If I closed my eyes and just listened, it was a voice that took me back to my sophomore year in high school. Clear and strong. When I opened my eyes, a woman with a shock of white hair, skinny black boots, and a purple dress that could have easily fit right in during the late 60s stood center stage strumming her guitar accompanied by her musical director on piano. And, those blue eyes were still shining – just as blue as years ago in 1969 when they inspired Stephen Stills to write Suite Judy Blue Eyes about their imminent breakup.
Judy Collins, age 76, still has the voice of angel and is still gracing us with it. When she sang Send in the Clowns, Amazing Grace, and Someday Soon, I was instantly transported to another place and time. However, when she sang Both Sides Now, I had chills running up and down my spine and tears rolling down my cheeks.
Both Sides Now, written by another prolific singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell, was Judy Collins’ first big hit released in 1967 on her Wildflowers album and as a single in October 1968. In 1969, Judy won a Grammy for her release and Rolling Stone ranks it as #171 on its list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
When I was young, I thought the words and the music were magical, although at that time, I hadn’t seen “both sides” of many life experiences. It would take more years to understand those lyrics and from knowing some of her life experiences, I am sure Judy Collins has seen both sides now :
Bows 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’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know clouds at all
Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way you feel
When every fairy tale comes real
I’ve looked at love that way
But now it’s just another show
You leave ’em laughin’ 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 win and lose 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
But 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
– Music and lyrics written by Joni Mitchell
You’d think at age 76, she might consider slowing down. Nope. Not Judy. She does around one-hundred shows a year and has a new album that was recently released. And, what an album it is. She said she called up a bunch of guys she always wanted to sing with and asked them to join her on the album and they all said, “YES!” Strangers Again features oldie but goodies like Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, Michael McDonald, Jeff Bridges, Don McLean and Jackson Browne, as well as younger, lesser known artists such as Thomas Dybdahl, Bhi Bhiman, Ari Hest, and Alad Jones. Something for everyone.
For close to five decades, Judy’s songs have stayed relevant and taking the risk of sounding like an old fuddy duddy, I cannot imagine some of today’s hottest artists having a track record like that.
So do yourself a favor. Pour yourself a glass of wine or a cup of tea. Dim the lights and light a candle or turn on your Christmas tree lights. If you have a fireplace, by all means build a fire or flip the switch. And, listen to the pristine voice of Sweet Judy Blue Eyes singing Both Sides Now.
And, if you’re like me, you can use it as a spark for some journaling… no telling what will come up.
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Photo Credit: Brad Trent for the Wall Street Journal, 01/16/15
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Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Tess!