The lyrics for Bobby McGee tell a touching story of freedom, love, and loss. Written by Kris Kristofferson and famously sung by Janis Joplin, the song captures the soul of a wanderer’s life.
Through vivid storytelling, it paints a picture of two drifters chasing dreams and living on the road. Lines like “Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose” reveal deep emotional layers. The melancholy mixed with nostalgia makes the lyrics timeless and unforgettable.
lyrics for bobby mcgee
Song credit table for “Me and Bobby McGee”:
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Song Title | Me and Bobby McGee |
| Lyricist | Kris Kristofferson |
| Co-writer | Fred Foster |
| Famous Performer | Janis Joplin |
| Album | Pearl (Janis Joplin, 1971) |
| Genre | Country Rock / Blues Rock |
| Label | Columbia Records |
Lyrics
Busted flat in Baton Rouge, waiting for a train
I was feeling near as faded as my jeans
Bobby thumbed a diesel down just before it rained
And rode us all the way to New Orleans
I pulled my harpoon out of my dirty red bandana
I was playing soft while Bobby sang the blues
Windshield wipers slapping time, I was holding Bobby’s hand in mine
We sang every song that driver knew
Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose
Nothing don’t mean nothing honey if it ain’t free, now now
And feeling good was easy Lord, when he sang the blues
You know feeling good was good enough for me
Good enough for me and my Bobby McGee
From the Kentucky coal mines to the California sun
Hey, Bobby shared the secrets of my soul
Through all kinds of weather, through everything that we done
Hey Bobby baby kept me from the cold
One day up near Salinas, Lord, I let him slip away
He’s looking for that home and I hope he finds it
But I’d trade all of my tomorrows for one single yesterday
To be holding Bobby’s body next to mine
Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose
Nothing, and that’s all that Bobby left me, yeah
And feeling good was easy Lord, when he sang the blues
Hey, feeling good was good enough for me, hmm hmm
Good enough for me and my Bobby McGee
La la la, la la la la, la la la, la la la la
La la la la la Bobby McGee
La la la la la, la la la la la
La la la la la, Bobby McGee, la
La La la, la la la la la la
La La la la la la la la la, hey now Bobby now Bobby McGee yeah
Na na na na na na na na, na na na na na na na na na na na
Hey now Bobby now, Bobby McGee, yeah
Lord, I called him my lover, I called him my man
I said called him my lover just the best I can and come on
And and a Bobby oh, and a Bobby McGee yeah
Lo lo lo lo lo lo lo lo lo lo lo lo
Hey hey hey Bobby McGee, lord
La da la la la, la da la la la la la
Hey hey hey, Bobby McGee yeah
Summary
The song tells the heartfelt story of two wanderers, the narrator and Bobby McGee, who share a deep bond while traveling across the American South. They experience both freedom and hardship, singing and holding on to each other through life’s rough roads.
The iconic line, “Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose,” captures the bittersweet tone of the journey. Eventually, Bobby leaves in search of something more, leaving the narrator with only memories and longing. It’s a moving reflection on love, loss, and the beauty of simple moments shared on the road.
Conclusion
In the end, “Me and Bobby McGee” is more than just a tale of two drifters — it’s a timeless ballad about love, freedom, and the pain of letting go. The raw emotion in the lyrics and the soulful delivery, especially by Janis Joplin, make it resonate deeply with listeners.
It reminds us that some of life’s most powerful connections are fleeting, but their impact lasts forever. The song’s bittersweet message stays etched in the heart, just like Bobby’s memory stayed with the narrator.
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