Both Sides Now

Words & Music by Joni Mitchell, Recorded by Judy Collins, 1968 (#8)

Bows and flows 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 the way.

I've looked at clouds from both sides now,

From up and down, and still somehow

It's clouds illusions I recall; I really don't know clouds at all.

Moons and Junes and ferris wheels, the dizzy dancing way you feel

When every fairy tale comes real — I've looked at love that way.

But now it's just another show, you leave 'em laughing as 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 love's 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 and say I've changed,

But something's lost and something's gained from 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.