Joni Mitchell, the iconic singer-songwriter, has written and performed numerous love songs throughout her career. Known for her introspective and poetic style, Mitchell’s love songs explore a wide range of emotions and perspectives. Here are some notable examples:
1- A Case of You
This tender and heartfelt ballad from her album “Blue” (1971) is often regarded as one of Mitchell’s most iconic love songs. It captures the complexities of love, vulnerability, and devotion with its poetic lyrics and soulful melody.
Oh I am a lonely painter
I live in a box of paints
I’m frightened by the devil
And I’m drawn to those ones that ain’t afraid
I remember that time that you told me, you said
“Love is touching souls”
Surely you touched mine ’cause
Part of you pours out of me
In these lines from time to time
2- Both Sides, Now
Originally released in 1969, this introspective song offers a reflective take on love and life. It contemplates the changing perspectives and experiences that come with love, encompassing both the joys and the disappointments.
3- Impossible Dreamer
4- Two Grey Rooms
You look so youthful
Time has been untruthful
Heaven knows I loved you
30 years ago
Hot days your shirt’s undone
Rainy days you run
Oh and then you fade so fast
Below my window
5- My Old Man
From the album “Blue,” this song reflects on the complexities of love and commitment. It beautifully expresses a mix of emotions, including love, longing, and the challenges of sustaining a relationship.
6- Blue
7- Willy
Willy is my child, he is my father
I would be his lady all my life
He says he’d love to live with me
But for an ancient injury
That has not healed
He said I feel once again
Like I gave my heart too soon
He stood looking through the lace
At the face on the conquered moon
And counting all the cars up the hill
And the stars on my window sill
There are still more reasons why I love him
8- The Crazy Cries of Love
9- Jericho
10- Blue Motel Room
I’ve got a blue motel room
With a blue bedspread
I’ve got the blues inside and outside my head
Will you still love me
When I get back to town
11- Help Me
This upbeat and infectious love song from her album “Court and Spark” (1974) expresses a desire for connection and a longing for emotional support in a relationship. It showcases Mitchell’s ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with a catchy melody.
12- All I Want
13- You Turn Me on I’m a Radio
I come when you whistle
When you’re loving and kind
If you’ve got too many doubts
If there’s no good reception for me
Then tune me out, ’cause honey
14- Coyote
15- Carey
16- Little Green
Just a little green
Like the color when the spring is born
There’ll be crocuses to bring to school tomorrow
Just a little green
Like the night’s when the Northern lights perform
There’ll be icicles and birthday clothes and sometimes
There’ll be sorrow
17- Rainy Night House
18- REFUGE OF THE ROADS
19- The Last Time I Saw Richard
The last time I saw Richard was Detroit in ’68,
And he told me all romantics meet the same fate someday
Cynical and drunk and boring someone in some dark cafe
You laugh, he said you think you’re immune, go look at your eyes
They’re full of moon
You like roses and kisses and pretty men to tell you
All those pretty lies, pretty lies
When you gonna realize they’re only pretty lies
Only pretty lies, just pretty lies
20- Woman Of Heart And Mind
1966: Al Kooper, Bob Dylan and Doug Sahm
