Janis Joplin Plays “Hesitation Blues” With Bizarre Instrument- And It’s Genius

Janis Joplin Plays “Hesitation Blues” With Bizarre Instrument- And It’s Genius | Society Of Rock Videos

The Typewriter Blues

Around her 20’s Janis got extremely creative with a typewriter in one of her low-key recordings called “Hesitation Blues” with talented blues guitarist Jorma Kaukonen.

“Lord, if the river was made of whiskey an I was a duck, Id just swim to the bottom an Id never come up. How long, dear, mm, do I have to wait ? Why, can I get you now, dear, mm, must I hesitate?”    

Following her typical theme of unrequited love, Janis searches for a man willing to love her and expresses frustration and grounded impatience in these beautiful, bluesy vocals.

Interesting Fact: “Hesitation Blues” was originally composed and recorded by American blues band Hot Tuna.  

Janis’s version appears on the album The Typewriter Tape (1964) and on the album Janis (1993) and we could not love it anymore, especially the mention of whiskey- so Janis!

+ Hesitation Blues Lyrics +

Well, a nickel is a nickel, a dime is a dime
I need a new man, lord I know I wont mind.
Tell me how long, dear, do I have to wait ?
Can I get you now, dear, must I hesitate ?

Well now, the eagle on the dollar says in God we trust
You say you wont obey me, you wanna see that dollar first
How long, dear, do I have to wait ?
Can I get you now, dear, mm, must I hesitate ?

Lord, if the river was made of whiskey an I was a duck,
Id just swim to the bottom an Id never come up.
How long, dear, mm, do I have to wait ?
Why, can I get you now, dear, mm, must I hesitate ?

Now theres rocks down in the ocean and theres fish in the sea,
I know you mean the whole world to me.
How long, dear, must I have to wait ?
Can I get you now, dear, mm, must I hesitate ?

I got them hesitation stockings, I got them hesitation shoes,
Lord knows I got them hesitation blues.
Tell me, how long do I have to wait ?
Why, can I get you now, dear, mm, must I hesitate ?

Yeah!

That sounds good!

That sounds …

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