Both Sides Now: Lyrics

Both Sides Now

by Joni Mitchell

(Played at Max's Memorial Ceremony)

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

© 1969 - Siquomb Publishing Company

Roberta Flack - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face [1972]

We chose this song to close Max’s funeral service. I have always loved it very much, and Roberta Flack, too. Though I am a writer, I could not have expressed so simply or eloquently exactly how I felt when Max was laid on my chest and I glanced upon him for the very first time. * Note: Be sure never to listen to Celine Dion’s cover of this otherwise wonderful song. You have to promise!