Janis Joplin’s First Studio Song, ‘Call On Me’!

Just Call On Janis

‘Call On Me’ by Janis Joplin during her days with Big Brother and the Holding Company is a huge deal! Not because it’s an amazing song (which it is!), but because it marked the beginning of Janis’ studio career!

Imagine that – before this album, the Janis we know and love now didn’t exist and suddenly, she’s here.

‘Call On Me’ is a doo-wop type ballad, featured on Big Brother and the Holding Company’s debut album.

The song is so incredibly simple, yet it’s so loved because it’s a glimpse at Janis when she was still evolving as an artist and still treating recording sessions as jam sessions.

‘Call On Me’ definitely has a jam session feel, the kind Janis might have had around a campfire while hitchhiking across the country with her band. We love it!

Big Brother and the Holding Company’s first album may not have done well, but it became an iconic snapshot of Janis Joplin’s early career.

As much as we love Janis towards the end of her career, there’s something really special about these early recordings. You’ll love the glimpse into her life before the fame!

+ Call On Me lyrics +

Well, baby, when times are bad,
Now call on me, darling, and I’ll come to you.
When you’re in trouble and feel so sad,
Well, call on me, darling, come on call on me, and I’ll help you.
Yeah!

A man and a woman have each other, baby,
To find their way in this world.
I need you, darling, like the fish needs the sea,
Don’t take your sweet, your sweet love from me.

Baby, when you’re down and feel so blue,
Well, no, you won’t drown, darling, I’ll be there too.
You’re not alone, I’m there too,
Whatever your troubles, honey, I don’t care.

A man and a woman have each other, baby,
To find their way in this world.
I need you, darling, like the fish needs the sea,
Don’t take your sweet, sweet love from me!

Please! So baby, when times are bad,
Call on me, darling, just call on me.