When I listened to this song when she first released it as a young woman, she sounded hopeful about love. This version is sung as an older woman who knows and lived the ups and downs of love. To me it shows how one song sung from different perspectives (in this case the same person), can convey different stories and can show how well written the song is.
You Have to listen to her album "Blue". It is one of, perhaps the best, album ever. She described herself as a woman "of heart and mind". And she threw open the door for female singers to sing from heart and passion and not just catchy jingles. She was the poet of my generation.
her voice here is deep with age and life experience no doubt quite haunting almost . Checkout earlier recorded erosions if you haven’t yet. and thank you for chalking up another Canadian 🇨🇦
I've often been frustrated by RUclipsrs who want to react to a certain artist, but choose to do so to live recordings. Sure, live shows have their charm. But the artist put a *LOT OF HARD WORK* into making their studio recordings the *BEST* they could possibly be, the closest to their vision as they could. Why not judge an artist by their best work, rather than a casual performance? It seems the more respectful thing to do, imo.
@@livinginthenow I totally agree. There does seem to be a bias toward live performances. Some of them are good, but if you're going to listen to a recording, don't ignore the one crafted as a recording. Especially from the 70s and 80s, when studio productions became really sophisticated.
@@randyshoquist7726 I certainly agree in principle, but I've heard some reactors say that live performances are less likely to get taken down by copyright strikes, so that may be a consideration.
Joni Mitchell is amazing as a musician. In addition to her chops as a great singer and songwriter, she has overcome many physical obstacles. She contracted polio as a young girl and consequently has some finger dexterity limitations. To get around this, she has many guitars with specific tuning specificatiuons to allow her to work around her "disabilities'"
Same. I don't think the orchestra added anything at all - in fact sounded quite discordant at times. Better with just her voice and an acoustic guitar.
I'm so glad you finally listened to Joni Mitchell. She's one of the top few songwriters of her generation. I knew this song would appeal to you. You've said so many times that nothing is black and white, that no one is ever completely right or wrong. What I admire in Both Sides Now is how she expresses it. It's so much easier to write a song about being in love, or about a break-up. It's not so easy to write one about how you're not so sure about anything. All of my most memorable concerts have been in small venues. I remember being just a few feet from the Carolina Chocolate Drops in a small room in New Orleans, and being just a couple of rows from Jean Redpath in a folk club in San Francisco. They were magical experiences. Joni Mitchell did the artwork for all of her album covers. Other really good Joni Mitchell songs include Help Me, Big Yellow Taxi, and Free Man in Paris. I'd love for you to react to more of her. Thanks!
Despite what some have said, this is a Joni Mitchell song, although it was later covered by Judy Collins. I had the great pleasure of seeing Judy in 1970 when this was a big hit for Judy. Of course, the concert was a massive one with performing acts from Jimi Hendrix to the Young Rascals to Harry Belafonte and Peter, Paul, and Mary. Just great days.
@@harvey1954 Your skepticism is interesting and wildly misplaced. If you'd bothered to do just a small amount of research (and understand that there are 12 months in a year), you'd find that on January 28. 1970 Jimi performed at The Winter Festival For Peace, here in NYC. I was there. Also performing was Judy Collins (who did "Both Sides Now"), Blood Sweat and Tears (who played "God Bless The Child"), Harry Belafonte, Dave Brubeck (who did "Take Five"), Richie Havens (who played "Freedom"), The Cast Of Hair (who did "Age Of Aquarius, the plays opening song), The Rascals (who did "Good Loving' ", and "Lonely Too Long", and Peter Paul and Mary (who did "Puff The Magic Dragon" and "Leaving On A Jet Plane". I was standing about 25 feet from the stage. Jimi played a few songs, including a rambling "Easy Rider", sat down on floor, threw up, and was carried off stage by two people. Buddy Miles said into the microphone, "Is there a Dr. in the house?". Jimi also played NYC in July 1970 at a big concert at Randall's Island. A concert I paid for which ultimately ended up being a free concert. It was a three day event and Jimi was the last act on Sunday. There were too many acts to remember them all, but I do remember Sly Stone, Steppenwolf, Van Morrison, Grand Funk Railroad, and Jethro Tull. Buddy Miles and I believe the bassist Billy Cox had been fired and he played with Mitch Michell and I believe Noel Redding, although that part is vague. Jimi was supposed to play as part of a large jam session with Miles Davis, John Mclauglin, and Eric Clpaton, but when they were notified that the concert was free and they wouldn't be paid they backed out. Jimi didn't care. Instead he played a long set, almost until the sun came up. It was the first time I'd heard him play nearly all of his hits (excluding "Watchtower"), and instead of the serious Jimi who played at the Fillmore East on New Years Eve and (yes) New Years Day 1970 (and I was there too), he was the fun loving, irreverent Jimi playing "Purple Haze", "Fire", "Manic Depression", "Hey Joe", 'Red House" and others.
An expert painter, poet, songwriter, musician, playing several instruments at the highest level, Joni Mitchell is one ofthe most talented, skilled, and creative artists of the twentieth century. I'd say there's a rabbit hole waiting for you!
This song and Peter,Paul and Mary’s “Leaving on a jet plane “ are good songs to play if you want to feel melancholy. Love seeing Diane react to songs from my childhood 👍
Joni is a singularly fascinating human being. Watching a clip of her performing this when she wrote it in her early 20s followed by this version which she did like 35 years later is amazingly moving. You can't go wrong with Joni's work and while most people gravitate to her oldest albums, and they are fantastic and deserving, some of her later albums don't get the love they deserve. Taming the Tiger and Turbulent Indigo are both really stunning.
Joni has recorded this at many different times in her life and each time very differently and carrying different depth of feeling. She's is a genius at reinterpreting her own work. Well, i could have just stopped after saying she is a genius.
One of the GREATS from the '60s and '70s. When that song came out, I thought originally 'CLOWNS'. Her music and Buddhism got me through a VERY dark time in high school. I was almost suicidal. Thank you Judy and Joni, both.
Both Sides Now was written in the mid-sixties. She first recorded it with just her guitar on an album called Clouds. You need to hear that version too.
I have always loved this song by Joni. Her original version is also nice, as it's a bit more up-tempo. I also loved that scene in Love Actually. Emma Thompson is so great and she absolutely nailed that scene. Your reaction was great, as we can really see that the song got to you emotionally. Merry Christmas!
This song is a great time capsule in my memory, but I definitely like her voice now better. The breathy trills have been replaced by deep, strong notes and resonate more for me. So glad you picked this later version/recording to share.
Joni Mitchell is one of Canada's Cultural and Artistic Treasures. She performed this song during the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympic in Vancouver in 2010 before a worldwide audience. She has written many amazing songs that have stood the test of time and/or have become touchstones of the era. She wrote the song "Woodstock" and captured the spirit of the event despite NOT BEING IN ATTENDANCE! Her version was modestly successful but when covered soon after by Crosby, Stills, Nash, it became a massive success and featured prominently in the film. "Big Yellow Taxi" was later covered by Hootie and the Blowfish and appeared in the Friends TV show. She is lifelong friends with fellow Canadian Neil Young and upon hearing his beautiful ode to leaving youth behind, "Sugar Mountain", she composed another one of her most famous songs "The Circle Game" and performed it for Young within a few days! For my money, her 1971 record "Blue" is the gold standard of her work. I highly recommend the tracks "A Case of You" and the melancholy Christmas song "River".
I first heard Joni singing Big Yellow Taxi. I saved my pocket money and brought the single ASAP. A conservationists before the word was invented. Her album Blue was the first, adult album, I brought. I spiraled in a totally different musical direction to my contemporaries. Her original version of Clouds is sung more upbeat but I find more emotional because the salt is in the lyrics. When my younger brother left home our only fight was who owned which Joni album. He introduced Blue to his children and they say it's the album they associate with both of us.
This song has had multiple meanings to me over my lifetime. In my youth when dating I took a different meaning from it. Then after I was married and realized that my wife was not faithful to me it took on a different meaning. So the seen and the song in "Love Actually" still affects me to this day.
I fell in love with the Judy Collins version at 19. I also love this orchestral version. The words are so deep with meaning that they remain true and grow deeper the older you get.
Oh, how much is revealed in a voice worn down by life, experience and age yet at the same time beautifully haunting, nuanced and almost transcendent. I'm sure others here have recommended that you listen to her discography and I shall add to their urgings. This is one rabbit hole you will not regret and will cherish all your life.
One of Canada's best. Her guitar, piano, and dulcimmer-all tuned oddly, playing is genius. Check her older songs. Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.
Joni Mitchell first came to my knowledge when she sang the theme song for a Canadian TV weekly news program. Then she moved to US and became part of the New York folk scene that produced so many singer songwriters of the 60's and 70's. Her music has always had double meanings, as she is both experiencing the events of the songs, while simultaneously examining whatever the song was about from the view of a detached observer. She had a unique talent in how she viewed the world. Her music definitely strikes an emotional cord with listeners, as shown by Diane's reaction to this song.
First time watching a reaction video by Diane. I know this is about nine months old, but as I watched her be visibly moved by the power of Joni’s powerful lyrics I was viscerally returned to my own discovery of this song when I was first learning guitar some forty-five years ago. I was blown away then, and similarly moved today. This is what a reaction video should be-Diane, you earned a new subscriber!
Joni dated David Crosby and Graham Nash of Crosby, Stills and Nash. In fact, the first time they performed together was at a party at Joni's house. Stills and Crosby were to be the night's entertainment, and Nash happened to be there. He was so impressed by them, he joined them to sing "You Don't Have to Cry", and they eventually joined forces, and later Neil Young joined the group.
I also love the Judy Collins version, though I never realized that was the one that first became popular. For contrast, I'd suggest looking up the 1969 performance of Joni Mitchell performing Both Sides Now on the Mama Cass show.
Joni wrote this song when she was only 21 or 22. It appeared on her first studio album, “Clouds.” You should listen to that version, too. This is a great version, too, characterized by Joni's older deeper voice and a slower tempo. It hits different when you hear the life experience behind this delivery. However, you also want to hear Joni's beautiful clear tone when she was younger.
After listening to Joni here, I went to Judy's rendering. Judy interpreted the song skillfully, but it was still the song I heard as a child in 1967 when she released it - just a song. Joni's performance of her own words tore at my 69y/o heart. I hadn't known Joni's story til you read it, yet her words struck me differently. The clouds, the loves, the lives -- they have come and gone; I and my illusions are left alone again on this Christmas Day.
Thank you for doing this reaction, Diane. Joni Mitchell is very special to me, as well as to millions more, who I hope all watch and subscribe to your channel. 🎶😊
Beautiful reaction, thank you Diane! I met Joni once, briefly, in a chance encounter in Santa Fe in 1992. She was very sweet and unhurried to me, a complete stranger. Her dual back-to-back live performances of this song and “Big Yellow Taxi” are for the ages, just her with guitar. Blessings!
Diane’s channel has been rockin’ for most of the year But today’s song is different, it did bring a tear It’s a song Diane can relate to and she tells us how Before she listens to Joni Mitchell sing Both Sides Now
I watched your reaction to Joni and heard you say how much you admired Emma Thompson, and then, that evening, happened to watch ‘Good Luck to You, Leo Grande’ (2022) which stars Emma and Daryl McCormack. The movie is a two-hander, and Emma is onscreen for the entire movie: all 1hr 37mins of it! She is, as always, utterly amazing, but this performance must rank up there with anything she’s ever done. You really, really, have to see it, if you haven’t done so already. (Incidentally, in 1967 I bought Judy Collins ‘Wildflowers’ album, which included her cover of this track, and then, in 1969, bought Joni’s ‘Clouds’ album, which included Joni’s original take on this song - which, by the way, you should definitely listen to, as it is just as magnificent as the version you reviewed, but in a different way - so: I’ve been listening to this song for about 56 years now. Unlike me, it never gets old!😆)
Considering the fact that JM wrote this song at a very early age, you realize what an incomparable songwriter she is. I think I would like this recording to be played at my funeral. What a gift.
Besides coming up with 57 unique guitar tunings, some only created to play a particular song, she had a jazz period starting in the mid 70's, where she had top jazz musicians on her albums. A good example of this is found on the Y.Tube videos of her 1980 "Shadows and Light" concert.
From her album Blue, you should try "The Last Time I Saw Richard". Amazing lyrics and interpretation. Hint: with Joni you should try the original recordings, because she's a lifethrough smoker and her voice decayed steadily over the years. In Blue she sounds close to a lovebird. Routinely voted "singer of the year" in pop polls in the Sixties and Seventies (but also a genius composer and guitar player). Happy dive!
I love that the younger generation is getting to know the music I grew up with. This song makes me tear up every time. Even more as i get older. I am really liking that you actually listen to the songs and wait to the end to make comments and review. Keep going and try checking out Santana at woodstock.
I know it'll be after Christmas, but "River" by Joni Mitchell is a seasonally appropriate song. There's also "Little Green" which is about her daughter.
This is quite a different version - a much later one - from her original song. It's still great, but you may enjoy the original as well. It shows off her guitar skills! Thanks Diane.
Joni's incredible. There's a great video of her singing At Last fairly recently at the Newport Jazz Festival (I think). Her voice always gives me chills.
An absolutely beautiful and meaningful song, and an amazing composer and performer. I'm along in years, not quite as far along as Ms. Mitchell, and I too have looked at clouds (I served in the US Air Force for 30 years) and love (I've been married for over 44 years) and life (my mother, younger brother, and all six of my uncles have passed away) from both sides, and I'm grateful I do know life, and His name is Jesus. If she hasn't yet, I pray Ms. Mitchell lives until she meets Him, and composes another even more beautiful and meaningful song. I'd love to hear it.
Don't forget Joni Mitchell's LP "Hejira" from 1976. It is unbelievable! She recorded with the great bass player Jaco Pastorius. Beautiful and unique production.
I wish you would have listen to her sing the song "Both Sides Now" when she was young and then listen to the song the one you pick as she is older to under stand the difference. Joni Mitchell does, that is why she sings the song this way now. Because she has now experienced Both Sides Now.
This version by a more mature Joni Mitchell is really beautiful. I still love the original that I grew up listening to best. Merry Christmas to you and your family Diane!
Blue is an album Joni released lifetime's ago now, yet it's one of the most acclaimed album's of all time. She's kind of an artist artist. That album and alot of her music from the background harmonies and instrumentation, and recording production was all done by her. So she is almost totally on her own. I can only compare her to Prince, although she started off beforehand now both of them unprecedented as musical industrial virtuoso's!
Joni is not a rabbit hole but an ocean. This is from the 2nd of 19 studio albums "Clouds" which is superlative from start to finish . Help Me, River, Blue, Case of You all would appeal to you. Another oddly prescient song Circle Game written in the same era for buddy and fellow Canadian Neil Young, depressed at getting older (21 gasp) is charming. She followed her own muse to obscure but lauded jazz in later years almost sneering at commercial success. She is the upper pantheon of singer song writers Leonard Cohen ,Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot none of whom could match her musicality let alone her art. She survived and thrived where so many crashed and burned unusual for a woman in those days. Implored by Asylum Records Pres and friend David Geffen to use her good looks and sex appeal to boost sales . She said Oh Yeah try this and gave them a totally naked shot, a rear view on the wild BC coast. They didn't have the nerve to use it as a cover and persuaded her to have it as the gate fold in For the Roses "you don't want to see $4.99 plastered across your ass".
My first experience with this song was when it was used heavily in a movie called Switch, which was a very funny and touching, heartwarming comedy about a womanizing man who dies and is sent back to earth as a woman, with all his memories intact. The song seems to fit, because he gets to experience life from both sides, as a male and as a female. It was a cover version of the song though, not Joni herself. Later when I was collecting bootleg CDs by trading, someone sent me a CD of demos made of the songs on Joni’s album Blue, and I completely fell in love with her music at that point.
Joni's hands long to hold her guitar here. This is a truly breathtaking performance. I'm 59 now, and I have deep memories of a much younger Joni, with her guitar. My heart.
Joni had so many great songs, some not as well known: Song to a Seagull, Circle Game, Morning Morgantown, Shadows and Light, Chelsea Morning, to name some.
It's interesting to listen to the original 1969 version, and compare it to this one. Same song, same singer, but nearly 45 years life difference. This version fits so well in the scene you refer to in Love, Actually. It's heartbreaking.
I had the good fortune of being hired by Joni to do some renovations, repairs and build a garden swing/trellis feature on her property in Canada. A truly magical place. Joni is a wonderful down to earth person and I will treasure the experience for the rest of my life ❤
Joni is wonderful and she tells stories beautifully with her songs. Little Green, about giving up her child for adoption, is another track which has an emotional punch. She has also recorded some fun upbeat numbers like Shiny Toys. If you're looking for more Canadian acts, I'd recommend Broken Social Scene, starting with their uplifting 7/4 (Shoreline) with joint lead vocals by Feist.
Nice. You should listen to her sing this song in her younger days.. same words/lyrics yet very different in a ways. The song has come 'full circle'. Rabbit hole/ tip of the iceberg.. Joni has lived quite a wonderful life. Love Emma.. the first time I've seen her act was in the sitcom comedy Cheers as Nanny G. Not only can she act.. she can sing.. Hehe.. But that was the year I saw her for the first time in a court drama movie also called 'In the Name of the Father'. Now a days I get to watch her in some old clips of her with (Stephen)Fry and (Hugh)Laurie.
Joni recorded this version as an older woman. As a young woman you can hear her inexperience of life, her youthfulness facing foreword. Now her older recording reflects her maturity, her life experiences. Rolling Stone named her as one vocalist the top ten song writers of all time. Not bad for a young girl from the wheat fields of Saskatchewan, Canada
showing my age i remember when that song first came out and it's just as powerful now as it was back then i like her version best i remember her singing it on the mama cass show merry christmas to you and your family
Hi Diane, Merry Christmas, you too Chewie! Joni wasn't one of my favorite singers back in the late '60s and early '70s. I mean, she had some good stuff, but I preferred Carly Simon, Melanie Safka, Linda Ronstadt and Joan Baez. You should really react to Joan Baez's song Diamonds and Rust. Hope you and Chewie are having a great Christmas, oh, and your parents too! What did you and Chewie get for Christmas? Bye for now!
check out the Grammy performance from this year, song by a 80 year old, sitting in a chair, tapping her walking stick in tune...my god, it's just a epic performance.....just gives the song that much more meaning and depth...when she says "I don't know life at all" it's just overwhelming...
Why was the candy cane so expensive? It was in mint condition.
😂 that’s such a great joke! I love the simple joke! Thanks
😂😂😂
@@susanmolnar9606Rimshot😂(pa dum psh!)
When I listened to this song when she first released it as a young woman, she sounded hopeful about love. This version is sung as an older woman who knows and lived the ups and downs of love. To me it shows how one song sung from different perspectives (in this case the same person), can convey different stories and can show how well written the song is.
And the arrangement is different
You Have to listen to her album "Blue". It is one of, perhaps the best, album ever. She described herself as a woman "of heart and mind". And she threw open the door for female singers to sing from heart and passion and not just catchy jingles. She was the poet of my generation.
It’s classic ❤.
This.
concur. best ever.
"Blue" is an absolute masterpiece.
you myst hear the original, this version did not do the song justice although she always sings with passion
her voice here is deep with age and life experience no doubt quite haunting almost . Checkout earlier recorded erosions if you haven’t yet. and thank you for chalking up another Canadian 🇨🇦
Yeah, the contrast between this version and the one Joni recorded in 1966 is astonishing.
I've often been frustrated by RUclipsrs who want to react to a certain artist, but choose to do so to live recordings. Sure, live shows have their charm. But the artist put a *LOT OF HARD WORK* into making their studio recordings the *BEST* they could possibly be, the closest to their vision as they could. Why not judge an artist by their best work, rather than a casual performance? It seems the more respectful thing to do, imo.
@@livinginthenow I totally agree. There does seem to be a bias toward live performances. Some of them are good, but if you're going to listen to a recording, don't ignore the one crafted as a recording. Especially from the 70s and 80s, when studio productions became really sophisticated.
@@randyshoquist7726 live performances are much less likely to hit the copyright algorithm.
@@randyshoquist7726 I certainly agree in principle, but I've heard some reactors say that live performances are less likely to get taken down by copyright strikes, so that may be a consideration.
Joni Mitchell's original studio recording resonates better with me. Thanks for the review of a great artist and song.
Diane reacting to any Joni Mitchell song means almost certain tears...and for good reason. Such a great song.
😢for sure
Joni live can be quite astonishing. "River" still brings me to tears regardless of which performance it is. Just slays me.
Joni Mitchell is amazing as a musician. In addition to her chops as a great singer and songwriter, she has overcome many physical obstacles. She contracted polio as a young girl and consequently has some finger dexterity limitations. To get around this, she has many guitars with specific tuning specificatiuons to allow her to work around her "disabilities'"
I think the orchestra got in the way. Her voice, maybe even her younger voice, and the poetry are the stars.
Same. I don't think the orchestra added anything at all - in fact sounded quite discordant at times. Better with just her voice and an acoustic guitar.
I'm so glad you finally listened to Joni Mitchell. She's one of the top few songwriters of her generation.
I knew this song would appeal to you. You've said so many times that nothing is black and white, that no one is ever completely right or wrong. What I admire in Both Sides Now is how she expresses it. It's so much easier to write a song about being in love, or about a break-up. It's not so easy to write one about how you're not so sure about anything.
All of my most memorable concerts have been in small venues. I remember being just a few feet from the Carolina Chocolate Drops in a small room in New Orleans, and being just a couple of rows from Jean Redpath in a folk club in San Francisco. They were magical experiences.
Joni Mitchell did the artwork for all of her album covers.
Other really good Joni Mitchell songs include Help Me, Big Yellow Taxi, and Free Man in Paris. I'd love for you to react to more of her.
Thanks!
Despite what some have said, this is a Joni Mitchell song, although it was later covered by Judy Collins. I had the great pleasure of seeing Judy in 1970 when this was a big hit for Judy. Of course, the concert was a massive one with performing acts from Jimi Hendrix to the Young Rascals to Harry Belafonte and Peter, Paul, and Mary. Just great days.
It was written by Mitchell, but first recorded by Collins. I suspect that's the version most people associate with the song.
@@MarkMcLT Judy is know for breaking unknowns into the big time once she covers their tunes.
What concert are you talking about ? Jimi died in Sept. of 1970.
@@harvey1954 Your skepticism is interesting and wildly misplaced. If you'd bothered to do just a small amount of research (and understand that there are 12 months in a year), you'd find that on January 28. 1970 Jimi performed at The Winter Festival For Peace, here in NYC. I was there. Also performing was Judy Collins (who did "Both Sides Now"), Blood Sweat and Tears (who played "God Bless The Child"), Harry Belafonte, Dave Brubeck (who did "Take Five"), Richie Havens (who played "Freedom"), The Cast Of Hair (who did "Age Of Aquarius, the plays opening song), The Rascals (who did "Good Loving' ", and "Lonely Too Long", and Peter Paul and Mary (who did "Puff The Magic Dragon" and "Leaving On A Jet Plane". I was standing about 25 feet from the stage. Jimi played a few songs, including a rambling "Easy Rider", sat down on floor, threw up, and was carried off stage by two people. Buddy Miles said into the microphone, "Is there a Dr. in the house?".
Jimi also played NYC in July 1970 at a big concert at Randall's Island. A concert I paid for which ultimately ended up being a free concert. It was a three day event and Jimi was the last act on Sunday. There were too many acts to remember them all, but I do remember Sly Stone, Steppenwolf, Van Morrison, Grand Funk Railroad, and Jethro Tull. Buddy Miles and I believe the bassist Billy Cox had been fired and he played with Mitch Michell and I believe Noel Redding, although that part is vague. Jimi was supposed to play as part of a large jam session with Miles Davis, John Mclauglin, and Eric Clpaton, but when they were notified that the concert was free and they wouldn't be paid they backed out. Jimi didn't care. Instead he played a long set, almost until the sun came up. It was the first time I'd heard him play nearly all of his hits (excluding "Watchtower"), and instead of the serious Jimi who played at the Fillmore East on New Years Eve and (yes) New Years Day 1970 (and I was there too), he was the fun loving, irreverent Jimi playing "Purple Haze", "Fire", "Manic Depression", "Hey Joe", 'Red House" and others.
An expert painter, poet, songwriter, musician, playing several instruments at the highest level, Joni Mitchell is one ofthe most talented, skilled, and creative artists of the twentieth century. I'd say there's a rabbit hole waiting for you!
This song and Peter,Paul and Mary’s “Leaving on a jet plane “ are good songs to play if you want to feel melancholy. Love seeing Diane react to songs from my childhood 👍
I love Joni, her voice always gives me the chills. I listen to River every year.
Joni is a singularly fascinating human being. Watching a clip of her performing this when she wrote it in her early 20s followed by this version which she did like 35 years later is amazingly moving. You can't go wrong with Joni's work and while most people gravitate to her oldest albums, and they are fantastic and deserving, some of her later albums don't get the love they deserve. Taming the Tiger and Turbulent Indigo are both really stunning.
Led Zeppelin song Going to California talks of Joni. "someone told me there's a girl out there, with love her eyes and flowers... in her hair."
I always liked the lyrics of this song and do prefer the original over the orchestra version even if it was less popular.
Her Court and Spark album is a masterpiece.
I just saw Love Actually. It’s a really perfect movie.
Joni has recorded this at many different times in her life and each time very differently and carrying different depth of feeling. She's is a genius at reinterpreting her own work. Well, i could have just stopped after saying she is a genius.
So proud of my fellow Canadian!
I remember in my English class in the early 70's listening to this song then analyzing the lyrics.
I think this is her best version. An older woman who has lived life and really understands the lyrics, You'd like A Case of You from the same CD.
I love Joni Mitchell. Her album Blue changed my life when I heard it
One of the GREATS from the '60s and '70s. When that song came out, I thought originally 'CLOWNS'. Her music and Buddhism got me through a VERY dark time in high school. I was almost suicidal. Thank you Judy and Joni, both.
I first heard this song over 30 years ago as a child and it gets better every time I hear it
Both Sides Now was written in the mid-sixties. She first recorded it with just her guitar on an album called Clouds. You need to hear that version too.
Thanks for reacting to it Diane!
I have always loved this song by Joni. Her original version is also nice, as it's a bit more up-tempo. I also loved that scene in Love Actually. Emma Thompson is so great and she absolutely nailed that scene. Your reaction was great, as we can really see that the song got to you emotionally. Merry Christmas!
This song is a great time capsule in my memory, but I definitely like her voice now better. The breathy trills have been replaced by deep, strong notes and resonate more for me. So glad you picked this later version/recording to share.
Joni Mitchell is one of Canada's Cultural and Artistic Treasures. She performed this song during the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympic in Vancouver in 2010 before a worldwide audience. She has written many amazing songs that have stood the test of time and/or have become touchstones of the era. She wrote the song "Woodstock" and captured the spirit of the event despite NOT BEING IN ATTENDANCE! Her version was modestly successful but when covered soon after by Crosby, Stills, Nash, it became a massive success and featured prominently in the film. "Big Yellow Taxi" was later covered by Hootie and the Blowfish and appeared in the Friends TV show. She is lifelong friends with fellow Canadian Neil Young and upon hearing his beautiful ode to leaving youth behind, "Sugar Mountain", she composed another one of her most famous songs "The Circle Game" and performed it for Young within a few days!
For my money, her 1971 record "Blue" is the gold standard of her work. I highly recommend the tracks "A Case of You" and the melancholy Christmas song "River".
I first heard Joni singing Big Yellow Taxi. I saved my pocket money and brought the single ASAP. A conservationists before the word was invented. Her album Blue was the first, adult album, I brought. I spiraled in a totally different musical direction to my contemporaries. Her original version of Clouds is sung more upbeat but I find more emotional because the salt is in the lyrics. When my younger brother left home our only fight was who owned which Joni album. He introduced Blue to his children and they say it's the album they associate with both of us.
This song has had multiple meanings to me over my lifetime. In my youth when dating I took a different meaning from it. Then after I was married and realized that my wife was not faithful to me it took on a different meaning. So the seen and the song in "Love Actually" still affects me to this day.
I fell in love with the Judy Collins version at 19. I also love this orchestral version. The words are so deep with meaning that they remain true and grow deeper the older you get.
Have been to her concerts x 3 . One of my favorite singer/writer.
Oh, how much is revealed in a voice worn down by life, experience and age yet at the same time beautifully haunting, nuanced and almost transcendent.
I'm sure others here have recommended that you listen to her discography and I shall add to their urgings. This is one rabbit hole you will not regret and will cherish all your life.
One of Canada's best. Her guitar, piano, and dulcimmer-all tuned oddly, playing is genius. Check her older songs. Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.
Joni Mitchell first came to my knowledge when she sang the theme song for a Canadian TV weekly news program. Then she moved to US and became part of the New York folk scene that produced so many singer songwriters of the 60's and 70's. Her music has always had double meanings, as she is both experiencing the events of the songs, while simultaneously examining whatever the song was about from the view of a detached observer. She had a unique talent in how she viewed the world. Her music definitely strikes an emotional cord with listeners, as shown by Diane's reaction to this song.
First time watching a reaction video by Diane. I know this is about nine months old, but as I watched her be visibly moved by the power of Joni’s powerful lyrics I was viscerally returned to my own discovery of this song when I was first learning guitar some forty-five years ago. I was blown away then, and similarly moved today. This is what a reaction video should be-Diane, you earned a new subscriber!
Joni dated David Crosby and Graham Nash of Crosby, Stills and Nash. In fact, the first time they performed together was at a party at Joni's house. Stills and Crosby were to be the night's entertainment, and Nash happened to be there. He was so impressed by them, he joined them to sing "You Don't Have to Cry", and they eventually joined forces, and later Neil Young joined the group.
I also love the Judy Collins version, though I never realized that was the one that first became popular. For contrast, I'd suggest looking up the 1969 performance of Joni Mitchell performing Both Sides Now on the Mama Cass show.
Joni wrote this song when she was only 21 or 22. It appeared on her first studio album, “Clouds.” You should listen to that version, too. This is a great version, too, characterized by Joni's older deeper voice and a slower tempo. It hits different when you hear the life experience behind this delivery. However, you also want to hear Joni's beautiful clear tone when she was younger.
One of the my most favorite songs ever and one of best song lyrics ever written! She has so many more amazing songs to discover!
Just imagine a 23 year old being able to capture such timeless emotions. Brilliant!
After listening to Joni here, I went to Judy's rendering. Judy interpreted the song skillfully, but it was still the song I heard as a child in 1967 when she released it - just a song. Joni's performance of her own words tore at my 69y/o heart. I hadn't known Joni's story til you read it, yet her words struck me differently. The clouds, the loves, the lives -- they have come and gone; I and my illusions are left alone again on this Christmas Day.
I am 65 and it triggered my PTSD, so now I sit here crying. It is a GREAT song and she and Judy Collins are GREAT performers.
Thank you for doing this reaction, Diane. Joni Mitchell is very special to me, as well as to millions more, who I hope all watch and subscribe to your channel. 🎶😊
80 and still phenomenal :)
The Joni Mitchell rabbit hole is huge. 😊
Beautiful reaction, thank you Diane! I met Joni once, briefly, in a chance encounter in Santa Fe in 1992. She was very sweet and unhurried to me, a complete stranger. Her dual back-to-back live performances of this song and “Big Yellow Taxi” are for the ages, just her with guitar. Blessings!
Diane’s channel has been rockin’ for most of the year
But today’s song is different, it did bring a tear
It’s a song Diane can relate to and she tells us how
Before she listens to Joni Mitchell sing Both Sides Now
I watched your reaction to Joni and heard you say how much you admired Emma Thompson, and then, that evening, happened to watch ‘Good Luck to You, Leo Grande’ (2022) which stars Emma and Daryl McCormack. The movie is a two-hander, and Emma is onscreen for the entire movie: all 1hr 37mins of it! She is, as always, utterly amazing, but this performance must rank up there with anything she’s ever done. You really, really, have to see it, if you haven’t done so already. (Incidentally, in 1967 I bought Judy Collins ‘Wildflowers’ album, which included her cover of this track, and then, in 1969, bought Joni’s ‘Clouds’ album, which included Joni’s original take on this song - which, by the way, you should definitely listen to, as it is just as magnificent as the version you reviewed, but in a different way - so: I’ve been listening to this song for about 56 years now. Unlike me, it never gets old!😆)
Joni, a beautiful musician and person.
Considering the fact that JM wrote this song at a very early age, you realize what an incomparable songwriter she is. I think I would like this recording to be played at my funeral. What a gift.
Besides coming up with 57 unique guitar tunings, some only created to play a particular song, she had a jazz period starting in the mid 70's, where she had top jazz musicians on her albums. A good example of this is found on the Y.Tube videos of her 1980 "Shadows and Light" concert.
The Joni Mitchell rabbit hole should start with these - "Blue", and "For the Roses".
From her album Blue, you should try "The Last Time I Saw Richard". Amazing lyrics and interpretation. Hint: with Joni you should try the original recordings, because she's a lifethrough smoker and her voice decayed steadily over the years. In Blue she sounds close to a lovebird. Routinely voted "singer of the year" in pop polls in the Sixties and Seventies (but also a genius composer and guitar player). Happy dive!
If you liked Joni Mitchell, check out Jim Croce. His song Time in a Bottle will is incredibly moving. It's a shame he was taken from us so soon.
I love that the younger generation is getting to know the music I grew up with. This song makes me tear up every time. Even more as i get older. I am really liking that you actually listen to the songs and wait to the end to make comments and review. Keep going and try checking out Santana at woodstock.
Diane you are pulling so many old songs out of the closet, this is one of the more beautiful. Thanks.
I know it'll be after Christmas, but "River" by Joni Mitchell is a seasonally appropriate song. There's also "Little Green" which is about her daughter.
This is quite a different version - a much later one - from her original song. It's still great, but you may enjoy the original as well. It shows off her guitar skills! Thanks Diane.
Yes, more please 😊
3:21 she doesn’t just sing the song, actually performs & lives it on stage. 🤩
#3 on my list of songs that make me weep from the beauty of it wvwey single time I hear it, including this time.
Joni's incredible. There's a great video of her singing At Last fairly recently at the Newport Jazz Festival (I think). Her voice always gives me chills.
An absolutely beautiful and meaningful song, and an amazing composer and performer. I'm along in years, not quite as far along as Ms. Mitchell, and I too have looked at clouds (I served in the US Air Force for 30 years) and love (I've been married for over 44 years) and life (my mother, younger brother, and all six of my uncles have passed away) from both sides, and I'm grateful I do know life, and His name is Jesus. If she hasn't yet, I pray Ms. Mitchell lives until she meets Him, and composes another even more beautiful and meaningful song. I'd love to hear it.
One of life's most beautiful compositions. Tears are required.😢
Don't forget Joni Mitchell's LP "Hejira" from 1976. It is unbelievable! She recorded with the great bass player Jaco Pastorius. Beautiful and unique production.
please hop down that rabbit hole. a couple of my favorites "For Free" and "Amelia" but can't go wrong with any of her library.
I wish you would have listen to her sing the song "Both Sides Now" when she was young and then listen to the song the one you pick as she is older to under stand the difference. Joni Mitchell does, that is why she sings the song this way now. Because she has now experienced Both Sides Now.
Over the years her voice has dropped a couple octaves and she doesn’t use her beautiful high tones that would normally accent the songs!
An artist with a huge creative impact. Merry Christmas!
I love all Joni's work. Pull her up as a younger lady and set back in amazment
This version by a more mature Joni Mitchell is really beautiful. I still love the original that I grew up listening to best. Merry Christmas to you and your family Diane!
Just watched Love Actually last night. Emma absolutely killed the role (as always)
This song reminds me of doing homework at the kitchen table with my mom reading the newspaper and listening to the radio. They played this song a lot.
if you love this one you will love her song coyote from the last waltz
Blue is an album Joni released lifetime's ago now, yet it's one of the most acclaimed album's of all time. She's kind of an artist artist. That album and alot of her music from the background harmonies and instrumentation, and recording production was all done by her. So she is almost totally on her own. I can only compare her to Prince, although she started off beforehand now both of them unprecedented as musical industrial virtuoso's!
Joni is not a rabbit hole but an ocean. This is from the 2nd of 19 studio albums "Clouds" which is superlative from start to finish . Help Me, River, Blue, Case of You all would appeal to you. Another oddly prescient song Circle Game written in the same era for buddy and fellow Canadian Neil Young, depressed at getting older (21 gasp) is charming. She followed her own muse to obscure but lauded jazz in later years almost sneering at commercial success. She is the upper pantheon of singer song writers Leonard Cohen ,Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot none of whom could match her musicality let alone her art. She survived and thrived where so many crashed and burned unusual for a woman in those days. Implored by Asylum Records Pres and friend David Geffen to use her good looks and sex appeal to boost sales . She said Oh Yeah try this and gave them a totally naked shot, a rear view on the wild BC coast. They didn't have the nerve to use it as a cover and persuaded her to have it as the gate fold in For the Roses "you don't want to see $4.99 plastered across your ass".
My first experience with this song was when it was used heavily in a movie called Switch, which was a very funny and touching, heartwarming comedy about a womanizing man who dies and is sent back to earth as a woman, with all his memories intact. The song seems to fit, because he gets to experience life from both sides, as a male and as a female. It was a cover version of the song though, not Joni herself. Later when I was collecting bootleg CDs by trading, someone sent me a CD of demos made of the songs on Joni’s album Blue, and I completely fell in love with her music at that point.
Joni's hands long to hold her guitar here.
This is a truly breathtaking performance.
I'm 59 now, and I have deep memories of a
much younger Joni, with her guitar.
My heart.
You should also listen to her live performance on the BBC singing her song Woodstock.
A tender song, which brings up many memories. Thank you for reacting.
Joni had so many great songs, some not as well known: Song to a Seagull, Circle Game, Morning Morgantown, Shadows and Light, Chelsea Morning, to name some.
Listen to the original from the album.
All of Joni.
Peace on earth.
Judy Collins covered this song .. more uptempo .. got the most radio play at the time .. Joni is an exceptional song writer
It's interesting to listen to the original 1969 version, and compare it to this one. Same song, same singer, but nearly 45 years life difference. This version fits so well in the scene you refer to in Love, Actually. It's heartbreaking.
River is my favorite song. Blue, Turbulent Indigo, and Hissing of Summet Lawn are all great LP's.
The River by Joni for next Christmas!
Song also features prominently in Coda. A great movie and performance of this song.
I had the good fortune of being hired by Joni to do some renovations, repairs and build a garden swing/trellis feature on her property in Canada. A truly magical place. Joni is a wonderful down to earth person and I will treasure the experience for the rest of my life ❤
Cool. Secret Cove?
@@danmayberry1185 in that general area. it is so beautiful here :)
Joni is wonderful and she tells stories beautifully with her songs. Little Green, about giving up her child for adoption, is another track which has an emotional punch. She has also recorded some fun upbeat numbers like Shiny Toys. If you're looking for more Canadian acts, I'd recommend Broken Social Scene, starting with their uplifting 7/4 (Shoreline) with joint lead vocals by Feist.
A live stream and a music reaction video, thanks for the Christmas present, Diane x
You’re welcome 😊
You are the Christmas present that lasts.❤🎉 Merry Christmas and have a happy New Year
Nice. You should listen to her sing this song in her younger days.. same words/lyrics yet very different in a ways. The song has come 'full circle'.
Rabbit hole/ tip of the iceberg.. Joni has lived quite a wonderful life.
Love Emma.. the first time I've seen her act was in the sitcom comedy Cheers as Nanny G. Not only can she act.. she can sing.. Hehe..
But that was the year I saw her for the first time in a court drama movie also called 'In the Name of the Father'.
Now a days I get to watch her in some old clips of her with (Stephen)Fry and (Hugh)Laurie.
The soul of my generation, an artist of infinite value who ripped the heart out of life's opportunity and ate it.
Joni recorded this version as an older woman. As a young woman you can hear her inexperience of life, her youthfulness facing foreword. Now her older recording reflects her maturity, her life experiences. Rolling Stone named her as one vocalist the top ten song writers of all time. Not bad for a young girl from the wheat fields of Saskatchewan, Canada
More Joni !!!!!
showing my age i remember when that song first came out and it's just as powerful now as it was back then i like her version best i remember her singing it on the mama cass show merry christmas to you and your family
Hi Diane, Merry Christmas, you too Chewie!
Joni wasn't one of my favorite singers back in the late '60s and early '70s. I mean, she had some good stuff, but I preferred Carly Simon, Melanie Safka, Linda Ronstadt and Joan Baez. You should really react to Joan Baez's song Diamonds and Rust.
Hope you and Chewie are having a great Christmas, oh, and your parents too!
What did you and Chewie get for Christmas? Bye for now!
Same to you! We got perfume and glasses and plates and a chair massage thingy
check out the Grammy performance from this year, song by a 80 year old, sitting in a chair, tapping her walking stick in tune...my god, it's just a epic performance.....just gives the song that much more meaning and depth...when she says "I don't know life at all" it's just overwhelming...
More Joni !!!!!-Brian Birch
I loved that scene in Love Actually too. I heard this song dozens of times when I was young. My mother played her music often.