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A Chair In The Sky

Joni Mitchell

song-cover

A Chair In The Sky

in AlbumMingus

words by Joni Mitchell

music by Charles Mingus

The rain slammed hard as bars

It caught me--by surprise

Mutts of the planet

And shook me down for alibis

I'm waiting

For the keeper to release me

Debating this sentence

Biding my time

In memories

Of old friends of mine ...

In daydreams of Birdland

I see my soul on fire

Burning up the bandstand

Next time

I'll be bigger!

I'll be better than ever!

I'll be happily attached

To my cold hard cash!

But now Manhattan holds me

To a chair in the sky

With the bird in my ears

And boats in my eyes

Going by

There are things I wish I'd done

Some friends I'm gonna miss

Beautiful lovers

I never got the chance to kiss...

Daydreamin' drugs the pain of living

Processions of missing

Lovers and friends

Fade in and they fade out again

In these daydreams of rebirth

I see myself in style

Raking in what I'm worth

Next time

I'll be bigger!

I'll be better than ever!

I'll be resurrected royal!

I'll be rich as standard oil!

But now--Manhattan holds me

To a chair in the sky

With the bird in my ears

And boats in my eyes

Going by

LanguageEnglish
Translated byAllen Morningstar

About this Song

A Chair In The Sky by Joni Mitchell is a song that explores themes of longing, introspection, and the human search for meaning. Drawing inspiration from jazz and poetic lyricism, Mitchell delves into the inner workings of the soul, contemplating life's fleeting moments and the desire for transcendence. Particularly poignant moments in the song include vivid imagery and metaphors that convey a sense of existential reflection. The music complements the introspective lyrics with a sense of melancholic beauty, creating a rich tapestry of emotion and thought.

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