Apple Of My Eye
Janis Joplin
The Heartfelt Devotion in Janis Joplin's 'Apple Of My Eye'
Janis Joplin's 'Apple Of My Eye' is a raw and emotional declaration of love and dependency. The song's lyrics reveal a deep, almost desperate affection for a significant other, portraying the person as the 'apple of her eye,' a phrase that signifies someone cherished above all others. Joplin's powerful voice and emotive delivery amplify the intensity of the feelings expressed in the song, making it a poignant piece about love and the fear of losing it.
The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and vulnerability. Joplin sings about the lengths she would go to for her lover, even suggesting that she would kill herself if they left her. This hyperbolic expression underscores the depth of her emotional investment and the pain she anticipates from potential abandonment. The repetition of the phrase 'fifteen minute waitin' time' suggests a constant state of anticipation and anxiety, highlighting the instability and intensity of her emotions.
Joplin also touches on the idea of home and belonging. Despite her travels to various cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, and Los Angeles, she always returns to her lover. This recurring theme of returning home signifies that her true sense of belonging and comfort is with this person. The mention of material possessions, such as a guitar and books, being insignificant compared to her love further emphasizes the depth of her emotional connection. The song encapsulates the essence of passionate, sometimes overwhelming love, and the fear of losing the one person who means the most.