Both Sides Now


Words & Music by Joni Mitchell, Recorded by Judy Collins, 1968 (#8) Intro: G Am7 Em7 Am7 G C G Gmaj7 C G Bows and flows of angel hair, and ice cream castles in the air, G/f# C C/B Am7 D And feather canyons everywhere—I've looked at clouds that way. G C G Gmaj7 C G But now they only block the sun, they rain and snow on everyone. G/f# C C/B Am7 D So many things I would have done, but clouds got in the way. G C G I've looked at clouds from both sides now, C G C G From up and down, and still somehow Gmaj7 Am7 G Em C D G It's clouds illusions I recall; I really don't know clouds at all. G C G Gmaj7 C G Moons and Junes and ferris wheels, the dizzy dancing way you feel G/f# C C/B Am7 D When every fairy tale comes real — I've looked at love that way. G C G Gmaj7 C G But now it's just another show, you leave 'em laughing as you go, G/f# C C/B Am7 D And if you care, don't let them know, don't give yourself away. G C G I've looked at love from both sides now, C G C G From give and take, and still somehow, Gmaj7 Am7 G Em C D G It's love's illusions I recall; I really don't know love at all. G C G Gmaj7 C G Tears and fears and feeling proud to say "I love you" right out loud; G/f# C C/B Am7 D Dreams and schemes and circus crowds — I've looked at life that way. G C G But now old friends are acting strange, G Gmaj7 C G They shake their heads and say I've changed, G/f# Em C C/B Am7 D But something's lost and something's gained from living every day. G C G I've looked at life from both sides now, C G C G From win and lose, and still somehow, Gmaj7 Am7 G Em C C/B D G It's life's illusions I recall; I really don't know life at all.