Saturday, March 17, 2012: Janis Joplin - Me and Bobby McGee

Songs have a life of their own.

Sometimes, someone records another persons song and just makes it their own.

Probably the most famous example of this is Aretha Franklin's absolute taking over of Otis Redding's Respect.

This is probably the other well known version.

Written by Kris Kristofferson in 1968, at the behest of Combine Music label owner Fred Foster, Me and Bobby McGee was first a hit for the King Of The Road, Roger Miller. Then Kris himself released a version in 1970.

It is, however, Pearl's posthumously released version which continues to be the definitive telling of this tale. This is a song about love, experience and connection so powerful that nothing else matters.

Seriously, who in their right mind would trade all their tomorrows for a single yesterday?

Nobody with any sense. But, probably anyone who's truly loved and lost.

So, here's to you Pearl, wherever you have landed.

We all miss you deeply, and think about you every time our windshield wipers clap time through the pouring rain and we hear your ethereal voice through our speakers.

Here's to you.

And to finding freedom, even if it means having nothing left to lose.