Rows and floes of angel hair and ice cream castles in the air and feather canyons everywhere. I’ve looked at clouds 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 its 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 loves 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 Ive changed. Well 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. I’ve looked at life from both sides now, from up and down, and still somehow it’s life’s illusions I recall. I really don’t know life at all.
(c) Joni Mitchell
1 comments On Both Sides Now
Just before our love got lost you said
I am as constant as a northern star
And I said, constant in the darkness
Wheres that at?
If you want me Ill be in the bar
On the back of a cartoon coaster
In the blue tv screen light
I drew a map of canada
Oh canada
And your face sketched on it twice
Oh you are in my blood like holy wine
Oh and you taste so bitter but you taste so sweet
Oh I could drink a case of you
I could drink a case of you darling
And I would still be on my feet
Oh Id still be on my feet
Oh I am a lonely painter
I live in a box of paints
Im frightened by the devil
And Im drawn to those ones that aint afraid
I remember that time that you told me, you said
Love is touching souls
Surely you touched mine
Cause part of you pours out of me
In these lines from time to time
Oh you are in my blood like holy wine
And you taste so bitter but you taste so sweet
Oh I could drink a case of you
I could drink a case of you darling
Still Id be on my feet
And still be on my feet
I met a woman
She had a mouth like yours
She knew your life
She knew your devils and your deeds
And she said
Color go to him, stay with him if you can
Oh but be prepared to bleed
Oh but you are in my blood youre my holy wine
Oh and you taste so bitter, bitter and so sweet
Oh I could drink a case of you darling
Still Id be on my feet
Id still be on my feet