About The Song

Janis Joplin’s rendition of “Summertime,” recorded in 1968, is a soulful and impassioned interpretation of the classic jazz standard from the opera “Porgy and Bess.” With her raw and powerful voice, Joplin infuses the song with a sense of longing and melancholy, capturing the essence of the original while adding her own unique flair.

“Summertime” tells the story of a mother’s lullaby to her child, evoking themes of hope, struggle, and resilience in the face of adversity. Joplin’s emotive delivery and heartfelt performance bring the song to life, conveying a depth of emotion that resonates with listeners.

Upon its release, Joplin’s rendition of “Summertime” received widespread acclaim for its soulful interpretation and powerful vocal performance. Its inclusion on her album “Cheap Thrills” further solidified Joplin’s reputation as one of the most electrifying and influential singers of her generation.

As we revisit “Summertime,” we celebrate Janis Joplin’s enduring legacy and the lasting impact of her interpretation of this timeless classic. Her impassioned delivery and soulful expression continue to captivate audiences, reminding us of the enduring power of music to evoke emotion and transcend boundaries.

Video

Lyric

Summertime, time, time
Child, the living’s easy
Fish are jumping out
And the cotton, Lord
Cotton’s high, Lord, so high
Your daddy’s rich
And your ma’s so good-looking, baby
She’s looking good now
Hush, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby
No, no, no, no, don’t you cry
Don’t you cry
One of these mornings
You’re gonna rise, rise up singing
You’re gonna spread your wings
Child, and take, take to the sky
Lord, the sky
But ’til that morning
Honey, n-n-nothing’s going to harm you now
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
Don’t you cry
Oh, ooh