Judy Collins

* picture from flemingartists.com

Despite her own popularity as a folk singer, she was often in the news described as the girlfriend of well-known actor Stacey Keach (and before that, Stephen Stills of Crosby Stills Nash & Young). I didn't see her that way, and I remember her best for the light banter with Kermit D. Frog on The Muppet Show. While Send in the Clowns is another favorite of mine, I will always enjoy the unforgettable clarity of her voice in one of her earliest hits, Both Sides Now, composed by her friend Joni Mitchell. This song never fails to lift my spirits up!

BOTH SIDES NOW

words and music by Joni Mitchell

first recorded by Judy Collins

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 every 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