About the song
A Hidden Gem: Janis Joplin’s “Flower in the Sun”
In the vast tapestry of Janis Joplin’s musical legacy, there exists a lesser-known treasure: the hauntingly beautiful “Flower in the Sun.” Recorded in 1968 during the sessions for her iconic album “Cheap Thrills,” this song didn’t see an official release until decades later. For those who have discovered it, “Flower in the Sun” offers a unique window into Joplin’s artistry, showcasing a softer, more introspective side than her powerhouse blues-rock anthems.
The song opens with a delicate acoustic guitar, setting a contemplative mood. Joplin’s voice, stripped of its usual raspy edge, enters with a gentle yearning. Her lyrics paint a vivid picture of longing and vulnerability: “You’re just a flower in the sun / You’re just a willow in the wind / You’re just a teardrop in the rain / You’re just a dream, just a name.”
A Departure from the Familiar
“Flower in the Sun” is a departure from the high-energy, often chaotic sound that Joplin is most famous for. The song’s simplicity and raw emotion allow her vocal talent to shine through in a different light. It’s a reminder that beneath the wild stage persona was a deeply sensitive artist capable of expressing a wide range of human experiences.
A Song for the Ages
Though “Flower in the Sun” may not be as instantly recognizable as “Piece of My Heart” or “Me and Bobby McGee,” it holds a special place in Joplin’s discography. It’s a song that reveals the depth of her talent and the complexity of her soul. For long-time fans, it’s a cherished discovery; for those new to Joplin’s music, it’s an invitation to explore beyond the hits.
In Conclusion
“Flower in the Sun” is a hidden gem that deserves to be unearthed and appreciated. It’s a testament to Janis Joplin’s versatility as a vocalist and her ability to touch hearts with her music. Whether you’re a seasoned Joplin aficionado or a curious newcomer, this song offers a rewarding listening experience that lingers long after the last note fades away.
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Lyrics
Oh please don’t you think baby that I am wrong to cry, yeah.You loved me, too,So how come you just sit there and laughAnd laugh and laugh and laugh?Things just can’t be this wayAnd not for very longNo no no no no no no no no no no no no no.Our love affair said it’s just history, yes it is.
And I tried to love you in my own way,I think that you know I did.But to have you here, to see you living,Oh so near to me, yeah, yeah, yeah.Oh but you are distant and so it’s deadAnd so often people are glad to be old, yeah yeah,Our love affair is just history, yes it is.
Once in a green time a flowerOh, fell in love with the sun.The passion lasted for an hourAnd then she wilted from her loved one.
Once in a green time a flowerOh, fell in love with the sun.The passion lasted for an hourAnd then she wilted from her loved one.
And I see you looking up at the sky, how high it is, yeah.You wonder if there is, whoa another meNow how can that be, how can it be?Well, I sit here and I ask you, why all this?I just got toni-ni-ni-nightOur love affair said it’s just a historyBut baby, baby, I said it’s over, Charlie,I can’t stand another lo-lo-lonely,I’m never too lonely.
It’s over baby,Where were you when I wanted yaAnd needed ya right by my side?I said-a, baby, baby, don’t you feel me moving,Baby, don’t you hear me cry?I know I hurt you, but Lord don’t you know I cried,I know I hurt you, but babe don’t you know I tried,Oh baby, oh babe, whoa.
