Joni Mitchell - For Free

[@joywilder9092]

Bless all the street musicians, and bless Joni for this beautiful tribute to them.

[@sei525]

I won her album in a poker game 35 years ago. It changed my life. Thank you Joni for some of the most creative music ever recorded. BIG FAN FOR LIFE!

[@ChrisTopher-yh4ye]

As famous as she is, still ranks one of the most under appreciated artists.

[@vladamih]

Absolutely stunning.She's so graceful and beautiful.

[@Bonzoix]

I’ve been listening to Joni Mitchell since high school in the early 70s. I have virtually every one of her albums, although there are a few anthology albums that I would still like to get,… when I can put together $30-80.00, each But a half-century ago, there was one song that flipped my switch. I can’t explain why, but from the moment I heard this song, I was absolutely in love. I haven’t given it much play lately, frankly, it’s been difficult to listen to her music since her brain aneurysm in 2015. With her appearance at the Grammys last week, I realized it was time to put aside the demons and listen to my precious Joni once again. Of course I came across this song and I found myself playing it on a loop for about an hour. I just want to share it with you guys that’s all. Please enjoy it with me.

[@lawrencepeach6496]

This song still chokes me up after all these years!

[@lynnautumn5948]

Hauntingly beautiful, melody, poetry, woman.

[@stovism]

As a musician, that doesn't get paid, I've always loved this song...Like she could of been singing about me, playing on the corner, when I was homeless...Well, someone just like me...hehe

[@StarfieldRailway]

Joni Mitchell playing by herself was as good as the Beatles. I don't think any other musical act ever was.

[@johnjarou2357]

HooptieHamburger agreed.

[@lindawolin4111]

HooptieHamburger

[@boollyboolly]

Agreed. She's a genius and even though well known doesn't get anywhere near the recognition she should.

[@oliaslives6986]

This woman is a goddess--screw what others think of her (including the 12 clueless dislikes here). I was something of a latecomer to her music--1975's MILES OF AISLES--& when it dawned on me that she was not just another female singer/songwriter with a guitar (and she's been my all-time favorite all these years), I grabbed up every LP she'd released up until then & have followed her ever since. Her talent is unparalleled & her music will be listened to in awe well into the future. Love U, Joni.

[@paulliane49]

I get tears every time i here this song.

[@oscargarciamiguel6745]

Te hipnotiza con su talento. Eres eterna Joni

[@srkadict]

I have loved her for 30 years now and it was so hard to find people who knew her in France in the late 70ies !! How I wish the Internet had existed !!!

[@rkirkendale]

Quite simply the best woman singer song writer of all time!

[@alessandraalchieri6518]

What a sweet voice the lady has and this is a very soothing melody...

[@alicewonderland7218]

I agree! I love to try to sing along with her, it gets quite funny!

[@AGrrrlsTwoSoundCents]

Why can't she just be the best singer-songwriter? Woman is not a category of music; it's half the world. She easily outplays almost all of her male contemporaries, so I really don't see the point in emphasizing the fact that she happens to be a woman. It's insulting and it's like you're placing her in a sub-category

[@j.kevvideoproductions.6463]

@@AGrrrlsTwoSoundCents She easily eclipses most of the men of her era. The only ones that come close were James Taylor whom she loved for a time. & Cat Stevens, who was in another world of his own.

[@dream703maker]

She's poetry.

[@Cabronosidad]

I remember seeing this performance on, I think, the Lulu Show in about 1971. I'd been a Joni fan for a couple of years and thought this was magnificent, and so out of place on that show. It still sounds as sweet all these years later. Thanks for posting.

[@bobg525]

sweet Joni; they have paved paradise indeed... your refrains caressed my heavy brow; when as a boy-man .. tween the treatments ... after the abduction times... .. you added so much to the creative treasury of heart... ....lovely sweet Joni ....You are a precious gift to us all....thank you so so much .

[@bobg525]

love you Joni.

[@julienicholas4928]

Beautiful song.

[@lavalsaphone]

Hers was poetry that defined a generation. Haunting themes for quiet thinking in the insane 70's. Like other world tanlents, the producers wanting to bring in orchestras and backup bands, always wanting to put their own stamp on this musical miracle. But Joni was a One Woman Show; a single soul endowed with a beacon which could reach into the darkness of other single soul's, and make sense of it all. I'm forever indebted to her for the places she brought my battered soul for renewal.

[@brightonmick]

I think my greatest ever pleasure will be that I once shared a planet with this woman

[@slickens57]

Many brilliant female songwriters today, but no one in the last 50 years like Joni Mitchell.

[@344bulbs]

Here's to hoping we take the time to notice the beauty in life, always.

[@sailorlac]

Simply beautiful. Oh how I love the sound of her voice and the words that. break. my. heart.

[@folkmusicgirl]

I was watching American Idol tonight (Jan. 14, 2015) and there was this young girl of 18 years old playing guitar and singing an original song. I could tell she was very folk influenced in her singing/guitar. The judges liked her and so she is "going to Hollywood." They did ask her who some of her musical influences were and she said, "James Taylor and Joni Mitchell" (named a few others too but can't remember who) Anyway, I thought wow, here is this girl, only 18 years old and she named Joni Mitchell & James Taylor as her influences! You rarely ever hear contestants naming people involved with folk or singing a folky type song on this show. Country yes, but not folk! So glad to hear a girl on this show singing in the folk genre!!!!

[@leRgcFox]

Not really, it's pretty common. Considering Joni Mitchells influence on music. She's globally recognised in the music world.

[@juliahoff7158]

Oddly enough, Janet Jackson stated that Joni Mitchell had an influence on her music too. Don't know how that could be the case, but Janet claimed in an interview that she would listen to an album she had of Joni Mitchell when no one was around . She would even hide it too. I never heard Janet's song of "Got till it's gone", but it was influenced by Big Yellow taxi. It's nice to know that a young 18 year old playing guitar on American Idol was influenced by both James Taylor and Joni Mitchell. That is really nice to hear. I introduced Joni Mitchell to my kids too and my 22 year old daughter loves her music. My daughter's favorite Joni song is All I want. I honestly can't say I have a favorite Joni song. There are too many of them that I love!! If I had too, for the moment I would say, "Two grey rooms".

[@folkmusicgirl]

Julia Hoff Did you listen to many of Joni's albums from the 1960's? Do you have a favorite from that time period? Actually my favorite Joni's music is all from the 1960s' and up to about the mid-70s'. I was really into the more folky influence albums for the most part and loved her 1960's early material a lot.

[@leRgcFox]

This girl's folk as!

[@DianeSeversonMori]

This song moves me every time I hear it. Bless you Joni!

[@fairygodmomma2313]

You, Joni Mitchell are Majesty incarnate!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ...A mate who has since passed away, RIP, told me once you saw him playing his guitar on a corner when he was a young teen, and although you say clarinet and not guitar, he was certain you wrote this for him. He felt honored to carry the memory, true or no, is a dream to have Queen Joni watch you play, especially at such a tender age as he was. He did get on tv later, but mostly behind the scenes & once carrying a rifle, although he truly preferred his guitar & took it everywhere...

[@rtbarnes4893]

Her best songs were absolutely phenomenal...

[@chuckm51]

I think this is my favorite version of this song. What a find! youtube deserves its money for making all this available to us.

[@telestrat060]

One of my favorite songs ever. I`m so glad I found this video. Thanks, Joni.

[@max17ren]

"for free...." love this song... I can remember listening to this song so many years ago. I'm glad you're still with us Joni. Even if you no longer can sing, I still love you and just happy you were able to sing these beautiful songs.

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

She can still sing and did recently.

[@soaringvulture]

Oh, Joni; who could be this good? I love every note, every space between the notes; your music is like perfume. Real good for free.

[@johnGA30]

Joni has always been a harbour for my soul. She is everything that is good about us!

[@Domblick]

i spent last night in a pink hotel, and thought of Joni´s song. Great song. loevely memories.

[@bobg525]

Joni... this touches my soul soooo deeply the tears flow in sweet warm remembrance of other times .. bitter sweet in those days... what a comfort; you have been our companion of the highway; in days of youth and babies and learning. our Queen , our lovely Joni.

[@lavasmokechile]

I get CHILLS EVERY TIME I listen to this song!

[@gnukev]

The song is so beautiful. I love the way she weaves the whole story into the time it takes to wait for the light to change and the self-deprecating way she portrays herself spoiled by her own success and as just another person who passes by the free music by the great clarinetist. She has the opportunity to harmonize with him, but she doesn't. I think this is the first Joni song I ever really appreciated. Lovely performance! Thanks for posting this!

[@stripetuffy]

Still a beauty and an inspiration to the world, what times, what talent, thanks

[@brightphoebesays]

Brings tears to the eyes. Such wisdom....

[@amandaberesford]

What's so great about Joni songs is there is so much room for interpretation.

[@rja81]

long live joni and may u never run out of beer brother john

[@TheElis9]

Joni and her music shows the beauty around us..

[@DianeSeversonMori]

his is prob my favorite song by my idol Joni Mitchell. It really speaks to me, makes me cry. She's such an honest musician I only hope and dream that I can be half as true when I sing.

[@TheFobster]

This is the first song I ever heard of Joni, and it was this performance that introduced me to her. I found her music a couple of years ago - and since then, her music has carried me through the bad and good times. She is a treasure of the Earth.

[@LEEDSPETER001]

Listening to Joni Mitchell always cheers me up

[@cdonline1]

Thank you, Joni. You stand with the best and the brightest, dear lady.

[@juandominguez9167]

Que belleza. Las palabras sobran. Eres única Joni única!!!!

[@LuAnnHeston]

Stunning, I am sooo grateful I grew up with the music I did. Thank you Joni for all you've shared with us.

[@Cris1949]

Oh Joni.... I am sixty by now as you are, I figure, and that deep deep feeling of time gone by , with the irreplaceable taste of the 60's and 70's is hard to tell. You are one of the most cherished keepsakes, woman.

[@RFWieder]

Hard to believe that a mere mortal can have so much talent!!!

[@dubldeka]

More relevant now than ever.

[@RhymesandRythmns]

I played with the guy this was about, Lol Coxhill. probably the most modest musician i have ever met. Now playing improvised jazz, Lol toured with people like the stones and jimi hendrix simply because they wanted him to jam with them. Last time i saw him he was in his 80's atleast so I thought I would comemerate the man who could capture an audience in a single moment, much like the one joni describes here. Big up Coxhill!

[@steven3747]

Angelic tune from the likes of one we'll never see again. So enjoyed David Crosby play this on guitar during his recent tour.

[@madmad1955uk]

Outstanding. Thank-you Joni. No other singer/songwriter has had such a powerful effect on my emotions. True musical and lyrical inspiration.

[@jraimondi]

I just want to give her big hug. I am in awe.

[@Voicercise]

So beautiful. Her songs and singing have always taken me to that beautiful peaceful place and here after all these years it remains.

[@dyamarick]

I gave this album to my girlfriend while at college. It certainly takes me back there when I hear it. This sounds exactly like the album cut. Married 33 years and blessed by it. The music must have connected us. Thanks Joni.

[@michelevankleef]

So beautiful

[@flutestar51]

Oh, this was so wonderful to find! I LOVE the songs from that time period by Joni Mitchell. She provided the background music to so many vignettes of my life. None better... a toast to you, Joni!

[@Havenscope]

I can't get enough of this song.

[@MrsNatureLuver]

Brings back good memories of simpler times. I saw her in concert back in the early 80's and she sang this song beautifully...Love her!

[@gnukev]

Such a beautiful composition! The whole story takes place in the time it takes to wait for a traffic light to change. Joni talks about her new-found success in the music business, but in the end, Joni describes herself as just another person who passed by the great street musician. So touching. So real.

[@onepeacenow]

Joni's music touches me and sustains me in so many ways. irelephant, well said.

[@MrRandyScot]

"The Sixties" were loud, raw, wild and crazy. We needed someone to bring us down to the quiet, the sensitive, and the personal. Joni was the one who did it. And the quality she had, that is pitifully rare in a musical star before or since, was that she was AUTHENTIC.

[@fingal42]

Blue is a great album to start with. I bet you'll listen to it over and over and...

[@Kirkunik1]

She was the total artist....and beautiful woman. In a class by herself. She inspired and influenced me in my music...got me through some tough times....and spoke the hearts truth. Loved her then....love the woman she has matured into. You're awesome Joni. Thank you for touching us with your genius.

[@normalil]

Her talent trancends the ages...how young she looks here. This song is still a treasure, I wonder where that street clarinet player is now?

[@oliaslives6986]

Can relate 101% to what you're saying, and appreciate your candor & the fact that, like me, you can hear her with completely open ears. Peace & good fortune from a fellow recovering addict...

[@MeredithWaters]

This song is an inspiration for me. My uncle was a very great clarinet player. And I love this album so much. But I always remember this song. This is for me about the choice, to play music for love alone.

[@pamelapy]

Beautiful song, music, woman. Amazing what unique talent she's maintained over the years. I adore her.

[@tarl53]

My daughter passed February 4th 2022. Jo is music describes how I feel. Like a rusted old car that went off the road, and was never found again. Alone.

[@George_D777]

Such a profound comment, I'm sorry for your loss, & I can very much relate. I wish I could offer more. I've no clue what happened. I only wish to remind you: as long as you remember her, a part of her will live on in you. All things must pass, remember you need not face the grief and loss alone.

[@Virginiaflame]

Total perfection without trying love you Joni

[@romeofoever]

I heard a blues trio do this song this weekend, almost brought me to tears.

[@dorianinsable2519]

Thank you Joni...as a fellow Canadian, I am so proud of you and the 40 plus years of music you have given us...You, Glen Gould and Oscar Peterson (among others) have done us so well...one of her best songs...timeless

[@nash5]

Pure beauty

[@finchhaden7016]

Simply beautiful.

[@EcoRover]

Thank you for sharing this. A beautiful song from a beatiful singer, and a rich tribute to street musicians everywhere. Who can listen to Joni Mitchell without a tear?

[@AkiliNeil]

absolutely beautiful - song and singer alike

[@oldcolonel13]

Had you been there with us, back in the 60's, you'd understand the power of this magnificent piece. As it is, let the meaning touch your subconscious and the sound bring you bliss. 35 stars.

[@scarletstarr]

my favorite Joany song!! Glad to see it on YT

[@elizabethgreen8744]

Excellent!!

[@putkettleonfilms]

I've always loved Joni's piano playing as well as her guitar playing; she's got a beautiful technique and it's a lovely song.

[@jmiller05]

She has a way of just involving you within her life with her music. Her voice is probably the best i've ever heard. It's just so full of expression and the whole range of human emotions.

[@bbbbmer]

i cry every time i hear this version of her song.... it's so sadly exquisite... i adore jm...

[@selbino]

What a song and what a voice ❤️

[@SuperLadyjuliet]

Joni always makes me feel melancholy.

[@davidr8466]

'I wish I had a river to skate away on. . .'

[@jwebbw]

.....Her playing and singing is so natural and effortless, a real artist, songwriter and a musical genius in her own right....I watched this video a few years back and always loved her unique approach to the piano and the sound she creates....I am attempting to learn this by ear on the piano....Her music will always stand the test of time....

[@fernald10]

Beautiful. What a performer!

[@clarkjones7765]

Close to 40 years ago, this was the song that made me fall in love wth this gifted women. Shes been a constant thread throughout my life and I'm so grateful for that.

[@rachelallencamus]

she is the picture of vulnerability at 3:00-3:20. I especially love the flutter of her eyelashes at 3:11. such a rare blend of passion and talent! love her xoxo

[@neub4321]

Intimate, affecting, wonderful storytelling

[@mouldybear]

What a wonderful bit of narrative songwriting including reflective comment and what superb performance.

[@rockyracune]

Back in the late 60's and early 70's I was growing into manhood. They say Rock is cock. But Joni was the first female artist I took seriously. To this day, I listen with great joy to her wonderful music.

[@butfulmuzik]

Ah, Joni, you make it so difficult for me to decide which song I love more. I guess I"ll just have to love them all. I do have to tell you, though, that "For Free" melts my heart every time. Beautiful song, dear lady, and it sits right up there with so many others you have given us. Thanks, Joni, a lot of us are listening and appreciating the gift.

[@redone2422]

Joni alone with her piano..love this song so much. It gets me every time.

[@LorenzoNW]

If you listen to her voice as a whole, it’s pure magic. Now if you close your eyes and really listen deep and break down how she phases each word and the nuance and expression she puts into it, you can begin to understand the genius behind the magic.

[@friendlyisle]

What a wonderful song - I love every song on the "Blue" album. Her voice is hard to beat and lyrics that have touched my heart.

[@wontletyoufly3520]

My favourite Joni song, beautiful.

[@Cotdail]

Stunning. Mesmerising. Christ, this is incredible!! This song always manages manages to slice me into two. What a f*cking perfomance. Thanks muchly henhenstoll.

[@sonnyridoc]

There is only one word to describe this performance....perfection. Thank you, Joan Anderson....