Joni Mitchell - The Magdalene Laundries (Live Toronto 1994)

written by Joni Mitchell | produced by Joni Mitchell & Larry Klein | from the album Turbulent Indigo (1994) | live from Intimate & Interactive (1994) | additional audio mixing by sonicboy19 | lyrics:
I was an unmarried girl
I'd just turned twenty-seven
When they sent me to the sisters
For the way men looked at me
Branded as a jezebel
I knew I was not bound for Heaven
I'd be cast in shame
Into the Magdalene laundries
Most girls come here pregnant
Some by their own fathers
Bridget got that belly
By her parish priest
We're trying to get things white as snow
All of us woe-begotten-daughters
In the steaming stains
Of the Magdalene laundries
Prostitutes and destitutes
And temptresses like me
Fallen women
Sentenced into dreamless drudgery
Why do they call this heartless place
Our Lady of Charity?
Oh charity!
These bloodless brides of Jesus
If they had just once glimpsed their groom
Then they'd know and they'd drop the stones
Concealed behind their rosaries
They wilt the grass they walk upon
They leech the light out of a room
They'd like to drive us down the drain
At the Magdalene laundries
Peg O'Connell died today
She was a cheeky girl
A flirt
They just stuffed her in a hole!
Surely to God you'd think at least some bells should ring!
One day I'm going to die here too
And they'll plant me in the dirt
Like some lame bulb
That never blooms come any spring
Not any spring
No, not any spring
Not any spring
© 1994; Crazy Crow Music

[@SN-sz7kw]

As an adoptee taken from my young mother by “Catholic Charities” during the Baby Scoop era - this saga rips my heart out. My own birth mother did not survive the trauma. She took her own life. There is no moral role for government or religion in the reproductive lives of women and girls. Joni’s Little Green became the voice of my lost mother & remains so today. 💗

[@WISOTT]

And there is no role for religion in politics either. I'm so sad S N to read your story; tears. Every time I meet a nun I can only think of that line 'those bloodless brides of Jesus'; and how dare they and priests lecture us, judge us and pontificate about relationships and women's bodies. Michael

[@ai-d2121]

Thank god there is Roe vs Wade. Hang on…

[@mrsh810]

@@ai-d2121 and now that's gone for you over there. Xx

[@lnl3237]

Hope you have found love and affirmation in your own life. You are a living testament to your mother's existence and worth.

[@karencahill4798]

We are in a spiritual Warfare since we stepped foot on this planet. My heart breaks for you and what’s happened to your mother. I Have trouble with Catholicism’s retched past and present- they’ve twisted all things that God and Jesus stand for- Love and mercy- loving your neighbors. Misleading His little ones- Many are hell bound.

[@mickeymcgreal]

I was born in a 'Magdeline Laundry' I'm 68 now and have listened to this incredible world class talent since I was 17. To hear our dear Joni sing about this breaks my heart each time. But her voice takes me to places I would have never realized on my own. I'm just not that gifted. Joni Mitchell's interpretation of Happy Birthday would be worthy of the Smithsonian's attention!

[@alexadvorson1090]

My heart goes out to you. Did you see this? facebook.com/bbcnews/videos/1079985388809117/?sk=h_chr

[@dalepierce23]

the catholic church has caused more atrocities than any other human or group of people on earth. glad to finally see their world crumbling

[@tourbillon13]

@@dalepierce23 Agreed. How the mighty fall... 💢

[@patrickmurray9359]

​@@dalepierce23 don't exaggerate it's disrespectful to victims as it makes you look insincere.

[@patricias5122]

@@patrickmurray9359 Yeah, I agree....the Catholic Church has much to answer for, but that's a preposterous statement.

[@robcharlton5133]

Surely one of the greatest songs (and social commentaries) ever composed. This alone for me cements Joni Mitchell as one of the 20th Centuries greatest artists.

[@ENGABU1]

Just adore Joni. Bit of history here. When THIS performance was filmed the last remaining "laundry" was just about to close here in Waterford Ireland. THAT'S how recent this history is.

[@nojerama788]

Yeah I think it was 1996 when it finally closed

[@suesjoy]

Whoa! I had no idea they were around until not that long ago! No words. I left the Church at the age of 18.

[@anthonysteel6877]

And some people talk about "The good old days".

[@paulinebutcherbird]

@loopy Ruane Agreed. The novel, The Secret Scripture tells the story magnificently.

[@JodyKenyon]

@@suesjoy Wow!

[@Chaziltasm]

Not a single musician alive like her. Her playing... her voice... how she can hold a crowd like this. Her writing, the lyrics, the way she uses alliteration for rhythm. Every word is so carefully selected, so poetic so beautiful. I'm 29 years old, I discovered a love for Joni at 20. She has been there through my hardest times, like a surrogate mother.

[@jeffreywillis9932]

Pure Magic

[@larryhuff2811]

Joni Mitchell was my Godmother unbeknownst to her after my mother died in 73 then my sister in 74, my brother in 75...I locked myself in my room with Joni's songs and my brother's Ovation guitar, practicing to perfection till I could play and sing for acquaintances, friends and my father...Carey (get out your cane), Ladies of the Canyon, Big Yellow Taxi...her music kept me sane, gave me my voice to render beautiful melody and give me profound confidence and joy. I love Joni Mitchell for being my muse and a mother of sorts who brought me through a dark time in my life into the light.

[@maryannbrown5762]

Larry Huff What a sad yet beautiful description of the healing power of music. You grabbed the power of unbearable tragedy and grief and channeled it into something whole and good. Joni inspired and guided you to learn to play guitar and sing her songs. I’m so glad you were able to do that.

[@Kord8peas]

Beautiful. Hopefully you’re still picking up a guitar & singing your heart out somewhere

[@blzbob7936]

Her music touches souls. She surely she touched yours. And mine. x

[@keneelee]

Thank you, Larry, for sharing your story!

[@kathymack3791]

Oh Larry, so much tragedy in such a short period of time. I can't imagine. I think Joni has helped a lot of us through some painful years. As I've gotten older, her songs have taken on new meaning - in particular Green and Circle Game. I think I was 18 the first time I heard Circle Game and now I'm in my 60's. This line really hits home these days: "...And they tell him...take your time...it won't be long now...'til you drag your feet...to slow the circles down".

[@topgazza]

Pure unadulterated genius. Love they way she loses herself in her songs. Precious soul

[@meredithmacinnis1237]

Totally bizarre that I have never heard this song before today!

[@wayneshum]

She is completely inside the song

[@candiceporter3324]

This song is more relevant than ever in light of the Roe reversal. And no one writes or sings as powerfully and achingly beautiful as our Joni.

[@rosablancas9349]

Yes @candanceporter, I was thinking the very same thing.

[@davidtoddsingleton]

Abortion is bad

[@rosablancas9349]

@@davidtoddsingleton you're a dude, please educate yourself. If you don't have a vagina you don't know.

[@cre8lite11]

In loving fashion I would like to say she is not ours

[@candiceporter3324]

Good point!

[@Gene1954]

Bob Dylan got his Nobel it's time for Joni's.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

@Vince Abate Ha ha.

[@kellyanquoe]

there a great many musical geniuses in the new world but few able to transcend their own medium

[@thomasromano9321]

She may not have a Nobel, but how many grammys has she won?

[@blackie75]

They should have given his to Tom Waits.

[@douglasmathison1263]

Looking at the comments it just goes to show how women are not respected then and now. Bob who? Blue heeler? How many Grammy’s has she won? 9. She’s won 9 Grammy’s thomas Romano. Or is it Thomas? How many Grammy’s have you won? I’d like to take this time to thank Joan Lambert for be so smart and determined and for signing my yearbook with a reference to Joni Mitchell all those years ago.

[@Fan4club]

99% of the music business is just using beats for an ego trip and then there is something like this - real art - the searing truth. Joni!

[@johnbrattan9341]

Oh, your message is depressing....and so not true.

[@joebloggs7956]

an eternal message

[@Firstfruits288]

God bless you Emerson fans and your family!

[@peterbrockhoff857]

Sad, that's what happens when capitalism gets a hold on everything, it's a sickness!!

[@refundrick]

Joni Mitchell has been tearing my heart out for over 50 years - and I'm proud of it.

[@mikewarr3272]

refundrick I can see why

[@joetischner1080]

Yes!

[@Super241946]

She's been assaulting mine and I'm considering suing!

[@garnetthegeman6838]

I hear you. Me too. Tearing it right out of me.

[@Super241946]

@@garnetthegeman6838 Sorry boys but I think she's been tearing the arse out of it. Sanctimonious twit!

[@michaelwilcox6882]

Wow. I cried. Joni is incomparable. ❤

[@The333Wanderer]

I do believe that one day when Joni is gone, a big piece of my heart will die too. After listening, deeply, to her music for 45 years, I pray to God that she lives forever. We all need her.

[@rovanli1]

I dread that day

[@ballymahonst]

Rest in Peace Mari Tatlow Steed ❤️🙏💜🙏. You were amazing in your help for all affected within the Magdalene Laundries , Rest In Peace , gone too soon , your work is done ❤️

[@thomasromano9321]

This song grabs me around the heart like a vise. There is so much injustice in this world concealed by hypocrisy.

[@racheltattersall337]

“So I sat out in the sun on a rock and I tuned my guitar to the sound of that day (...) I tuned to the crows and the seagulls, the sonic references available” ...As you do.

[@abetcalendar5352]

I know It's like she's from another planet Which she is

[@katherinehunter9526]

Clearly a prairie girl from Canada, where you do tune your guitar to the bird's and sounds in nature. As you do... ✌💞🇨🇦🎶🎸👍 KEH

[@themaggattack]

God I love her.

[@pianowoman2529]

"Surely, to God some bells should ring." Joni, you give them back their dignity.

[@francollins9739]

No matter your taste in music or who you like you simply have to respect her musicianship! As someone at 18 I can see her music is timeless and appeals to people of all age and from all generations

[@dtdyvr]

can you imagine being in that studio audience? a memory for a lifetime...

[@iginiat]

A very timely piece for today. Continuing social injustice of women hidden and finally brought to light.

[@Rainmakers84]

Never can tell differences between her live and studio work. Thats pure infilterable talent.

[@helentumelty5183]

Ali Mahmood pan pipes

[@Firstfruits288]

God bless you Ali Mahmood and your family!

[@trackie1957]

No Autotune necessary

[@dhss333]

Mothers taunted by "rilijis" as they gave birth.

[@martypaxton7668]

This is a masterful performer of guitar and lyrics and voice , deserve every prize there is , she is a treasure for us .

[@toneman335]

God gave us Joni so us mere mortals could see what is possible.

[@brentlund2272]

BEAUTIFUL BEYOND MEASURE !

[@sunaJH]

Joni's idea of tuning to the space is something new to think about, I have played open tunings for decades and have never heard anyone approach it like this

[@mattyowen158]

she has her own tuning notation system too!

[@Super241946]

Ah! Fuck me I've heard it all now😂😂😂

[@Super241946]

Ah! Fuck me I've heard it all now😂😂😂

[@soaringvulture]

I'm thinking about it but I can't visualize it. Joni's way beyond any music I can make.

[@vicsnix43]

@@Super241946 Yeah, but have you thought about it???

[@CianCorbett]

Wow - I hadn't heard this before, beautiful. A friend shared it on FB while the Pope was visiting Ireland. I have no idea how anyone can still be Catholic knowing the cruelty they inflicted on the women and children here and all over the world.

[@user-hn1zb9rk4h]

and the soul slavery and debauchery of everyone and everything they can get their hands on. Filthy, Filthy patriarchal fraternity that has been practicing pedofilia since roman times.

[@28FlyingDutchman]

People just turn a blind eye to that which makes them uncomfortable. As with all religions.

[@fionanburke3084]

So what do you think of the Concentration Camps on the Southern Border of the USA? :( You could do nothing about the Magdalene Laundries but you can about what is going on today in the world :)

[@tourbillon13]

@@fionanburke3084 Where do you start Fionan??? One twisted human chimera is responsible and too many lackeys to count. Not unlike the church. A Worldwide Petition perhaps? The creature doesn't know the meaning of shame. It's up to those in power Worldwide to step in, just as it has always been with any atrocity. To be vilified simply because of where you were born, and under a particular religion... in 99% of cases means diddly squat to an intelligent person. Live and let live for everyone is fundamentally equal. So, again... Where the hell do we start?

[@JodyKenyon]

They burned all the midwives at the stake, all the sage femmes:(

[@davestambaugh7282]

This is a great example of what Peggy Seeger ment by songs that make history come alive.

[@undertakr]

The way she nails in one take in front of a tv audience live the best version of this amazing song… she’s hits beyond

[@eliza-susandabbs-hampton2426]

Joni is a gift, no doubt. I’ve listened to her since I was 18, in 1970. She is pure genius! ♥️

[@charlesmonroe3124]

Me, too. 1969.

[@jedlewis8232]

Joni is the benchmark for musical genius.

[@kjamesthomson3045]

I've recently realized that it's a little odd that with this artist, Joni, who has impacted me so deeply and for so many years that I actually stopped collecting and listening to her new work back around Hejira and Wreckless Daughter. I guess I moved on and wanted to stay with Joni's melodic folk guitar picking and arpeggiated piano accompaniments. Finally, like 40 years later I'm craving to catch up. I want to snatch up every album since I stopped following. I'm devouring all her work and see that it will be a huge fount of listening and thinking music. I suspect that I'm not alone here. In starting to discover her later mature works I'm moved by the depths of her burden as an artist. She kept moving through her insights and dealing with them through her art. I was really bowled over when I heard her slow orchestrated version of A Case of You, on the album Both Sides Now. Listening to the deeply meloncholy strains of her many years later version while thinking of her strumming her lap dulcimer and trilling through A Case of You back in those days long ago is overwhelming and perfect bookends to feel her artistry, her sacrifice for it. Today I feel for Joni's tired bones so, I pray for her. She is such a gift.

[@patriciagullickson2046]

I like the later stuff also... not a question of better but different.. always incredible

[@drbobperkins]

K James Thomson Hejira is still the gold standard for me.

[@Docadabay]

Thank you for that, K. James Thompson

[@janetbrown2927]

Having her entire catalog, I have to say the most incredible for me is Night Ride Home

[@alanm6329]

Yes, I grew up listening to earlier Joni through about Court and Spark, and now that I'm in my mid-40's, I've begun to appreciate her later work. I think the perspective I've gained as I've aged has opened me to her later work, to which I was mostly closed off before. I just find the Night Ride Home album exquisite now.

[@eurekarekers]

What an amazing artist!!! Joni speaks like the writer and poet she is. She sings and plays like none other. She's a painter, a master storyteller, a deep deep well of musical and magical beauty.

[@RichardFeynmanRules]

I was an unmarried girl I'd just turned twenty-seven When they sent me to the sisters For the way men looked at me Branded as a Jezebel I knew I was not bound for Heaven I'd be cast in shame Into the Magdalene laundries Most girls come here pregnant Some by their own fathers Bridget got that belly by her parish priest We're trying to get things white as snow All of us woe-begotten-daughters In the streaming stains Of the Magdalene laundries Prostitutes and destitutes And temptresses like me Fallen women Sentenced into dreamless drudgery Why do they call this heartless place Our Lady of Charity? Oh charity! These bloodless brides of Jesus If they had just once glimpsed their groom Then they'd know, and they'd drop the stones Concealed behind their rosaries They wilt the grass they walk upon They leech the light out of a room They'd like to drive us down the drain At the Magdalene laundries Peg O'Connell died today She was a cheeky girl A flirt They just stuffed her in a hole! Surely to God you'd think at least some bells should ring! One day I'm going to die here too And they'll plant me in the dirt Like some lame bulb That never blooms, come any spring Not any spring

[@toneman335]

I went to a Catholic elementary school. grades 2 thru 8, in the 1960's. The teachers were nuns, "sisters of St Joseph". They were vicious, mentally and physically abusive mostly to boys almost on a daily basis. The experience harmed me mentally most of my life. It was very difficult to recover from that trauma! There is more to the story but I won't go into it here.

[@forestghost7]

I feel you, just 1 yr, grade 6, was enough to ruin my childhood ... and nevermind the equally vicious nuns, I was molested by the alcoholic parish monsignor. yes, for real. how unreal that there's a university named after the fucking predator 😢🤬

[@timsmusic7349]

My Mother passed away last year and grew up in Ireland. Women knew what would happen if they made that one mistake while growing up. I was recently told that at 19 years old, my Mother had 8 teeth pulled at the dentist on a winter evening and had to cycle home on a miserable cold wet night on a bicycle. And one more thing, was required to attend funeral of a neighbor and represent the family on the way home. I never knew this before she passed away. I cried when I heard this song. Thank you Joni.

[@georgejohnson163]

Joni Mitchell being considered a genius is putting it very lightly.

[@kamysailings877]

Thank you Joni, what a beautiful tribute to the victims and survivors. The way women were treated for having a child out of wedlock and of course the men don’t have to pay for their sins. In the 60s my mother was raped at 16 by her brothers friend. My mother was pregnant as a result of that rape and by her parents she was made to marry her rapist. She was knocked out during childbirth and when she woke she was told that both her babies died, their lungs collapsed. She has always wondered if they were alive somewhere because the woman next to her was having twins too but hers survived she was a married woman. I’ve been wanting mom to do one of those dna test to find relatives and maybe it’s true her babies were stitched at birth. Oh and she wasn’t aloud to see them either, she said thire hearts were beating and they were active throughout her pregnancy. If it’s true I believe my grandmother will go to her grave with that secret plus my step grandfather was sexually abusing my mother too so I think they may have thought the babies were his. Mom thought her may have been giving her this medication back then that induced labor or miscarriage.

[@sarahs1405]

Sending you 💓 all the love to you and mum

[@kathygibbons5302]

Also sending love to you and your dear Mam ❤❤☘☘🙏🙏

[@dreadPaxman]

so painful, so real. Thank you for sharing

[@Missjunebugfreak]

This is a devastating story. Your mom is extremely courageous and strong for going through that horrific ordeal. I can't even begin to imagine what that must have been like for her. sending love to you and your mom ❤

[@DiAllinson]

So heartbreaking. Do you know you could do your DNA ancestry yourself and if you have siblings that have done their DNA it will match you

[@elsepoel3901]

Thank you Joni for bringing this so called charities in to the daylight. So many women where mistreated and felt guilty for ... doing nothing wrong..

[@trackie1957]

“….so I tuned my guitar to sound of the day…” I mean, who does that??? And even if they did, who else could be taken seriously saying that? Just a sensitive, creative monster.

[@dtdyvr]

Joni Mitchell, a planetary treasure.... incomparable....

[@debragiannini4458]

Well, there's Anais Mitchell

[@gouldbj]

Man, what a song for today's headlines! A quarter century ago. Joni was unparalleled by any measure. The fact that there were no Joni imitators or even attempts at copycats says a lot about her originality. Musically and vocally gifted. She always acted humble. That must have been torture.

[@leszektemplewicz3362]

Are you familiar with Polish Kalina Jedrusik, Irena Santor, Ewa Demarczyk, Maryla Rodowicz, Kora?

[@karitahannikainen4734]

Was there...Love, Karita.

[@Webleys]

I think it was David Crosby when asked about her being humble said "she's as humble as Mussolini". An absolutely major talent though.

[@TotzkeMike]

Genius. Thank God we didn't lose her a few years ago.

[@Jim1971a]

Michael Totzke yes, that was scary.

[@brucelaidlaw1441]

The Magdalene Laundries is one of my favourite Joni Mitchell songs. It must be one of the saddest songs ever but somehow honours the souls of the abused with its stunning beauty. Hearing her describe the circumstances of how she came to write it really drew me in and then; wow! A solo performance which had me mesmerised, as though I had never heard the song before. I’d love to hear the rest of this performance.

[@janefriel6895]

My natural mother was indeed a victim of such horrific circumstances. She died 2021.From irish blood to irish blood thankyou Joni Mitchell. ☘

[@richardcatherwood7930]

A great artist……a great song about the outrageous treatment of many young women…..and as always a unique performance.

[@leapsplashafrog]

She made up a tuning for the day.... Wow. What a way to understand music. Being an expert with open tunings must set you free

[@sonicboy19]

Joni Mitchell never lies. :P

[@JudgeJulieLit]

@@sonicboy19 But for now saying that during the Vietnam "conflict" she was not antiwar, contradicted by such verses in her song "California" as "the war and its bloody changes" and "peace--that was just a dream some of us had."

[@thomasmyersnosal8036]

"They'd like to drag us down the drains " . She said it with femininity and grace and powerful words

[@joebloggs7956]

read this as drug us...

[@tlskls7655]

God bless Joni as she sings this eulogy and lament for these souls.

[@eolden7749]

Wonderful songstress and guitarist. God made only one like her.

[@rfporter3]

I love Joni's voice, lyrics and guitar virtuosity. She's stunningly beautiful as well.

[@nunya1738]

Man, if ever there was a soul you could come and go through time with...

[@MarkSeibold]

It was stunning to watch her playing up close in August 1979, at the Portland Memorial coliseum, as I moved up as close as I could with a telephoto lens, and high-speed transparency film to photograph her performing many songs from her Hissing of Summer Lawns, and Hejira albums. The Pat Metheny group with Jaco Pastorius on base was backing her on this tour. I got up from my seat halfway back on the main floor where my wife and I were sitting, and walked up an aisle, very close to the stage. I've put up several of the photos from that concert, in my Concerts album in Facebook.

[@jmdurant2000]

I can’t listen to this without tearing up. Such a sad, beautiful and powerful song.

[@Yanto-Bardic]

Part One: A light shines about her Tis not the moon or the sun The light of something higher That strikes her beauty To the soul of everyone Her voice tumbles Like mountain water From sensuous and wise lips As she marks her song with rhythm In the swaying of her hips And then the words hit home Like the wisdom Of the goddess’ light And I am lost in my listening As her song takes flight (Copyrighted@Yanto2013)

[@cafinario]

If I had been one of those guys listening a few feet from her, THAT day would be a very precious day of my life.

[@leszektemplewicz3362]

You would be totally mesmerized and have out of body experience.

[@jonbors7055]

Her talent is otherworldly.

[@julielortz670]

I love this woman, as a sister of my deepest soul. How precious it is to know ones such as her who represent the deepest of us .... Because she could, and love her, she did.

[@leszektemplewicz3362]

And Doris Day and Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette and Tanya Tacker

[@axis2946]

The 60's and 70's brought out the natural genius in many artists. Ultimately it was Gods Will that it be so. It was a time that allowed you to feel who you really are. Showers of beautiful Grace ~

[@jhonhall928]

Inspiration sits on her shoulder, rightous anger lives in her heart.she sings songs about our lives forcing us to remember that once we to were brave.

[@budway1942]

A Canadian icon.........as famous and talented as she is,,,I am sure people turn away from the truth of her songs...they should not.

[@ljs7wave]

wow, I've never heard this song . . . and I thought I've heard all Joni's songs. . .... You still amaze me 40 years later Joni . . . I love you!!!

[@Hecate2011]

I heard this heartbreaking song before I ever knew what the laundries were, and was haunted by it. Now I know. Joni is a genius paying proper honour to those tragic women.

[@dancucich6392]

just a modest request, in the interest of fairness and objectivity (as opposed to credulous childlike, uncritical thinking), read the 35 page rebuttal to the dubious tales about the "Magdalene Laundries" here: www.catholicleague.org/myths-of-the-magdalene-laundries/

[@Hecate2011]

@@dancucich6392 The evidence against them is overwhelming - mountainous. Rebuttal me arse. There isn't one. Prime Minster Enda Kenney even made a formal apology about them. There are so many skeletons in the Catholic closet I'm surprised there's any room for live humans.

[@dancucich6392]

​@@Hecate2011 Susan, here is the 35 page rebuttal www.catholicleague.org/myths-of-the-magdalene-laundries/ that you didn't even read, yet were not too prudent to offer uninformed commentary on it. Thats pretty shoddy scholarship. The fact that the PM offered an "apology" would suggest that the government admits responsibility for whatever legitimate grievances the plaintiffs may have. PS: Sorry you are having problems with your "arse" ...perhaps not speaking through it would aid in your recovery process.

[@Hecate2011]

@@dancucich6392 Okay I read it. I'm not going by Mullan's or anyone else's fictionalized account. I'm going by hours of interviews with people who were actually in those places. And investigations into other places like Mount Cashel orphanage - Christian Brothers - in Newfoundland, and St. Anne's Residential school in Ontario, and the 100+ priests in Boston that Cardinal Law kept moving around, and St. Joseph's Industrial School in Letterfrack, IE. In that report you posted the link to, it says "no nun ever sexually abused anyone." That statement is categorically false and that kind of "absolute" invalidates a lot of that report. The report is the usual Catholic whitewash. The Catholic Church continues to be in denial about the rampant abuse it has inflicted worldwide. From routine physical abuse and casual cruelty - a friend of mine was beaten daily in St.Joseph's industrial school in Dublin and deliberately made late for his bus to north county Dublin, to extremes of physical and sexual abuse like that meted out at Mount Cashel Orphanage in Newfoundland, it is commonplace, especially wherever the Catholic Church has absolute power over children and youth.

[@dancucich6392]

​@@Hecate2011 Susan, you bring in the problems of Boston some years ago, which has nothing to do w the so-called "Magdalene Laundries " folk song flap" of yesteryear. Thats intellectually dishonest, and a distraction. Yes, the church has had HORRIFIC problems w homosexual priests praying on boys. For that reasons, among others, we need to end the celibacy rule and let priests marry, and make darn sure no gays are ordained. I might add that there are almost 410, 000 priests world wide and out of 410,000 maybe 2,000 have proven to be Judas's who betrayed our Lord. Protestant churches have a suffered through a few of these instances also, but far less because they allow their clergy to marry, and this gays have less of an opening into their seminaries. As for the interviews you base your criticisms on, where can I, or others interested in truth (rather than rumors and hearsay) see those interviews? Question for you: where did you *personally* read them? They are based on reports that you offer no links or name any sources, like newspaper articles or documented police reports. Don't you think in the interest of fairness and truth, that you and the rest of the people in this thread should actually be required to provide OBJECTIVE documentation, instead of folksongs, and undocumented hearsay reports? Thank You, in advance for providing some documentation from the sources which up until now remain unavailable to the public.

[@timsmusic7349]

Such a beautiful and heartbreaking song. Hope it can bring some comfort to every tortured forgotten soul.

[@annoneill4716]

Tears! Justice & truth for women & men affected by the Mother & Baby Homes issue in Ireland. Mil gracias. #StandForTruth

[@surrepeight]

I loved Joni from the first album (Song to a Seagull) and forever ever, but my 3 favorite albums are Court and Spark, Hissing of Summer Lawns, and Hejira. The imagery she creates with her lyrics is astounding. When someone calls her a genius, they're NOT just throwing the word around. She has been inspired by a higher power. I will be 67 next year and have spent my life listening to her and enjoying her music and lyrics.

[@blairhelsing630]

"Poppy poison / Poppy tourniquet" from The Jungle Line. Just that line on its own in the middle of a great performance gets me every time.

[@gepal7914]

Blue

[@PeteAxeShields]

The truest of Artists in every sense of the word, Joni paints exquisite, vivid imagery whether by brush, guitar or mouth upon the canvas of our souls. A most unique, beautiful lady.

[@warrenmark5879]

It seems like there are 19 soul-free miscreants with antifreeze in their hearts... How anyone can listen to this and not be moved to tears is beyond me. Thanks so much Joni - to me you are the greatest multi-dimensional artist in Canadian history. I'm in awe of your genius, your heart-felt stance for what's right... I share the same sentiments as you. Thanks amigo !

[@leszektemplewicz3362]

wasn't Leonard Cohen Canadian?

[@harveycan5820]

And Steve Stills... And Neil Young...

[@leszektemplewicz3362]

@@harveycan5820 thanks. I didn't know that.

[@PreacherAtArrakeen]

People who don't like this song are probably Catholics who'd rather everything be swept under the carpet.

[@leszektemplewicz3362]

@@PreacherAtArrakeen who is it gracing your profile picture? Mother Theresa?

[@eugenedonaldson1041]

Beauty, brains and talent and heart. A very complex person.

[@gouldbj]

I'd say Joni is a national treasure but the truth is she is an international treasure. One of, if not the most spectacular, example of artistic genius there has ever been. She is my spirit animal.

[@maramirkin3325]

This is deep! Thanks for telling such stories in the “sun light!” Sad you are ailing! Yet your legacy and body of work is timeless! And true gifte to the world! God Bless you, always in the fabrics of our self discovery! And particularly poignant in the death of Sinead! Poor, gifted, tortured genius of internalized shame! You are something special..

[@dcool2u2]

Her guitar playing alone just melts my heart.

[@stevehughes1510]

Yes a maestro, supreme player singer composer.................heartfelt songs that are ageless and enchanting......thank God.

[@normc8169]

Joni is my all time favorite artist. Love you

[@peterkelly8953]

In an era of greatness, Joni Mitchell is the cream of a generation

[@DanFiebiger]

She opened door that flooded the world with calm beauty.

[@teresavanleuven2856]

Congratulations young lady! Your a Hall of Fame now congrats Joni Mitchell 2022

[@garnetthegeman6838]

I have no words. Only tears. Something only Joni Mitchell can do to me almost every time.

[@brucegelman5582]

Yes she is the muse incarnate.

[@jazzmartian01]

the soul, the genius, the awesome beauty of Joni Mitchell.

[@louismark1242]

jazzmartian01 hi beautiful 🌹

[@davidparnell1893]

Joni was a prism of light unseen before her songs. The aura from her heart was angelic as it shone the depths of humanity. So where are we now, have we forgotten the contrast and conjecture of life as she saw it? Such a pure Canadian view of life so rare in its beauty.

[@PJChgo1]

"Not any spring" just slays me, to tears, every time.

[@angieslindmusic]

me too, that line kills me. The whole song but especially that line.

[@peacelove3817]

This is the first time i heard this while curiously searching for good music. This song although nice,gave me the chills due to the thought of children brides around the world as we speak,along with pregnancy by priest,Fathers,so many sick scums in this world. Its just un bearable & heart wrenching to hear about things like this. Very admirable woman&beautiful voice...

[@cafeesotericaradiohostesss3983]

Thank you Joni for your wise words, so elegantly put! My daughter's father was born in one of those horrific places, where they made them work up until they gave birth as some sort of punishment, he was born in 1961. Need I say it all affected him terribly.

[@tomsparks6099]

trembling with total catharsis. The keening at the end -- the sorrows of those women -- no words.

[@LMDinNC]

Who knew this question would yield a revelation like “so I tuned to the crows and the seagulls and the sonic references available...”

[@Ravenoflight2275]

Such a sad thing. How dare those sisters of charity abused those innocent women may it not be forgotten my heart goes out to the women who suffered.

[@Ahnishinabe]

I never knew this Joni song, first time hearing, a big surprise as I thought I had every track she ever recorded. It makes me really miss her talent and her courage and her absolute great talent at forming great music even from the darkest shadows...she is clearly one of the greatest song talents in human history. Telling us once more of yet another atrocity by the Roman Catholic Church, yet another in the grim and terrible abuses of women by the church, by men...in the sweetest voice.

[@toneman335]

God must have thought that he wanted the world to have music perfection so he gave us Joni!

[@pascalmettey7858]

Wow. Just wow.

[@WindDancer435]

Today is the first day I have heard of this and just watched the movie. It just broke my heart and now I am researching this harrowing tale. Ms Mitchell is a wonderful storyteller and her voice and guitar playing is so haunting. It made me want to cry.

[@Transterra55]

II am overwhelmed by Joni's artistry: painter, poet, innovative guitarist/pianist, singer extraordinaire. Her musical catalog is as valid as any classical composer. If this were the only song she ever wrote, it would be enough to cast her as the ultimate singer/songwriter.

[@MrDallman]

The completeness, the perfection, the beauty that is Joni Mitchell…unsurpassed and unparalleled….the finest singer/songwriter/musician of our time.

[@janegardner3283]

We've lived through this one, Joni and I. Glad she could say it out loud.

[@davidbee8178]

This performance made my admiration for Joni's musical talent and her incredible intelligence and ability to tell a story grow a hundred fold. Truly a treasure. And from our Canada to boot ! LOL

[@denisedeutschman660]

This is my favorite live performance by Joni Mitchell ever.

[@Kittkid5]

+Denise Deutschman Me, too. I wonder how she's doing. Can't find out.. Do you know anything?

[@GCAT-zv9in]

Mine is when she was super young and plays the dulcimer and sings in her yet unburnished voice her song California with the innocence she was born with. You could see in her first performances that she is indeed the real thing.

[@davidmarsalis1522]

Joni is an absolute legend. ❤❤❤. What an amazing musician.

[@traceydaly2666]

Thank you so much for you thoughtful education and heartfealt music.

[@geoffreywilliams9324]

Love this lady and her songs . .

[@johnmcguigan7218]

This song had a hidden relevance for Joni when she wrote it, since she secretly had a daughter "out of wedlock" as it were, which she gave up for adoption. That's what her song "Little Green" addressed. Late in life she had what started out as a heartwarming reunion with her daughter, which quickly turned sour.

[@pampoovey6722]

I think 90s Joni had the most beautiful chords. But props for talking about the laundries. I've known family who've come from there. Ireland's shame

[@Yanto-Bardic]

This is my most favourite Song and Video on all of KZbin. "Perfect"...and Joni...well what can one say - Beautiful Genius. Bewitching and Spellbinding - as is the song.

[@eddionrodanronnie]

Beautifully written with sensitivity & those poor young women that were treated with such cruelty, there children taken from them must have been a living hell Nice that Joni brought this to light

[@punypoppy9147]

She's so good, i don't have words to express it. I'm tearing up.