15. Me and Bobby Mcgee

 Janis Joplin's posthumous #1 hit of Kris Kristofferson's classic is probably the definitive version of this song. She truly made it her own. Much like Hendrix took All Along the Watchtower from Dylan and made it a Hendrix "original"Joplin took this song originally sang by Roger Miller to another world, thankfully. It blows that original recording away.  Musically and vocally this song is perfect. You almost get the sense that Janis was moving toward a country soul sound and away from the early bluesy psychedelia that originally made her famous. Too bad we never got to see where she was headed. 

Lyrically this is Kristofferson as his best. Simple descriptions take you on the road. From the opening about faded jeans to the windshield wipers slapping time he takes you there. You are the driver making requests as Janis and Bobby are singing your favorites.

 From there Kristofferson does what he does best and drops some of the best lines you can put into a song.

"Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose"

This is one of my favorites. There really is no such thing as freedom. There is always a job, a bill, responsibility of some sort that holds us back, when you have nothing to lose then are you free. 

Kristofferson then takes a turn toward sorrow.  She loses Bobby because he is looking for something she can't give. From joy to heartbreak. Just like life. When you lose someone you can't deny that  this line hasn't entered your mind. Maybe not so perfectly worded, but we have all felt it. 

"But, I'd trade all of my tomorrows, for a single yesterday"

Fortunately Janis brings us back to the joy of life and actually does set us free with that raspy wail as she sings us home.  A true classic.