Lyrics of
Both Sides Now

Both Sides, Now, written by Joni Mitchell in 1967, is a contemplative song about the contradictions and varying perceptions of life and love. Mitchell was inspired during an airplane flight, where she looked at clouds from various vantage points, symbolizing the multiple perspectives of human emotional experience. The lyrics ponder innocence and disillusion, expressing deep thoughtfulness about the complexity of feelings and relationships.

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 clouds 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 them 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
But something's lost and 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