Since I first heard her back in the late 60's, I always wondered how someone so young could have this depth of understanding of human emotion and the ability to write such stunningly beautiful music.....to this day I can still only say that, besides the work she put in..... she is an angel from the universe, a gift to the world......
Joni Mitchell got many women, including myself, through their teen and twenty years. Still a fan as a senior citizen. One of the greatest treasures we were blessed to have. Hope everyone will at one time listen to the entire "Blue" album. In my opinion, a masterpiece.
Notice her soft breath and quiet almost inaudible laugh as the song opens. This song is part of a Soundtrack from another time and place which I lived through, and it's a place to which I like to return musically from time to time, just to sit, remember, and smile. . . Peace
There's a man who's been out sailing In a decade full of dreams And he takes her to a schooner And he treats her like a queen Bearing beads from California With their amber stones and green He has called her from the harbor He has kissed her with his freedom He has heard her off to starboard In the breaking and the breathing Of the water weeds While she was busy being free There's a man who's climbed a mountain And he's calling out her name And he hopes her heart can hear three thousand miles He calls again He can think her there beside him He can miss her just the same He has missed her in the forest While he showed her all the flowers And the branches sang the chorus As he climbed the scaley towers Of a forest tree While she was somewhere being free There's a man who's sent a letter And he's waiting for reply He has asked her of her travels Since the day they said goodbye He writes "Wish you were beside me We can make it if we try" He has seen her at the office With her name on all his papers Through the sharing of the profits He will find it hard to shake her From his memory And she's so busy being free There's a lady in the city And she thinks she loves them all There's the one who's thinking of her There's the one who sometimes calls There's the one who writes her letters With his facts and figures scrawl She has brought them to her senses They have laughed inside her laughter Now she rallies her defenses For she fears that one will ask her For eternity And she's so busy being free There's a man who sends her medals He is bleeding from the war There's a jouster and a jester and a man who owns a store There's a drummer and a dreamer And you know there may be more She will love them when she sees them They will lose her if they follow And she only means to please them And her heart is full and hollow Like a cactus tree While she's so busy being free
@@christinefigari9805 Joni mitchell removed most of her songs from Spotify recently to protest Spotify hosting podcasts like Joe Rogan, who was spreading COVID misinformation (I think). So sad she left, her songs were on so many of my playlists :(
I was in London in 1968 walking past Keith Prowse records….in those days they had a couple of speakers outside the shop piping music onto the street. And this song was playing. I can still to this day (Oct 2021) recall the effect her angelic voice had on me. The whole Song to A Seagull Album is a real musical gem
Similar memories raised of an insomniac flatmate playing this album throughout the night in a flat on Marchmont Ave, Edinburgh 1968. Beautiful memories are always triggered by the wonderful voice and talent of Joni Mitchell. Nice introduction Norman if you are still around….
It was a long time ago. We met when we were both in that place. They just mowed the huge lawn, we laughed over the "grasscapillars" left behind. I was 16 and you 18. I wasn't ready and it didn't go well, but in spite of all my heart was with you and there were great times. You've been gone now for almost as long but I never forgot. And I still play that part of the song you wrote. I have a Martin guitar now too.
This "Songs to a Seagull" album is quintessential Joni to me....I can't imagine what it was like out there in California, all those years ago, and that lucky Laurel Canyon Crew, and being some of the first persons to hear some of these songs and seeing the source of such music/melody...what that must have been to take all that in. pure magic. I get chills everytime I hear this, still to this day
Ever the contrarian i am i would say her voice 10 years out from the release of her early albums infused more gravitas and weight,to her lyrics....kinda similar to Sinatra.....thing was the lyrics in earlier work cactus tree as an example seemed to be feelings expressed by an older person
This song used to absolutely fuck me up, on a deep emotional level. There were times I would sit in darkness, listening to this song, and would just uncontrollably weep. At that time, I was several of these men, and she was very deservedly out there being free. Eventually I was truly happy for her, and this song took on a more positive light in my memories. It still brings a tear or two, though.
Was on a vacation with my now girlfriend, however the process of getting there was one of patience and pain. Her girlfriend at the time, broke up with her while I was on the trip with her, and I saw her break. Ended up taking a nap while she was driving, and woke up to her crying to this song. Ironically, this song woke me up again, and the pain I felt for her still is so fresh to me, not many songs evoke this emotion, it is wickedly intense.
I used to sing this at high school age - accapella, to the amazement of my friends. I know all her songs by heart and sometimes harmonize with her. ☺️ (my way of feeling close to my soul sister Joni). 💙
totally, I always sing with Joni... and we have been getting very good ! This, the gallery, Real good for free, morning morningtown, and rainy night house...
I played her as well. She was my companion, my mentor. Her tunings and those high notes I was comfortable with. Her music just fit so comfortably in my soul.
Such a unique voice. She's quoted saying she has two voices. That she could manage the break between her mid and high range is amazing. Stunning technical control and her guitar playing is mesmerizing. Love!
Her music just keeps surprising me, I just found about her last year, and, the melodies in her songs, and in her voice, her lyrics are just, I don't know, she just takes me with it. No music has ever made me feel like this. She's like the epitome of singer-songwriters for me.
oh you lucky person to have found her.. I have been listening since the beginning.. since the sixties, and she is just as relevant now as she was then.."her heart is full and hollow.. like a cactus tree.."
My father introduces her "The Circle Game" to me. That's the time when my uncle committed suicide and that song still haunts me up to this day like a talisman of how short my life really is even though I will slowly tread in my journey through life. Since then, Joni's music became one of my "compass" on my journey. I became interested on her being a songwriter, a painter, a poet. This is the 4th album that I got to listen and the last song of the album. Beautiful voice and evocative lyrics.
I remember my boyfriend saying I'll buy you any album you want in the whole store. I chose this one Ode to a Seagull. He said, I can't understand why you chose that one. 55 years later maybe he gets it!
the words to this song are never ending its life so perfect of love that was lost... and the heartache you always feel of that person who had a another path to follow but they are never out of your heart and soul.....,
'We can make it, if we try...' So busy are we, being free; like a small mind in a university degree, a number of imprisioned lectures, then free,too a degree. Love, now Joni.
Joni, you are the most wonderful artist in my life. I love your poetry, your voice (no matter what era - it only got better with age) I send you my warmest regards from Berlin.
Beautiful song. I was born in 1990 but I can almost get a sense of what the vibes were like in the late sixties with the melody and lyrics of this song.
Always loved this song! I just read all the comments from the Court and Spark album, and Joni Mitchell must be the best loved musician of all time! People of all ages! People who listen to all different kinds of music, it doesn't matter, you still love Joni. She is the favorite of so many, and evokes so many memories for all of us. We all know what the first album of Joni's we heard was. We remember when we discovered her. ... And we will continue to listen to her until the end! She became a part of our lives! Thank you Joni!
@@BlueSky-eb2sv thank you Robert! I will say Court and Spark is my favorite. I do also love the earlier albums too. Blue was my first, and from there I looked for more and found all the previous albums.
This song makes me think of my parents, even though it doesn't tell their story, they loved each other through the years and were together until the end.
I absolutely love, love, love this song and Joni's earliest albums. I was in junior high when this album came out and only wish Joni had stayed in this very folk genre forever... of course I know musicians change as the years go by and their creativity goes in many directions as happened with Joni. But me...a total folk music fan, I would loved to have heard many more very folk albums like this one. I am also a huge Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Peter, Paul & Mary, Gordon Lightfoot, Donovan, a huge fan of folk music.
Just recently discovered how wonderful Joni Mitchell is via Brandi Carlile who I have been following since 2006! Joni was just a bit before my time, but she resonates through all the ages, she is amazing!
I’ve moved between three different states and 3000 miles in the past three years, last week I moved away from my boyfriend in Hawaii to the mainland and this song is really hitting hard - I miss him so much not only does this song make me think ALOT about him but also those who came before him too, it’s heart breaking knowing there’s people who want you in their lives and want to love you, but for me I’m like Joni, I’m just too busy being free
Wow! Just discovered this song for my first tonight when this amazing voice woke me up at 4am when I forgot to turn off Triple J on the rafio. Cant believe Ive never heard it before. Ive really missed out but thankfully now I can listen to it again and again. Thanks Joni❤
Resonates for me with John Hartford's "Gentle On My Mind" that sense of feeling loved and loving and determined to be free. Always a marvel, Joni Mitchell !!!
@Joni Mitchell🎶 Thanks so much for your personal reply🥰 I hope you are loving and enjoying your accomplishments in these days....we certainly do! So blessed to have had your music in my life❤ your music and poetry has filled my entire life. Thankyou Joni! 🎶
One of the greatest lyricist's and singers of all time. I've always more than anything looked at how good someone's song writing is,how intelligent the lyrics are,how good they are with words,how you tell that they are well read.Joni's songs of me are wonderful poems.
this the genius of artist. it is art of a poet . it is beauty personified. I often feel as if her lyrics are lifted from my life , but I'm sure that could be said by many. She is a treasure I have returned to often in life.
My favorite song of hers,even though I love them all. This one I sang in my high school days in the early 70s ,this is enchantingly epic. Such talent she has on so many levels. Love you always Joni Mitchell....
Sounds like Nick Drake was massively inspired by this song and album. Especially for his time ‘From The Morning’ and was probably listening to this album when he was at Cambridge in ‘68.
Since I first heard her back in the late 60's, I always wondered how someone so young could have this depth of understanding of human emotion and the ability to write such stunningly beautiful music.....to this day I can still only say that, besides the work she put in..... she is an angel from the universe, a gift to the world......
Well said
Yes. A poet-goddess.
yes ! we must admit.. this woman is more than human... I met her in Vancouver..she was
shining....
I wonder if you'd enjoy Joanna Newsom
Indeed 💫🙏💫
Cactus tree hits me like no other song ever
I totally agree,it moves me to another universe...
@@lizdrouin9588 Agree, especially when the sun is setting and theres a glimpse of summer outside.
I agree.
Except maybe Circle Game 🥰
Same. I don’t know why but I cry every time I hear it
Joni Mitchell got many women, including myself, through their teen and twenty years. Still a fan as a senior citizen. One of the greatest treasures we were blessed to have. Hope everyone will at one time listen to the entire "Blue" album. In my opinion, a masterpiece.
just discovered this song for the first time.
i can’t stop crying now.
It's really an amazing song, isn't it? It is so personal for me, I have to return to it often and sing to it. It's like Joni sings my story too.
Same
Notice her soft breath and quiet almost inaudible laugh as the song opens. This song is part of a Soundtrack from another time and place which I lived through, and it's a place to which I like to return musically from time to time, just to sit, remember, and smile. . . Peace
Exactly!
Yes! :)
There's a man who's been out sailing
In a decade full of dreams
And he takes her to a schooner
And he treats her like a queen
Bearing beads from California
With their amber stones and green
He has called her from the harbor
He has kissed her with his freedom
He has heard her off to starboard
In the breaking and the breathing
Of the water weeds
While she was busy being free
There's a man who's climbed a mountain
And he's calling out her name
And he hopes her heart can hear three thousand miles
He calls again
He can think her there beside him
He can miss her just the same
He has missed her in the forest
While he showed her all the flowers
And the branches sang the chorus
As he climbed the scaley towers
Of a forest tree
While she was somewhere being free
There's a man who's sent a letter
And he's waiting for reply
He has asked her of her travels
Since the day they said goodbye
He writes "Wish you were beside me
We can make it if we try"
He has seen her at the office
With her name on all his papers
Through the sharing of the profits
He will find it hard to shake her
From his memory
And she's so busy being free
There's a lady in the city
And she thinks she loves them all
There's the one who's thinking of her
There's the one who sometimes calls
There's the one who writes her letters
With his facts and figures scrawl
She has brought them to her senses
They have laughed inside her laughter
Now she rallies her defenses
For she fears that one will ask her
For eternity
And she's so busy being free
There's a man who sends her medals
He is bleeding from the war
There's a jouster and a jester and a man who owns a store
There's a drummer and a dreamer
And you know there may be more
She will love them when she sees them
They will lose her if they follow
And she only means to please them
And her heart is full and hollow
Like a cactus tree
While she's so busy being free
thanx
Thank you! Does anyone know why this isn’t on Spotify?
@@christinefigari9805 Joni mitchell removed most of her songs from Spotify recently to protest Spotify hosting podcasts like Joe Rogan, who was spreading COVID misinformation (I think). So sad she left, her songs were on so many of my playlists :(
Congrats to Joni and others who pulled their work.
Wow, those are lyrics
This album...it's a sad and beautiful world 🤩
I was in London in 1968 walking past Keith Prowse records….in those days they had a couple of speakers outside the shop piping music onto the street. And this song was playing. I can still to this day (Oct 2021) recall the effect her angelic voice had on me. The whole Song to A Seagull Album is a real musical gem
That album is criminally underrated. One of the greatest debuts in the history of music.
It really is....possibly my fav....such gorgeous songs
What a memory from another time. Would love to have been there then.
Similar memories raised of an insomniac flatmate playing this album throughout the night in a flat on Marchmont Ave, Edinburgh 1968. Beautiful memories are always triggered by the wonderful voice and talent of Joni Mitchell. Nice introduction Norman if you are still around….
Dear Joni, if I could only let you know, what your voice and music mean to me. I love you. 💖💖💖
Just love her as well .. got the records 💞
I think she has to know how many people feel like you....
"she´s so busy being free"... wow. love it.
Could have been my Motto. I believe I have met all Joni's men...😊
@terywetherlow7970
I probably haven't heard this song in 50 years...her lyrical story, and music is beautiful.
And I am just listening to it again for the first time in close to 50 years and am mesmerized
So cool you had dinner with Rick Beato. He was over the moon! We all are!
@Joni Mitchell🎶 sure!
It was a long time ago. We met when we were both in that place. They just mowed the huge lawn, we laughed over the "grasscapillars" left behind. I was 16 and you 18. I wasn't ready and it didn't go well, but in spite of all my heart was with you and there were great times. You've been gone now for almost as long but I never forgot. And I still play that part of the song you wrote. I have a Martin guitar now too.
thank you for seeing me, and knowing my journey before i knew it.
youre a prophet.
This "Songs to a Seagull" album is quintessential Joni to me....I can't imagine what it was like out there in California, all those years ago, and that lucky Laurel Canyon Crew, and being some of the first persons to hear some of these songs and seeing the source of such music/melody...what that must have been to take all that in. pure magic. I get chills everytime I hear this, still to this day
When her voice was at its peak. She has always been background music in my life.
I love her voice well appreciated and that sweet roughness also😊
I love that - background music in my life - I know exactly what you mean
Ever the contrarian i am i would say her voice 10 years out from the release of her early albums infused more gravitas and weight,to her lyrics....kinda similar to Sinatra.....thing was the lyrics in earlier work cactus tree as an example seemed to be feelings expressed by an older person
no better artist ... she is a gift to the planet
This song used to absolutely fuck me up, on a deep emotional level. There were times I would sit in darkness, listening to this song, and would just uncontrollably weep. At that time, I was several of these men, and she was very deservedly out there being free. Eventually I was truly happy for her, and this song took on a more positive light in my memories.
It still brings a tear or two, though.
Was on a vacation with my now girlfriend, however the process of getting there was one of patience and pain. Her girlfriend at the time, broke up with her while I was on the trip with her, and I saw her break. Ended up taking a nap while she was driving, and woke up to her crying to this song. Ironically, this song woke me up again, and the pain I felt for her still is so fresh to me, not many songs evoke this emotion, it is wickedly intense.
I used to sing this at high school age - accapella, to the amazement of my friends. I know all her songs by heart and sometimes harmonize with her. ☺️ (my way of feeling close to my soul sister Joni). 💙
Wow how beautiful 💗💗
totally, I always sing with Joni... and we have been getting very good ! This, the gallery, Real good for free,
morning morningtown, and rainy night house...
I played her as well. She was my companion, my mentor. Her tunings and those high notes I was comfortable with. Her music just fit so comfortably in my soul.
One of her most riveting and beautiful songs.
this song understands me like no one else does
Such a unique voice. She's quoted saying she has two voices. That she could manage the break between her mid and high range is amazing. Stunning technical control and her guitar playing is mesmerizing. Love!
Exactly....just thinking the same . Again x
@Joni Mitchell🎶 Is this really you?
A masterpiece!
Without a doubt
No one has ever come close to Joni Mitchell...never will...one of a kind
I feel the protagonist of this song is Joni herself. Very few songs move me to tears but this one does.
No matter how often I hear this I'm still stunned by the beauty of it..thanks Joni for everything..❤
Her music just keeps surprising me, I just found about her last year, and, the melodies in her songs, and in her voice, her lyrics are just, I don't know, she just takes me with it. No music has ever made me feel like this. She's like the epitome of singer-songwriters for me.
oh you lucky person to have found her.. I have been listening since the beginning.. since the sixties, and
she is just as relevant now as she was then.."her heart is full and hollow.. like a cactus tree.."
Welcome to the party. Her music is just as fresh and clear today as it was fifty years ago. Enjoy
My father introduces her "The Circle Game" to me. That's the time when my uncle committed suicide and that song still haunts me up to this day like a talisman of how short my life really is even though I will slowly tread in my journey through life.
Since then, Joni's music became one of my "compass" on my journey. I became interested on her being a songwriter, a painter, a poet. This is the 4th album that I got to listen and the last song of the album. Beautiful voice and evocative lyrics.
And her heart is full and hallow like a cactus tree- while shes so busy being free ....
Thanks, Joni! I've learned to dream with your poetries, and I'm still here dreaming
I remember my boyfriend saying I'll buy you any album you want in the whole store. I chose this one Ode to a Seagull. He said, I can't understand why you chose that one. 55 years later maybe he gets it!
the words to this song are never ending its life so perfect of love that was lost... and the heartache you always feel of that person who had a another path to follow but they are never out of your heart and soul.....,
What a beautiful song!!
The final track of one of the two or three greatest albums of all time.
God broke the mold after this one much love and respect Thanks !
my most favorite song by her ever
The beauty of this exquisite song defies words
What a beautiful way to describe it...
'We can make it, if we try...' So busy are we, being free; like a small mind in a university degree, a number of imprisioned lectures, then free,too a degree. Love, now Joni.
Joni is my very favorite artist.
Joni, you are the most wonderful artist in my life. I love your poetry, your voice (no matter what era - it only got better with age) I send you my warmest regards from Berlin.
Beautiful song. I was born in 1990 but I can almost get a sense of what the vibes were like in the late sixties with the melody and lyrics of this song.
Joni Mitchell … the soundtrack of my life ❤️🎶
Every song is a gift! THANKS!
Joni Mitchell, pure genius💖💕
I've always loved Joni. This may well be my favourite. Simply beautiful.
Agree... definitely one of my all time favorites ❤
No one can compare to her especially this song. Still gets me thru life
Always loved this song! I just read all the comments from the Court and Spark album, and Joni Mitchell must be the best loved musician of all time! People of all ages! People who listen to all different kinds of music, it doesn't matter, you still love Joni. She is the favorite of so many, and evokes so many memories for all of us. We all know what the first album of Joni's we heard was. We remember when we discovered her. ... And we will continue to listen to her until the end! She became a part of our lives! Thank you Joni!
Margie, this is a beautiful comment. Yes, Joni is a part of my life too, like no other artist.
@@BlueSky-eb2sv thank you Robert! I will say Court and Spark is my favorite. I do also love the earlier albums too. Blue was my first, and from there I looked for more and found all the previous albums.
Timeless, and magnificent in so many ways.
Wow! Joni's voice is absolutely fantastic! Purity at its finest.
What a magnificent tribute to an artist that has been a beacon
in so many people's lives
This song makes me think of my parents, even though it doesn't tell their story, they loved each other through the years and were together until the end.
this moving still video is tremendous! Anyone else catch the picture of a van and building in the City?
This is my favorite Joni LP. The remaster of Cactus Tree is AWESOME. I ordered the 4 box CD remaster set.
What a voice!!!
❤Was introduced in times you have lots more to live for then weekens in the new generation❤
Joni Mitchell is one of my favourite folk singers!
Larry Davies
One of my favourite albums by my favourite artist. Thank you Joni. For everything.
I absolutely love, love, love this song and Joni's earliest albums. I was in junior high when this album came out and only wish Joni had stayed in this very folk genre forever... of course I know musicians change as the years go by and their creativity goes in many directions as happened with Joni.
But me...a total folk music fan, I would loved to have heard many more very folk albums like this one. I am also a huge Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Peter, Paul & Mary, Gordon Lightfoot, Donovan, a huge fan of folk music.
Every single time I hear this I cry like I did the first time I ever heard it. Thank you mom
It actually does sound better than on the album. And I like how the boat rocks back and forth on the water in the video.
Just recently discovered how wonderful Joni Mitchell is via Brandi Carlile who I have been following since 2006! Joni was just a bit before my time, but she resonates through all the ages, she is amazing!
Incredible song. Pleased you love it, too. I first heard Blue played on a record player. Loved her ever since.
I’ve moved between three different states and 3000 miles in the past three years, last week I moved away from my boyfriend in Hawaii to the mainland and this song is really hitting hard - I miss him so much not only does this song make me think ALOT about him but also those who came before him too, it’s heart breaking knowing there’s people who want you in their lives and want to love you, but for me I’m like Joni, I’m just too busy being free
❤
Just Amazing
4eva my favourite song
MUCH LOVE JONI MITCHELL LOVE FROM MICHIGAN THANKS
Wow! Just discovered this song for my first tonight when this amazing voice woke me up at 4am when I forgot to turn off Triple J on the rafio. Cant believe Ive never heard it before. Ive really missed out but thankfully now I can listen to it again and again. Thanks Joni❤
Thank you Joni. God bless.
Resonates for me with John Hartford's "Gentle On My Mind" that sense of feeling loved and loving and determined to be free. Always a marvel, Joni Mitchell !!!
Joni, I remember listening to her music when I first started playing. U don't know what you've got till it's gone. Love U. Thanks for your voice.
Absolutely devastated they took this off spotify
My first album, and Joni had me hooked🥰
@Joni Mitchell🎶 Thanks so much for your personal reply🥰 I hope you are loving and enjoying your accomplishments in these days....we certainly do! So blessed to have had your music in my life❤ your music and poetry has filled my entire life. Thankyou Joni! 🎶
Her voice resonates throughout the whole world and this cover art is so colorful and beautiful.😊❤️🎶😊😊
Being 16 and enjoying this music with my boyfriend
"Full and hollow". What a haunting image.
You have to understand cactuses and deserts 🏜️ 🌵
Wow! So beautiful!
This sounds so good omg
God joni mitchell can write the hell out of a song, pulls the tears right outta you.
As a poet swallowed up in words myself I am in awe ❤️ 💖 ♥️ 💕
Such a beautiful song. I am so moved by it....still!!!!!
For eternity... for eternity. Those echos, bring free
one of my favorites
That's a pretty psychedelic video along with this beautiful song.
I have always loved this song.♥️
something about this song permanently changing my brain when i was like 12
Such beautiful music Joni, thank you for giving us all your gift and making my childhood so special with memories of your voice within it!
One of the greatest lyricist's and singers of all time. I've always more than anything looked at how good someone's song writing is,how intelligent the lyrics are,how good they are with words,how you tell that they are well read.Joni's songs of me are wonderful poems.
Exquisite! Timeless classic
It's a beautiful tune. Thank you Joni. ♥️
this the genius of artist. it is art of a poet . it is beauty personified. I often feel as if her lyrics are lifted from my life , but I'm sure that could be said by many. She is a treasure I have returned to often in life.
A gem.
So lovely!
God’s Angel of music.
My favorite song of hers,even though I love them all. This one I sang in my high school days in the early 70s ,this is enchantingly epic. Such talent she has on so many levels.
Love you always Joni Mitchell....
Listening to Joni in 2021 brings back fond memories. A lovely person with an angelic voice.
At her best ... naturally beautiful 😇🤗 Woodstock live also ... just feel the lovley from her sole 🌈🌞💓
Beautiful.
Sounds like Nick Drake was massively inspired by this song and album. Especially for his time ‘From The Morning’ and was probably listening to this album when he was at Cambridge in ‘68.
So sadd it's not longer in Spotify
Possibly the most beautiful song lyrically and melodically. Joni is a treasure, no one like her. Love you my muse.
there are no grander words of gratitude here mentioned. Joni is like a best friend who reminds us life is gentler and more meaningful with a song.
Beautiful! ❤❤❤