Janis Joplin – “Tell Mama” live (1970)
The Queen of Psychedelic Soul slays again!
I don’t think anyone had more fun onstage than Janis Joplin. In what would be one of her last performances before her death later in 1970, Janis is a barefoot whirling dervish, moving a mile a minute and belting out her cover of Etta James’ “Tell Mama” to a packed venue. This is one of our favorites – you can really see the full extent of Janis’ passion for life, her career, and not knowing what the future held but never really caring.
Recorded by Janis in 1969, “Tell Mama” was originally written and recorded by Etta James a few years prior as a response to Clarence Carter’s “Tell Daddy”, with Janis’ rendition being an absolute crowd favorite when performed live. While “Tell Mama” was never featured on any of her albums, it was released posthumously in 1982 on a compilation album entitled, Farewell Song.
Check out this fantastic live rendition of “Tell Mama” and then go tell everyone how amazing it is! You’re really going to love this one, we promise!
+++++ LYRICS BELOW +++++
One to love you and give you the world
Now you find that you’ve been misused
Talk to me, I’ll do what you choose, I want you toTell Mama, all about it
Tell Mama, what you need
Tell Mama, what you want
And I’ll make everything alrightThat girl you had didn’t have no sense
She wasn’t worth all the time that you spent
She had another man throw you outdoors
Now the same man is wearing your clothes, I want you toTell Mama, all about it
Tell Mama, what you need
Tell Mama, what you want
And I’ll make everything alrightTell me, tell me now
She would embarrass you anywhere
She’d let everybody know she didn’t care
Give me a chance I’ve been beggin’ you
And I just want to take care of you, I want you to
Tell Mama, all about it
Tell Mama, what you need
Tell Mama, what you want
Tell Mama, what you want right now
Tell me, tell your mom
I’m your Mama
Tell me what you want
