70 Favorite Songs: 5. Both Sides Now
Rows and flows of angel hair, and ice cream castles in the air,
and feathered canyons everywhere, I’ve looked at love 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 clouds illusions I recall.
I really don’t know clouds…at all.
Moons and Junes and ferris wheels, the dizzy dancing way you feel
as every fairy tale comes real; I’ve looked at love that way.
But now it’s just another show. You leave ‘em laughing 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 give and take, 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.
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.
Composer / Performer: Joni Mitchell
First Released: 1974
Album: Miles of Aisles
Genre: Folk-Jazz
First Heard In: 3rd year English class
Why I Love It: I fell in love with the lyrics first (which we were analyzing in English class.) I find the sentiments of the song to be very…true.
Also Listen To: “A Case of You” “Big Yellow Taxi” I know, I know…I should start listening to more of her songs
