First Time Hearing Joni Mitchell | Both Sides Now

[@Dr-Alexander-The-Great]

Why was the candy cane so expensive? It was in mint condition.

[@susanmolnar9606]

😂 that’s such a great joke! I love the simple joke! Thanks

[@DianeJennings]

😂😂😂

[@GeorgeMaster-xg7lg]

​@@susanmolnar9606Rimshot😂(pa dum psh!)

[@chezwarden659]

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.

[@FUBAR1986]

And the arrangement is different

[@jamesshearer9616]

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.

[@starscream02180]

It’s classic ❤.

[@jasonremy1627]

This.

[@pbrooks4040]

concur. best ever.

[@sjbang5764]

"Blue" is an absolute masterpiece.

[@V7avalon]

you myst hear the original, this version did not do the song justice although she always sings with passion

[@iceman34]

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 🇨🇦

[@KyleS.1987]

Yeah, the contrast between this version and the one Joni recorded in 1966 is astonishing.

[@livinginthenow]

I've often been frustrated by KZbinrs 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.

[@randyshoquist7726]

@@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.

[@Hobodeluxe960]

@@randyshoquist7726 live performances are much less likely to hit the copyright algorithm.

[@roberttaylor5997]

@@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.

[@splitsandpens]

Joni Mitchell's original studio recording resonates better with me. Thanks for the review of a great artist and song.

[@blortmeister]

Joni live can be quite astonishing. "River" still brings me to tears regardless of which performance it is. Just slays me.

[@JasonMoir]

Diane reacting to any Joni Mitchell song means almost certain tears...and for good reason. Such a great song.

[@DianeJennings]

😢for sure

[@cassmcmlix]

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."

[@RichardEckhard]

I always liked the lyrics of this song and do prefer the original over the orchestra version even if it was less popular.

[@hornerinf]

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!

[@Jeff_Lichtman]

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!

[@calipidgious]

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.

[@trinaq]

I love Joni, her voice always gives me the chills. I listen to River every year.

[@winterburden]

Thanks for reacting to it Diane!

[@komcaloon5609]

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 👍

[@DanielFrost21]

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.

[@MichaelYoder1961]

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.

[@roger3141]

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.

[@Marcus-p5i5s]

In the 60's I heard her sing this as a song. Now I can hear her sing it as a life experience. Major difference.

[@pachena]

So proud of my fellow Canadian!

[@helgar791]

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.

[@MarkMcLT]

It was written by Mitchell, but first recorded by Collins. I suspect that's the version most people associate with the song.

[@harvey1954]

@@MarkMcLT Judy is know for breaking unknowns into the big time once she covers their tunes.

[@harvey1954]

What concert are you talking about ? Jimi died in Sept. of 1970.

[@helgar791]

@@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.

[@PhilliptBates]

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!

[@monican3758]

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.

[@kimsparks5811]

Just imagine a 23 year old being able to capture such timeless emotions. Brilliant!

[@jomac2046]

Correct, very similar to Cat Stevens writing and singing "Father and Son" at 22. Old heads on young shoulders.....

[@johnbrowne2170]

Her Court and Spark album is a masterpiece.

[@samuellord8576]

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!

[@ontherun9510]

Joni at the Grammy 2 weeks ago at the Grammy's singing Both Sides at 80 years old: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ-XlX5viZWSnKs Joni singing Both Sides in 1969 in her twenties: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5W7oJtnZ8qlbpo

[@RebelwheelsNYCShow]

I love Joni Mitchell. Her album Blue changed my life when I heard it

[@donovanfoto3263]

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.

[@sjbang5764]

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. 🎶😊

[@fr2ncm9]

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.

[@irakopilow9223]

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'"

[@budabk]

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.

[@donovanfoto3263]

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.

[@deborahalban5730]

Have been to her concerts x 3 . One of my favorite singer/writer.

[@lchris33]

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.

[@steveullrich7737]

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!

[@izzonj]

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.

[@maureenc.782]

One of life's most beautiful compositions. Tears are required.😢

[@jimcathcart5116]

This arrangement is different than the original this was done in the 90’s the original was done in the 60’s

[@waldorfstatler3129]

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.

[@jsavre1]

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!

[@aneophyte1199]

I remember in my English class in the early 70's listening to this song then analyzing the lyrics.

[@susanstein6604]

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.

[@jackbausman7673]

Joni, a beautiful musician and person.

[@jimross7648]

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.

[@razzberrylogic]

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

[@robertlear2712]

I just saw Love Actually. It’s a really perfect movie.

[@ferleiva7080]

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!

[@michaelmacewen]

Diane you are pulling so many old songs out of the closet, this is one of the more beautiful. Thanks.

[@randytaylor1406]

A tender song, which brings up many memories. Thank you for reacting.

[@daijay9084]

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.

[@jasonremy1627]

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.

[@ianlewis821]

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!😆)

[@gordonwallin2368]

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.

[@markshaw9010]

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.

[@SuperD884]

I first heard this song over 30 years ago as a child and it gets better every time I hear it

[@boroblueyes]

You will love anything Joni Mitchell... She's a treasure!

[@dennisfarris4729]

The soul of my generation, an artist of infinite value who ripped the heart out of life's opportunity and ate it.

[@milthopper6780]

The Joni Mitchell rabbit hole is huge. 😊

[@Shadowace724]

An artist with a huge creative impact. Merry Christmas!

[@-R.Gray-]

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.

[@mattheweudy2396]

3:21 she doesn’t just sing the song, actually performs & lives it on stage. 🤩

[@magnificentfailure2390]

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.

[@Mustangs73]

Yes, more please 😊

[@elvinjonas5451]

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.

[@painetdldy]

wow that was so different from the original

[@GrumpyOldGuyPlaysGames]

#3 on my list of songs that make me weep from the beauty of it wvwey single time I hear it, including this time.

[@TerryL421]

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!

[@glennandadriansrocktalk]

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.

[@GentleGiantJason]

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.

[@oldmanghost219]

Joni Mitchell Big Yellow Taxi... The beginning is environmental until the end where the Taxi comes in. She was looking out the window of her hotel in Hawaii when she got the idea for this song. Don't it always seem to go That you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone They paved paradise, put up a parking lot

[@tomenrico6199]

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.

[@chrisgilbert9076]

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".

[@dnyedy6128]

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.

[@mikerant4135]

80 and still phenomenal :)

[@charliestevenson3500]

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.

[@mikeh720]

Just watched Love Actually last night. Emma absolutely killed the role (as always)

[@brentsmithline3423]

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.

[@DonP_is_lostagain]

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.

[@malcolmsleight9334]

The Joni Mitchell rabbit hole should start with these - "Blue", and "For the Roses".

[@randieandjodistrom854]

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.

[@karenhackney9920]

This is why I like when people listen to artists/bands for the first time live rather than watching videos that almost always have little to nothing to do with the song. You can really hear/see the talent this way!

[@williamhiggins1803]

Merry Christmas Diane! Thank you for another great music reaction video.

[@robertchapman1516]

Ok Lassy. She Wrote the Song Woodsock Tear..Tear...

[@daviddemar551]

She's a genius .like Bob Dylan.

[@pastorbrianediger]

I don't think I've heard anything from her before. It was very beautiful! Great shoutouts guys!

[@paulrebori2395]

I love all Joni's work. Pull her up as a younger lady and set back in amazment

[@bobmasters1678]

I love Joni Mitchell a.k.a. Joni Anderson. my favorite is Joni Mitchell- Amelia live 1983 -but she has so many great songs. I'm glad you have her on your channel.

[@specialkonacid6574]

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 ❤

[@danmayberry1185]

Cool. Secret Cove?

[@specialkonacid6574]

@@danmayberry1185 in that general area. it is so beautiful here :)

[@MikeB-in1nd]

Go down the rabbit hole there is so much more

[@MichaelStoneArt]

Yes! Please explore more. Joni has been around for most of my "listening" life, yet I've only become a real fan recently. Her music is very jazzy, folksy, and very complicated. Herbie Hancock did a musical tribute album to her called "River," which won a Grammy for album of the year. She worked with the legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius in her early years and had a relationship with David Crosby (CSN&Y). She more recently had a stroke and retired: the amazing Brandi Carlyle dragged her out of retirement in a story that is as beautiful as Joni herself. An amazing artist, musician, and woman.

[@mynameispaul0530]

Joni Mitchell's "Court and Spark" album has always been one of my favorite albums by any artist.

[@SCVIndy]

Judy Collins covered this song .. more uptempo .. got the most radio play at the time .. Joni is an exceptional song writer

[@boroblueyes]

I love your analysis of this one Diane. Venues with a capcity less than one hundred are the best experience. There's nothing like seeing one of your favorite artist in a small venue.

[@andythrush3341]

River is my favorite song. Blue, Turbulent Indigo, and Hissing of Summet Lawn are all great LP's.

[@russelldye3751]

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!

[@robertortago8336]

I was never into Joni Mitchell. I think I will give her more of a listen now. Your reaction was the push I needed.

[@keithohara8167]

A live stream and a music reaction video, thanks for the Christmas present, Diane x

[@DianeJennings]

You’re welcome 😊

[@garyd1125]

You are the Christmas present that lasts.❤🎉 Merry Christmas and have a happy New Year

[@harveybecker4298]

if you love this one you will love her song coyote from the last waltz

[@CarlosDingli]

Brought me way back when I was 6 yrs old when I first heard this, memories came pouring back and a bit teary remembering my friends with sad and happy moments and some of them had passed away but this song still reminds me of them...

[@michaelstaub8690]

It is not only a song I grew up with, it kept spinning in my head. One of the first songs I learned on my guitar. The song now with it's slow ambiece is greater, than just a lounge- singers best. Even though the person arranging gave it the liberty of 50th - an evening walk,...going home from work on 5th Ave., - along with Humphrey B., or James Dean, stopping by at a dinners (pic of Hopper)...

[@Caseytify]

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.