Both Sides Now

Bows & flows of angel hair & 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 & 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 & down, and still somehow
It's cloud illusions i recall.
I really don't know clouds at all.

Moons & junes & 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 & take, and still somehow
It's love's illusions i recall.
I really don't know love at all.

Tears & fears & feeling proud to say "i love you" right out loud,
Dreams & schemes and circus crowds, i've looked at life that way.
But now old friends are acting strange, they shake their heads, they say
I've changed.
Something's lost but something's gained in living every day.

I've looked at life from both sides now,
From win & lose, and still somehow
It's life's illusions i recall.
I really don't know life at all.

-J. Mitchell. For the album "Clouds" 1969.

In a week that has been eight years in the making, this tune speaks to my emotions at this time.