Down on Me

Janis Joplin

About Down on Me

"Down on Me" is a traditional freedom song from the 1920s or earlier that became popular following its remake by Janis Joplin and Big Brother and the Holding Company.


Year:
2015
420 

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Down on me, down on me,
Looks like everybody in this whole round world
They're down on me.

Love in this world is so hard to find
When you've got yours and I got mine.
That's why it looks like everybody in this whole round world
They're down on me.

Saying they're down on me, down on me.
Looks like everybody in this whole round world
Down on me.

When you see a hand that's held out toward you,
Give it some love, some day it may be you.
That's why it looks like everybody in this whole round world
They're down on me, yeah.

Lord, they're down on me, down on me, oh!
Looks like everybody in this whole round world
Is down on me.

Believe in your brother, have faith in man,
Help each other, honey, if you can
Because it looks like everybody in this whole round world
Is down on me.

I'm saying they're down on me, all down on me, oh!
It looks like everybody in this whole round world
Down on me!!

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Janis Joplin

Janis Lyn Joplin (January 19, 1943 – October 4, 1970) was an American singer-songwriter. Joplin first rose to prominence in the late 1960s as the lead singer of the psychedelic-acid rock band Big Brother and the Holding Company, and later as a solo artist with her more soulful and bluesy backing groups, The Kozmic Blues Band and The Full Tilt Boogie Band. She was one of the more popular acts at the Monterey Pop Festival and later became one of the major attractions to the Woodstock festival and the Festival Express train tour. more »

8 fans

Written by: Janis Joplin

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Date
"Down on Me" by Janis Joplin was released in 1967 as part of the album "Janis Joplin's Greatest Hits."
Traditional Gospel Influence
The song is a traditional gospel song that dates back to the 1920s. It was transformed by Janis Joplin into a powerful anthem.
Band Participation
The band playing alongside Janis Joplin on "Down on Me" is 'Big Brother and the Holding Company'. This was before Joplin's solo career.
Usage in Album
“Down on Me” was used on two of Joplin's albums -- "Big Brother & the Holding Company" and "Janis Joplin’s Greatest Hits".
Lyrics Theme
The song emphasizes solidarity in hardship, urging individuals to lean on their friends when times get tough.
Unique Performance Style
The song showcases Janis Joplin’s exceptional and powerful vocal range and her distinctive ability to blend rock and blues.
Live Performance
"Down on Me" featured in a memorable performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 where Janis Joplin made a significant impression on the world.
Song Performance on Chart
The version of “Down on Me” from “Janis Joplin’s Greatest Hits” charted in 1972, reached number 91 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart.
Cultural Significance
The song has been covered by multiple artists since its release, and it signifies Joplin's influence on the musical culture of the time.
Song Reception
"Down on Me" is considered one of Janis Joplin's standout tracks due to her emotional delivery and the raw feeling it evokes.

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    Down on Me

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1972

    Billboard #91


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