I Had a King by Joni Mitchell delves into themes of love, loss, and personal transformation. The song is about the end of a relationship where Mitchell reflects on the feelings of betrayal and disillusionment. She compares her former partner to a king, indicating an idealized version of him that she held. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that her perception was shattered, leaving her to rebuild herself and find her own path. Poignant moments include the realization of the partner's true nature and the emotional journey of moving from dependence to independence.