Joni Mitchell - Amelia (Live 1979)

written & produced by Joni Mitchell | from the album Hejira (1976) | live version from Shadows & Light (1979) | guitar solo by Pat Metheny

[@TouFik]

Rick Beato brought me here. I’m so grateful.

[@jobonney7987]

Same

[@eagles_s]

Make that 3

[@Jeckobandit]

Good guy Beato, buy he didn't understand this song

[@thejmax]

Same. And all I got for sharing it was a disparaging comment from my wife "you don't know Joni Mitchell? You've never watched Love Actually or what?!"

[@alecreb]

Mee too

[@kj6qvb]

There are some great singer-songwriters who use extraordinary imagery. Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Richard Thompson are just some of the finest. But no one - I mean NO ONE - could paint a picture in song like Joni Mitchell. "Leaving six white vapor trails across the bleak terrain. It was the hexagram of the heavens, the strings of this guitar". Oh, my. Never constrained by song form, yet never veering far from it. She not only mastered the art and craft of songwriting - she set a new benchmark that will probably never be raised. Simply perfection in words and music.

[@jonn.5568]

Jon N. 0 seconds ago I agree. Over the years I´ve come to rate Joni Mitchell above even Dylan.

[@mannycharlton-recordproduc7938]

not to mention her stunning guitar plying

[@BadAssElf810]

@@jonn.5568 Likewise. The gave Dylan a Nobel Prize. Surely Joni also has earned one?

[@moonlitme]

I would add Bruce Cockburn, Ian Anderson and Jackson Browne to your list.

[@dougeckhardt4290]

So full of flight

[@dafyddil]

"Maybe I've never really loved, I guess that is the truth. I've spent my whole life in clouds at icy altitudes. And looking down on everything, I crashed into his arms. Amelia, it was just a false alarm." There's nothing more heartbreaking than those lines.

[@chrisjjpark]

Couldn't agree more, this will probably be on my funeral program

[@TimAaronSmith]

Exactly! Chemtrails have been around since the 70s. The earth is square !

[@hansemannluchter643]

I nominate Joni Mitchell for the Nobel-Prize in "Literatur". Or... Best singer-songwriter, EVER. Also, Joni is the most original guitarist. EVER!!

[@cbotten106]

Second!

[@JonJaeden]

I was there that night ... still a great memory.

[@tomramseyer8440]

Jealous!

[@leonkowalenko1747]

Wow.

[@danmason8427]

Totally jealous!

[@thomasmancuso1465]

I'm gonna say this just once, "There is no one born of this earth, who can even come near to the excellence in writing and performing her vocal paintings, imagery, and never once ever given the credit she deserves as a master beyond the realm of those celebrated."

[@bobnunn4363]

Amen.

[@timoakes450]

amhen

[@redwingblackbirdnell]

May 20 ~ 21 1932, Amelia Earhart turned on ignition in a red Lockheed Vega and flew from Harbour Grace, Newfoundland to near Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in fifteen hours nonstop, alone over the North Atlantic.

[@John-km2uw]

This is probably the most fascinating song I will ever listen to in my lifetime. Many thanks to Rick Beato for explaining why Joni is an unmatched legend in the universe of music; sincerely...j

[@markb20]

I've been a Joni fan for many years, and come back to her catalogue of gems from time to time. But this song stands out even among all them. A true masterpiece from an incredible artist.

[@ClarkeJDuggan]

In addition to Blue, Court and Spark, and Hejira, also check out Turbulent Indigo and For The Roses. Her two most underrated albums.

[@stevekaspar1396]

Amen to Rick !!!!

[@yassassin6425]

@@ClarkeJDuggan 'For The Roses' is my favourite Joni album.

[@joegibbs2508]

This version of this song. OMG it hits me!

[@THXx1138]

My mother was a pilot in the early 50's. She was an incredible artist, a very private person. She was the leader of our family, a true renaissance woman. She smoked like a chimney like Joni and when I hear Joni speak I hear my mother. When I sit and watch the jets fly from the runway I see my mother. She flew. She knew.

[@hoffer54]

Yes! Men think they run the show, but they bungle it many ways. Women tend to be the voice of reason, in many respects. Testosterone and ego seems to get in the way of reason. Just look at our current political situation. Thank you Joni Mitchel, your performances are sorely missed! I love flying I got as far as solo, but sadly family came first as far as finances were concerned.

[@THXx1138]

@@hoffer54 My mother loved and respected men, generally. Especially those who would volunteer to join the armed forces. She recognized the weight of the world rest on their shoulders. She was the furthest thing from a feminist. She was above all of that.

[@yvemarybmusic]

Poised. Beautiful

[@timoakes450]

@@THXx1138 realpolotok-a spade is a spade -woemen/men-equal but different -lol a realist

[@markpeterson3220]

One of the greatest musicians and lyricists of the 20th Century

[@Yanto-Bardic]

Goose Bumps! Goose Bumps! Goose Bumps! - Oh! What Genius - What Beautiful Music and Poetry.

[@ConwayBob]

What a great song. I love it how Joni walks off the stage at around 6:40 or so, leaving the last 3 plus minutes in the sure and capable hands of Pat Metheny who takes us on that gorgeous final leg of the flight with Lyle Mays on the Oberheim. It doesn't get any better than this!

[@andreaassanelli4117]

This record, this song is all what is right about music and musicians. A lineup of stars, and noboly outclassesss no one, they were all there around a set of wonderful songs.

[@exspiravit6920]

There's a Metheny song I used to love once and I remember really loving the bass part something fierce, and later found out Jaco Pastorius had laid down that part with Pat. Figures.

[@misternewbould]

I have always love that part, how she turns, takes a few steps, pauses for a few moments to play facing Pat, then gently walks backstage. She's as cool as a mountain stream.

[@jonn.5568]

This is my favourite Joni Mitchell song, actually probably my favourite song period, and this version is mesmerising. I can´t stop listening. I only wish Amelia Earhart could have known that a masterpiece of songwriting would be dedicated to her.

[@geoffreylogsdon162]

One of the greatest songs by one of the greatest artists on one of the greatest albums ever made (Hejira). I would hope that the fact that guys of the caliber of Pastorius and Metheny collaborated with her moves her beyond the "female artist" bullshit. She is one of the greatest ever, pure and simple.

[@garymcghee2249]

Indeed, she totally transcends the category 'female singer/songwriter'. She is on a level of her own, the musical stratosphere.

[@davidryan7386]

this was the best band any woman solo artist has ever had backing them. Joni wanted thebest jazz musicans and minus wayne shorter (weather report had contract saying you couldn't have 2!) so only jaco did it. alex quit WR to do the gig I think. anyways, i began listening to this c. 80 or 81 and have come to love it more and more as time goes on. it is imo, the final album of the 70's summer concerts. 1979 recorded.

[@99muddy99]

I imagine that the honour would be theirs. It would be like the Atheist Society having Darwin to dinner.

[@randykornblatt1315]

Without a doubt! Please don’t forget Michael Brecker!

[@BreaktheTrend]

She remains without a peer in my opinion. It is utterly remarkable that any one artist can have Blue, Hejira, Hissing Summer Lawns and For the Roses in their canon. And then Court and Spark! Yep, peerless.

[@madisonnicoleziegler3453]

This is one of my most beloved songs. As I sit here writing this, I think back on all the past relationships I’ve been through. At such a young age, I come back to this song only when I am in pain and need something to convey those emotions. In my room, at night thinking back on all the people whom have wrong me. I hurt, but I do not regret anything I’ve done, everything happens for a reason. This song is a brilliant, yet sad reminder of that. Words can’t express how much I love and am glad she wrote this masterpiece. Thank you, Joni. ❤️

[@DrKennyWang]

I can’t tell you guys how much the Hejira album has meant to me growing up and through several geographic relocations

[@hansemannluchter643]

Try anyways? I don't have words for it either...

[@spiko71437]

I was driving across the burning desert When I spotted six jet planes Leaving six white vapor trails across the bleak terrain It was the hexagram of the heavens Like the strings of my guitar Amelia, it was just a false alarm The drone of flying engines Is a song so wild and blue It scrambles time and seasons if it gets through to you Then your life becomes a travelogue Full of picture post card charms Amelia, it was just a false alarm People will tell you where they've gone They'll tell you where to go But till you get there yourself you never really know And where some have found their paradise Others just come to harm Amelia, it was just a false alarm I wish that he was here tonight It's so hard to obey His sad request of me to kindly stay away So this is how I hide the hurt As the road leads cursed and charmed I tell Amelia it was just a false alarm A ghost of aviation She was swallowed by the sky Or by the sea like me she had a dream to fly Like Icarus ascending On beautiful foolish arms Amelia, it was just a false alarm Maybe I've never really loved I guess that is the truth I've spent my whole life in clouds at icy altitudes And looking down on everything I crashed into his arms Amelia, it was just a false alarm I pulled into the Cactus Tree Motel To shower off the dust And I slept on strange pillows of my wanderlust I dreamed of 747s Over geometric farms Dreams Amelia, dreams and false alarms

[@Greg07623]

Anytime I think I’ve heard every possible intricacy of a Joni Mitchell song, I get a little stoned and am transported to this higher place of appreciation. I’ve listened to this song hundreds and hundreds of time and it sounds new each time. Do any of us really understand how incredible Joni Mitchell is?

[@Gerhold102]

Yes, and have done since I first heard 'Blue'. There are a handful of musicians who can write meaningful, insightful songs, compose complex and emotive music and play several instruments to a virtuoso standard. She is, arguably, the most accomplished. My ex always referred to her as 'moany Mitchell' - she just didn't get how accomplished Joni was - and that's just down to taste. Not everyone likes Mozart.

[@thomassonnenberg1915]

Hell yeah

[@GuitarUniverse2013]

musicians feel the same way when they play their instrument. ive played guitar for over 50 years and istill put my hands onthe fret board and hear somethin ive never played before

[@chattycathy8089]

@@Gerhold102 OMG! My hubby called her moanin Joan!! Ha, took me back! She IS the most underrated, INCREDIBLE TALENT!!!!

[@Ed30675]

I echo each word of your comment...

[@gpeddino]

"Then your life becomes a travelogue of picture post card charms" There are no words to describe how much I love this song.

[@aprilbates4965]

I was fortunate enough to be there to see this amazing show. There is Joni and then there is everyone else...She will forever be my reining Queen and I am just as moved by her now as I was as a young girl. I hope when it is my time to leave this earth I will be listening to Blue.

[@bgfd1]

This should have millions of views. What an incredidle song. She really did and has set the bar so high for songwriting. She is there with Keats, WB Yates, even Shakespeare. She should have got a Nobel Prize. Look at her writing from her first album to The Hissing Of Summer Lawns, Blue, Heijira, infact all her albums, (too many to list here). What a talented ‘poet’ muscian and singer plus she can really paint. So ignored in many ways by the mainstream of popular culture.

[@donaldcook3112]

. . . Being so ignored by the hucksters and smoke and mirror merchants of 'popular culture' ... is the defining marque of those who have ... and do , see .

[@dominickdepaolo6668]

...and Pat's solo. What an incredible backing band line up, so f'n good.

[@tinfoilhatter]

the lyle mays band, featuring joni mitchell, eh? NICE~

[@carpenterbluechicken]

She is more than a song writer she is amazing artist. No other such as her! She is classic artist, I love Joni

[@Alun49]

My favourite ever song by this iconic songwriter. There is something achingly beautiful within it. The lines 'A ghost of aviation she was swallowed by the sky, or by the sea' hits the heart.

[@edwinhurwitz6792]

This and Refuge of the Roads is the pinnacle to me.

[@ofdrumsandchords]

These lyrics are sublime. I love the groove of Coyote, with Jaco. Being a salsa player, I find something very latin. And the vocal arrangement on Song for Sharon is very original. Great text, rhythmically interesting with the subtle drumming of John Guerin... And of course Hejira, with strains of Benny Goodman coming through the snow and the pinewood trees.

[@Alun49]

@@ofdrumsandchords I often wonder how these wonderful lines came to her. A real painter with words.

[@joshuadoehr5468]

This is timeless perfection. The composition, the tribute, the story, the imagery of the poetry. Just incredible. I feel like I was spoiled by this generation of music, not realizing just how unique it will forever be. Where did all the great artists go?

[@donaldcook3112]

. . . It has been and of a certain given time , Joshua . Those artists of that time - perhaps early 60's to a few decades later, at most, are not returning in any guise or persona . Not e v e r .

[@jonka1]

You said that so perfectly. Thank you.

[@zedxxx9]

Aside from praising Joni and this song... this live recording is tremendously awesome. The vocal and the guitar are recorded to perfection. I wish there were live recordings of all her songs with this kind of studio quality result.

[@staywellandstrong4199]

Live music is such a misunderstood medium ~ a great, nimble sound technician is as valuable as the nuances and pitfalls of the venue's acoustics, monitors, and dead zones. Add a Stellar soundcheck session, to buoy the performers, and History Will Be Made in that moment, and again, a few hours later, in front of a sold-out audience. Sheer musical twofold-ecstasy.

[@edwinhurwitz6792]

In general, I agree, but the guitar is doing weird things with respect to its stereo image and her vocal is a bit dry. I saw this tour in Providence. It was stunning.

[@mdcecichannel4366]

Simply put.....beautiful person and the most amazing singer/songwriter of our time..

[@jenniemalloy7402]

MD Ceci Channel Correct.

[@andrewmair7371]

Not that it’s a competition 🙄

[@andrearozelle]

@@andrewmair7371 Ugh be ml

[@maccyd53]

Said it for me...X

[@cornstorm666]

Others just come to harm...you would hate this new normal Amelia...you are my Super hero

[@virginiaviola5097]

This is music. No naked dancing girls, no flashing lights, no pyrotechnics, just a girl alone on the stage with her guitar, and she still gives me chills, no matter how many hundreds of times I’ve watched this. THIS is music.

[@chrisjjpark]

Good paraphrasing of Corden on Adele but yeah, Joni does it best

[@virginiaviola5097]

@@chrisjjpark who?

[@moonlitme]

Why does this song always bring the tears to the surface?

[@jamaicamocha6027]

Amelia served as a nurse and suffered in service as a patient under the previous pandemic. Her symptoms lingered even as she piloted her aircraft. She's a true hero.

[@brenodhomsi]

Probably one of the greatests videos around. Joni sounds like an angel; her voice at its best, the perfect, sad and subtle entonation in "false alarm" - and oh my, she was gorgeous. Oh, and what a beautiful footage of Amelia... Love you, Joni!

[@eagles_s]

Yeah Amelia was a cutie wasnt she?

[@eagles_s]

What in the sam hill are you talking about? It was a compliment

[@U9Daddy]

Just watched the Rick Beato video on this song. Im 50 years old and I am totally ashamed I havent been listening to Joni Mitchell for decades already.

[@BreaktheTrend]

Dont feel bad. Id never heard Jim Croce's Operator until Rick and Mary Spender pointed out the errors of my ways!

[@ConwayBob]

We all miss some good things in our youth. If we're fortunate we discover some of those same treasures in our middle age or old age and get to experience the joy of discovery afresh, as though we were 20 again!

[@Sam-nk6hk]

55 years old here; and I feel the same!

[@ConwayBob]

@@Sam-nk6hk -- Still feelin' it at 77 years old!

[@brucemoeller]

I never listened to Joni until I heard her work with Pat, Lyle, Jaco. Jazz was my thing....but she clearly was every bit a jazz musician. I'm so thankful that I've "discovered" this work...and the depth of her songwriting and artistry. It was painful to learn of her stokes....a reminder that we don't live forever. Blessed Joni...thank you for your tender heart.

[@evascharfe1892]

This is one of the most interesting and one of the best songs ever written. Joni music and lyrics are sheer perfection and make you feel your own feelings.

[@HenriNigro]

The most haunting song ever sung (perfectly) by the best writer/ singer of our generation / Then Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays finish it off with a wondrous solo/ Their relationship was a musical classic/ the frontman and the backman / that combo translates far beyond jazz/ I cant believe Lyle is gone/ I'm sure Pat Metheny is empty/ i lost my frontman 10 years ago and it's still in the studio i hear him playing in my right ear / I let him have my good ear ( I've heard myself enough already!) They ALL make it look so easy !

[@relaxationmusicsanctuary3664]

Every time I hear Jony Mitchell singing is like to travel in another world. She has a magic in her.

[@danmason8427]

Linda Manzer was in the audience and became captivated with this Pat Metheny guy. Today she makes specialty guitars for him and the power elite of the guitar world.

[@brettcode764]

Imagine Amelia and Hejira on one album. Truly the highest of musical heights. No painter this. Transformative metaphysical genius. Mitchell and Earhart: together in the stratosphere of 20th century legends

[@redshield3296]

I’ve played guitar and piano all of my life. Rick Beato has taught me that I never really learn to appreciate the art of music. Rick’s videos on Gordon Lightfoot and Joni Mitchell have been eye opening

[@montex23]

i was 4 when Hejira came out, and my young hippie mother in France was listening to this record a lot and i was imbued by it - and others from Joni, but that one...that one stays deep in the core of my heart. I'm a guitarist and never played Joni and now that i'm learning Coyote and Amelia, those two songs appears as pure marvels to play and sing..speechless in front of such genius and dephts. Thank you Joni, reading all the comments i think it's clear everyone loves you deeply :)

[@SeeCSeesCC]

❤️ splendor sounds like this

[@christophlieding734]

Danke from Germany/ Joni you are more then a legend. Send from Heaven for sure.

[@simonsimon325]

think this is my favourite song of hers, and this my favourite rendition.

[@jeffreylear7594]

Wonderful Joni... she can pull the emotions out of your heart... Surely, one of the best! Ever

[@peterrief01]

Joni plays and sings so effortlessly here and Pat Metheny's solo is out of this world !

[@donaldianmccaw]

aufzug yes, but Larry Carleton’s work on the album version of this song is heartbreaking.

[@bmcgoo6027]

That solo is appaling - it's so bad and out of tune - it's a disgrace.

[@clownprince0801]

This is just too good. True art.

[@fromParis2011]

​@@bmcgoo6027 Take it easy, you will come to it. I was like you once ! that is just one of these great musicians. We are not used to them.

[@eagles_s]

Martin Turner Haha !! They tuned the instruments to Heaven for this song(it is actually slightly sharp )

[@stevekaspar1396]

The most gifted and most remarkable female artist of the 20th century.. no question.. done..

[@dogwomanhere]

I will always be grateful for having Joni's artistry in my life. Now that we're in our last chapter, I have greater appreciation for her voice, writing, and painting. An enormous gift to this life. Impermanence is difficult.

[@birdynumnum3473]

I don’t feel worthy of this level of musicianship and artistry. Today’s “artists” should try to compare themselves to her before calling themselves artists. What a gifted, talented woman.

[@yeahdancetomyrecord]

I feel like she would disagree with that because art is entirely personal, but there still hasn't been another quite like her.

[@nadjazajc5086]

My most loved song.And singer and composer.Pure perfection.Nadja from Mexico.Enjoy.🙏💋🌹🤞🏻😌😢🌷❤️🍀🌷

[@petern3363]

A rare combination of great music and poetry. Never bettered.

[@oldscad]

Stay with us Joni. We're not yet ready for you to go.

[@michaelreidperry3256]

Joni, don't give 2016 the satisfaction of taking you too.

[@hoffer54]

@Russbot Apocolypse 2020 Please leave the politics out of the music scene! People come here to forget all that crap, especially all you right wingers! Jeez give it a break!

[@TheMonolake]

My queen...will never go.

[@janecahane9592]

Amen. Your words and music have been a mainstay of my life as well as many others. Thank you for giving our souls a shape to curve into.

[@adrianpasillas3832]

@@hoffer54 no...the stupid puke left....own it, puke...!

[@point2822]

AMERICAN MUSICAL ROYALTY EVRYONE ON THIS STAGE STUNNING LIVE RECORDING THANK YOU .28

[@lesanneesjacqueshelian]

That night, 40 years ago exactly, I was running a weekly music programme on a brand new radio station located in Toulouse and named TSF 100. Mainly american music. while I was putting my stuff together at the end of my 2 hours, the guy officiating after me, Jacques, got "Shadows and lights" out and started playing "Amelia". I Immediately became sort of paralysed and listened to every note, including Metheny's solo without moving an inch. I knew Joni as a folk singer from the year I had spent in L.A. in 67/68 but I was unaware of the extent of her evolution, even though I had purchased "Blue" in the meantime. Up until now, "Amelia" remains one of the pieces of music that I have most often listened to and watched. Just magic! Roland Fauré

[@Nikkithedog-t6b]

It can't actually be as easy and perfect as she makes it. I have watched her hundreds of times and it's never less unreal how great she is.

[@sixwingsram]

One of the greatest composers, lyricists and guitarist/performers ever. So sophisticated a sense of design. She's an artist from her nose to her toes. Such a rarity❤

[@SonicDykstra]

Greatest of her and most other generations. A true original, and artist who's always honest, sincere, and shows her vulnerability. A great song. Thank you.

[@davidryan7386]

Best band any singer ever had.

[@hallroy12]

I never tire of watching this particular video her music and beauty are stunning, please don't ever delete it, please

[@cathyanderson4645]

Beyond heaven🌈🦋❤️

[@bewren1]

Life is full of false alarms..the trick is to learn how to spot them before you crash.

[@cameronpruitt8339]

Well put, mate.

[@hoffer54]

@@cameronpruitt8339 Yes well put, one of the main tricks of survival!

[@cornstorm666]

Love the crash...and getting back up..soon all false alarms will be real...then what??¿¿

[@cornstorm666]

@@joetucker8364 agreed, never going to change...I apologize for my pent up anger, not your fault...stay safe, Amelia gave me the inspiration to skydive when I turned 70 last year, you will never see the Earth the same...no fear..

[@lorrainedarcy531]

Real musician with true beautiful Lyrics. Can't beat the 60's and 70's music.

[@jackerdelac9065]

I have watched this video more times than I can count

[@normatible9795]

The greatest female Songwriter / singer OF our time

[@34hedgehog]

@@DaleRC75 Absolutely. There's no-one better.

[@jonking4056]

Couldn't agree more.

[@objetty11]

@ Norma Tible, I'd include Carol King, Laura Nyro , and Diana Krall to that list. These women have presented us with a sound track of our lives i'm still in awe

[@davidespinosa1910]

Name a man who's better.

[@Joantiech]

I am 43 and Joni stil helps me to grow up.

[@namcat53]

Joni, you make us laugh and cry; you're beautiful, you swing, we love you very much. Thanks for everything ....everything. I love you.

[@colingittins8554]

What an amazing woman, who could not love her songs ?

[@jenniemalloy7402]

Colin Gittins Human.

[@cornstorm666]

She has written my life's story...and Amelia encouraged me to skydive...OH HELL YEAH

[@Ahqeter]

I found Joni as a boy when these albums were coming out and bought every new one as it came. I think I was in love. And when I watch this beautiful video after all those years ... I know that I was in love. Such beautiful music, beautiful muse.

[@bigolebot]

You were a teenager then?

[@marcomannoni6389]

Dio c'è!!!!!!!

[@mt-nv4jd]

Rarely do you witness perfection in the performing arts. This was it. I will always love Ms. Joni.

[@jackbrown2325]

The BEST singer songwriter ever in my humble , and one whose lyrics ( intentionally or otherwise ) are strong enough to stand alone . A remarkable talent , I thought it all those years ago and my opinion has never faltered .

[@aha2551]

Sad song, laced with deeply felt emotion

[@popogast]

I broke down in tears listening to this divine piece of music.

[@throckmortensnivel2850]

It's hard to believe anyone could listen to this song without sobbing uncontrollably by the end. How much heartbreak can one song have? It is just overwhelming.

[@weeklyleaksx1111]

Joni Best O' Bunch Heavenly Bells!

[@TotzkeMike]

So moving it isn't funny. 'Hejira" is - to me - the greatest album ever made.

[@gregsmith5148]

Michael Totzke - I hope when Joni’s biography is written, it is titled - Between the Forceps and the Stone I know, no one's going to show me everything We all come and go unknown Each so deep and superficial Between the forceps and the stone

[@TheMonolake]

All her albums

[@billsharkey9365]

You never heard The White Album ????😼😸😹😻

[@gearboxobs419]

Hissing too my friend.

[@gaylenhalbert4391]

Yes and have to mention the contribution of Jaco Pastorius.

[@Sajtbaba]

Both Ladies are the part of History now. And the ending minutes with Pat Metheny are also like Heaven. Words can barely describe this ten minutes.

[@cameronpruitt8339]

Such a lonely and reflective, yet beautiful song of the craving for adventure and at the same time, longing for stable companionship... "I wish he was here today, It's so hard to obey, His sad request of me to kindly stay away... So this is how I hide the hurt as the road leads cursed and charmed." It saddens me to think of all the people in the world who have wanted this companionship, but were disallowed to have it, whether the feelings were not mutual, or for the struggle for affection and self-autonomy. "Maybe I've never really loved, I guess that is the truth, I've spent my whole life in clouds in icy altitudes." I think that theres a parallel here, one in a figurative sense, that the narrator, has spent her whole life with her "head in the clouds," being a dreamer. Like Amelia Earhart, she "had a dream to fly." Eventually, like Earhart, she was "swallowed by the sea or the sky," and the narrator is being consumed by the man she wished were with her. In the midst of her adventures, looking back on everything, she "crashed into his arms." I think she laments the "false alarm," of companionship and eventually meets her inadvertantly-chosen destiny through her loneliness. On a musical note, Metheny's guitar work is a work of art in itself. His 'guitar faces' always display such passion and raw emotion through the music he composes.

[@coreyzimmerman9782]

Thanks for the articulate interpretation....

[@Ana-wb7fp]

So beautifully put, thank you Cameron

[@alanogilvie4504]

Extremely well articulated. Thank you. This piece of musical artistry is something that people will look back at a hundred years from now and be in awe. And want more.

[@Robbo57]

An amazing live performance of probably my favourite Joni song. Her guitar playing is fabulous on this version. But those lyrics cut right through my soul.

[@davidryan7386]

this and furry sings the blues. utter perfection on this live version. both.

[@jimmcconnell7328]

I love the way Joni sets the scene before she dives into the circumstances of her life at the time. My impression of this song is she thinks she’s crashed but no, it was just a false alarm and somehow she will get through this heartache.

[@robertgeraldwalker4987]

Hah! I appreciate your comment, really I do. But I took it just the opposite, that Joni was speaking with irony, that her dreams for fulfillment with that other person were the false alarm. Interesting to get this other perspective.

[@christernordstrom8356]

Dear Joni! I didn't listen enough to your wonderful music when I was young. Today though I find great joy and comfort in listening to your creations most every day, a never ending joy. Christer

[@themistermax]

Just amazing... I love how Joni kind of walks off as Metheny takes over... Where are the artists of this quality today? (There are none...)

[@SneakySeriyuu]

There are tons, you just have to actually look. Don't blame it on current musicians, just put some effort in.

[@leebond4559]

Pat's still going strong, but Lyle has left us....

[@namcat53]

@@SneakySeriyuu Tons? Name them.

[@elkalabaw7665]

@@namcat53 young folks today keep saying you just need to look for good music, they're all over. but that's exactly the thing, in our time we didn't have to look, we were constantly bombarded by it over the radio.

[@Knight_Boxx]

@@SneakySeriyuu name a few

[@rochittanedo5249]

this is a peak experience, a polished and poised storyteller offering such a nuanced view of, and sweet kinship with a kindred spirit.

[@DBRONX]

It doesn't matter how many times I watch this video or listen to the CD; I still get goosebumps for this live version. Musically and lyrically, just stunning on all counts.

[@onefoot7]

Plays such awesome guitar styles and tunings.....I would say that Joni is a Giant

[@RichardHBlumberg]

Joni Mitchell - Amelia (Live 1979) Happy 71st Birthday Joni!

[@TheViewmaster1971]

Must mean she's 75 years young now... ;>)

[@RS-on5zg]

This is just one example of how amazing Joni is in live performance. Love this version.

[@irenelowe617]

❤joni 🎉has so much class,I love this song everything I listen I find so muchlove

[@truettneathery4358]

Travelled through Burbank Airport last week - big statue of Amelia with her propeller - hummed this song all the way back to Sacramento !!!!

[@alanogilvie4504]

One of the finest pieces of music that has ever been recorded

[@bruceengle3793]

What an amazing song--what an amazing performance!

[@schakj]

Not only is Joni brilliant, but this videography is impressive for the late 70s.

[@chucklauria9538]

This song & performance always brings out goose bumps on my arms!!!

[@namcat53]

Such heartfelt, lovely, genuine, poignant music; I'm lucky to have been alive then and now. This is beauty.

[@carmenrizzo6408]

Eternal love

[@weeklyleaksx1111]

Joni #1 !

[@johnlittle4833]

A genius. This amazing woman had it all : musical creation; musicianship; a wonderful voice; intelligence; poetry; and stunning beauty. There is no other woman who comes close to her in terms of her contribution to popular music in the late 20th and early 21st Century. She has an amazing range from folk, through rock, to jazz. Her huge collection of albums will all ensure her music lives on long after she has passed. Her many millions of fans around the world, including myself, have had their lives enriched enormously by listening to, and learning from, Joni's music. A true immortal.

[@DancingElephantProds]

It should be a crime for them to interrupt Pat Metheny's solo after Joni performs like this and then walks off to hand off the stage to him; the song wasn't finished until he finished!! That was part of the whole package. Stupid KZbin needs to keep the ads at the front and NEVER do this!!! I immediately hit the pause button when that happened so I didn't see the ad; it made me so mad.

[@gerrylavelle216]

"People will tell where they've gone. They'll tell you where to go. Until you get there yourself. You never really know."

[@Christophergarcia-pt2qj]

She has such a way with words. They always spoke to me.

[@charlesmonroe3124]

Jeez, I forgot how much I love this song by she and he.

[@michaelhaydn9504]

so I think that's Pat Metheny, guitar solos, with Joni! Beautiful pairing!!! Such a lovely voice, Joni Mitchell, such fine open tuning guitar 'chops!!!'

[@cprietsch]

Utterly beautiful ❤

[@stephencarpenteri2223]

So unique. An angel in our time.