Bring Me Some Water

The Zoo Crew is spinning the raw, bluesy rock anthem "Bring Me Some Water" by Melissa Etheridge, a standout track from her 1988 self-titled debut album, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling its emotional heat. This song, Etheridge’s debut single, was born out of personal turmoil when her initial album draft was rejected by Island Records, leaving her just four days to create new material. At the time, Etheridge was navigating a non-monogamous relationship with her girlfriend, Kathleen, who lived elsewhere. The song’s searing lyrics, like “Somebody bring me some water, can’t you see I’m burning alive,” channel the pain and jealousy she felt imagining her lover with someone else. Etheridge has shared in interviews, such as one on the bonus DVD of Greatest Hits: The Road Less Traveled, that she drew heavily from her love of blues music while crafting this track in her living room, infusing it with a gritty, classic rock edge.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s live performances and cultural impact. During a 1994 concert in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Etheridge handed out blue Solo cups and water to fans near the stage while performing "Bring Me Some Water," creating a memorable moment for one fan who kept their cup for years, even through moves to Australia, China, and Hong Kong, until it was crushed during a move to Dubai. The song has also been a magnet for collaborations, with Etheridge performing it alongside Joan Osborne on the inaugural VH1 Duets episode in 1995 and with Kelly Clarkson at the 2009 VH1 Divas concert, as highlighted in posts from her official X account, @metheridge. Additionally, American blues artist Koko Taylor covered the song on her 2000 album Royal Blue, cementing its influence in the blues-rock world.

Melissa Etheridge’s journey to becoming a rock icon began in Leavenworth, Kansas, where she was born on May 29, 1961. She picked up the guitar at age eight and started writing songs soon after, performing in local bands during her teenage years, drawing inspiration from Bruce Springsteen and Pete Townshend. After high school, she briefly attended Berklee College of Music in Boston but dropped out after a year to chase her dreams in Los Angeles. There, she honed her craft in clubs and lesbian bars, her raspy voice and emotive performances catching the ear of Island Records’ Chris Blackwell in 1986. Rumor has it that U2’s Bono was present at the gig that led to her signing. Her self-titled debut album, featuring "Bring Me Some Water," became an underground hit, peaking at #22 on the Billboard 200 and earning her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.

Fans can stay connected with Etheridge through her vibrant online presence. Her official website, melissaetheridge.com, offers access to the Etheridge Nation community for exclusive content and pre-sale tickets. On social media, she’s active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, sharing updates about tours, new releases, and personal milestones. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online, including the Melissa Etheridge Fan Club on Facebook, where devotees share concert experiences and celebrate her music. Another fan-driven space is the Melissa Etheridge subreddit, a hub for discussions and tributes to her enduring legacy.