She Must Be Beautiful ~ Janis Ian

[@aliveandgratefulone]

Janis was born simply 6 months prior to me and I have been in awe of her ever since 1967 when I was first blessed by hearing the "voice of angels". As Janis continued to share heart, mind, soul w/the world I began a solitary career in physics lasting 35+ years. We were however both liberals, marching against Vietnam & for Civil Rights and eventually did change our world. I'm so grateful that in 1951, this Earth was given the "Gift" of Janis for us to cherish all these years.

[@johnmccarron]

A friend played this song for me, she had tape recorded it from radio, I was enchanted from there, Janis Ian has stuck with me since, so much part of my first son's name is Ian, what a voice.

[@aliveandgratefulone]

Janis and I were born the same year and I have Always been ever so grateful for her gifts she shared/shares with all us. Ms Ian can be compared to Dylan in that her lyrics easily "stand alone as poetry" but Janis's music is incredibly beautiful. Always my superstar.

[@johnmcglone3532]

A beautiful song I’ve played dozens of times since rediscovering Janis again after many years. The piano playing is superb, truly a heart -lifting song. I even sought out the God & FBI album to make sure I could play it anytime.

[@CharlesDParker]

Live. This is the only recording I found of this song.

[@scottlang7271]

We are truly blessed to have Janis Ian's talents in writing this song. If ever future generations want to understand what heartbreak felt like in this era (or, indeed, ever), this is it in 5 spellbinding minutes....

[@chuckhuber7740]

I remember her first hit, "At 17", in 1975, which I believe hit #1 on top 40 radio, and I was taken by her talent. I'm about a year older than her, and I've followed her career. This song was never released as a single, but it is the most stunningly beautiful tune she has ever written and performed. I saw her live at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, MD, just outside of DC around the year 2003 and she was just amazing as a soloist. I just recently told my daughter I want this song played at my funeral. The musician in me wants to take this song with me into eternity when the time comes.

[@eilslove]

I am ashamed to admit I had not heard this song before, it is: yet another: piece of beautiful sad perfectly captured emotion sung so wonder and empthy inspiring way by the great great Janis Ian, thank you for uploading, and thank you Janis for singing and writing so magnificantly

[@CharlesDParker]

One day I'll be gone and someone I know and love will have this pop up, then play this for what I hope is a memory of what once was.

[@IngerAnna]

The most beautiful and heartbreaking song about lost love.

[@robyncarlin6931]

What a beautiful song 💖

[@Bronxlady1]

When I was a little kid, my Dad had a boat he named The Teresa, after my little sister. On weekends he and my Mom would load me, my brother's and my sister into his jalopy and drive up to the Whitestone Bridge Boatyard in The Bronx, from Brooklyn so he could work on his boat. I remember us kids playing among the other boats. The smell of tar and lumber. My Dad loved his boat. And she was beautiful. As time goes by and I get older I remember those days. This song by Janis captures the beauty and simplicity of those times.

[@Sameoldfitup]

“Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going?”― Tennessee Williams..

[@sheilas1283]

What a beautiful song! I can’t believe I’ve never heard it before today.

[@haldickenssongwriter7011]

What an incredibly beautiful and heartbreaking song. Only Janice could do this justice with her lovely emotional voice.

[@SnowWolf7]

Thank you. I had never heard this song before. Nice pictures.

[@khappy1286]

Wow. Just wow.

[@dennisrhodeslcc9439]

Fantastic voice. Just lost for words. I first heard Janice when I heard at 17, when I was 17. The album version is so much better, and today it still calls up the memory of listening to it then, I travel back in time.

[@stevescissors]

She blows me away with this song! Janis is such a TRUE ARTIST. Such a beautiful song. Thanks for the great post.

[@DavidGardiner]

Hard to go wrong with a Janis ian song. Thank you.

[@MsCalamero]

I first heard this song on a late night radio station in scotland i was 14yrs by the end of the song i was crying this song touched me so much, i'm 48yrs now and it still has that effect on me, beautiful words put together bitter sweet and the haunting sound of the guitar, i went out the following day and bought the album Stars and its my pride and joy. Only one other artist has that effect on me the legend that is Janis Joplin, this music touches youre heart like no other, i salute you Janis Ian youre avid fan.

[@DavidGardiner]

"haunting sound of the guitar"? don't think so.

[@MsCalamero]

David Gardiner Sorry david, dont know what happened but i had commented on the song stars lol

[@Mr07041963]

Спасибо, прекрасная песня от прекрасной певицы!

[@owenboi66]

No other singer moves me the way Janis Ian does. I've heard this song before - but it's touching a nerve right now, and off I go.... It was the same when my dad died. He'd been ill for years, and when he finally died I was really sad, but the tears just wouldn't come. Then I heard "When Angels Cry" and that was it. This woman has probably saved me a small fortune in therapy. A true artist and a wonderful human being.

[@valeriehopebennett]

thank you for your great music, that fills the void in me.,its such a delightful pleasure to just sit and listen to your songs, please continue with blessings love and peace

[@robertruth3281]

Knowing and loving Janis' rare gift of crafting lyrics that are often so subtle, seemingly indirect, but "spot on target"... I'm not so sure this song is about boats. She is a miracle worker in our times.....

[@DavidGardiner]

I think it's pretty clear what the boat (it's just one boat in the song) represents.

[@THEXARMYMAN]

David Gardiner I think both the Song and the collage are beautiful . I think any artist will admit , that the interpretation of the listener is every bit as important as the words conveyed . The goal of beautiful music and song is to touch ones spirit . the script is secondary .Embrace goodness in any way... and you defeat negativity . . Well done Mr Gardiner .

[@DavidGardiner]

THEXARMYMAN Thanks for the kind words. Appreciated.

[@maxbaker8336]

Still get chills every time I hear this song. Still discovering Janis' work. She is amazing.

[@jjjjlo834]

oh the pain of this kind of loss.....a soulbreaking song

[@bilstonjay]

That is a beautiful song.

[@Dara604]

This was the first song that Janis sang after she walked on stage to open her concert with in Philadelphia last year when I saw her. When I looked at her and she started to sing, I instantly fell in love with her. At the end of the concert, she and I met in person. The two of us are now friends. Her voice is so soothing to listen to. I hope to sing with this talented woman on stage someday! She is the best!

[@talisanemec4915]

+Dara Roberts I too have fallen in love with her....wow.

[@Dara604]

+TaLisa Nemec You should check out some of her other songs like Society's Child and of course her biggest hit from 1975, At Seventeen. I HIGHLY recommend reading her autobiography Society's Child and seeing her in concert when she comes your way to perform! You will not be disappointed by her voice! She is a wonderful performer and storyteller!

[@ditrower8104]

And Stars and Jesse. I also love Fly too high (written by Georgio Moroder). Quite different, but wonderful, too.

[@Neil_McMahon]

Oh I love this song, have done for many years... cheers for whacking it up here. Love all Ms Ian does..... what a songwriter, and what a singer. I remember seeing JI in Sydney at a small venue maybe 8 years ago, she did all her wondrous classics... this album (God & the FBI) had recently come out and I'd had it on steady rotation at home, particularly this song. At the gig I hollered for her to do it, but alas, she would not... I think it was too new at the time. It's become a classic to me.

[@lbm215]

I was in 7th grade and bought my first album "Seventeen" at a yard sale for a quarter. I had no clue who she was and I feel in love. :)

[@lynnz8776]

Absolutely beautiful. I have followed Janis Ian since she first came on the scene. Her voice is every bit as beautiful today.. as it was when she started out. Perhaps more so! Thanks for sharing such a pretty song,.

[@keithziemba]

This is pone of my all time favorite Janis Ian songs, in fact one of my favorite songs in general.

[@mxiajoy27]

Janis ian's song is talking to me from the heart...she awakens in me something beyond what we comprehend..beyond logic...her songs whispers to me of betrayal, of madness, of sadness, sorrow, partiality...of joy,,, of love!!!...of being alone-scared and helpless...of courage....I gather strength in each word spoken and each lyrics sung...yet, I am reminded of the very sorrow I felt...of each tear I shed...I rejoice...I wallow in self pity...I praise---all these and more when janis crokns her songs!....would love to meet her.

[@goneatlast]

+Xia Joy Meulio , Yes, when Janis shares her art, she invites us to transcend. You can meet Janis if you attend her concert because she always signs memorabilia and talks to her fans after her concerts. Currently, Janis is taking a break from her busy touring schedule; however, she should be back on the road by autumn, 2016. Check out her website. Peace.

[@earthart2010]

Janis stole my heart so long ago. Love this song. Love her beautiful genius

[@chasquared4588]

Amazingly beautiful song, lyrics, melody, and photos to express such excrutiating pain.

[@thedoctor003]

David, thanks for putting this on here. This sounds as if it is Live. I searched the net and realized that I have the studio version of this song. This is from the CD God and the FBI. I saw Janis 8 times, 7 times in the 80s, and once in SF in the 90s, when I finally met her backstage and got her autograph. She sent me a copy of her LP Live in Australia and Japan (1979 or so) with her autograph. I still have that. Janis rocks. Her voice is full of emotion, sentiment, sorrow, kindness, and love.

[@bluedamsel1185]

Beautiful voice, lyrics filled with heart and soul.

[@youOSAMAtube]

oh, wow the song is more then amazing and heart warming, oh god how the lyrics are amazing and never leave your mind , thank you for unloading

[@ingerannasanga]

This song is so beautiful!

[@lindawarren8325]

I am in awe.

[@sheachef57]

will love her always. Seen her since she started, part of my life for always. Shared a concert with my daughter and husband., in KEENE, NH. Love you always Janis.

[@samcat79]

The best. Thanks for uploading.

[@ronniestark9602]

This is one of her most beautiful songs, and I never heard it before today.Hope you enjoy.She is one of the songwriters I most admire for her talent and genius.

[@lynncole1821]

It's a metaphor about a woman taking another woman's spouse. Beautiful! Janis Ian is one of the greatest singer/songwriter's of all time (in my opinion).

[@golddustmagazine]

Hear hear

[@brookeggleston9314]

I don't think so! I think it's about a woman who is unable to overcome her lover's overwhelming love of the sea. The *she* is a ship.

[@11sophiemarie]

hauntingly beautiful...

[@jahkylaupshaw4385]

audio perfection, voice and lyric... thank you.

[@talisanemec4915]

Wow...I have never heard that before.....tears! I literally started balling like a baby.

[@rdp3holm]

I think I forgot to breathe listening to this... beautiful. Thanks so much for the post.

[@MMGARC]

The words brought tears to my eyes. The lyrics, the melody and your beautiful voice was so wonderful.

[@DavidGardiner]

+Maeve Garcia I'll pass your comment on to Janis Ian. She has a website and forum at janisian dot com that she visits regularly. You should register there if you like her work. She's very friendly and chats to her fans all the time.

[@fishkettle586]

Beautiful.

[@bhdickstein]

Hard to pick a favorite, but this has to be one of 100 that are my best favorites! She is a gift.

[@rosslavel]

Thank you David for posting this......magnificent!

[@sarahoneill8207]

She is an amazing artist indeed, and such emotion in each song.

[@curridmath]

A beautifully sad, perfect song.

[@skinnysnorlax1876]

Just incredible. I can barely believe it when I hear the applause at the end; such emotion in a live performance!

[@scramblex2692]

are you used to hearing less emotion in a live performance?

[@marguerite6842]

Most beautiful song......thanks!

[@grannyjudi1]

Oh such a beautiful gentle song...sharing on fb today....

[@thedoctor003]

Hi David, The studio version is on the CD 'God and the FBI.' This Live version sounds just like the studio version. Janis rocks and she was warm when I finally met her and got her autograph. It made my day and my life. She is truly a dear person. She took the time to meet me and give me her autograph, unlike the 'stars' today. She is the only celebrity whom I have ever asked for an autograph.

[@hjalmarius]

Very good song-love it!

[@jieungreen]

I was surprised when I heard the clapping at the end, I thought it was a studio version. Those people really know how to listen to a song, it's Janis Ian too btw, I would keep quiet too. :-)

[@AnotherMusicLover2]

I love all she does but this is my favourite. I waited a long time to find it on KZbin. Thank you for posting.

[@tks777JohnMary]

Beautiful ! Janis must be beautiful forever !! Peace & Love !!! + JOHNMARY

[@myragarnett]

beautiful job on this, thank you

[@barbaracovell]

wonderful !

[@JolandavanderBurgt]

wat een klasse stem prachtig !!

[@DavidGardiner]

Thank you for your intelligent and sincere comments. There are still lots of opportunities to see Janis in concert, I saw her last year when she came to England, but she performs regularly in the US. If you aren't already a member please join the Janis Ian message board at janisian dot com. You'll be made very welcome, and you'll hear about all her upcoming concerts and activities. Her relationship with her fans is very close, and the message board feels like a big extended family.

[@jjjjlo834]

dave, thank you, oh my HEART, it has taken years, but i still cry, when a song like this can make you cry ,hold on

[@nakashun360]

透き通るような少し肌寒いくらいの気持ちよい朝の空気。 そんな感じがします。

[@1HistoricalBuff]

Lovely offering.....

[@evefontaine]

magnifique !

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

WOW.

[@IHYP]

Written with Kye Fleming David. 4:23 here Poets and Prophets: Salute to Legendary Country Songwriter Kye Fleming

[@DavidGardiner]

What a lovely tribute to Janis' life and music. With your permission I'll quote it on her website noticeboard to make sure she sees it.

[@DavidGardiner]

@bilstonjay I think she's the finest living female singer/songwriter. On the male side I rate Leonard Cohen No.1. Thanks for commenting.

[@ちこさん-y9c]

とても｡｡。思いでの曲ばかりで、入院退院､長かった治療。。そんな中 まだまだこれから楽しい事が沢山あるんだから頑張れ🚩😃🚩。 支えられた曲でしたよー。 日本 ちか子

[@thedoctor003]

David, One more thing. On that God and the FBI CD, there is an awesome track on there called Days Like These. Check it out. Again, Janis at her best! So sweet, haunting, gentle, mesmerizing.

[@trishloughman5998]

Tremendous artist - live or recorded.

[@lynnmaitland7948]

Trish Loughman ii

[@ifyoueverfind78]

some of her songs was about sort of, how she felt not so beautiful, or seventeen..and societys child, you know sort of those rejected or marginalized..i think the irony when she writes and sings a song like this and others, she becomes very very beautiful...so her beauty comes from within that then comes on outside...

[@Sweetsaddity]

Beautiful

[@shenwood55]

@bakers1family fell in love with her when I was in high school back in the 70s

[@Sameoldfitup]

"We swallow greedily any lie that flatters us, but we sip only little by little at a truth we find bitter." Denis Diderot French philosopher 1713, 1784.

[@thedoctor003]

David, no it is not on the Live in Australia and Japan album, unfortunately that song came out years later. For hidden Janis gems, buy her 3 CD set Unreleased CDs. I bought them several years ago on her web site, I own them, the CDs, not from iTunes.

[@Pamela0725]

I feel exactly the same way.

[@marionjoycrippsdickersoncr4197]

She has so much to offer society... God bless you beautiful lady I loved y’all so deeply and loved my granddaughter I hope you’re happy with your family and friends and I loved you and I hope you never feel like I am just a little cowgirl and I loved you so deeply I love y’all and thank you so very much for everything you all are very special to me even though you don’t love me I love you anyway Novelist And poet is buried in my mothers birthday Marion Joy Cripps Dickerson why do you keep saying birthday if it’s not my birthday but thanks anyway by God bless you all there really worried I’m not worried I didn’t say I was whining but I know one thing I had I’m tired of saying things that I can’t say

[@DavidGardiner]

I have never heard a studio version of this one (and I am a big Janis Ian fan). Is it on the 'Live in Australia and Japan' album? Could you please tell me where I can find it (though it would be hard to improve on this performance). Thanks. She is of course one of the nicest people in the whole music industry.

[@DavidGardiner]

@nmacmedia I am a huge fan too, though like you I've only seen her live once (Cambridge Folk Festival, 1991 I think). You should visit her website at Janisian dot com. Re not doing the song you requested, if a song hasn't been planned and rehearsed it's very difficult to just add it in to a concert. There are other musicians, technicians etc. involved as well as just Janis. I'm sure she would have done it if she possibly could. There's no other singer I know of that tries so hard to oblige.

[@DavidGardiner]

@annoyinglydifficult Thanks for the kind comments.

[@wentworthcaniac]

Someone needs to mention the fact that this song was actually written by Julie Gold. Janice does a great version of it, no doubt. But try to catch Julie's version on the Austin City Limits Songwriter's Special.

[@marshamacmartin4769]

Any one out there who can give us the chords to this song?? guitar tuning. Although its originally played on piano

[@DavidGardiner]

@madly774 You can also get software to convert anything that plays on your computer into an MP3 file. I use one called 'Total Recorder', which is very good and very versatile, but it's a paid download. There are similar utilities available as free downloads. The best known one is called 'Audacity'. I haven't used it but have heard good reports.

[@maplespica]

あまり好きじゃなかったんだけど 久しぶりに聞いたら、神曲過ぎた。

[@Mhrormhr]

This was on the God and the FBI album. Lyrics for that album show Janis co-wrote this song with Kye Fleming, so whoever this Julie is, she may have sung it, but she didn't write it.

[@mirellacravotta4329]

😇

[@jonathangoodman2636]

Sorry if this was answered before, but what live album is this from? Had to be since 2000.

[@DavidGardiner]

It's from God and the FBI (2000).

[@jonathangoodman2636]

David Gardiner Thank you. As a voice teacher, I drop my jaw in awe that her voice sounds this pristine at 49.

[@brookeggleston9314]

@@jonathangoodman2636 Wait till you hear her in her late sixties!!

[@DavidGardiner]

I have looked and can find no evidence that the song was written by anybody other than Janis.

[@purplealice]

and her name is Enterprise...

[@GorillaGalMarg]

Are these all your photos?

[@DavidGardiner]

+GorillaGalMarg No. All from Google Images back in 2010. Nothing above is mine.

[@ianman15]

From her stunning “god & the fbi” album...

[@sallygaunt1946]

Unclear if the "she" is a woman or a ship? Lovely song.

[@DavidGardiner]

It's called 'metaphor'.

[@jjjjlo834]

is ANYONE OUT THERE IN 2020 FOR A WOMAN WHO JUST TURNED 60 and am totally confused

[@DavidGardiner]

What are you confused about Judy?

[@carolyngibson9769]

Explain what you mean???

[@janemccleary4996]

I'm Jane