I loved and love Janis Joplin. I like the song she sang, Mercedes Benz, because it reminds me of a Church I attended with a friend when I was about 16. It was located in South St. Joseph. There was a neon sign outside proclaiming PENTECOSTAL SOMETHING OR OTHER CHURCH. A bright white two story building adapted for a Church and several rooms for Sunday School or offices.

I went because my friend Ronnie was Pentecost and he was telling me his faith was better(more fun) than my faith. What an experience! The music was loud and even the songs I knew were sung at a much faster Tempo. The sanctuary was packed. The people were mixed, both white and black folks and maybe others as well. Everyone looked happy, I mean REAL HAPPY! Singing and Shouting Amen and Hallelujah to the Lord, clapping their hands, shuffling their feet and bodies swaying.

Before long there were people coming to the Altar to ask that the Lord bless them for their health and their families health. The Preacher laid hands and several people began jibbering and others started rolling up and down the isle. Several people were put to work throwing blankets over the women to keep there bottoms covered.

Now, I know there are already some people getting defensive and maybe even yelling at me, “What’s wrong with that?”. There’s nothing wrong with it. I was just a little unnerved, it was a first for me and I could get used to it. Everything until the preacher held up a picture of a ‘Brand New’ car he wanted. He told us that God wanted us to have what we wanted and that if we prayed hard enough and gave generously to the Lord, we would eventually get what we wanted and needed. He set this as an example for everyone else to follow. I was only 16 but I wasn’t buying. Maybe that was because my Church presented worship and faith to me in a calmer voice (sometimes they preached Hell fire and brimstone) and it settled in more. I don’t know for sure.

As I said before, I really love, loved Janis Joplin and this song got her a lot of flack from the Christians. As for me, it just reminds me of Ronnie and my visit with him to his church. We did have fun and I sure hope that God approved just a little bit.

Today, it makes me think of politics and all the strange bedfellows. Holding up the pictures of their desires to be President, VP, Governor or Sheriff. Many who don’t spend much time at church or doing churchy things, but suddenly they proclaim their belief in God, who will provide them with their wants, just because they used to have faith and all the while they crucify their opponents.

Hey, it’s random, I know. Just had to get it off my chest and enjoy Janis once again.

Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?
My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends.
Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends,
So Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?

Oh Lord, won’t 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, won’t you buy me a color TV ?

Oh Lord, won’t 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, won’t you buy me a night on the town ?

Everybody!
Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?
My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends,
Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends,
So oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz
Janis Joplin