
But I always feel so funny when my body tries to soar
And I seem to always worry about missing the next chord
I guess there isn't anything to put up on display
Except the tunes, and whatever else I say
But anyway, that isn't really what I meant to say
I meant to tell a story, I live from day to day
Stars, they come and go, they're coming fast they come slow
They go like the last light of the sun, all in a blaze
And all you see is glory
But most have seen it all,
who live their lives in sad cafes and music halls
And we always have a story
So if you don't lose patience with my fumbling around
I'll come up singing for you, even when I'm down
Writer(s): Janis Ian
marcia thorpe
I heard this at 17 (another great Janis Ian song), in my freshman year away at college. It resonated so much that 52 years later I still know every word, and every feeling from the first time it played. Janis Ian is simply amazing, and I feel a bit sad for folks who haven't had the opportunity to experience her talent.
Doug Smith
Very well said Marcia. Bless you!
Sue Condon
I'm 63 now, no idea where so much time went. That makes me so sad.
Laura Malek
You and me both sister! Every time I go back to this track it means different things to me, and I find myself in tears at different points. No shame at all - I LOVE Janis, have seen her many times live. Not to be missed! Her angst and my sharing of it helped me through my own adolescence and the breakup of my folks' marriage at the same time. Entire world shaken up, but music helped me survive. No joke. 💕💕💕
rey zaldy serna
i have downloaded two of her songs just now ma'am.
William Bulla
“There are far too many silent sufferers. Not because they don't yearn to reach out, but because they've tried and found no one who cares.” ― Richelle E. Goodrich
.
Stay Strong, Will
nicola manson
If you don't fit a certain mold it is very easy to be underestimated by others your whole life.
Caro Allemand
What a moving quote thank you.
Alan Smith
I've known this song for 40 years, and it can still knock me right off my perch.
Laura Malek
Just did again...just a few minutes ago. Love love LOVE some Janis, since about 1975. Yep.