In 2004, the Big Brother and the Holding Company version of this song was ranked #344 on Rolling Stones list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The song is also included among The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.
Franklin said in an interview that when she first heard Joplin's version on the radio, she didn't recognize it because of the vocal arrangement. Noted cultural writer Ellen Willis wrote of the difference: "When Franklin sings it, it is a challenge: no matter what you do to me, I will not let you destroy my ability to be human, to love. Joplin seems rather to be saying, surely if I keep taking this, if I keep setting an example of love and forgiveness, surely he has to understand, change, give me back what I have given". In such a way, Joplin used blues conventions not to transcend pain, but "to scream it out of existence".
Piece of My Heart
Janis Joplin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Didn't I make you feel like you were the only man? Yeah
And didn't I give you nearly everything that a woman possibly can?
Honey, you know I did
And each time I tell myself that I, well I think I've had enough
But I'm gonna show you, baby, that a woman can be tough
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby (whoa, break it)
Break another little bit of my heart now, darling, yeah, yeah, yeah (whoa, have a)
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby
You know you got it if it makes you feel good
Oh, yes indeed
You're out on the streets looking good
And baby, deep down in your heart, I guess you know that it ain't right
Never, never, never, never, never, never hear me when I cry at night
Babe, and I cry all the time
But each time I tell myself that I, well I can't stand the pain
But when you hold me in your arms, I'll sing it once again
I said come on, come on, come on, come on and take it
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby
Break another little bit of my heart now, darling, yeah
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby
Well, you know you got it, child, if it makes you feel good
I need you to come on, come on, come on, come on and take it
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby (whoa, break it)
Break another little bit of my heart, now darling, yeah, c'mon now (whoa, have a)
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby
You know you got it, whoa
Take it
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby (whoa, break it)
Break another little bit of my heart, now darling, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (whoa, have a)
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby, hey
You know you got it, child, if it makes you feel good
"Piece of My Heart" is one of Janis Joplin's most popular and enduring songs. It was originally recorded by Erma Franklin, but Joplin's powerful and emotional version made it a hit. The lyrics address the idea of a woman giving everything she has to a man, but still wanting to give more despite the pain it causes. The repeated refrain of "come on and take it" shows the woman's desire to be loved and wanted, even if it means sacrificing her own well-being.
The song's emotional intensity is driven by Joplin's raspy, soulful voice and the backing of the Full Tilt Boogie Band. The powerful guitars and driving drums create a driving, rock-infused sound that perfectly matches the song's message. The lyrics are simple but powerful, speaking to anyone who has ever given their heart to someone who didn't deserve it.
Overall, "Piece of My Heart" is a powerful and emotional song that has resonated with audiences for decades. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Joplin's talent as a singer and the song's universal appeal to anyone who has ever loved and lost.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, come on, come on, come on, come on
Encouraging the listener to take action or participate in something.
Didn't I make you feel like you were the only man? Yeah
Asking if the listener felt special in the relationship, and confirming that they did.
And didn't I give you nearly everything that a woman possibly can?
Honey, you know I did
Reminding the listener of all the effort and sacrifice put into the relationship to make it work, and asserting that they know it's true.
And each time I tell myself that I, well I think I've had enough
But I'm gonna show you, baby, that a woman can be tough
Acknowledging the struggle of the relationship but affirming the singer's determination to push through and prove their strength.
I want you to come on, come on, come on, come on and take it
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby (whoa, break it)
Break another little bit of my heart now, darling, yeah, yeah, yeah (whoa, have a)
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby
You know you got it if it makes you feel good
Oh, yes indeed
Offering the listener more of the singer's heart, with the condition that it brings them happiness.
You're out on the streets looking good
And baby, deep down in your heart, I guess you know that it ain't right
Observing that the listener may have superficial qualities but they also have a sense that their actions are wrong.
Never, never, never, never, never, never hear me when I cry at night
Babe, and I cry all the time
Feeling unheard and neglected in the relationship, causing frequent tears.
But each time I tell myself that I, well I can't stand the pain
But when you hold me in your arms, I'll sing it once again
Admitting that the relationship is painful but the physical comfort of the listener can make her forget her struggles.
I said come on, come on, come on, come on and take it
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby
Break another little bit of my heart now, darling, yeah
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby
Well, you know you got it, child, if it makes you feel good
Repeating the offer of the singer's heart and reminding the listener that they can have it as long as it makes them happy.
I need you to come on, come on, come on, come on and take it
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby (whoa, break it)
Break another little bit of my heart, now darling, yeah, c'mon now (whoa, have a)
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby
You know you got it, whoa
Insisting that the listener takes more of the singer's heart, adding a sense of urgency.
Take it
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby (whoa, break it)
Break another little bit of my heart, now darling, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (whoa, have a)
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby, hey
You know you got it, child, if it makes you feel good
Repeating the offer one more time, emphasizing that the listener can have a piece of the singer's heart only if it brings them joy.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bert Berns, Jerry Ragavoy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@harmvandeseijp8607
I am 65 years old and in between realized that having grown up with the onset and rise of rock music was a great gift to my generation
@archangelrevelations9532
Absolutely
@bobbalmer5641
Absolutely wonder time to grow up. 67 and listen to Janis all the time
@melodyault9950
I feel the same. I'm 64 and I feel so passionate about all the great music we have been able to experience! I love Janis.
@ellasstrangeworld2680
I’m 13 and completely agree I love all the music from the 60s-70s music and to me it’s amazing it’s just so interesting and fun
@mariebrown5681
Yes! I'm 61, and Janis Joplin's songs are just as wonderful today as when I first listened to them as a young girl in the 1960s.
@evelynrivera8799
I agree with last message. I'm 70 years old and happy I had Janis Joplin in my life. She was a revolution to the music world. Right on girl. Shout it out! ✌❤
@marcs3145
In honor of Janis Joplin, she passed away, 50 years ago today. Incredible talent and music, sadly she was only 27 years old. RIP Pearl
@matthiaspaddeo9988
Pearl was the best, and she still is.
@powdersakk3386
Wow, 50 years without Janis. That's insane.