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Both Sides Now

Joni Mitchell

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Both Sides Now

Bows and flows of angel hair and ice cream castles in the air

and feather canyons everywhere, I've looked at cloud 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.

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.

LanguageEnglish
Translated byAllen Morningstar

About this Song

Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell is a reflective and poignant song that explores the theme of perspective and the ever-changing nature of life. Through the lyrics, Mitchell delves into her experiences and perceptions of love and life, and how those perceptions have changed over time. She uses the metaphor of clouds to illustrate the illusions and realities that shape our understanding of the world. Key themes include innocence, disillusionment, and the bittersweet nature of growth and change. Particularly poignant moments in the song include the repeated chorus, which reinforces the cyclical and evolving nature of experiences and emotions.

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