About the song
“Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)” by Janis Joplin is a dynamic and emotionally charged track from her 1969 album I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! The song stands as a testament to Joplin’s unparalleled vocal power and her ability to convey deep emotional resonance through her music.
Released in 1969, I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! marked Joplin’s first album following her departure from Big Brother and the Holding Company. This solo effort highlighted her versatility and broadened her musical horizons beyond the psychedelic rock sound that initially brought her fame. “Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)” is one of the standout tracks from this album, showcasing her transition into a more soulful and blues-oriented style.
The meaning of “Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)” revolves around themes of perseverance and self-empowerment. The lyrics, written by Jerry Ragovoy and Bert Berns, encourage resilience and the relentless pursuit of one’s goals despite challenges and setbacks. Joplin’s delivery is both passionate and motivational, capturing the essence of fighting through adversity with determination and grit. Her powerful vocal performance infuses the song with a sense of urgency and intensity, making it a compelling anthem of personal strength and resolve.
In terms of social impact, “Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)” reflects the broader cultural shifts of the late 1960s and early 1970s. During this era, music increasingly became a vehicle for expressing individual empowerment and social change. Joplin’s rendition of the song resonated with listeners who were navigating their own struggles and striving for greater personal and societal transformation. Her performance helped cement her reputation as a leading figure in the countercultural movement, illustrating her ability to address universal themes with authenticity and emotional depth.
Musically, “Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)” features a rich blend of blues, soul, and rock elements, underpinned by a robust rhythm section and expressive brass arrangements. Joplin’s vocal prowess is prominently displayed throughout the track, demonstrating her ability to convey complex emotions and connect deeply with her audience. The song’s energetic tempo and compelling instrumentation further enhance its message of perseverance and determination.
In summary, “Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)” by Janis Joplin is a powerful and inspiring track from her 1969 album I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama!. The song’s message of resilience and self-empowerment, coupled with Joplin’s electrifying vocal performance, highlights her ability to blend emotional depth with musical excellence. It stands as a testament to her enduring influence and her role as a significant voice in both music and social commentary.
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Lyrics
Try, try, try just a little bit harderSo I can love, love, love him, I tell myself‘Cause I’m gonna try, oh yeah, just a little bit harderSo I won’t lose, lose, lose him to nobody else, yeahHey, I don’t care how long it’s gonna take yaBut if it’s a dream I don’t want No I don’t really want itYeah if it’s a dream I don’t want nobody to wake meYeah I’m gonna try, oh yeah, just a little bit harderSo I can give, give, give, give him every bit of my soulI’m gonna try, oh yeah, just a little bit harderSo I can show, show, show him love with no control, yeahHey! I don’t care how long it’s gonna take yaBut if it’s a dream I don’t wantNo I don’t really want itYeah if it’s a dream I don’t want nobody to wake meHey, dig it! Yeah! Yeah yeah yeah!Yeah, yeah, yeah, all rightTry oh yeah, hey, try oh yeah, Lord, Lord, LordTry oh yeah, try oh yeah, Lord, Lord, LordTry oh yeah yeah, try, whoa, try oh yeah, Lord, Lord, Lord,Push, work, push, work, oh yeah, try, oh yeah hey!Try oh yeah, hey try oh yeahTry Lord, try, try, you ain’t trying manYou’re not trying out man, come up with itCome on, that’s a wanker that listens to words, manHey you gotta work all nightHey little girl, gotta push onYou gotta needWork a little more, hey, try a little moreNeed a little moreYeah, work on, push on, move on, move onYou gotta work for it, you gotta work on itPush on, need on, move onMove on, hey hey heyWork it daddyWork it daddyCome on, work it daddy, ohYeah, yeah, you better try, try, try, try a little moreYou ain’t never gonna get any man if that’s the sort of thing you can doShit, there’s lot more talent around than that manTry, try, try, try try tryYou’ve gotta try, try, try, tryTry, try, try, try, try, try…You gotta try, try, try, try…Lord, try, try, try, tryLord, try, try, try, tryHey, try, try, try, tryHey, try oh yeah, try oh yeah, Lord, Lord, LordTry oh yeah, hey, try whoa, try oh yeahTry oh yeah, Lord, Lord, Lord, try oh yeahTry oh yeah, hey, hey, heyTry oh yeah, try oh yeahLord, Lord, Lord, oh Lord