This week, we thought we'd share a recording we made a few weeks ago of a Joni Mitchell song. "Both Sides Now" is a poignant reminder for us to try and put ourselves in others' shoes; there are multiple ways to look at almost anything in life. For us, the song's theme highlights the need to remain humble and open to new perspectives in any moment, especially right now amidst the global civil rights conversation.
Joni’s songs have provided a soundtrack to many moments of our lives, and we are both so grateful for the brilliant lyricism and uniqueness she brought to the world.
If you’ve yet to see an UnderCovered livestream put on by Social Distance Live, they feature a collection of artists, each covering a song under the week’s theme. It’s a really fun way to get to dive deeper into other artists’ work, and hear some new takes on old songs.
If you’d like to read (or sing) along, here are the lyrics:
Rows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons every where
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 that 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
I 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 they're 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