JANIS IAN * Stars *

Janis Ian is a singer/songwriter, musician, journalist, writer and poet. She is recognized, in most musical and literary circles, as one of the best poet/songwriters of our time.

Ian became a “child star” when she had her first hit with the controversial “Society’s Child” at age 14. In 1975, she won a Grammy award for the ever-popular “At Seventeen”.

After an incubation period of time, during which she steered away from the music scene, she wrote “Stars” which re-ignited her career.

“Stars” is about the life of performers. I selected musical performers who could be examples of musicians who fit the lyrics.

[robertmunro]

Such a beautiful song, from such a beautiful woman, with such a beautiful voice.

[howder]

As I wipe a tear from my eye, I am thinking, thank you Janis for bringing these memories to me, you touched my heart.

[kevinscientist]

I was never one for singing
What I really feel
Except tonight, I'm bringing
Everything I know that's real
Stars, they come and go
They come fast or slow
They go like the last light
Of the sun, all in a blaze
And all you see is glory
But it gets lonely there
When there's no one here to share
We can shake it away
If you'll hear a story
People lust for fame
Like athletes in a game
We break our collarbones
And come up swinging
Some of us are downed
Some of us are crowned
And some are lost
And never found
But most have seen it all
They live their lives in
Sad cafes and music halls
They always have a story
Some make it when they're young
Before the world has
Done its dirty job
And later on, someone will say
"You've had your day
You must make way"
But they'll never know the pain
Of living with a name you never owned
Or the many years forgetting
What you know too well
The ones who gave the crown
Have been let down
You try to make amends
Without defending
Perhaps pretending
You never saw the eyes
Of grown men of twenty five
That followed as you walked
And asked for autographs
Or kissed you on the cheek
And you never could believe
They really loved you
Some make it when they're old
(Perhaps they have a soul
They're not afraid to bare
Or perhaps there's nothing there)
Some women have a body
Men will want to see,
So they put it on display
Some people play a fine guitar
I could listen to them
Play all day
Some ladies really
Move across a stage
And gee, they sure can dance
I guess I could learn how
If I have it half a chance
But I always feel so funny
When my body tries to soar
And I seem to always worry
About missing the next chord
I guess there isn't anything
To put up on display
Except the tunes
And whatever else I say
Anyway, that isn't really
What I meant to say
I meant to tell a story
I live from day to day
Stars, they come and go
They come fast or slow
They go like the last light
Of the sun, all in a blaze
And all you see is glory
But those who've seen it all
They live their lives
In sad cafes and music halls
We always have a story
So if you don't lose patience
With my fumbling around,
I'll come up singing for you
Even when I'm down

[eduardoalcala]

This is so deep, beautiful and moving. In the same vibe as Vincent by McLean, Sweet Sir Gallahad by Joan Baez, If by Bread and many other I sadly can't recall at this moment.

*Story: I stumbled upon this gem when by coincidence and clicked on it because of the name Bowie in a video title where Nina Simone sings it, and scrolling at the comments I see an user called "Janis Ian" comenting about writing credits issue, initially I thought it was someone using the name Janis referring to J.Joplin and the people commenting and praising her were just sharing the joke, until I read someone else saying "If you like this version you should hear Janis's" so I loved Nina's version so much that I decided to do some searching... to my surprise I only found Janis Ian's version, no Joplin anywhere, and then I heard it, when I heard it I was blown away almost immediately, by the honesty and nostalgia it was loaded with, only with a guitar and a voice, no harmonies, no voiceovers, no processing or effects, only a guitar and a voice...and it was magic... I went speechless, and yes I have to admit... tears ran down my face, on every word and every note, from start to end, even after it was over..."

[jmariaharb]

as always Janis Ian is my hero, many thanks for this wonderfully loving
song

[aletazanders]

I can't put in words how much your music has meant to me over the years, thank you.

[paulmari]

Beautiful! Thank You So Very Much! I will enjoy this music video time and time again.

[ardentynekent]

Gorgeous! Tragic. Beautifully told by word and soul.

[oldgypsytap]

This is the most artful, moving, exquisite video I've ever seen.(and heard). I didn't think it possible that the eloquent lyrics and melody as performed by Janis Ian could be enhanced but....this adds to the original work of art! The edit, the choices made...all seem to fit Ms. Ian's perfect rendition. My gratitude to the true artists for sharing their gifts. Thank you!

[crispmom]

Janis Ian just posted a link to this video on her Facebook page. She says, "When someone posts or sends me a link to a video like this, I am so happy they did - and that my work is being used by videographers and other artists!"

[JosephSanil]

This Video Gives Justice To The Song. Every line Matches With The Story Of The Stars..

[waldemar]

I love you Janis! What a great song you have given us -- STARS. Thank you! -- Love, Woody

[Sameoldfitup]

"The harder the struggle, the more glorious the triumph."

[Dondonden]

Wow! What a great job with this video. I've always loved this song but your interpretation of this song to video was just amazing. I could feel the song that much more.

[sofyabet]

Just discovered this song although I've always loved Janis Ian. What a gem and what a sublime, intuitive, passionate video... brings to life the heartbreak of this song. Thank you for doing this.

[tiantuatara]

Thanks for this. It takes me back to high school. I <3 Janis.

[carefulcarpenter]

" It is not who you love; but than you can."
~~ Janis Ian. 2003

[waldemar]

I love many other of your songs as well. "In The Winter", " Jesse." "Stars" is the great pop song of the 20th century.

Love you,
Woody

[AirForceSACVet]

"Stars" is the 'B' side on the 45 of Janis Ian's most prolific song "At Seventeen". I wore both sides out in those wonder years of promise and illusion of the 70s. The very short time when music filled our dorm rooms..and the voids of unforgotten stories of our YOUTH..

[normlynd]

Beautiful song!! Awesome video! This is a major artistic achievement - the video makes such an impact with Janice's quiet words. I must have heard this song in the past - I see there is an upload of her singing it live in 1974 - now I don't think I'll ever forget it.