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 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
Oh 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
I’ve looked at life from both sides now
From up and down and still somehow
It’s life’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know life at all
– Joni Mitchell
I’ve never read all the words before. What a song writer, it read shockingly sad to me. Hmmmm…..I used to think it was a happy song. Perhaps it’s me.
Beautiful song though, thanks for sharing.
Hey Karen, When I was looking for the video for this song, I found a clip from 1970 when Joni was much (!) younger.
But the reason I picked this more recent version is because her maturity lends so much more depth to the lyrics.
I know from various interviews that she’s suffered from major depression during her life. She has had some really tough times, and for me, this song reflects all of that.
I remember as a teen thinking it was a relatively light and happy song too. It was only later that I realized all the layers. I think that is what makes it so much more profound. Maybe it’s more beautiful because of all that…
Colleen, I played the guitar and sang in high school and college, and this is one of the first Joni Mitchell songs I ever learned. It lends itself well to solo performance, as does The Circle Game. Love it, love Joni Mitchell. Thanks for the trip down memory lane! I haven’t thought about those days of singing and playing for a long time.
Mandy, that is such a great story. I’m so glad it brought back good memories. Joni Mitchell is a class act, and for me, this song proves it.