VERSE
Real Good For Free
Joni Mitchell
I slept last night in a good hotel
I went shopping today for jewels
The wind rushed around in the dirty town
And the children let out from the schools
I was standing on a noisy corner
Waiting for the walking green
Across the street he stood
And he played real good
On his clarinet, for free.
Now me I play for fortune
And those velvet curtain calls
I've got a black limousine
And two gentlemen
Escorting me to the halls
And I play if you have the money
Or if you're a friend to me
But the one man band
By the quick lunch stand
He was playing real good, for free.
Nobody stopped to hear him
Though he played so sweet and high
They knew he had never
Been on their T.V.
So they passed his music by
I meant to go over and ask for a song
Maybe put on a harmony...
I heard his refrain
As the signal changed
He was playing real good, for free.
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About this Song
Real Good For Free by Joni Mitchell reflects on the juxtaposition between commercial success and personal fulfillment. The song narrates an experience where the singer, despite her success, feels a deep connection with a street musician playing 'real good for free.' The primary themes include the commercialization of art, the genuine passion of creating music, and the value of art beyond monetary gain. Poignant moments include the chorus where Mitchell repeatedly emphasizes how the musician plays 'real good for free', highlighting the pure joy of creating and sharing art without expecting anything in return, which contrasts with her own experiences as a successful artist.
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