Song of the Day #5,151: ‘Both Sides Now (Live)’ – Joni Mitchell

The New York Times

Continuing to showcase footage from Joni Mitchell’s recent appearance at the Newport Folk Festival…

Now here’s the moment from Mitchell’s appearance that was worth the price of admission all by itself. Mitchell tackles ‘Both Sides Now,’ one of her greatest songs, in a beautiful, moving performance that makes wonderful use of the lower register she has developed after a lot of cigarettes and a lot of time.

This is a powerful performance that finds Mitchell playing with new phrasings, stretching some lines and condensing others, making a classic song feel brand new.

And how profound to hear a song she first performed at 23 years old reinterpreted 55 years later. Talk about seeing life from both sides.

2 thoughts on “Song of the Day #5,151: ‘Both Sides Now (Live)’ – Joni Mitchell

  1. Dana Gallup says:

    She has been performing this song in this way (lower register) for about 20 years. It’s similar to the version we heard when we saw her in concert at the Coral Sky Amphitheater, which was probably at least 15 years ago. Still, it was a special performance, with the lyrics imbued with poignancy given all she has been through.

  2. Peg says:

    Wonderful song wonderful performance 👏

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