Pure Goosebumps! First Time Hearing Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now | Reaction!!

[@carla220]

In spite of her beautiful voice, Joni is as much a poet as she is a singer. And the song will mean different things to you at different times in your life. She originally released it when she (and I) were young. It was wonderful then. This is a re-release now that she is a senior, has survived a stroke, and inhaled an ocean of cigarettes. Elegance is a great description of Joni. I loved her then. I love her now. She charmed me as a young girl. She fascinates me as an old lady. And I love that you found her.

[@jessicaleblanc-nh1yl]

🌿🏵🌿

[@SlodWick]

This is my very favorite version of this song. Makes me cry every time.

[@mimicme23]

When you compare this version when she’s older to her younger version, you realize what life puts you through. The joy, sorrow, love, heartbreak. No one goes through unscathed.

[@NickiKash]

So true

[@deepseadweller687]

Noone

[@bluebird1239]

Check out her first recording of Both Sides Now in the 1960's to compare. Also her entire album "Blue" which established a very high bar and influenced many singer songwriters. Also, check out songs like Cold Blue Steel, Sweet Fire, a gritty song and enjoy her guitar playing on it. Joni had about 50 different tunings of the strings on her guitar and played brilliantly. Listen to "River" from the Blue album. Just some suggestions. The Joni catalog of songs is deep and enjoy the journey!

[@gjequine]

Blue is one of the greatest albums ever produced!

[@veitchp]

She wrote this song when she was very young and sang it in her high soprano. I love this version sung by an older Joni who has really lived. I think it's really moving and beautiful.

[@TerriKnight-x3s]

I love both versions but like this one best. Maybe because she’s older. Makes sense with the lyrics

[@mikemccabe6258]

I cry for it's beauty, it's melancholy...it's love.

[@Britbabe53]

Took the song into the 'aged whiskey' version....

[@brendaowens2466]

Wow, that was beautiful. This rendition has a tint of sadness in it that was not there before. Listen to both and see.

[@Vicky49610]

So beautiful and a song that I always close my eyes when listening to. The song means more to me as I age. The line "I really don't know life at all" just gets me.

[@steelriva]

I have so many paintings on my wall that I have painted over the years .. When I listen to a song I stare deeply into one of them and if the painting comes to life the song has gelled with me .. Joni on this occasion did not disappoint.

[@candacemay7187]

Hey Polo! One of my favorite singer/songwriters ever!! My personal favorite from her is "River". Hauntingly beautiful!!

[@Bumperump]

THAT'S our Canadian, Joni Mitchell. I love her!!!!

[@Jude_196]

OH, MAN, POLO!! SHE is GOLDEN!!! If you hadn't heard RIVER, yet: be READY when you LISTEN TO IT!!! Joni is just SO TALENTED!!! :) JUST TOUCHES YOUR SOUL!! HUGS, MAN!!!

[@tondalayaboudreaux2888]

Like Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, Joni is a great poet. My favorite song from her is A Case of You. A slightly sarcastic love song, it is amazing.

[@mellemellbc]

One of the best songs ever.

[@LoisChisholm]

Polo, you are right about this being an older Joni. Sung from a perspective 40+ (maybe 50) years later than when she wrote and originally recorded this song. To me, this is the most genuine rendition of "Both Sides Now" compared to Joni's original recording, and also Judy Collins' version. Maybe it hits me that way because I am more Joni's age than yours. Thanks for showcasing this recording.

[@shemanic1]

Joni Mitchell, poet singer artist & beautiful soul. Her voice is lower than in the original & shows both sides of her poetry.

[@mariejustme]

I remember this song when it came out in 1969. Joni is an amazing song stylist and this version is definitely a goosebumps inducing float down a beautiful river. Lovely. Thanks, Polo!

[@patrickkeenan8109]

This makes you want to get in your car and ride the coastline listening to this classic❤

[@franchk8372]

One of my favourite songs. 🕊☮ Very beautiful.

[@ansfridaeyowulfsdottir8095]

The original was on acoustic guitar on her second album, _"Clouds",_ in 1969. She also did a great live version on _"Miles of Aisles"._ She had polio at the age of nine and she invented her own tuning and chord shapes to make it easier for her to play. _"Clouds"_ also has the superb _"Chelsea Morning"_ which you would probably like a lot. {:o:O:}

[@rk41gator]

A real Canadian national treasure. Joni is a poet in addition to everything else. This is a later recording with her more mature voice. It pairs nicely with her early live recording and her youthful innocence. Fantastic depth on so many levels. Eloquence is a perfect adjective for her!

[@dfree1here]

Joni is a musical genius and I am so grateful she was there in my generation!❤❤❤

[@meemermarie1977]

I luve her song “the circle game”

[@charlesyateschalfant]

Joni is a legend for certain. This song is an absolute masterpiece.

[@shandac1027]

This version has so much more depth and meaning for me then the original.

[@anniemcg611]

Her vocal range was sooo unique. Deep alto to high soprano effortlessly ❤️❤️

[@jenniferbabros1985]

Love her and her music. She's a genius

[@hopeklemann1]

🌸 Joni once said... I sing my sorrows and I paint my joys.

[@leekarr4909]

And amazingly she's still singing it! No one thought she would ever sing again but she proved them all wrong. She is truly incredible! You some find some video of her and friends over the last couple of years, all I can do is smile from ear to ear watching her doing what she loves still. ❤

[@tyronebenskin7790]

This version was from 2022 I believe around her 80th Birthday. It would be really interesting, IMHO to hear the original version and the youthful disillusionment compared to the life-lived awareness And retrospective. Really enjoy your content!!!

[@sherryherrick6567]

I do like her younger version better!

[@renekarfinger8341]

This is not correct!, its from 2000

[@rockandrollpaddy]

It isn't. It's from 2000.

[@BradBailey-dz1nu]

Song was released from the young side and this version from the late side - Both Sides. Incredible. Check out her Newport Jazz Festival songs done with Brandi Carlisle just recently.

[@mikepiccione886]

I don't smoke cigars but I totally get the connection that you're making and you're absolutely right😊

[@TW-me4lw]

That album cover is a Joni Mitchell self-portrait, I believe. She's said she considers herself a painter, first. She was a heavy cigarette smoker pretty much all her life, until she had a brain aneurism a few years back--and forgot she was ever a smoker. She even became disgusted by the idea of smoking, as I recall. No, really. She also had to relearn to walk and talk, and sing and play instruments, after the aneurism. She still performs, here and there, even today. She may be the best of the best generation (imo) of musicians. I recommend watching her 1970 performance, live in London. Also, her live performance of "Woodstock" is just masterful.

[@kimberliereid9426]

Love that Joni did artwork on her album ❤❤

[@Whiteruffels]

Oh I love Joni Mitchell,great choice.

[@terryperry4160]

I love this slowed down version of her original. Its so very pensive and refective. I think as we age we all are more wise and reflective. Joni was coming into the music scene when I was just a young teen. Love both sides of her muscles.

[@LindaAtchison-qi2fm]

I saw a reaction video where they played this song when she was younger and then her as an older woman. It shows how her perspective changed as a young woman to who she is now. The words are the same but the youthful version sounds more hopeful and upbeat. Still a beautiful song when she's older but more longing, wistful.

[@reginafromtexas2314]

Personally, I prefer the original recording. This one is okay, but it's so slow compared to the original one that I've listened to for my whole life.

[@supasoulproductions]

I get that feeling too. But there is so much life lived and gravitas in this version that it brings a tear.

[@marilynvanderwilp3713]

I also prefer the original recording.

[@renekarfinger8341]

i prefer this one, the song hit's harder from an older perspective. This song saved 2005 my life, but everybody hears different, so there is no better version for yourself.

[@terryperry4160]

​@@renekarfinger8341i agree. Ive witnessed both sides of Joni now. I love both but this more reflective slowed down version hits me straight in the heart.

[@gloriaberry3427]

I agree 💯. The faster version that was a big hit is the one to listen to.

[@MichaelYoder-e8g]

This is her stronger version of the song. Now she's an older woman who really understands the meaning behind the lyrics. Thanks!

[@wookie-c4q]

I love this later version she did, as someone said, she’s lived life-and it has more meaning. It was used in the movie “Love Actually”, when Emma Thompson’s character realizes her husband is cheating on her….very emotional part of the movie. LOVE this version!!!!

[@melissamassey9384]

This is a nice version, but I still prefer the original.

[@bradsense7431]

“Cold Blue Steel and Sweet Fire” by Joni. Hit that next.

[@Nannygoat-h8o]

Absolutely a must!

[@flutesong5527]

Music can be so profound in the heart of a true artist.

[@Ralmwalker]

Led Zeppelin's Going to California is about Joni Mitchell she is an amazing singer songwriter!

[@teej-h7w]

Loving the element of sophistication . . . I agree. We are all so flawed. And so beautiful.

[@FilmBuff54]

A true Renaissance woman, a great writer with a voice like an angel, a painter and a phenomenal musician. And a Polio survivor. Because she is a smoker, her voice has roughened over the years. My favorite of her albums are “Blue” and “Court and Spark.” I recommend reacting to her live recording of “Woodstock.” She missed the festival but wrote the song.

[@ScottMcVeigh]

Never listened to her before. Definitely heard of her.

[@diananunez7]

The original is from 1966. This is the version where 57 year old Joni Mitchell re-recorded a lush, orchestrated version for her 2000 album Both Sides Now. The recording won arranger Vince Mendoza a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist. It is pure magic! 🌟

[@NickiKash]

Such a fantastic artist ❤

[@MarcZimmerman-x6p]

Joni also wrote the masterpiece version of Urge for Going on the Tom Rush album Circle Game. An all time favorite.

[@oldsoulsheart]

This song is the one we chose to sing as a group at my 8th grade graduation ceremony. (Back then grade school was 1st to 8th grade and then on to high school.) At the time, it seemed so prophetic and even at the age of thirteen, singing it felt profound. As the years have passed it no longer seems prophetic but instead prophecy fulfilled. Beautiful song and beautiful words.

[@conniekirby9223]

Joni Mitchell was the first concert I ever attended probably around 1975! Watching her strum her guitar on an outdoor stage in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and listening to her sing was magical!

[@cmbaker1150]

Oh those were the days-for nostalgic reasons, I like the early version with the acoustic guitar. This is beautiful with more rich meaning…as one moves into twilight years…

[@joanlajara3939]

Love the one from her younger days too!

[@leewallington5785]

A beautiful version !

[@StevenCZachau]

Thanks for reacting to this track. I have heard this song played many times but "never" knew that this tract existed. What a Beautiful rendition. You can't help but get lost in this pool of gently swirling water while embracing the words. As Always fantastic reaction. Peace 🤎🤎🤎

[@barbaranorrick4164]

I grew up listening to her. Amazing vocalist. Enjoy

[@brendareum3771]

Congrats on giving up the cigars! We want you to live a long life so we can enjoy your reactions for years and years!

[@rosemaryh.4105]

Aww, I remember listening to this song on vinyl when I was 6 yrs old...50 years ago! I loved this song so much, but I'd forgotten about it until now...I still remember the words! Thank you for bringing back a nice memory!❤😊

[@duncanny5848]

Could not agree more, the lyrics in this song, and also usually from Joni are truly and poetically/emotionally awesome. As suggested other tracks? Night Ride Home, Morning Morgantown, Carey, The Circle Game, Little Green, Barangrill and Chelsea Morning are all master pieces. Pick one!! 🤣

[@TheDivayenta]

I believe the iconic Paul Horn is on the sax here. If it isn’t, it’s surely in his style.

[@sch7194]

This version breaks me everytime...life is fading beauty

[@dianel222]

If you’ve listened to the original for decades & then hear this version, it has a greater impact. 💜💜💜

[@stlmopoet]

She originally sang this when she was much younger. Both versions have wonderful things about them.

[@bradmeyer8220]

Love this song.

[@CBB672]

You really love the great ones

[@maryarawson7921]

Beautifully done. I never heard this version.

[@2zxodcfm]

This recording is from a weathed Joni. But incredibly she wrote this in her early twenties. A astounding composition from anyone let alone somone so young.

[@toobrafter]

More of Canada's best Polo!

[@michelletziarkas]

She recently sang this song again in a performance you can find on KZbin… it’s even deeper as she ages…

[@rachelles3275]

She was 25 for the original recording in 1969. She was 55 for this recording. Years of smoking changed her voice. You should listen to the original version that was released in 1969. It has a slightly faster tempo and her voice sounds effortless.

[@lbee7966]

She was / is so wise and her lyrics and melodies really show that. She’s also never afraid to dive into the deeps of her emotions and bare her heart, however painful that may be. For Christmas I recommend that you try her song “River”. I don’t know if you are familiar with Rick Beato’s channel - he comments on music and does great interviews with Rock and Roll musicians. Just to say that Joni is one of his favorite musicians due to her originality.

[@grimolarose1]

Hauntenly beautiful❤

[@leannlaplante3643]

Every once in a while, our 3rd grade teacher would sing this to us in the afternoon. You could hear a pin drop. The whole class was mesmerized.

[@chrisholderman292]

I had thought the original was pretty, but when she performed it like this at the grammies last year, I sobbed, it broke me.

[@allewis7810]

Having experienced her original version when I was just a young teen and now hearing this version where her and I are both seniors it hits differently and the same. You can hear the weight of life that has weighed her down and the words sit differently with me than in the Sixties. Thanks for playing this version.

[@kellypickle]

I love the contrast between the earlier recording and this recording. It really reflects a life that’s been lived. Yes, Joni is a smoker and it affected her voice but for some reason, this version is more mature version is so beautiful to me. Any Joni is good Joni, but there’s something about this version of this song that gets me

[@AP-gb3eh]

Her original when she was young is so light and full of discovery compared to this version in her middle age. Playing them side by side is kind of beautiful and devastating

[@jazzy19001]

Joni's voice sounds older here because it is the rerecorded version that she did in 2000 this version was featured prominently in the opening ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.. I like her original version as well, but the mature voice definitely adds depth to the song.

[@sherryherrick6567]

She always said she was a poet, not a singer! Her voice was classically trained. She must have recorded this as an older woman. You picked that up quickly POLO! Her voice was never this low. This has happened to my voice, well I am about to be 73 & I've been singing since I was 7. I like her younger, upbeat sound. I love that clarinet, or maybe a sax?

[@nicksylvester426]

The great Wayne Shorter on sax, r.i.p.

[@ThomasBeauchemin-z4b]

By far the most moving version!!!!

[@nathabrat]

Thanks for this. Great way to start my day ❤

[@rosmeeker1964]

River is a Christmas tune. It's the season for it. I do love the Last Waltz version of Coyote.

[@rickpetersen1745]

I never cared too much for Joni Mitchell's voice. But I do have a favorite song by her and it's Coyote.

[@joniandblu]

I'm a big Joni fan (not just for her name..lol) and, a big Polo fan! I'd Love for you to check out her song, " River". It's been covered a lot but her original is great! Happy Holidays to you and yours 💜

[@BaghiraLatour]

Especially in this time of year 🎄

[@joniandblu]

@JolandaLangen ...YES!!!

[@leesmith4028]

A masterpiece ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@seanh4841]

Amazing

[@rosannerizzo3070]

I like this version, but it is very stylized and slow paced giving a diferrent feel from the original. I love the original version. The lyrics have more impact and her voice is magical.

[@Peter-oh3hc]

Led Zeppelin’s jimmy page said how amazing he thought “something’s lost and something’s gained in living every day” was. Early 70’s and I was stupid enough to think rock people only listened to rock

[@marieogara1036]

Sublime.

[@BaghiraLatour]

Been waiting for years for you to react to this song…my all time favorite 😻

[@BaghiraLatour]

And for me the perfect version 👏👏👏

[@ToolsForLife1111]

❤❤❤ goose bumps!

[@MWish999]

Brilliant!

[@fanofbooks9]

Like us, she was tempered by illness of body and loss of love. She’s also still singing.

[@timmeier2001]

One of my first 45s. Back in The 70s I didn't even know what it meant but I liked the song.

[@guyturbide6348]

🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 Beautiful ❤but I prefer the original one ❤

[@rlbkc9963]

Again such a nice choice. Enjoyed it. If you get a chance her "Raised On Robbery" is a fun tune of hers.

[@ashleymcgriff270]

I got so excited when I saw that you were reacting to this song. It's amazing!!!!