They traveled across the country together, and although they had no money, he retains wistful memories of the good times they shared.īusted flat in Baton Rouge, headin’ for the trains,īobby thumbed a diesel down just before it rained, Kristofferson’s lyrics describe a singer who reminisces about his old girlfriend Bobby McGee. Thus, in 1969 he was the first to record Kris Kristofferson’s Me and Bobby McGee. In the late 60s Roger Miller began covering songs from other writers. However, his vocals became more refined as he branched out to reach a more diverse audience. I would categorize his earliest songs, such as Dang Me and Do-Wacka-Do, as definitely in the “redneck” category. Roger Miller’s vocals are very appealing, and they clearly show off his Oklahoma origins. His signature tune King of the Road reached #1 on both the Billboard Country and Adult Contemporary charts, and also made it to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop list. Throughout his career, Roger Miller produced country songs that also became cross-over hits. However, other songs that he wrote were rather touching ballads. Whimsical lyrics, coupled with scat singing or vocalese riffs filled with nonsense syllables. Some of those were essentially “novelty” songs, often featuring Roger Miller’s hit songs were rather diverse. He was particularly excited about this success, since he had dashed off Dang Me in just four minutes. Roger Miller’s career was off to a great start. They were also big cross-over songs, both making the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. However, in 1964 he recorded two songs for Smash Records, Dang Me and Chug-a-lug.īoth of these songs became country hits, peaking at #1 and #3 respectively. However, he had a terrible time finishing the tunes so his music publishing company was frequently putting pressure on Miller to complete the songs he had begun.Įventually Miller became so frustrated with songwriting that he moved to the West Coast, made a few appearances on late-night talk shows, and attempted to become an actor. Miller was unusual in that he was constantly coming up with ideas for songs. Various of his songs became hits for artists such as Ray Price and Ernest Tubb. Miller’s initial success was as a songwriter. He failed his first audition, but after he took a job at a Nashville hotel, he became known as the “singing bellhop.” As a result, he was hired as a fiddle player by Minnie Pearl.īelow is a photo of Roger Miller performing. Roger described his childhood circumstances as “dirt-poor.”Īfter serving a stint in the Army, Miller headed to Nashville to seek his fortune in country music. When his family was unable to eke out a living during the Depression, his parents sent Roger and his brothers to live with their aunt and uncle. Roger Miller was a singer-songwriter who carved out a successful career in the 60s. Finally, we’ll wrap up with the well-known version by Janis Joplin. Then, we will review the song’s origin story as part of our discussion of Kris Kristofferson’s version. Although the song was co-written by Kris Kristofferson and Fred Foster, the first recorded version was by Roger Miller.īecause of that, we will begin by discussing Roger Miller’s version. It is one of the most iconic country-rock songs. Feelin' good was easy, lord, when Bobby sang the blues, And feelin' good was good enough for me, Good enough for me and my Bobby McGee.Hello there! Our song this week is Me and Bobby McGee. But I'd trade all of my tomorrows for one single yesterday, Holdin' Bobby's body next to mine.įreedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose, Nothin' left is all she left for me. Then one night in Salinas, lord I let her slip away, Lookin' for that home I hope she finds. Standin' right beside me lord though everything I done, And every night she kept me from the cold. Feelin' good was easy, lord when Bobby sang the blues, And feelin' good was good enough for me, Good enough for me and my Bobby McGeeįrom the coal mines of Kentucky to the California sun, Bobby shared the secrets of my soul.
#Words to me and bobby mcgee driver
With then windshield wipers slappin time, and Bobby clappin' hands, We finally sang up every song that driver knew,įreedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose, Nothin' ain't worth nothin' but it's free. I pulled my harpoon out of my dirty red bandanna, And was blowin' sad while Bobby sang the blues. Bobby thumbed a diesel down, Just before it rained Took us all the way to New Orleans. I was feelin' nearly as faded as my jeans.
Busted flat in Baton Rouge, Headed for the trains.
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