“Piece of My Heart,” released in 1968 and performed by Janis Joplin with her band Big Brother and the Holding Company, is one of the most electrifying and soulful rock songs of the late 1960s. The song showcases Joplin’s powerful, raw vocal style and became an anthem of heartbreak and defiance, capturing the spirit of an era characterized by both musical innovation and social upheaval.

About The Song

• Chart Success: “Piece of My Heart” was a commercial success, helping to propel the album Cheap Thrills to the top of the charts. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and the song itself became a defining hit of the late 1960s rock scene. Although it did not chart as high as other singles, it gained significant airplay and became a staple of rock radio, solidifying Joplin’s place as a leading figure in rock music.
• Songwriting Inspiration: Originally written by Jerry Ragovoy and Bert Berns, “Piece of My Heart” was first recorded by Erma Franklin in 1967. However, it was Janis Joplin’s intense and emotionally charged version with Big Brother and the Holding Company that made the song a classic. Joplin’s interpretation transformed the song into a gritty, blues-infused rock anthem, filled with raw emotion and powerful delivery that spoke to the pain and longing of unrequited love.
• Influence on Other Artists and Genres: Janis Joplin’s version of “Piece of My Heart” has influenced countless artists across various genres, from rock to soul to pop. Her powerful, emotive singing style set a new standard for vocal performance in rock music, inspiring artists like Melissa Etheridge, Stevie Nicks, and many others to embrace a more raw and authentic vocal approach. The song has been covered by numerous artists, further cementing its status as a rock classic.
• Performance Style: Joplin’s live performances of “Piece of My Heart” were legendary, marked by her energetic stage presence and intense emotional delivery. Her unique ability to channel deep emotion through her raspy, powerful voice made her performances unforgettable. She would often lose herself in the music, creating a visceral connection with her audience and earning a reputation as one of rock’s most compelling live performers.
• Cultural Impact: “Piece of My Heart” became an anthem for the counterculture of the 1960s, reflecting the themes of freedom, individuality, and emotional expression. Joplin’s raw and unfiltered vocal style resonated with a generation searching for authenticity and connection in a rapidly changing world. The song has continued to symbolize female empowerment and the spirit of rebellion, influencing generations of musicians and music lovers.

Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart” remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its emotional intensity and groundbreaking vocal style. The song continues to be a touchstone of rock music, representing both the spirit of its time and the enduring power of heartfelt, soulful performance.

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Lyric

Oh, come on, come on, come on, come on
Didn’t I make you feel like you were the only man? Yeah
And didn’t I give you nearly everything that a woman possibly can?
Honey, you know I did
And each time I tell myself that I, well I think I’ve had enough
But I’m gonna show you, baby, that a woman can be tough
I want you to come on, come on, come on, come on and take it
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby (whoa, break it)
Break another little bit of my heart now, darling, yeah, yeah, yeah (whoa, have a)
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby
You know you got it if it makes you feel good
Oh, yes indeed
You’re out on the streets looking good
And baby, deep down in your heart, I guess you know that it ain’t right
Never, never, never, never, never, never hear me when I cry at night
Babe, and I cry all the time
But each time I tell myself that I, well I can’t stand the pain
But when you hold me in your arms, I’ll sing it once again
I said come on, come on, come on, come on and take it
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby
Break another little bit of my heart now, darling, yeah
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby
Well, you know you got it, child, if it makes you feel good
I need you to come on, come on, come on, come on and take it
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby (whoa, break it)
Break another little bit of my heart, now darling, yeah, c’mon now (whoa, have a)
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby
You know you got it, whoa
Take it
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby (whoa, break it)
Break another little bit of my heart, now darling, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (whoa, have a)
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby, hey
You know you got it, child, if it makes you feel good