joni mitchell
The song was first recorded by Joni herself, on 12th of March 1967, but not released until some ten years later. Meanwhile, Judy Collins grabbed it, December 1967, and her first release became a classic crossover hit. By May 2025, there are registered 595 versions besides 20 adaptions!
Back in 1969, 14 years old and a newbee to playing guitar, I first heard this song on the radio, performed by Judy Collins. It obviously burned itself into my memory, because when I nearly 10 years afterwards found the title on an album cover, I bought the album without listening to it. The album was "Miles of Aisles", and the artist appeared to be the songwriter herself. I started digging ... and found a treasure.
For more than fifty years now, this Lady has looked upon life from many sides, and I truly love her. We have at least 2 things in common: a declination to rare harmonies and 40 cigarettes a day. And painting, not to mention. Some of her songs may be interpreted by males, and this is one of them. Forgive me, Joni.
bows 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 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 and 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 and lose and still somehow
it's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all
For the following CHORD section, fullscreen/horizontal mobile is recommended.
Chords in brackets may be omitted.
E Esus4 E C#m G#m Esus4 bows and flows of angel hair and ice cream castles in the air E Esus4 E B7 and feather canyons everywhere I've looked at clouds that way E Esus4 E C#m G#m Esus4 but now they only block the sun they rain and snow on everyone E Esus4 E B7 so many things I would have done but clouds got in my way E A E I've looked at clouds from both sides now A E A B7sus4 from up and down and still somehow G#m F#m7 E A it's cloud illusions I recall E B7sus4 E I really don't know clouds at all
