The Tallest Man on Earth: "Both Sides Now" (Joni Mitchell) | Ep. 3 of The Light in Demos

"Both Sides Now" (Joni Mitchell) is the third episode of The Light in Demos, a video project produced, written, directed, recorded, shot and edited by The Tallest Man on Earth.
Performers:
Dan Park - Saxophone
CJ Carmieri - Trumpet, French Horn
/ spkmatsson
/ thetallestmanonearthof...
/ tallestman
www.thetallestm...
Lyrics:
Rows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere
I've looked at clouds that way
But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on everyone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way
I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
It's cloud illusions I recall
I really don't know clouds at all
Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way you feel
As every fairy tale comes real
I've looked at love that way
But now it's just another show
You leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care, don't let them know
Don't give yourself away
I've looked at love from both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
It's love's illusions I recall
I really don't know love at all
Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say "I love you" right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
I've looked at life that way
Oh but now old friends are acting strange
They shake their heads, they say I've changed
Well something's lost but something's gained
In living every day
I've looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all
I've looked at life from both sides now
From up and down and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all

[@maitime8712]

My heart broke in half last year, and I listened to Joni's version on repeat, until I was out of tears. Your version feels like a healed rendition - still aching, but with hopefulness. This IS the best song - thank you for sharing.

[@jolkraeremeark6949]

Dry the the tears and move forward with no fear✌

[@miguelmarquez4192]

For me, i always liked joni's stuff throughout my life but certain phrases obtain meaning in my own life experiences and breathes new life into the song and i realize "oh crap, she felt that way in life too, and thats just human experience." I circle back and think duh thats what she writes and thats how she gets ya!.

[@ellismckinney4888]

❤❤⌛, i hope all.is well relate

[@skipmagil]

No it’s about healing….i just lost my brother. I have no words

[@tedchambers2007]

This is not a cover. It is an interpretation. And a stunning interpretation at that. Outstanding. And thank you.

[@roganshorthair]

I traveled down to be with my Dad and sister this weekend because my Mom was passing away from medical complications. I was listening to this song on the way and it brought back a wonderful memory of my Mom. I was at my parents some years back and had shared this version of Both Sides Now...and my Mom was listening and started singing along. Growing up in the 70's, this was a very popular song played often on the radio. I had not heard this song for many years until I stumbled onto this version. I did not realize how much this song meant to my Mom. My Mom passed away that evening on the day I traveled down. I was not able to see her and say goodbye, because during the hospitalization...she had also contracted covid. It really hurts not being there with a family member when they pass away. But...I thank God that this song has given me a very special memory and moment that I shared with my Mom. Thanks for this song and upload...it has touched me and my Mom.

[@ItalianBoogaloo]

i think when these episodes ends i'll feel as empty as when you finish a book you love. thank you for sharing this, really

[@joshuabenson28]

word

[@tomemery7890]

That's a great sentiment

[@brunom.caamano8006]

Your fingerpicking is life ingredient, Kristian. You make the world a better place. You make ours a better life. Thank you

[@wilsonissweet]

I hope Joni has heard this. It's a very beautiful version that she would no doubt appreciate.

[@tuchoochoo91]

In an interview I watched she said she doesn’t like to listen to her music unfortunately

[@jessicafrancishelton5909]

WILSON! Remember me from high school? This just made my day that I find you here in an obscure comments section. 😂 Much respect, this is my favorite song of all time, and a wonderful rendition that feels like being wrapped in a nice warm beach towel. Hope you’re well.

[@blah7694]

Wilson this person knows you!

[@wilsonissweet]

J-Fran!!! Holy shit that’s amazing. Great song, great cover, and great to hear from you in the most bizarre way possible! Hope y’all are well, say hey to Josh! ​ And thank you blah7694 for bringing this to my attention 🙏🏼

[@blah7694]

@@wilsonissweet you're welcome! 😄 What a good song it is too.

[@boywon]

I've watched this video an unhealthy amount of times.

[@LuMartinelli]

In an age of big productions, tours, and business, this looks so much like freedom for a musician. I guess that is why you do it: Music for the sake of music.

[@loadishstone]

You realize this “age” was the whole of pop music right lol? The productions, the commercialization…it’s what makes pop music pop music and separates it from “classical”.

[@SuperNesus]

I still watch this to this day unable to not sing along and letting tears roll down my cheeks. The best interpretation in the world of the best song in the world.

[@GreyOwl-Harmonica]

_So nice to hear a cover that makes you almost feel like you're hearing the song for the first time. A wonderful interpretation of a beautiful Joni song._

[@Queensizemusic]

Grey Owl agreed. I just sent it to her.

[@nehathapa7049]

Larry Queen what do you mean? To Joni?

[@charmedprince]

@@Queensizemusic Are you friends with Queen Joni?

[@sophiekrop750]

fantastic

[@SlobodanDan]

I don't think this has ever happened to me. To hear the song for the first time and cry to it. Thank you. For this song. For all your songs.

[@dmnk1549]

Songs don't make cliffs go away, but music is how you climb.

[@monikamylonopoyloy6223]

Indeed! Such a beautiful comment!

[@Bepartofmynovel]

Fantastic comment!

[@Karinko3]

❤

[@holstgijs1448]

This song helped me in many ways, i crossed a very hard time recently in my life, my wifes had cancer at only 36 which caused storm in our lives. And somehow this song helped me to hold strong and not to colapse and keep our family united. Thank you this song was my light at the end of the tunnel.

[@BenWeeks-ca]

Bless you and may you continue to be encouraged by the creator of life and love itself.

[@EJubett]

Young Joni sang it simply all those years ago, releasing it to the World to be loved and covered. Mature Joni stood with full orchestral accompaniment backing her and reminded everyone that it is still hers and always will be.

[@TravelSherpaKeith]

I don't think anyone is trying to take it from her. It's mad respect to cover someone's masterpiece so well while also giving the original artist so much praise.

[@Will-wp2cp]

How many times can i like this? Wow.... just wow.

[@DG-wu7ke]

Its unbelievable that I've known this song for 50 years but now, today, I understand it. Kristian I'm in awe. You are teaching me how to listen

[@brentholcomb84]

Joni M is my favorite artist...I dove into her well of song and poetry at age eighteen and haven't escaped since. The well is deep and muddy... It is extremely rare that an artist does a Joni song justice. You have more than accomplished that feat here. Your respect for her is clear. The strings of your guitar, the hexagram of the heavens. Thank you for this gorgeous rendition of, yes, the greatest song ever written.

[@alancleveguy7792]

I agree Joni M is a genius and this may be the best song. But, another of hers might also be the best---River. She opens up and takes all the blame for what happened in River. Incredible. And someone else does that song justice, too. Sarah MacLachlan did a beautiful cover of that.

[@rjanutne5698]

simply amazing....

[@michaelwilliams2212]

You have no idea how your music has inspired me. I first saw you on NPR Tiny Desk. Since, I have seen every KEXP performance and of course I have listened to each TMOE track an uncountable number of times. I've always wanted to write music, but have stopped and started many times without success. You came into my view and I was compelled to study your music. You introduced me to alternate tunings. You have taught me a great deal about imagery and song-craft in general. I have a folder of Word Docs dissecting your songs, looking for lessons and patterns. It has given me a solid place to build my own skills and stretch my own creativity. I have even recorded an album that I am very proud of, a long-standing life goal. So, thank you. Really. You've given me more than I can repay. I am loving the series so far. Keep it up.

[@lundamark]

That's massive, man. Keep her lit. 💪🏻💪🏻

[@michaelgrabner2355]

Can't believe TMOE, a musician who is such a huge influence on my own musical aspirations and songwriting, is putting together such a beautiful series and actually engaging his fans in the KZbin comment section. Just surreal, thank you Kristian. I fell in love with your music when I first heard your tiny desk concert years ago and I've been a devout fan since.

[@Desmondial98]

Please keep making these indefinitely

[@51Dss]

This is the best cover of Both Sides Now that I have ever heard. It is now my favorite version. I think what I appreciate most about it is that you let the words speak as they were meant to be spoken when they came to Joni Mitchells hand/heart. There is authenticity in this version that is not there in any other versions I have listened to. It always seemed to me that the better, or more profound a lyric was written most singers do not really hear or understand the universality in the passage. Too often it seems singers will take a song that if left to express itself comes out like a meditation on a profound realization about some experience (Oh! This is what I thought love was but I now see - I have no idea what love means...) and turn it into some version of their own preconceived idea about what love or life might be to them personally - not universally necessarily. Also they tend to embellish the music around the lyrics as if the lyrics and the basic music were not sufficient to understand just how meaningful the song is to the singer. Sometimes a singer uses what is otherwise a beautiful song/thought/feeling as a showcase for their own vocal prowess - showing off vocal range and gymnastics and the song is lost leaving me standing there with open hands still waiting for the gift in the song that was really stolen away.

[@dvgeiger]

tallest man covering joni mitchell. it doesn't get much better than this

[@DanielRohrer1]

The best song in the world and yet somehow you managed to make it even better.

[@nycdude999]

Is this the best rendition of the best song ever written? It sure does seems like it. Thank you Kristian.

[@MatteoZoppei]

I'll have to go to Sweden now... What a view. Great tribute to Joni Mitchell!

[@maevegreenleaf5957]

This is absolutely beautiful. You are a gift to this world, your music is a treasure.

[@kevnonstop]

magical.

[@creativemees]

Tallest Man you make life so wonderful

[@bukashky4887]

this is my monthly check in

[@owenkjartanson7476]

The audio is outstanding.

[@AnnaBaaanana]

This song is so special to me. It's helped me find tears when I needed them and watching you perform live in Dublin moved me to tears. Thank you!!!!

[@gracieland9724]

i think this might just be my favourite video of all time

[@manuelafischer305]

These videos are so soothing, the images, the way you play the songs. I'm hoping for a cover of a Nick Drake song, that'd be amazing

[@michaeljsay]

I agree, channeling Nick Drake through this project would be absolutely wonderful..

[@RayasNegroOvejas]

mikeSlayer channeling sounds wrong if it's a tribute ;

[@samuellewis2525]

Manuela Fischer from the morning would be perfect

[@manuelafischer305]

yeah, that's my favourite, but Northern Sky is amazing as well

[@samuellewis2525]

Yeah and I'd love to see what he comes up with fingerpicking etc. with Northern Sky

[@viktorijamackinyte6800]

'because songs don't make cliffs go away' truly brilliant the way you think and write.

[@dr.phelps]

Viktorija Mačkinytė Ha ha! I thought he said "riff" meaning the synth echo stuff in the background .. so confused :)

[@Moodybox1]

Kristian! Please release these songs to Spotify, Apple Music, etc. I cannot get enough.

[@luke_herbz]

i'm here becuase I realized at Newport Folk Fest 2022 that this is in fact a true statement (Both Sides Now is the best song in the world)

[@Wtfever2.0]

I relish in these videos. The music. Your voice. Please bring your tour to the southeast. I need to hear you live for my life to be complete!

[@peterw9000]

You should make all of these recordings into an EP, when you're done

[@Adisasleep]

i'm with you

[@mnrdphotography6913]

Good god, Kristian! I do believe you are creating the best content on the internet right now. I look forward to each episode of The Light in Demos with more anticipation than you can fathom. Thank you for sharing this with us. It is an intimate privilege.

[@ryanhikes14ers]

This might be the best thing on KZbin.

[@SunnyBear]

I couldn't agree more, best song ever written and as such, I'm always extremely sceptical of any covers of it. But this one is so infused with heart and soul it's irresistible. We need this one on Spotify

[@mebarry28]

I would love if this were to come on Spotify some day. Amazing

[@mymistresseyes92]

My favourite by Joni. Thanks Kristian, this was the sweetest surprise at the end of a very long day

[@emmapinkley2368]

beautiful music in a time when our world really needs it. keep on keeping on

[@emmanueldeodato8343]

This is so intense! This is a moment, connection, with the music, lyric, your voice. Songs are more than just songs. Congrats!

[@marqy007]

Good job Mr. T. M. o. Earth. I'm sure Joni would be impressed. Carry on Sir...

[@Christopher.white_]

I agree with you. and this is a beautiful version.

[@jokerswearblack]

I love your opening comment about writing the same song over and over again. It has left me something to think about. Thanks

[@Tklbrookmead]

How could anyone dislike this video. Incredibly beautiful cover of an incredibly beautiful song.

[@maurovelaquez2771]

Rows and flows of angel hair And ice cream castles in the air And feather canyons everywhere I've looked at clouds that way But now they only block the sun They rain and snow on everyone So many things I would have done But clouds got in my way I've looked at clouds from both sides now From up and down and still somehow It's cloud's illusions I recall I really don't know clouds at all Moons and Junes and ferries wheels The dizzy dancing way you feel As every fairy tale comes real I've looked at love that way But now it's just another show You leave 'em laughing when you go And if you care, don't let them know Don't give yourself away I've looked at love from both sides now From give and take and still somehow It's love's illusions I recall I really don't know love at all Tears and fears and feeling proud, To say "I love you" right out loud Dreams and schemes and circus crowds I've looked at life that way But now old friends they're acting strange They shake their heads, they say I've changed Well something's lost, but something's gained In living every day. I've looked at life from both sides now From win and lose and still somehow It's life's illusions I recall I really don't know life at all I've looked at life from both sides now From up and down, and still somehow It's life's illusions I recall I really don't know life at all

[@TimTheMusicMan]

Thank you !!

[@pixiedust4845]

You take my heart back to my grade 8 graduation, some 34 yrs ago.... I'll never forget what that day and song did to me as whole... This is most beautiful cover of the best song that had such a impact on life..... Absolute bliss 😍

[@nickeddy1993]

Haunting

[@BrettBonchi]

Thank you for everything over the years Kristian, I often come to huge revelations and awakenings appreciating your art and it means so much to me.

[@patrickmartin2942]

I can't describe the emotion I fell when i watch/listen to this series. Thank Kristian and much love and peace

[@erikthorell9678]

Detta. Wow. Detta är musik för mig. Rakt in i hjärtat. Med enorm känsla, dynamik och smakfullhet. Världsklass.

[@simonleslie3607]

One of my favourite Joni songs. I was nervous about what I’d hear but no longer. Beautiful job my friend 👏👏

[@jessicamcconville2169]

I can't breathe.

[@nitoygonzales4581]

Awesome

[@TheJberrie]

Way to combine your talents here brother! Awesome tribute to one of the greatest songs ever written!

[@mariedahlqvist6151]

Magiskt framförande & magiskt vacker natur. Känns som om man sprang på fjäderlätta barnaben i skogen 🎶❤️ Tack ❤️🙏

[@markrobert9915]

Oh my goodness. This version gave me goosebumps! This is as good as the original version by Joni!

[@alexhalls7259]

One of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard, good lad for doing this amazing song such justice

[@dawsonestes9897]

Wow. Just absolutely phenomenal.

[@Rory99M]

I love this. Especially how he says the best song as opposed to his favorite.

[@Ceb773]

man i can't believe he mentioned little river. that's my favourite song.

[@sarahhammond3748]

I listen to this cover so much -

[@Djblames2348]

And my best song in the world is Little River by The Tallest Man on Earth.. thanks for making these, they are like little rivers to the golden ground

[@lulukallinen6670]

so much Peace in this Video.

[@aaronszczepanek2583]

Found this song by Pete Seager and listened to it all summer while I road my bike. Then I find that you covered it and it made me very happy. Thanks Kristian. I think Little Rivers is the best song in the world. Never fails to put that biking smile on my face in the fall.

[@gregevenden6515]

This new series you're doing is really enthralling. I hope it reaches the wide audience it deserves.

[@mssamson79]

Listening to this on a random Wednesday night in October with my headphones on and falling in love with this version. Thank you.

[@cobycool4665]

The first two concerts i ever went to were yours. You were so brilliant I cried. Thank you man. I'll love your music till I die

[@curtheciscokid]

Beautiful. I'll be patiently waiting for the next episode. Your videos are such an inspiration.

[@Curtis.Carpenter]

as will i 🤝🏼

[@stephanieharman7107]

I hope these episodes never end as long as you live. I think I need them.

[@TheSardOz]

Very enjoyable thank you Kristian.... I'm looking forward to see Ep 4.....

[@EnjoyerofYoutube]

I've known this song for years and haven't truly appreciated it until hearing this cover. As always, thanks for breathing beauty into every song you sing, Kristian.

[@rswc55]

By a fun coincidence my wife and I started learning this song a few weeks ago. We both smiled deeply when we saw this video come up. What a rich piece of music. Thanks for exposing a bit more to us.

[@MsRhythmoflife1]

I was so very thankful for that pocket of inspiration today.Two of my favourite things in one. Just what I needed to get my sick spirits up.I recommend that people let this video run into episode 2.I appreciated Ep. 2 even more after this one. So much love from Ireland.

[@martinmegazor]

This is so incredibly good.

[@FedorNation]

Been listening to your incredibly soulful music for roughly the past decade maybe and I draw on it a lot in my own fingerpicking exploits but as of late I hadn't been, I'm not sure why. I have a weird habit of obsessing over music non stop and then finding something new, and then I always return to my songs of the past that I love and it's almost as though I'm hearing them again for the first time. I remember working outside doing landscaping maybe 7 or 8 years ago with the sun beaming through the tall pines and having your playlist on repeat for days at a time. Always felt such peacefulness in that place. Thanks to my current Gregory Alan Isakov music fetish and KZbin suggestions I just happened to stumble back to you the night after a deep dive into Joni Mitchells discography(seriously creepy timing)...It turns out I wept a few tears of joy last night and again today. Thank you sir for doing her song more than justice.

[@jackgranger9291]

This is a great version of a timeless song... thank you !

[@coxqt]

So good!

[@salmonbomb]

so beautiful. i hope these recordings bring you as much peace and joy as they bring me.

[@angelibrock3399]

I owe it to my youngest son to have found you. Your version of this song is breathtaking and conscience lifting. Thank you for making my heart happy ❤️

[@elizabethczapski9843]

This is the first time I've heard this song. Love, love, love.

[@alexandranistoroiu1647]

Thank you so much for this, Kristian! Please keep them coming.

[@TheLeftyGrove]

Just beautiful. Thanks for this gift. Hope you are doing well.

[@OKHendrik]

My HEART .... I need a Spotify version exactly from this, or a cassette tape, vinyl .. anything

[@DougKeene]

A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Thank you.

[@johnedward8352]

I teach high school English and creative writing. My class just finished a piece titled Why I Write. I'm going to show this absolutely. Thank you so much peace to you and yours.

[@ADFluidMAN]

Absolutely stunning! No matter where you stand, it tugs are your heart strings!

[@heatherm2140]

Really beautiful... I wouldn't have imagined trumpet on this, but I loved it! It was like it was there all along, but I'd just never noticed before...

[@Struinvogel]

The music that you write and play is as golden as the sunlight you are playing in. Thank you so much!

[@musicglueworld]

I never want this series of videos to end. They're so amazing and soothing to the soul. Thank you, thank you, thank you :-)

[@ana.maria7]

Pure magic.

[@soundsenglish5590]

than you. a beautiful version, and truly, the best song in the world

[@jabsjc]

I really hope these stories become an album when completed. I'll be ready to set them on repeat

[@vincentjacob690]

For anyone wondering I think it's played open G capo 3, harmonics 7th and 12th fret respectively