About the song
Background on Janis Joplin’s “Trouble in Mind”
This gritty blues rendition wasn’t a studio recording, but a raw jam session. Here’s the lowdown:
- Recorded in 1965: A young Janis Joplin, pre-fame, was hanging out with Jorma Kaukonen (later of Jefferson Airplane) at his San Francisco apartment.
- Just the three of them: Jorma captured the session on tape, with Janis on vocals and him on guitar. A fun fact: Jorma’s wife Margareta can be heard providing some unexpected percussion in the background.
- Early exploration: This wasn’t a polished performance, but a chance for Janis and Jorma to explore the blues standards “Trouble in Mind” and “Hesitation Blues” together.
Despite its casual origins, the recording showcases Janis’ raw talent and deep connection to the blues.
Themes in “Trouble in Mind”
The song itself, “Trouble in Mind,” is a traditional blues number, with themes that resonate deeply:
- Hardship and Struggle: The lyrics speak of feeling down and troubled, a common theme in the blues.
- Uncertainty and Doubt: The singer ponders their future, not knowing where they’re headed.
- Resilience: Despite the troubles, there’s a hint of determination to keep going.
Janis’ powerful vocals bring these themes to life, conveying the emotions with raw honesty.
Video
Lyrics
rouble in mind
Lord I’m blue
Oh naw, I won’t be blue always (ha-ha-ha)
Sun gonna shine in my
Lord, shine in my back door someday
I’m gonna lay
Lay my head
On that lonesome railroad line
And let the 2:19 train
Ease my troubled mind
Trouble in mind (oh oh)
Lord I’m blue now
I won’t be blue always!
Yeah that sun’s gonna shine in my
Lord, shine in my back door someday
I’m going down
Going down to the river
I’m gonna bring along my rocking chair
And then if these blues don’t leave me
Lord I’ll have to rock away from here
Trouble in mind
Trouble in m-i-I’m blue now
Oh I won’t be blue always!
Yeah that sun’s gonna shine in my
Lord, shine in my back door someday
I’m all alone
I’m alone at midnight
The lamp is burning low
I never had so much trouble
Not in my whole life that I’ve had before!
Trouble in mind oh-oh-oh-ah
Lord I’m blue now
I won’t be blue always!
Yeah that wind’s gonna come
And it’s gonna blow all
My blues away!