Joni Mitchell and the Melancholy of Christmas

[@matthewsawczyn6592]

Joni Mitchell understood seasonal depression before it had a name

[@Italy55]

Tears in my eyes after listening to Linda Ronstadt sing this beautiful song.

[@shaughtup7554]

Every single song on Blue is a polished jewel, brave, honest and true, it was my wife's favorite album may she rest in peace, I play it often when I think of her and our 44 years together, when the music begins the tears start to fall, and I don't mind at all

[@gpeddino]

"Blue" is an absolute masterpiece.

[@kingrobert1st]

Yes along with Tapestry and Harvest.

[@johnbrowne3950]

As is Court and Spark.

[@feldensteincalypso3458]

As is, in its way, this brilliant little piece of analysis.

[@Mark.mp3]

Hejira is her true magnum opus

[@jakelindsay268]

@@johnbrowne3950 yes indeed sir, two of the greatest albums of all time. Although the entirety of her 70s output is pure gold IMHO

[@candeha8951]

I've looked at christmas from both sides now :)

[@theletterbleeds]

In this oversaturated era, it is refreshing to watch channels as yours that dedicate to illustrate music history in such a remarkable and genuine way. Thanks for doing this.

[@Sashashka]

couldn’t’ve said it better

[@AxxLAfriku]

I am being humble when I am telling you that I am the most powerful strongest coolest smartest most famous greatest funniest Y*uTub3r of all time! That's the reason I have multiple girlfriends and I show them off on my ch*nnel all the time! Bye bye ble

[@lukejack5837]

Definitely great and well produced content but still very glorified and pretentious. It is needed tho for the narratives this channel explores and makes for a good watch.

[@happyron]

Yes love this channel so much

[@PiLLbOt100]

@@lukejack5837 what pretense is had in his videos.

[@Vinc90]

How she rushes the verse "I'm so hard to handle" makes this an outstandingly sad recording to me

[@bernhardkrickl3567]

River is one of my favourite songs by Joni and possibly one of my favourite songs of all time. And it always brings me close to tears.

[@kamikariad]

Me too. I grew up with trauma in a place that had a river that froze for months and I actually skated up it against the wind for miles. Then I would turn around, hold my jacket open, and sail home...

[@CinemaStix]

Seriously: does ANYone do thumbnails more legit than Polyphonic? It just feels like they belong in their own little corner of KZbin, independent of what you’re “supposed” to do.

[@AllTheArtsy]

Tumblr aesthetic lol

[@anthonyorr8868]

I live in Joni's hometown of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The river is close, it's cold and snowy, and I can't see my family for Christmas, so this video is a welcome surprise.

[@tavadaardendrian319]

I’m sorry man, have a merry Christmas!

[@BrunoMigliari]

"River" is the ultimate Christmas song

[@jessharkness5534]

joni mitchell is simply the best. i listen to this song year-round... there's many times when i wish i had a river i could skate away on

[@eldergeektromeo9868]

I have all of Joni's albums. She is the consummate American musical genius! Herbie Hancock won a grammy for his album "Rivers: The Joni letters". For myself, Joni is responsible for getting me ( and many others) through the 70's with her art and songs.I hope she recovers fully, and adds to her musical library very soon!

[@Bc232klm]

I like being alone an christmas and not being forced to create a stressful day of obligations. I'd much prefer a real day of rest.

[@denkokoro]

There's a big difference between the excited customer and the undervalued employee during the Christmas season.

[@christinequinn5355]

Indeed. And it's always right before our eyes.

[@darinlagarry3091]

This song is the reason I love Joni Mitchell. I play it every year at Christmas time.

[@timk6181]

My favourite Christmas song. It's so gorgeously sad.

[@wadeledbetter4551]

Man I'm sorry to hear that you'll be spending your Christmas alone this year. My family only lives just down the road from me and I had to miss Thanksgiving due to being exposed to Covid. It was a sad thing to come to terms with, being without the people who a season like this is meant to be spent with. I also think about my great grandfather and the letters he wrote back home while in Europe during WWII, to tell his family that he loved them and wished he could be there with them for the Holidays. I often times find myself clinging to the melancholy side of the holiday season as far as music goes. Something about the juxtaposition of loneliness in a time of cheer is just so visceral and exposes the human heart on a different level. I hope that you find some joy in the melancholy this year, as ironic as it may seem. Great video, and keep up the great work! God bless and Happy Holidays.

[@pauldecoster]

I take comfort from learning more about music with your channel

[@LoveTruth86]

This is one of my favorite songs of all time. It started when I was a child battling advanced cancer. I would spend Christmas in cold hospitals. I rarely had visitors. No one had time for me on Christmas or any other holiday. I would play it on a Walkman. The entire album is my all time favorite. My other favorite holiday themed melancholic song is Kenny Logins’ Celebrate Me Home. I would listen to that one too and imagine how it would feel to be in a warm glowing room with people who loved and cared for me. It was a foreign feeling that was rooted in deep sadness and desire.

[@leslieosgood3627]

Joni Mitchell's music has always been very important to me. Her music captures the darker emotions that I can't put to words myself. For me, many of the songs on the album, Blue are about grief in its many forms. It has always been a comfort. Sorry to hear you can't go home for Christmas. It has been a horrible year. Thank you for all the care and work you put into your videos. I enjoy them.

[@johnjohnson3709]

Thanks so much for this post. I’m one of those people who doesn’t celebrate Christmas. I watch it from the sidelines. But I do at times feel a little bit of that melancholy but I take it for what it’s worth and never get depressed or anything. I sent your post to my ex who loves Joni Mitchell. I knew he would like it. He doesn’t really celebrate Christmas either. We both are gay males and never gave each other Christmas presents. We celebrated our birthdays together. We ended our relationship after 9 years and remained friends. He’s a wonder person and I feel lucky he’s my friend.

[@matthewloughran73]

River is a fantastic song, probably my second favourite Christmas song after fairytale of new york which is quite special considering I heard it for the first time last year. I woman I fancied was learning to play it for a Christmas concert, I started to listen to Joni Mitchell so I would have something in common to talk about with her, I very quickly fell in love with Mitchell's music. According to Spotify she was my second most listened to artist after the beatles. I decided to learn to play river myself this year as I find myself "wishing I had a river I could skate away on" quite regularly.

[@Gabe-qd4gz]

I'm always happy when you make Joni Mitchell videos. Brings me such immense joy.

[@DavidJones-sc6jc]

Well done take on Christmas, and it really hits home about the duality of happiness and sadness. This year after losing my job of 11 years, my mom died in July and one of our beloved cats had to be crossed over a few days ago due to uncontrollable seizures (phenobarbital didn’t work but for 10 days.). I do get angry and jealous when I see these commercials of people having a great Christmas. It’s not their fault though.

[@coyote4237]

I remember hearing this for the first time. Absolute genius. And as far as sad Christmas songs go, Dan Folgelberg's "Same Auld Lang Syne" is right up there.

[@robgronotte1]

That's more of a sad new years eve song though.

[@coyote4237]

@@robgronotte1 Says he meets her Christmas Eve.

[@robgronotte1]

@@coyote4237 Oops, you're correct! The name makes me think of New Years more than Xmas.

[@AndrewAMartin]

@@coyote4237 Jim Croce's "It Doesn't Have To Be That Way" is another melancholy Christmas song... And "Circle of Steel" by Gordon Lightfoot. Those are songs I like to play even when it's not Christmas....

[@leonardkurtz1383]

Also, Gordon Lightfoot’s “Song for a Winters Night”...

[@mathildastenback9824]

All of the videos you’ve made on Joni Mitchell’s music have been absolutely wonderful and truly impactful.

[@josejones5632]

dolly parton’s hard candy christmas also embodies this idea

[@blachubear]

The Carpenters-"Merry Christmas Darling" also.

[@susmurphy]

Hard Candy Christmas is, quite ironically, from a Broadway musical called “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”

[@ronnickels5193]

@@susmurphy I think that was where I Will Always Love You came from too.

[@BrianKrock]

"River"- and the quotation of "Jingle Bells" that begins in- are *not* in a minor key, nor is transposition involved in any way! That intro is in the key of C major, just like the standard interpretation of the song. It's actually a common fallacy that minor keys are inherently sadder than major keys. Joni's "River" is a great example of how melancholy a song in a major key can be. Not trying to nit-pick your wonderful video, I just don't want disinformation to spread!

[@BrianKrock]

1:59

[@SamHarrisonMusic]

He's mistaking that shift to the relative minor as a key change - which I guess it is if you're looking at that one motif, but the song itself remains major. Joni could make me cry singing happy birthday - her superpower is emotion x

[@bixbox3202]

@@SamHarrisonMusic ok

[@DavidBennettPiano]

I came here to say the same thing! Well put Brian. Otherwise a good video though! 🎄😊

[@bixbox3202]

@@DavidBennettPiano ok

[@vanessabutera4385]

Wow. Speechless. I'm a huge fan of Joni and this album. Given everything that has happened this year, and the winter solstice that has come and gone, I'm really feeling the holiday blues this week. This video touched me. Great work!

[@lukejack5837]

The groaning note held at the end of each sentence because of your voice over style is genuinely hilarious

[@leahdoc19]

This guy is literally the epitome of quality content. It’s so good i feel like i should be paying for it.

[@kellyk1919]

River is my favourite song ever. What a pleasant surprise

[@theone3955]

Polyphonic, I found your channel at the beginning with the Bonham video and gave tuned in since, awaiting every astoundingly well-researched upload. While you’ve always effectively and creatively illustrated your points, you continue to out do yourself. Thanks for making the Internet a better place. Take care and I look forward to seeing you in the new year.

[@jp5481]

Me too, the video on John Bonham was my first, and I've been subscribed ever since. I guess the algorithm realised I am a big Led Zep fan, although I don't usually watch these kind of videos analysing music or whatnot. But yeah Polyphonic is fantastic.

[@luispanzar4764]

Ooooohh! I love 'River'. Heard it in the background in "Almost Famous". That makes this a video I didn't know I'd been waiting 20 years for.

[@noahr4951]

My heart swells when Polyphonic covers Joni Mitchell. Two of my favorites.

[@diyabritto0706]

will always be my favorite non-christmas christmas song

[@raugust152637]

I'll be spending Christmas alone. And I fear this. My mother died 10 years ago, and my father left me when I was a baby. I used to spend the holiday with friends but, even those seems to grew apart from one another in the last few years. Plus the fact that 2020 to me was an year of constant suicidal thoughts, and I'm so very much afraid of those next few days. I'm rambling at this point. I love this channel. Happy holidays to everyone.

[@alphabettical1]

Happy holidays to you too. Know that winter always brings spring, no matter how long it takes and how slushy March gets. That thought usually comforts me.

[@danielnunez7073]

Great vid! however Joni did not transpose the song into a minor key, she instead changed the chord progression, she adds minor chords but the root remains the major C

[@jeromydoerksen2603]

This is crazy. I asked my friend for a random album recommendation today and _Blue_ is what he suggested. What a trip!

[@renanpadilhadepinho8004]

''Don't snow here, it stays pretty green'', since I live in Brazil hahaha. So, I always connected myself with this song because of that line, but the covid-19 scenario gave a another whole different meaning to this amazing and powerful song. Hope everyone who reads this, tries to enjoy the best you can from this quarentined Holidays!

[@nicohappysad]

I believe the song is actually in C major (even though it sounds melancholic indeed).

[@andyrharris]

Right there with ya

[@charisselinnellmorton851]

Merry Xmas from Saskatoon,Saskatchewan ...home of Joni Mitchell.

[@erinmahoney1407]

Oh my god! I was so excited to see this is the song you chose. I've also been listening to River a lot in the past few months

[@TybudX]

River is my favourite Joni Mitchell song, and I love a lot of Joni Mitchell songs.

[@_dnk]

I had thanksgiving and Christmas alone. I feel you brother. Keep making some of the best music videos on youtube!

[@kiroropupper3914]

Crosby is from my hometown! I think if people came to Spokane, WA during Christmas they'd have a deep understanding of what Crosby sung about. It's not the cheeriest city but the winters are gorgeous and make you long for something special to come, even though it may never happen.

[@thewickedwizard]

Thank You for this, River is probably my favorite Joni song. I've always been drawn to the melancholic piano chimes of jingle bells and her beautiful voice. It means more to me this year than ever before.

[@paisleyprincess7996]

My mother died four days after Christmas, and I found out when I called my aunt from a pay phone at Target. Of all places. Her birthday was on NY day. The holidays are melancholy and sad, every year. I do the holiday thing…the cookies, the tree, gifts, and the meal…mainly to keep my sadness at bay. But the holidays are sad and lonely, reminding me that besides my kids, I don’t have my mother or my siblings around. Blue is a fantastic album that speaks to my soul, with River reminding me of my times when I had happy Christmases with my mom

[@underthetornado]

Iove Joni, I share her birthday and shared her producer friend, Henry Lewy. He always said Joni was a genius. I couldnt agree more.

[@stuartcole4845]

That whole album is amazing.

[@bubblegumbitch2191]

I really love a case of you

[@hippomancy]

christmas worked best for me when i was a dad of a young child. i had a crowded childhood with little money, and saw santa visiting the rich kids. as a single adult i made a point of introspective indulgence over xmas holidays. buying art books and doodling, binge-watching movies of akira kurosawa or win wenders... general satisfactions that often one didn't have concentrated time for. melancholy is for people with expectations. there is even a zen in xmas, if you just chill, take in the kitsch of lights and decoration, maybe eat a little too much chocolate oranges, or chicken bones (nova scotian childhood xmas treat). i wish everyone is able to chill, to find a healthy corner of themselves they maybe didn't know existed; a resilience, a patience, a wry smile at kitsch and a willingness to wait for it all "to come around" (as Arlo Guthrie put it) once again. hopefully the new 'normal' will be kinder, less selfish, less self-holy, and moe reasonable. and zen...

[@karenweston2714]

River made my Christmas cd this year as well.

[@demetriaparks3849]

My mom died 2 years ago Christmas eve. With all the other things that have happened this year, it's hitting me really hard. But I have my kids. I hope to catch some of their cheer when they open their presents.

[@parkerjeanlengle]

this song makes me cry like nothing else

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

That contextualization and circle-back segue to Joni Mitchell after the Bing Crosby/Irving Berlin segment was masterly.

[@michaelfitzurka5659]

Brilliant as usual sir. Thank you and well...Merry Christmas!!

[@maxalvarez5223]

I heard this song randomly on a Christmas playlist I just threw on a couple days ago. This song stayed with me though, something about the feeling of Christmas this year and how I’ve emotionally grew as a person just struck a huge nerve with me. What a fucking great channel, for real please keep working your ass off on these because it shows how passionate you are and the videos are great:)

[@j.s.m.5351]

Now I'm crying.

[@AWormsPurpose]

This is the Christmas i finally realized this was a Christmas song and started listening to it as such, weird to think no matter what i was gonna find out through poly

[@grizzthegreen4500]

I love the brilliance of this channel's content. Thank you.

[@ChrisGarmon]

Man, I love your content. But I LOVE this video in particular.

[@Lazyotaku135]

The song that is really getting me this year is "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" as sung by Judy Garland. Normally I find it very pretty, this year I weep every time

[@thevfxmancolorizationvfxex4051]

I'm surprised you haven't taken on the challenge to analyze and discover the deeper meaning of Paul McCartney's Wonderful Christmastime. I always wondered what the true meaning of the lyrics stood for

[@SamHarrisonMusic]

It's actually a recipe for vegan soup!

[@thevfxmancolorizationvfxex4051]

@@neiladlington950 I am being sarcastic

[@neiladlington950]

@@thevfxmancolorizationvfxex4051 So am I.

[@kevindavila625]

I hate hate hate that song

[@davidjako5022]

@@neiladlington950 Everyone is being sarcastic those days

[@ahmet-erdem61]

I surprized when i saw the video i didn’t expect that. Similer feelings about River and the christmas but never deep thoughts like that. I also feel the loneliness of inside when i listen to that song even i have the people around me. Joni Mitchell’s emotions proves why she is one of the greatest and thats one of the simple example of. Another great video of yours. Thank you for the efforts and have a happy holiday. I know we have rough start but i hope everything goes back normal in next year, take care everyone.

[@jimmywallace6452]

Thank you for always giving Joni a time to shine! I know she is appreciated and respected by so many but you have taken the time to dissect her amazing work!

[@danielpierce9343]

My favorite Christmas song is "Fairytales of New York" and I appreciate that song the same way I do "River", there's something so emotional and personal that it's special to the person listening.

[@johndelrosario4311]

This was beautiful man. Much needed. Thank you.

[@yz4043]

Damn this video made me cry!! My heart breaks for you

[@sebastiano728]

Great video! Such a coincidence that you're releasing a video on Christmas melancholy, a few days ago I had this whole speech at work about how I think the best Christmas songs are all melancholic in some way, either thematically or musically. Even Mariah Carey's modern classic that sounds so joyful is about longing and the willingness to reject all Christmas traditions that make her happy if it means she can be with the one she loves. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and especially Nat King Cole's The Christmas Song are other examples of songs whose melancholy make it sound Christmassy. I think part of it too is that the musical melancholiness gives these songs a nostalgic feel, and Christmas is for sure the season of nostalgia. Anyway, thanks again, awesome vid!

[@writer4peace]

How utterly beautiful!! Thank you!

[@marcharkness9382]

Wonderfully written and researched script about one of my favorite topics - Joni. And the visuals and animation are stunning - from your color to typography to texture. Happy holidays to you, Polyphonic guy, and thank you for the richness you bring.

[@OhBeNice]

Type O Negative Red Water is my favourite melancholic Christmas song it deals with loss of loved ones and the effect that has on the holidays.

[@hannahsolo27]

I love this song, and this is a wonderful exploration of it. Thank you!

[@i.hold.vertigo2329]

Your videos keep getting more and more fascinating, kudos.

[@ShadyCrzy]

OMG, I didn't know about the relationship between Nash and Mitchell and now I see that Songs for Beginners came out the same year. Great video. Thanks for giving one of my favorite albums a bit more weight.

[@shaman9]

Thanks for the reminder about the Zeppelin Epics. I signed up for Nebula and never got around to seeing those. Great work. Can I suggest a series on the Soundgarden epics? Or perhaps the evolution of the theme over their career? Beyond the Wheel -> Gun -> Slaves and Bulldozers -> Mailman -> Tighter & Tighter

[@gcqsopus]

Brilliant, as always. Thank you so much for your hard work. Enjoy your much deserved break.

[@ThatGuy-bp4gz]

This was both utterly fascinating and almost overwhelmingly sad. Thank you for posting this. I do hope your Christmas surprises you in a good way.

[@jonimaricruz1692]

I love Joni Michell, River always makes cry whenever I hear it, but give me A Fairytale of New York by the Pogues to cheer me up.

[@punkerfoo12]

Thank you for your thoughtful words. Wishing you the best this season!

[@kenmcguire6221]

The content and videography of this was done very well

[@lupcokotevski2907]

Another very profound Christmas song is from Joni's pal and only stated influence, Laura Nyro. Nyro's 'Christmas in My Soul'(1970) is a melancholic hymn on the turmoil in the USA. A review of 'Blue' in 1971 by New Musical Express (Britain's premier rock magazine) notes the Nyro influence.

[@gemma2915]

I always thought I was going insane when I kept hearing Jingle Bells at the beginning of River, never even thought it was supposed to be like that . . . I'm stupid. Have loved the Blue album for years, thanks for some context!

[@tjrmakhetha]

You have the most gentle voice on KZbin. Your sincere soul shines through it. I can't believe there are people that actually shit talk you in the comments. You are very appreciated bro. Happy holidays

[@emojosh1]

I love your channel so much. Your depth and critical analysis is so refreshing.

[@dantapedeck3642]

Great job! Absolutely loved this! Your info on Joni Mitchell was amazing!!

[@christopherkerndl4040]

Man your videos just keep getting better! Keep it going and I hope you get to enjoy your time off

[@jonathonfoster6640]

Was not expecting "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" to make an appearance! 😂 (Love Joni Mitchell, btw! This is a great video!)

[@rjjeffreys]

This isn't just an exceptional video, it's also an insightful essay on Christmas. Happy Holidays to you, and yours!

[@jimbricker4982]

This video is amazing. Well done, Polyphonic. Very, very well done.

[@chriscoccaro1689]

One other song in the Christmas canon that has the melancholic context is Christmas (Baby Please Come Home). Consider that the hit was created and released during but before the height of the Vietnam conflict when families and significant others were pining for the soldiers to return safely.

[@meghenning2236]

This xmas is particularly sad for me. Covid taking a serious toll on my mental well-being, and losing the idyllic family I once had. Last year my parents were technically divorced but trying to work things out. This year, they are split up and despise even the slightest mention of the other. I didn't want to write this out on a youtube comment, but my therapist is booked for two weeks and every other outlet is unavailable because of the pandemic.

[@MPresheva]

Shake it out Meg. It's ok. You are protected.

[@GeraMontes]

Im with you Meg. I pass through a divorce myself this year. It is a rough time.

[@garypeatling7927]

Always loved this song so clever in many levels

[@ioanasimon6444]

I've had River stuck in my head for a week now. Great video and great timing💕

[@bipinsamsohang]

the chills

[@junessareyes3540]

IVE LITERALLY BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE AHHHH

[@johngomez2138]

Man, you are really F**kin good at this!

[@bethanymccormick6100]

beautiful video, explained well, AND GREAT SUBJECT MATTER

[@danielwoodard680]

Thanks for the depth and understanding of Holiday loneliness. All the Best.

[@jeroenfigee]

The video and especially the animation is really cool. Must be hours and hours to make.... Thumbs up from me, for that one ... . I played 'River' many many times and because of the minor key I never really got the theme, so this video is kinda like opening the song and its background. . Really cool video. If I am ever inspired to write a Christmas song that will be the angle I am gonna take and this video is kinda inspiring to put a few notes onto a page ... :-) I am now subscribed.

[@robinfinetto5871]

This video is beautifully edited by the way!

[@wcrb15]

Enjoy your christmas break Polyphonic! Thanks for all the amazing videos this year. :)