An appreciation for ‘Both Sides Now’

Sometimes I take a break from my love of garage rock and go through a mystical phase in the music I like. Sitars, dreamy ethereal, wispy lyrics of introspection. The cover version of this song has been in my head for months.

‘Both Sides Now’ by Joni Mitchell never really spoke to me. But like the best cover versions do, this one by 1960s British Guitarist Davy Graham made me hear the song in a whole new way. Long live rambling jangle-pop. Apparently Joni Mitchell wrote the song on a plane, looking out the window. And you can really hear the transient mindset of the writer in the words. You’re not where you just left, and you’re not quite where you’re going. You’re in between worlds. How often in today’s on demand world do we get to just disappear and be with our thoughts, like in transit on a plane? You can look out the window, or look inside yourself.

(lyrics below)

Both Sides Now – Joni Mitchell (edited for this version)

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’re even laughing when you go
And if you care, don’t let them know
Don’t give yourself away

I’ve looked at life from both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
It’s life’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know life at all

Rows and flows of angel’s hair
And ice cream castles in the air
Feather canyons everywhere
I’ve looked at clouds that way

But now these clouds they block the sun
They rain and hail on everyone
So many things I might 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

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, and say I’ve changed
Something’s lost, but something’s gained
From living every day

I’ve looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It’s love’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know life 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 life from both sides now
From give and take and still somehow
It’s life’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know life at all

© 1967 Gandalf Publishing Co.