Both Sides Now

By Joni Mitchell

On Hits

Released on May 1, 1969

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[Instrumental Intro]


[Verse 1]

Rows and flows of angel hair

And ice cream castles in the air

And feather canyons everywhere

I've looked at clouds that way


[Verse 2]

But now they only block the sun

They rain and they snow on everyone

So many things I would have done

But clouds got in my way


[Chorus]

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


[Verse 3]

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


[Verse 4]

But now it's just another show

And you leave 'em laughing when you go

And if you care, don't let them know

Don't give yourself away


[Chorus]

I've looked at love from both sides now

From give and take, and still somehow

It's love's illusions that I recall

I really don't know, I really don't know love at all


[Verse 5]

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


[Verse 6]

Oh, but now old friends are acting strange

And they shake their heads, and they tell me that I've changed

Well, something's lost, but something's gained

In living every day


[Chorus]

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


[Instrumental Break]


[Chorus]

I've looked at life from both sides now

From up and down and still somehow

It's life's illusions that I recall

I really don't know life, I really don't know life at all