Joni Mitchell - River (Official Music Video)

Just in time for Christmas, Joni Mitchell has debuted the first official music video for “River,” her wistful contribution to the Christmas songbook, taken from her landmark 1971 album Blue.
Animation by Skazka Studios
Directed by Matvey Rezanov, in memory of his father Mikhail Rezanov
Joni Mitchell Archives Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963-1967) has been nominated for the 2022 Grammy Award for Best Historical Album. It is the 17th Grammy nomination Mitchell has received since her first in 1969. To date, she has won nine Grammy Awards. That could change on Monday, January 31 when the 64th Annual Grammy Awards show will be broadcast live on CBS.
A few days before the show, the Recording Academy will honor Mitchell as its 2022 MusiCares Person of the Year during a star-studded event on January 29. Jon Baptiste, Black Pumas, Brandi Carlile, Leon Bridges, Mickey Guyton, Herbie Hancock, Graham Nash, Maggie rogers, and James Taylor are among the artists set to perform at the show, which will raise funds for MusiCares’ charitable programs and relief efforts.
Listen to Joni Mitchell’s latest release here JM.lnk.to/TRA6871ID
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Welcome to the official KZbin channel of Joni Mitchell, whose songs “River,” “Both Sides Now," “California,” and albums ‘Clouds,’ ‘Ladies of the Canyon’ and ‘Blue’ compose only a fragment of a multi-disciplinary artistic output that has been embraced across generations, inspired multitudes of artists, and earned every conceivable accolade.
One of the world’s most remarkable and beloved artists, Mitchell has influenced musicians across a vast cross-section of genres with her ethereal songs that reflect social and environmental ideals. The prolific singer-songwriter-painter-poet has not only written and produced her music, but also designed most of her album covers and packaging. A journey into Joni Mitchell’s artistry is one of a highly original, harmonically innovative, and emotionally charged, familiar yet fresh adventure.

[@oldsoul1187]

I will never forget my first time hearing this in 1971.I cried. I did so again today. At 70, the only constant is the beauty of this song., Joni's voice and my need to still hope for a better world.

[@lauribaldwin4262]

I agree wholeheartedly, here's to 2022 !

[@carolohmartbehan]

Dear oldsoul.....this 72-yr. old appreciates your memory and sentiments.....and echoing my own need to still hope for a better world ✨🎄💜🎄✨

[@josephinebehan9431]

Beautiful 🥰

[@stevenwolf8434]

This 74 year old yearns for a better World

[@srsolarwarriornw9465]

Another Boosted Boomer 70 here and we agree, She is a treasure to be listened to over and over and over.

[@joancarey5688]

This song is 52 years old….its timeless… I’m 81 years young… and it still moves me to tears!

[@juliehenry7203]

Same! I'm 65, but remember when this song came out. Joni, Carly & James... Had every single album (playing them CONSTANTLY) until it drove my entire family nuts! Listening to Joni... & hearing this young lady who sang this song on *The Voice*, Lila Forde... Let's just say it REALLY took me back to my early teens. ❤

[@julieward9011]

I’m 76 playing it now… my favorite Christmas song!!!

[@peterschancel7223]

This ls great ,,There is a version With Snoopy skating from Chralie Brown that will make you smile. Best to all

[@torigodbey383]

I am 52. This song is part of me.

[@ransbarger]

Every damn time.

[@richardhill6125]

I fell in love with Joni's music at 17. I'm now 70 and it still stirs my emotions like it did back then.

[@bethlogan1283]

There were a couple of different paths to take - I chose Carole King for my mentor because of her piano chords & songs. Now, I've read Reckless Daughter, the Joni Mitchell bio, & learned they recorded in the same studio - they were fighting over a red piano - Joni sings background on Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow. They really were in the same place & time, making great albums together.

[@centatherese4826]

Me too

[@SpiritSurvivor89]

70 :O

[@dereklee4397]

Wasn't this song about her break up with Graham Nash.

[@mewhoisahumanonearth]

That tracks. Supposedly, in your teenage and early adult years, the music you listen to gets solidified as your taste and you will continue to like it, whether or not you begin to like other stuff as well Most of the time, this seems to be true and is why a lot of older generations do not like “new” music

[@jrtaylor8178]

I lost both my parents this year. Christmas will never be the same again. This song is beautiful and gives me some comfort.

[@ilia5420]

Cara, non parliamo la stessa lingua ma il dolore dell'Anima ci unisce ed è universale. I genitori, la famiglia sono un dono di Dio. Porterai i loro i ricordi, le loro voci, i loro volti sempre con te per il mondo. Ti abbraccio forte e ti auguro di trovare il Natale nel tuo cuore ❤, nonostante il male che senti dentro.

[@misty8009]

Same ❤

[@hollybrown9259]

Ah, found it. Jr. Taylor. This song is a warm comforter on a freezing Canadian night. All hail Joni ! Stay safe and warm. See other message l sent u. I'm not a techno pro, more of a technophobe

[@le_th_]

Grief is the price we pay for having truly loved. If you have children, make sure you remember that YOU are their parent and make the most of the Christmas holiday you have with them so they can do the same for their children when they have them.

[@kayfradeneck3281]

My husband of 46 yrs died last January. My first Christmas without him....I need that river!

[@sashabanks691]

I got pregnant around Christmas time in 2019. During my pregnancy I listened to the Blue album over and over, I’d put the phone on my belly and the baby would kick. I was very lonely during those times, but listening to that album brought me some comfort… I lost my son at 36 weeks and 4 days pregnant. His name is River. “Now I’ve gone and lost the best baby that I ever had… oh, I wish I had a River I could skate away on. I wish I had a River so long, I’d teach my feet to fly.” 🕊🖤

[@gerdahessel2268]

If you like and want: take a hug from Germany - my heart is with you!

[@uweziegler1967]

I'm sorry for your loss.

[@prettyhamburger6462]

I'm very sorry for you 💞

[@emilystead5955]

So sad for your loss xx

[@lisamoncrief8351]

Sending your grieving heart some healing love. 💗💗💗

[@elizabethh1832]

With age, Christmas feels even more pensive as we miss people who have passed away. This song captures a bit of that pensive feeling well.

[@rebeccacade3371]

Lost my sister a couple of weeks ago. This song is salve for my soul.

[@theresakotas-akridge1418]

I totally agree. Have lost 4 persons since Covid. As I look through the Christmas cards to send out this year, I see the names of those Friends and silently grieve their loss and those they left behind.

[@midlife_crossroads]

@@rebeccacade3371 I’m so, so very sorry for your loss. Such a terrible time for that, though there is no good time. May you find some comfort in your memories of your sister, and in Joni’s healing lyrics.

[@brocklanders6172]

You just need to move with Christmas. I've lost everything family - parents gone, daughter a complete waste, extended family a bunch of Covid wackos - and I've found out that my friends are the people who truly love me. They have a choice.

[@peternolan1316]

@@theresakotas-akridge1418 Hello Theresa how are you doing today dear I hope all is well with you and your family? I have been happy all day because of this song keep reminding me of my late Dad

[@williamfowler8129]

Can’t stop listening to this beautiful song my wife soulmate and best friend passed away just before Christmas last year ended our 57 years together, always loved this song even more now ❤💔💔💔

[@smlorrin]

I'm so very sorry for your loss. I'm glad that this song helps with the pain during the holidays. 💞

[@ann-jj7to]

I'm so sorry....I lost my husband 14 years ago... it's coming on Christmas.. Merry Christmas to you

[@loyduncan3728]

I am sorry for your loss. This song reminds me of a loss as well. Joni wrote it from the heart.

[@kerryd59669]

I'm so sorry.

[@le_th_]

Your wife probably deserves a better song than this. Mitchell is singing about having broken her lover's heart because she's selfish and sad, and now she's alone at Christmas and having a total pitty party about it and wants to run away from how awful she is. Your wife stayed with you for 57 years, whereas Mitchell wrote a song about ending her relationship with David Crosby by writing a song about it and debuting the song to all their mutual friends at a party they BOTH attended, so...

[@muckaxe]

“I’m so hard to handle/I’m selfish and I’m sad.” This line makes me cry every time, partially because I can relate, and partially because I’m in awe of the balls it takes to be that vulnerable in a song. So many songwriters want to come off like they are so sensitive but they’re really just throwing out platitudes and obfuscating lyrics. Joni really is baring her soul, and that takes more gall than most have.

[@persephonerising1890]

Yep! Loss is painful...regret makes it 10x sadder!

[@peggyhahn588]

Obfuscate, lovely.

[@keepsmilin5766]

nobody writes such painfully personal songs,as Joni...believe this one is about her break up with Graham Nash..

[@kimmieh8419]

@@peggyhahn588It’s a word that fits its definition. Not many people know it so when you use it, you can literally say ‘Yes!’ when asked what it means. 😊

[@baddeymaddey]

I know isn’t that so great. I can relate too. I’m selfish and sad.

[@lesmorton7662]

No one does bittersweet quite like Joni. I’ve loved this song for 50 years. It still moves me.

[@briankistenmacher]

Well said. Thank you.

[@DeirdreKing111]

It's Christmas again 💚💙🖤

[@DeirdreKing111]

It's Christmas again 💚💙🖤

[@amandaf1042]

Yes, so well said, and I feel the same.

[@le_th_]

I heard more "poor me" and "I broke my baby's heart and now I'm lonely at Christmas" and "I'm selfish and I'm said" which tells me she's not a very nice person in a relationship. I'm not sure that's bittersweet, it's sound more like pathological narcissism. She admits she is "hard to handle" "selfish and sad" and she broke her baby's heart, so she's pathologically self-absorbed and now kicking herself for being such an a-hole because she's alone at Christmas.

[@cherripeek9975]

it’s christmas eve, my last Christmas as a teenager and i’m sitting in bed singing away to this beautiful song

[@justice-searching]

Life goes fast, cherish all you love!

[@chellyr4972]

You’ll be fine if you take care of yourself first always

[@victoriadickens2827]

My mother introduced me to Mitchell’s music and she passed this year..I’m so appreciative of her taste in music now mine

[@hollyavillella554]

💔🙏✨🕊️

[@seskwein]

Sorry for your loss 💔 and merry Christmas, hope you have close ones around you :)

[@haschio]

I can’t believe how underrated this is. This should be up there with all the other Christmas classics everybody knows

[@LS1conehead]

One of the very few 'Christmas songs' I actually love, albeit not really about the holiday. ;)

[@OlgavanKampen]

I totally agree with you! 🎇

[@malcolmmcfarlane7565]

Absolutely! 98% of Christmas music is insufferable shit.

[@ralfgeels]

Underrated?! How is this underrated? Its considered a timeless classic.

[@emanuelebruzzese1117]

it deserves far more than becoming a christmas classic

[@SimonYoungOFFICIAL]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written and sung.

[@le_th_]

...and some of the most pitty-party, "poor me, I was a total asshole, broke my baby's heart and now I'm alone at Christmas and want to run away from how selfish and sad I am". Not so beautiful when you listen, eh???

[@mattdebnam2464]

​@@le_th_actually it does the exact opposite. It makes the song more beautiful and meaningful. She was going through a depressive moment in her life so this was her fighting back at her emotions through music.

[@castorphans]

That's one of my favorite Joni Mitchell's songs. Many of us feel so alone this time of year, longing to escape the bubble of happiness we don't feel.

[@phunkyx9773]

Well said…

[@riverbanzachamploo9725]

mine too

[@williamwilkes8177]

Try Lakota...,

[@terrytownsend5583]

Most of the others are shite.

[@justinreeves6337]

It’s Christmas Day 2023 and I lost my Dad suddenly 7 months ago to the day. I knew today was going to be hard, but I was doing ok. Then I listened to this song and now I’m a crying mess. What a beautiful and powerful song! I miss you Dad 😭😭😭

[@TheUmbralFox]

My dad introduced me to Joni's For The Roses album on a road trip in my mid teens... lost him a couple years ago. Doesn't take much to send us from one emotion to the next when we grieve, but music sure does cut right to the heart of things in a hurry!

[@Missmjf87]

I'm sorry for your loss.

[@paulaartandmusic4412]

My heart goes out to you.🙏🏼

[@pamelacoulthurst3949]

My beautiful grandson was in our car at Christmas talking for ever until this song came on the radio, he listened in silence and at the end said "I love that song grandma " 3 years old awesome taste ❤

[@raymondleicht9691]

Get that boy a guitar today...he has great taste! You won't regret it.

[@amandaf1042]

@@raymondleicht9691 or wheel in the piano.

[@amandaf1042]

Pamela, a beautiful memento. TY❤

[@fransvanmuijen3802]

A boy with a great taste! Treasure it and stimulate him to make Music!🙏🏼 .. that's always helped me in all my years..

[@Lucailey]

Awe that's beautiful

[@mpv409]

The interweaving of “Jingle Bells” in this is both genius and haunting.

[@jasonlightfoot4145]

What a haunting melody. I sit with tears welling up thinking of my mother who left this world on Christmas leaving behind 3 sons struggling each year to make sense of it. Listening to Joni brings back so many memories of her filling our living room on a Saturday morning, windows open fresh breeze blowing in and possibilities for the day with it. Sending love to all of you out there struggling with this time of year, you are not alone.

[@robertcronin6603]

🔥

[@cookieswirlb3942]

So sorry for your loss

[@lynseyhouston1429]

Lovely that you are thinking of others loneliness. Hope time has made the loss of your mother easier.

[@janisnduli9691]

Hugs

[@deborahherrick]

Thank you…..

[@w.o.m.p.w.o.m.p.]

I'm 71, Jesus,but I still have her to listen to

[@RichardFeynmanRules]

It's coming on Christmas They're cutting down trees They're putting up reindeer And singing songs of joy and peace Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on But it don't snow here It stays pretty green I'm going to make a lot of money Then I'm going to quit this crazy scene I wish I had a river I could skate away on I wish I had a river so long I would teach my feet to fly Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on I made my baby cry He tried hard to help me You know, he put me at ease And he loved me so naughty Made me weak in the knees Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on I'm so hard to handle I'm selfish and I'm sad Now I've gone and lost the best baby That I ever had Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on I wish I had a river so long I would teach my feet to fly Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on I made my baby say goodbye It's coming on Christmas They're cutting down trees They're putting up reindeer And singing songs of joy and peace I wish I had a river I could skate away on

[@noyroza]

❤

[@thegardinerfamilycreative1156]

Fantastic

[@patriciapatriciagray-thorp9574]

The Blue album is my path to dealing with having to give up my daughter. I was alone and just 16 years of age. The loss has impacted my life in so many ways😢😢😢and I still grieve. I did not not have other children. Thank you Joni❤❤❤

[@curtischen6613]

@patriciapatriciagray-thorp9574 You are not alone. Joni suffered the same story: giving up her daughter at a young age. She was brok and alone in Toronto. Had to give up the baby for adoption. When I first heard Joni's River I wondered which of Joni's breakups would cause her to write such a painful holiday song. It just didn't add up. She kept her young motherhood as the ultimate secret until 1990s, more than two decades after Blue album was released, when a roommate of Joni sold the story to a tabloid. A few radio DJs brought up this long-hidden story, and I got it. It took me a few more years to be able to re-tell the story. Hope your grief will be lessened.

[@loose-drag]

What a beautiful tribute to a timeless Christmas song.

[@dewhittjames]

Hi Joni if you ever want to come to Austin TX and check out the music let me know. We can get around pretty well without too much notice. Wonderful Winter we are having. Weather is perfect but then again I know your from Canada. But if you want to reach out to the young there are tons of them and they need your thoughts and are willing to listen. I can't introduce Clifford Antone to you but he is no longer here. But there are others. Frosty is here if you need a drummer.

[@williamwilkes8177]

I love Joni............l do not love cjtizzzzzzie songs.

[@williamwilkes8177]

@@dewhittjames so is the alomo........

[@xpopypip]

This is my first time hearing this song and I'm bawling my eyes out. This will be my and my husbands first time apart during the holidays, we aren't doing well and need some time apart and God I love him.

[@robertwise5432]

If You take time apart there is no going back

[@regmartin3629]

You will be ok, have a wonderful Christmas

[@manguy2000]

I have been divorced for a number of years and I don't even get to see my daughter. It is painful

[@andydavies1810]

Dig deep ma’am , nothing’s forever , its a tough ride!

[@arabellavanzijtveld4603]

❤️💞🙏🏻

[@robynmarcus7768]

Joni Mitchell songs remain as vibrant at 65 as when I discovered them at 15 years of age! The music still moves this fledgling spirit! 😘

[@srsolarwarriornw9465]

One of a kind. For sure. Like Tina Turner. Rest her soul.

[@cathibuzzard2796]

Love her so much and her songs that actually mean something!

[@IlGattonero13]

Wistful, rueful, powerful. Her voice soaring on the word “fly.” A perfect expression of regret and loneliness. I love the quote at the end. Yes we do, Joni - we need a song like that. Thank you.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

The best Anti Christmas Song that puts me in the mood for Christmas.

[@liviousyoung4911]

My mother listened to this all year round she loved joni and my mom passed at 52 of a brain aneurysm and I'll will forever think of her when listening to river fly high mama! ❤

[@mrsmartypants_1]

Awww. I feel that. I lost my mom to breast cancer - metastasized into bone cancer - at a time I was also going through a very difficult divorce. It almost killed me. But it didn’t. Darkest period of my life because prior to that I had been fortunate enough to suffer no loses close to my heart. What doesn’t kill you truly does make one stronger. But in return I became so much more jaded. And realistic. It took years to laugh at/with all the good times I had with my uncommonly fortunate life as a child and young adult.

[@stopbunsen]

I'm only 20 seconds into the song and the tears come. I have always loved this song. The animation is well done too

[@marioski54]

To me too, Heaps!

[@georgiannamushalla5301]

same here... '

[@LS1conehead]

The first few piano notes do it for me, as I don't even have to wait for her voice and the lyrics to start. 😢

[@alessandrogeirola]

"It's coming on Christmas They're cutting down trees They're putting up reindeer And singing songs of joy and peace Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on But it don't snow here It stays pretty green I'm going to make a lot of money Then I'm going to quit this crazy scene I wish I had a river I could skate away on I wish I had a river so long I would teach my feet to fly Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on I made my baby cry He tried hard to help me You know, he put me at ease And he loved me so naughty Made me weak in the knees Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on I'm so hard to handle I'm selfish and I'm sad Now I've gone and lost the best baby That I ever had Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on I wish I had a river so long I would teach my feet to fly Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on I made my baby say goodbye It's coming on Christmas They're cutting down trees They're putting up reindeer Singing songs of joy and peace I wish I had a river I could skate away on" Such a wounderful song, sharp verses and velvety vocal line...it makes me dream about my childhood

[@Cicciricicie]

❤️

[@williamjancha2812]

Thank you @

[@jeanetteadamo9039]

Have been in love with Joni since the Blue album when i was a 16 year old black girl living with Mom and my four brothers in the inner city. Don't know what it was but she has been my muse throughout the years. Mom got me a used guitar because i HAD to have one. Thank you Joni.

[@globalcitizen011]

You and I share a common bkgrnd, Jeanette! As a Black teen who loved Joni (along with Judy, Joan, Cat etc.), my family and neighbors saw me as an odd weirdo, an outlier. Like you, I learned to play her music. And the teasing and put-downs never deterred me. Now in my mid-60s, I'm still a huge fan of her music from the 70s. IMHO, she'll always rank as musical genius. 🎶

[@ali-tube2967]

God bless you both, sisters.

[@johnkuipers8625]

☮️☸️☯️

[@brigittemungo2820]

I resonate with you a lot I am 16 years old and I love her music, in an age where lyrics are just now mere sounds her lyrics have meaning and thought and I find that so very beautiful.

[@ayindestevens6152]

I ❤️ my rock and roll sistas!

[@virginiaserwin8697]

when I was unhappily married in the early eighties with Four children under the age of ten I’d listen to this song and cry me a river during the Christmas season. Now that I married my first love my best friend and the love of my life in May of 2000 and had our daughter in 2002 and our children are all grown except my youngest son who died in 2018 from juvenile diabetes this song no longer makes me cry. I just love this beautiful song 💜♥️💕💖

[@samlewis7878]

I wish that Joni is living forever in love and peace. She deserves every instant of it.

[@PlanetC64]

Beautiful. This song helps my sanity every single year. And the animation. Just wow❤️❤️❤️

[@veronicabarry6220]

Beautiful song so meaningful vera

[@berlymahn]

got lucky and this popped up on my YT TV feed. first I've heard it but speaks so clearly.

[@peternolan1316]

Hello how are you doing today dear I hope all is well with you and your family? I have been happy all day because of this song keep reminding me of my late Dad

[@peternolan1316]

@@veronicabarry6220 Hello Veronica how are you doing today dear I hope all is well with you and your family? I have been happy all day because of this song keep reminding me of my late Dad

[@drdavidpellegrino4270]

Hello friend how are you doing

[@daisygeeuk]

Really lovely, this song never loses its magic. Thank you Joni.

[@letsgoupstream6079]

💙

[@theyredistortingyourrhythm130]

Australia SEES

[@johnlloyd8109]

Best song ever written. Don't try to change my mind. It just is.

[@BJane58]

I won’t argue with that

[@floracrestanello]

I come here every time I need to cry

[@GailJackson-fy4yl]

I hope you’ve stopped crying… Everything is gonna be okay ❤

[@justinlee3017]

This gem of a song gives you space to feel sad during a season when everyone else seems happy. In an age of social media phoniness, songs like these are more important than ever.

[@lesliesterling826]

Bless you Joni--I hope someone is telling you about these comments full of love! Your music has been the soundtrack of my life and "Blue" has spoken to me at every stage of my aging process just as powerfully as it did when I first heard it as a teenager and all my life was before me. That's practically the definition of great art. I could never thank you enough for all you have meant to me--teaching me songwriting structure, teaching me how to communicate a world of emotion on solo piano, teaching me how to sing clearly and effortlessly. You mean the world to me and to millions of others!!!

[@letsgoupstream6079]

💙

[@gingerreiter5072]

Same for me. I often say Joni is my best friend and I don’t even know her.

[@robertcronin6603]

That's for sure.

[@hsd287]

This is literally her channel so I think she does check it out herself or someone must be helping her as she's older and needs help to control her phone

[@bbmtge]

Hear, hear!!!

[@wintermuteohyeah4987]

What she does with the melody of Jingle Bells at the beginning and the end of the song is wonderful, but how she gives her everything during the song both in the notes she reaches and sustains and in the lyrics, confessing her own regret, goes beyond any Christmas song I have ever heard. Love her ❤

[@bradleytindall1766]

My oldest brother borrowed your Blue album from me when he was going though a divorce in the late 1970s. I’ve never asked him to return it.

[@maryellenlarkin3498]

I always wondered why I related to this song the way I have. Now I know. I'm lonely all the time 😭 but being lonely at Christmas is the worst feeling in the world. I really relate to the lines "I wish I had a river I could skate away on" and "I'm so hard to handle, I'm selfish and I'm sad. Now I've gone and lost the best baby I've ever had" those lines cut me deeply because I relate to them so much. I'm sorry to everyone else who is lonely this time of year. I guess we can all be lonely together. 💖 Maryellen Rosemaree Larkin 💖

[@tuvantrader]

When I first began listening through Joni Mitchell’s catalogue earlier this year, I was quickly impressed by her lyricism, melodies and unusual chord progressions. Blue was certainly the peak of her early period, but this song in particular is an incredible piece of work. For a song that is one voice and one piano only, it is about as perfect a piece of music and lyrics as anything I’ve ever heard. 🙏

[@metrowireless3381]

A new fan, i take it a young person, nonetheless... thats impressive. Shes magic, find me anyone to compare. You cannot.

[@williamwilkes8177]

Try ",Ladies of the Canyon", you probably know it...............

[@williamwilkes8177]

Chalk Mark in a Rainstorm........try it.

[@williamwilkes8177]

@@metrowireless3381 l know you are correct........try Sharon van Etten......Lykke Li..........you may like them.........happy hols',.to you.& people you love.........will, London......

[@williamwilkes8177]

I think you know all of ms. Anderson's back catalogue.....but try those l mentioned...'bye........

[@Sally150]

This makes me cry every time. Not a Christmas song at all. It's about regret for driving away a true love.

[@SpiritSurvivor89]

Then how come I am singing this at a lights on Singing Night near Christmas eve HMM

[@RickTompkins-ez9xw]

I can't believe how ignorant I was. I lost the best thing I ever had.

[@Sally150]

@@SpiritSurvivor89 Cause you don't get it; or you drove your love away at Christmas? "I made my baby cry..." "I made my baby say goodbye..."

[@DeirdreKing111]

Even if it's not Christmas, I love this song.

[@TheCoreyLight]

Joni is a treasure!

[@WorldOneVideo]

I can see why Joni would approve this. Just like her, it is true art.

[@williamwilkes8177]

I love all her music ,......what ls true art.

[@williamwilkes8177]

I do not care...,,...,.

[@justice-searching]

I never realized this song is 50 years old. It has been in my heart that many years. Its beautiful. Listened to it on the voice with Lila Forde sang it brilliantly ❤

[@sallykirkstephens8415]

I could not be more grateful to the dear friend who kindly gave me his Blue Album ;what a jewel box . Heartfelt thanks to him and to Joni for just saying it all in its utter rawness .

[@jeffbilby9415]

Yes, this gem has been played since 1971, hard to believe..when the Vietnam war was raging on, families torn apart all over the country, and like today so much division in our country... this lonely little classic reminds us that life is not all fancy Christmas gifts under the tree and mistletoe hanging waiting for the kiss of bliss, this song conveys real emotional turmoil of the heart, one of many gifts Joni Mitchell has giving us, a treasure from BLUE.. it really is, as Mitchell once wrote, "time to get ourselves back to the garden" the video is brilliant

[@mikegalvin9801]

When it came out I was a happy Midwestern teen who just thought it was a pretty song. About 15 years later I was in California and couldn't fly home for Christmas one year and there was no snow and Twinklets on the palm trees and friends dying from AIDS with no cure then and this song hit me like a sledgehammer to the heart.

[@martaminder2716]

My favorite Joni Mitchell song, not just for the lyrics also the music. This captures all the emotions of those of us who are still alone even in a crowd of people. Thank you Ms. Mitchell for all the music and poetry that enhance and define life.

[@tompohorsky353]

The way the Jingle Bells theme drifts in and out really is exquisite.

[@martaminder2716]

@@tompohorsky353 Yes, it is subtle. A comfortable reminder of the season and theme of the song. Exquisite is positively the best discription.

[@spiritosa0123]

Beautifully said.

[@peternolan1316]

Hello Marta how are you doing today dear I hope all is well with you and your family? I have been happy all day because of this song keep reminding me of my late Dad

[@drdavidpellegrino4270]

Hello friend how are you doing

[@vivianfarmery8681]

At 63 this sing brings up the same beautiful melancholy it did when I was 23. Blue is one of the major soundtracks of my life and now one of my son’s too. Bless Joni 🩵

[@aaronabeloff5203]

I am 75, Joni is still one of my top favourite artists. She was and is an authentic genius.

[@noahpinter6756]

There’s no other artist quite like Joni 🧡

[@marcynadler7326]

I'm one of those people and that's why all love Joni so much. She appeals to everyone but especially sensitive artists. For us, she's the absolute height of artistic expression. There's no one above her.

[@kathijackson5239]

I'm so glad that she is getting the recognition and respect that she so richly deserves.

[@williamwilkes8177]

I agree with you..........people said it about Joan Baez......but there is always a new kid............it isn't a competition...'though studios may see easy money.......simply enjoy ............

[@williamwilkes8177]

I agree with Joni's fanbase..........but try lykke li,.........Sharon van etten.........you may surprise yourself..........

[@williamwilkes8177]

@@meadow9441 l know everything is centred on Joni.........try Jeff Buckley, the cure...........if you are determined to spend your life heartbroken, they will do it.........happy ñew year......

[@williamwilkes8177]

Try Maddie moon.........beezus Taylor............quite unknown........pretty brilliant..........

[@alexandriaocasio-smollett5078]

For my money she is the best singer songwriter that nobody talks about at all these days. Everyone so (understandably and deservedly) wrapped up in Elton John and Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen even Carole King. But for my money Joni Mitchell takes me to a completely different place than any of those. This song is wrenching emotionally.

[@cyndiaraujo1976]

You hit it - her music is so raw and real and her singing is like noone else. She takes me to a different place.

[@strawberryfab]

This usually makes me cry. Buckets this year. Thank you Joni for being part of my reflection in solitude.

[@DJAvalonArizona]

She is a true musical genius. Seriously.

[@ruthlongridge2137]

Soooo beautiful I cried

[@florabarrientezescalante2874]

Absolutely beautiful song

[@trygveknapstad3951]

Joni, you just made me cry .......again.

[@sandyshelton9499]

I will never be able to get through this song without crying. Thank you, Joni. River is as beautiful as you are.

[@drdavidpellegrino4270]

Hello friend how are you doing ?

[@pegikenter9651]

My fondest memories of this song was skating up at Seven Lakes on a starry night with a full moon and the car stereo blasting this song across the winter air

[@fe5018]

That's a beautiful image.

[@samsobek1292]

Sounds beautiful

[@bbmtge]

Outstanding post.

[@Sleepy_Alligator]

Seven Lakes as in Harriman State Park? Southern New York State near Mahwah NJ? Very beautiful place. Spents many many hours of my youth there, winter and summer. Recall cruising along the curvy Seven Lakes drive cold winter nights, a million stars, peaceful. Remember driving on a cold perfect shiny morning after an ice storm, trees glistening like trillions of diamonds, the lakes frozen over and white with snow and ice. Having said all that I'm sure there are lots of places calked Seven Lakes

[@glassmarky1]

Utterly gorgeous heartbreakingly sad from one of the greatest albums of all time.

[@user-jk5um5hh3r]

Thanks Joni for all the years I've loved your music! God Bless

[@untruenorth]

Gorgeous.

[@peterschulze491]

Beautiful celebration of Joni's art and music last night (televised) as she received the Kennedy Center Honor. Plenty of joy and singing along! Brava to Norah Jones, Brandi Carlisle, and other performers!

[@davesmith2640]

Waking up crazy early this Christmas morning alone for the 1st time in over 44 years has shook me a bit, sadly getting divorced from my baby earlier this year has overwhelmed me with feelings of loss and loneliness, this beautiful song reminds me many of us share emotional sadness at this time of year, obviously certain events times throughout a year will be a little painful.Thankfully me and my ex wife remain great freinds, we have much that binds us, our kids and grand kids will always join us, but that doesn't take away the physical ache of not being close to her everyday. My kids and grandkids are wonderful, they love me and will help me through this dark moment. Merry Christmas to you all x

[@susanfretwell4375]

Joni makes us think of our mistakes and regrets.but also wishes of better things to come.lost my husband and soul mate of 54 years 31/10/23.lonely in a room full of family and friends.pray things get easier.

[@64slugirl]

I pray you will heal; your heart mends soon and the happy times you've enjoyed become priorty in your memories. Blessings for you this Christmas... I know it's a tough time. I'll pray for you for a year.

[@joannawilk2731]

Hugs!

[@wyeme50]

I fell in love with Joni quite literally when she walked onto my Black and White TV screen, 1970-71, it was one of the ground breaking series of BBC "In Concert" performances. Such a simple format, small audience, a stage set up ensuring sound is excellent, and then the artist wandering on to the stage to sing and play, a brief introduction to the songs with each delivered so brilliantly, I went out and bought "Blue" the next day. That step from the 60's into the 70's was the era of the singer and their song, it was as if they (and the probably did) had found the freedom to be, and to do just what "they" wanted, we were snowed under by talent. Who was it sang "The times You impress me most are the times when you don't even try" so many fail in relationships because they try to impress when they don't need to, and the recording industry often failed by not allowing artists to do what they want, you can't control any artist in any medium, you can guide, you can offer insight and input but they must trust the artist more. Yes a load of tosh but Yuletide Greetings and a Happy New Year to you, and Joni thank you for being you.

[@froglet72]

This is how Christmas feels without my father. The first year I longed to escape from Christmas and this song came on the radio and it was just a gift. Now I play it every year, it is beautifully wintery - it has the little Christmas piano refrain- and Christmas has always had carols that are melancholy or haunting. She captures that. I can't explain how much this song means to me. Xx

[@kellymachonis]

I am crying, and I cry every time... this is the most beautiful song

[@henriettahenson]

I'm 70.. And this song brings me to tears everytime I here it... My life has flown by since the first time I heard this... Where's it gone😢 🤔💕

[@shanghairoad7656]

I've been listening to River for 50 years... never gets old...

[@raffi_veiga]

This is the saddest and most genius Christmas song ever!

[@jeanieo801]

Oh Joni my dear no one better than you. Started listening to you when I was 13 laying in my bed looking at the waves at Wind n Sea crying about my lost love. Lol and many more to come. Now 71 you and CSNY bring back such vibrant and beautiful memories of a wonderful time in my life. Then I’d play and sing your songs to my girls who are now fans. Just beautiful memories thank you

[@fithadey8877]

I seldom cry THIS hard to music. The sheer brilliance...

[@keechero47]

Fell in love first time I heard her voice

[@arcane6465]

Was watching a Christmas episode of the Wonder years and this song came on as Kevin walks around his town thinking of life.

[@user-wh7uk3kl7x]

Saddest Christmas song ever. Beautiful too.

[@wsalvatore1]

Lila Forde sang this masterpiece on the Voice. I too love this beautiful song. Wow!

[@mazob11]

Makes me think of my dad that passed away 2015. Christmas has never been the same. How I feel in a song.

[@user-lp3vd9mp5b]

What a musical genius she is

[@JennyWren333]

This year…I need Joni. Thank you, Sister.

[@user-nk4mx6qg6j]

I've loved this song all my life, and the art in this video is the only thing that could possibly have made me love it more.

[@AvaAnaliese]

Most beautiful song I’ve ever heard.

[@rondo365]

There are very few songs that do this to me, but River always has me blubbering by the end of the first verse. I could never sing it because of that. Thank you, Joni, for this and so many other enduring works of art.

[@lwh7301]

Snowflake.

[@asleepbytwo]

My dad introduced me to Joni Mitchell from a young age and I am forever grateful 🥲 tearing up full of happiness just remembering it.🥺❤

[@DaveATKIN]

We lost a friend and colleague a few years ago, she took her life at Christmas; no-one knew she was struggling. For me, this is now her song and it makes me cry.

[@sayakhalder8601]

It's the best holiday gift ever 😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️🤗🤗🤗 happy holidays everyone 💐

[@teetertotter5787]

The whole Blue album is absolutely always one of my favourites.

[@kathleenmatschner8117]

My favorite song every Christmas for 40 some years...and I really do wish I had a river I could skate away on...loss...losing family is the hardest damn thing..I'm 1 of 7 siblings left and I'm a young 63. I'll never forget our Christmas together when it was so simple.. fruit, nuts to Crack open, pj's, underwear, and socks...and we were happy as all get out. Merry Christmas out there

[@Inhalepens]

This song is a masterpiece

[@StephenBateman]

As a child in Scotland I would walk the snow-covered fields to reach the frozen loch above my school where I'd skate in the wilderness. For years the evocation of wishing for a river to scate away on has charmed me. This animation does a sublime job of bringing to life those scenes of isolation and wilderness. Thank you Joni. Stephen

[@ali-tube2967]

How sweet you are...

[@donna6348]

It was a magical time, I was too young to understand and enjoy. 64 now, hearing many of these songs for the first time. Thankful the magic has been recorded for us who came late to the game.

[@imhappyinthesun]

The animation( pictures and the movements) in this clip is beautiful and serene.

[@carysrachell]

best song of all time

[@jazzygeoffgaming598]

The only Christmas song I play all year round.

[@Martine1love]

So beautiful 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@catchtwenty22]

This was playing on the radio when I brought my daughter home from the hospital, November 2013. Her birthday a few days away. I’ve lost both my parents since 2019. Mum the day after mothers day this year. I’m doing it alone now. I don’t even know what it is but this song it is my peace. It is peace.

[@bell2638]

[@natinatoscano7381]

I just heard Lila Forde sing this song on The Voice. Then I came here and just heard Joanie Mitchell’s version, what a nice treat!!!

[@TedvanLieshoutkanaal]

You pictured this iconic song in a wonderful way.