VERSE
Edith And The Kingpin
Joni Mitchell
The big man arrives
Disco dancers greet him
Plainclothes cops greet him
Small town, big man, fresh lipstick glistening
Sophomore jive
From victims of typewriters
The band sounds like typewriters
The big man he's not listening
His eyes hold Edith
His left hand holds his right
What does that hand desire
That he grips it so tight
Edith in the ring
The passed-over girls are conferring
The man with the diamond ring is purring
All claws for now withdrawn
One by one they bring
His renegade stories to her
His crimes and his glories to her
In challenge they look on
Women he has wanted grow old too soon
He tilts their tired faces
Gently to the spoon
Edith in his bed
A plane in the rain is humming
The wires in the walls are humming
Some song-some mysterious song
Bars in her head
Beating frantic and snowblind
Romantic and snowblind
She says-his crime belongs
Edith and the Kingpin
Each with charm to sway
Are staring eye to eye
They dare not look away
You know they dare not look away
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About this Song
Edith And The Kingpin by Joni Mitchell is a richly narrative song that delves into themes of power, control, and vulnerability within a romantic relationship. The song portrays a delicate balance of power between Edith, a seemingly glamorous figure, and the Kingpin, a character associated with crime and authority. Through intricate lyrics and vivid imagery, Mitchell paints a picture of a woman navigating love and danger. Key themes include exploitation, the allure of power, and the complex dynamics of love and dependence. Poignant moments in the song include the stark contrast between Edith's delicate presence and the Kingpin's dominating aura, highlighting the tension and complexity of their relationship.
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