About the song
Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides, Now” is a poignant and introspective ballad that has resonated with audiences for decades. The song, which first gained widespread recognition through Judy Collins’s cover in 1968, offers a contemplative perspective on life’s fleeting nature and the passage of time.
Inspired by a passage in Saul Bellow’s novel “Henderson the Rain King,” Mitchell penned “Both Sides, Now” while looking out the window of a plane. The song’s imagery of clouds, both “silver linings” and “dark as rain,” serves as a metaphor for the ever-changing nature of life’s experiences. Mitchell’s poetic lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning.
The song’s simple, yet evocative melody, combined with Mitchell’s heartfelt vocals, creates a timeless and intimate atmosphere. The chord progression, featuring a modified I-IV-V structure, provides a solid foundation for the song’s emotional depth. Mitchell’s use of the D-A-D-F#-A-D guitar tuning adds a unique and distinctive quality to the arrangement.
“Both Sides, Now” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, each offering their own interpretation of the song’s themes. Mitchell herself has re-recorded the song several times, including a version with an orchestral arrangement on her 2000 album of the same name. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal and its ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level.
In conclusion, “Both Sides, Now” is a masterpiece of songwriting that continues to captivate audiences. Its timeless themes, poetic lyrics, and evocative melody have solidified its place in the canon of popular music.
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Lyrics
Bows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere
I’ve looked at clouds that way
But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on everyone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way
I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down and still somehow
It’s cloud’s illusions, I recall
I really don’t know clouds at all
Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way you feel
When every fairy tale comes real
I’ve looked at love that way
But now it’s just another show
You leave ’em laughin’ when you go
And if you care, don’t let them know
Don’t give yourself away
I’ve looked at love from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It’s love’s illusions, I recall
I really don’t know love at all
Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say, “I love you” right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
I’ve looked at life that way
But now old friends are acting strange
They shake their heads, they say I’ve changed
Well something’s lost but something’s gained
In living every day
I’ve looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It’s life’s illusions, I recall
I really don’t know life at all