Having nothing much to say or share at the moment for a combination of various odd reasons, thought posting this song, that has been playing on my mind for some time now, would be a good change. When one finds it difficult to have one's usual way with words, I believe, one should best remain quiet. You see, they have to come to you, words.
And so, I will let Joni Mitchell's clever and comforting words speak on my mute behalf. They have often provided me solace in strange times, and the most when I have been a stranger to myself. When the whys and hows of the world are hurled from every possible direction at you. When you realize that it doesn't always have to be an epic, cinematic tragedy for the old heart to be tired. That a whimper is all it takes to break it, yet again.
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 ev'ry 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 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
~ Joni Mitchell, 'Both Sides, Now'
And so, I will let Joni Mitchell's clever and comforting words speak on my mute behalf. They have often provided me solace in strange times, and the most when I have been a stranger to myself. When the whys and hows of the world are hurled from every possible direction at you. When you realize that it doesn't always have to be an epic, cinematic tragedy for the old heart to be tired. That a whimper is all it takes to break it, yet again.
(Photo courtesy: Wikipedia)
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 ev'ry 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 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
~ Joni Mitchell, 'Both Sides, Now'
"...They shake their heads, they say I've changed
ReplyDeleteWell something's lost, but something's gained..."
Sometimes we just have to give in and do something else until the Muse finds us again. In the meantime, be good to yourself - go easy on yourself and give yourself a break. So much change, so many different worlds, different roles and different expectations. At the risk of being presumptuous, (and only because I have been in this situation) I'll bet you're still trying to find your place, or a place that suits you now that you're home. It's not easy, but you and everyone around you will be richer for your experience.
Thank you, my dear, for being there, yet again. I did take a good breather, more so with my parents here for a good ten days. And you are not being presumptuous at all; if anything, I always find a strange connection with you and a strong assurance from your kind words. Yes, it's definitely not easy but like you say what else can one do other than trudging on.
Deletevery nice... life is so unexpected, always... maybe thats what makes it interesting!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Ash, hundred and one percent!
DeleteI didn't know Joni Mitchell. So I've listened to this song and I like it. Music plays an important part in life. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you listened to it and I absolutely agree with you regarding music's importance in one's life. I, for one, would surely be lost if a day goes by without listening to some.
DeleteLove Joni — and this is one of her great early songs. Brilliant version by Shirley Collins too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, Robert. I have to go now and listen to the Collins version.
Delete