Written by in 1967, "Both Sides Now" is an enduring masterpiece that explores the evolving nature of perspective across clouds, love, and life. 1. Origin: Inspired at 30,000 Feet
: The song is divided into three parts: viewing clouds (up/down), love (give/take), and life (win/lose) from two sides. 2. Two Iconic Recorded Versions Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now
Mitchell famously recorded two distinct studio versions that track her own growth as an artist. 10 Great Versions of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" Written by in 1967, "Both Sides Now" is
: Despite sounding like the work of someone much older, Mitchell was only 23 at the time. She had already experienced significant hardship, including surviving childhood polio and surrendering her daughter for adoption. She had already experienced significant hardship
Mitchell began writing the song while on a plane reading novel Henderson the Rain King .
: In the book, the protagonist looks down at clouds from a plane; Mitchell looked out her own window, saw clouds, and immediately began composing.