Joni Mitchell is a Canadian singer-songwriter.  Her career has spanned sixty years.  She has brought joy to so many of us.

Joni is one of those people who I’d love to have coffee with.  I expect it will never happen … and that’s fine.

I want to sing her song “Both Sides Now”.  It is an anthem of the heart.  Here are the words.  I’ve highlighted the ones which shine for me.

Rows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feathered 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’ve 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 clouds’ 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 it’s 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 love’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know love
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 I’ve 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
It’s life’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know life … at all

***

From Joni’s mouth to mine.  Soaring … smiling … weeping

And nodding to it all