Janis Joplin & The Kozmic Blues Band ~ Tribute Live 1969 - YouTube

About the song

In the annals of rock and roll history, few names evoke the raw, unbridled emotion of Janis Joplin. With her powerful vocals and uninhibited stage presence, she embodied the spirit of the counterculture movement, captivating audiences worldwide. Among her many iconic performances, “Can’t Turn You Loose” stands as a testament to her vocal prowess and her ability to convey the depths of human emotion.

Released in 1969, “Can’t Turn You Loose” is a soulful ballad that showcases Joplin’s mastery of dynamics and phrasing. The song opens with a gentle piano riff, setting the stage for Joplin’s emotive vocals. Her voice, initially restrained, gradually builds in intensity as she pours her heart and soul into the lyrics. The instrumentation, a tasteful blend of bluesy guitar, soulful organ, and steady drums, provides a solid foundation for Joplin’s impassioned delivery.

The lyrics of “Can’t Turn You Loose” are a declaration of unwavering love and devotion. Joplin sings of her commitment to her lover, despite the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead. Her words resonate with authenticity, capturing the complexities of love and the strength of human connection.

“Can’t Turn You Loose” is not merely a love song; it’s a declaration of self-empowerment. Joplin’s voice, soaring and unrestrained, conveys a sense of liberation and defiance. She refuses to be bound by societal expectations or external pressures, asserting her right to love and be loved on her own terms.

The song’s emotional climax arrives in the bridge, where Joplin’s voice reaches a fever pitch. She belts out the lyrics with raw intensity, her voice echoing the depths of her passion. The moment is electrifying, showcasing the full range of Joplin’s vocal talent and emotional expression.

“Can’t Turn You Loose” fades out with a lingering piano riff, leaving the listener with a sense of both catharsis and longing. Joplin’s impassioned performance has left an indelible mark, etching the song into the hearts of music lovers worldwide. It is a timeless anthem of love, resilience, and the unyielding power of the human spirit.

“Can’t Turn You Loose” is more than just a song; it’s an experience. It’s a journey into the depths of human emotion, guided by the powerful voice of a true icon. Janis Joplin’s raw, unfiltered delivery and the song’s soulful melody create an unforgettable listening experience that has stood the test of time. “Can’t Turn You Loose” is a testament to Joplin’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest vocalists and most influential figures in rock and roll history.

Video

Lyrics

I can’t turn you loose, if I do I’m gonna lose my mindI can’t never turn you loose, if I do I’m gonna lose my mindWhoa, I can’t turn you loose for nobody, I love you, yes I do, huh!
Hip-shakin’ mama, I love you, love no one but youHear me, baby, I call you, call you
I can’t turn you loose, if I do I’m gonna lose my mindI can never turn you loose, huh, if I do I’m gonna lose my mindI can’t turn you loose for nobody, I love you, yes I do, huh!
Hip-shakin’ mama, I love you, love no one but youHear me, baby, I call you, call you
Ah, tell me mama, baby!Hey, baby, baby, babyNow, wooh, baby, huh!Talkin’ about my babyOh baby, huh, about my babyBaby, baby I love you, I gotta do everything, ha!
Baby!My!My, my, my, baby!Baby, baby, baby, baby yeahWhoa!! Baby, baby, baby, huh!Talkin’ about youEvery, every day, baby, gotta keep on holdin’Gotta keep on holdin’ on you, babyHoldin’Oh baby, huh! Talkin’ about you, ah!
Huh! BabyBaby, baby, baby, babyHuh! Baby I love youEvery, every day, babyHuh! Love youBaby, let me hear you say yeah!Over here, yeah!Yeah!!!! I feel goodSam, I need a little helpBring it down a little bit, Maury, bring it down a little bitI need a little helpFellas, get your hands from under your girl’s dress for a minuteYoung ladies, yeah we’re about to get into this
Hold on a minuteAah!!Yeah!!Every day, baby, every day, baby, aahh!!Lord!!
Yeah, baby, every, every day, babyWhoaa, whooo, ahh, aahhhaEvery, every day, babyHuh! Bring it on down, bring it down!Mercy! Do you feel alright?If you don’t, fuck you, you oughta go home!Mercy! Do you feel alright?Get on in, daddy!I feel good, woohh, mercy, I can dig it, aww!
Say you’re lookin’ good to me, say you’re lookin’ fineSay you’re lookin’ good to me, hon you’re lookin’ fineHey you’re lookin’ good to me, hon you’re lookin’ fineOh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah!!Oh!! Oh!! Oh!! Oh!! Oh yeah!! Oh yeah!! Oh yeah!! oh yeah!!Woh yeah!! Woh yeah!! Woh yeah!! Wo yeah!! ? alright!
Yeah, yeah, yeah, babyYeah, yeah, yeah, I feel good because I love youYou know I love youHuh! I love youEvery dayHuh!Babe, aw!! wooh! Huh!Say you’re looking good! Mercy!Let’s get the horns inDo you want to hear the horns blow?Do you want to hear the horns blow?Do you want to hear the horns blow?Yeah!! Huh, talkin’ about youSay look-a here, here we goOne, two, three, four, ah!!
Hey!Ooh!Shit!Wohh!