Can money buys us happyness? Oprah Winfrey on opening up her all-girl academy in South Africa, said that she's fed up helping the American inner-city schools because the only thing the kids wanted are some sneakers and the iPod; when the South African girls are all about the education!
Janis Joplin (1943-1970) the singer, Bob Neuwirth the songwriter, and Michael McClure the poet parodied this social commentary into a form of prayer asking God to grant her a color TV, a Mercedes Benz, and a night on the town. This capella song is the last song recorded by Janis before her death at 27 years old (3-week after Jimi Hendrix demise) and it was posthumously released in her final album, Pearl.
I believe that Janis, a 'screamer' known for her ability to carry the blues, soul, and folk-rock materials, would've had produced some great originals should she have lived longer.
This song was used both by Mercedes Benz and BMW in their TV ads. Her great vocal with the powerful anti-materialistic lyrics make this song a memorable one, even without the use of any musical instruments!
So back to the question I raise in the beginning of this entry, Chris Gardner tells us in The Pursuit of Happyness that money does matter in making dreams come true. It is because of the fact that he made it at Dean Witter and that he can raise his son better that made him happy, and not because of the monetary value itself. In short, money is the enabler to happiness!
Enjoy Janis Joplin's Mercedes Benz on YouTube and the lyrics here.
Mercedes Benz
I'd like to do a song of great social and political import and it goes like this
Oh lord, wont you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?
My friends all drive Porsche, I must make amends.
Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends,
So lord, wont you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?
Oh lord, wont you buy me a color TV ?
Dialing for dollars is trying to find me.
I wait for delivery each day until three,
So oh lord, wont you buy me a color TV ?
Oh lord, wont you buy me a night on the town ?
I'm counting on you, lord, please don't let me down.
Prove that you love me and buy the next round,
Oh lord, wont you buy me a night on the town ?
Everybody!
Oh lord, wont you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?
My friends all drive Porsche, I must make amends,
Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends,
So oh lord, wont you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?
Thats it!
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