Joni Mitchell is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential songwriters of all time. Throughout her long and illustrious career, she has created a stunning body of work that encompasses a diverse range of musical styles, from folk and rock to jazz and pop. Her lyrics are renowned for their poetic depth and emotional honesty, and her unique voice and distinctive guitar playing have won her legions of fans around the world. In this list, we’ve gathered together some of Joni Mitchell’s best and most beloved songs. These are the songs that have stood the test of time, that continue to inspire and move listeners, and that have cemented Joni Mitchell’s place as one of the great musical artists of our time. From the iconic “Big Yellow Taxi” to the hauntingly beautiful “River,” each song on this list is a masterpiece in its own right, showcasing Joni Mitchell’s unparalleled talent as a songwriter and performer. Whether you’re a die-hard Joni Mitchell fan or you’re just discovering her music for the first time, this list is the perfect introduction to her incredible body of work. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be swept away by the beauty and power of Joni Mitchell’s music.
1. AMELIA (FROM ‘HEJIRA’, 1976)
“Amelia” is a song written and performed by Joni Mitchell, released in 1976 as part of her album “Hejira”. The song is a tribute to the legendary pilot Amelia Earhart, who disappeared while attempting to fly around the world in 1937. Mitchell’s lyrics reflect on Earhart’s courage and determination, and her own desire for freedom and independence.
The song opens with a sparse acoustic guitar riff that is gradually joined by Mitchell’s haunting vocals. As the song progresses, the instrumentation becomes more complex, with added layers of guitar, bass, and percussion. Mitchell’s poetic lyrics evoke the vastness of the sky and the mystery of Earhart’s disappearance, as well as her own journey of self-discovery.
2. THE LAST TIME I SAW RICHARD (FROM ‘BLUE’, 1971)
“The Last Time I Saw Richard” is a song written and performed by Joni Mitchell, released in 1971 as part of her iconic album “Blue”. The song is a bittersweet reflection on lost love and the passage of time.
The song opens with Mitchell’s delicate fingerpicking on the guitar, setting a contemplative mood. Her vocals are soft and introspective, drawing the listener in to her story. The lyrics describe a chance encounter with an old flame, Richard, who has become cynical and bitter about love. Mitchell contrasts Richard’s disillusionment with her own romantic ideals, which have been tempered by experience but still hold a glimmer of hope.
As the song progresses, Mitchell’s guitar playing becomes more complex and the melody more melancholic. The lyrics suggest that the speaker has moved on from Richard and their past relationship, but there is a sense of sadness and regret at what might have been.
3. SONG FOR SHARON (FROM ‘HEJIRA’, 1976)
“Song for Sharon” is a song written and performed by Joni Mitchell, released in 1976 as part of her album “Hejira”. The song is a complex and deeply personal reflection on the nature of identity, fame, and artistic expression.
The song opens with Mitchell’s signature acoustic guitar playing, accompanied by a sparse bass line and subtle percussion. Her vocals are both tender and passionate, conveying a sense of longing and introspection. The lyrics describe the speaker’s journey of self-discovery, from a small town in Canada to the bright lights of New York City. Along the way, she confronts the challenges of fame and artistic success, as well as the loneliness and isolation that can come with it.
As the song progresses, Mitchell’s guitar playing becomes more intricate and the melody more haunting. The lyrics delve deeper into the speaker’s search for meaning and connection, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-acceptance.
4. BOTH SIDES, NOW (FROM ‘BOTH SIDES NOW’, 2000)
“Both Sides, Now” is a song written by Joni Mitchell, originally released in 1967 as part of her album “Clouds”. The song was later re-recorded and released in 2000 as the title track of her album “Both Sides Now”. The later version of the song features a more orchestral arrangement and showcases Mitchell’s mature and refined vocal style.
The song opens with a gentle piano melody, accompanied by strings and brass. Mitchell’s vocals are soft and reflective, conveying a sense of nostalgia and wisdom. The lyrics describe the speaker’s reflections on the nature of love and life, as she observes the passing of time and the changing of seasons. As the song progresses, Mitchell’s vocals become more powerful and emotive, reaching a climactic moment as she sings the iconic line, “I really don’t know life at all”. The song then returns to its gentle opening melody, bringing the listener full circle.
5. A CASE OF YOU (FROM ‘BLUE’, 1971)
“A Case of You” is a song written and performed by Joni Mitchell, released in 1971 as part of her album “Blue”. The song is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that has become one of Mitchell’s most beloved and iconic compositions.
The song opens with Mitchell’s gentle fingerpicking on the guitar, setting a wistful and introspective mood. Her vocals are delicate and vulnerable, conveying a sense of longing and regret. The lyrics describe the intense and consuming nature of a romantic relationship, as the speaker compares her lover to a potent drug that she can’t resist.
As the song progresses, Mitchell’s guitar playing becomes more complex and the melody more emotive. The lyrics delve deeper into the speaker’s emotions, exploring themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The chorus, with its refrain of “I could drink a case of you and still be on my feet”, has become one of the most iconic and memorable lines in Mitchell’s entire oeuvre.
6. RIVER (FROM ‘BLUE’, 1971)
“River” is a song written and performed by Joni Mitchell, released in 1971 as part of her album “Blue”. The song is a poignant and melancholic reflection on the pain of lost love and the longing for redemption.
The song opens with Mitchell’s delicate piano playing, accompanied by a simple drum beat and soft backing vocals. Her vocals are raw and emotional, conveying a sense of heartbreak and regret. The lyrics describe the speaker’s desire to escape her present circumstances and start anew, using the metaphor of a river to symbolize the power of transformation.
As the song progresses, Mitchell’s piano playing becomes more intricate and the melody more haunting. The lyrics delve deeper into the speaker’s emotions, exploring themes of regret, loss, and the search for meaning. The chorus, with its refrain of “I wish I had a river I could skate away on”, has become one of the most iconic and memorable lines in Mitchell’s entire catalogue.
7. COYOTE (FROM ‘HEJIRA’, 1976)
“Coyote” is a song written and performed by Joni Mitchell, released in 1976 as part of her album “Hejira”. The song is a vibrant and dynamic portrayal of life on the road, with a focus on the thrill of adventure and the freedom of the open road. The song opens with a driving guitar riff, accompanied by a steady drum beat and bass line. Mitchell’s vocals are confident and playful, conveying a sense of excitement and vitality. The lyrics describe the speaker’s encounters with a charismatic and unpredictable figure, the “coyote”, who embodies the spirit of the road.
As the song progresses, Mitchell’s guitar playing becomes more complex and the melody more intense. The lyrics delve deeper into the speaker’s emotions, exploring themes of passion, desire, and the search for meaning. The chorus, with its refrain of “No regrets, coyote”, has become one of the most iconic and memorable lines in Mitchell’s entire repertoire.
8. THE MAGDALENE LAUNDRIES (FROM ‘TURBULENT INDIGO’, 1994)
“The Magdalene Laundries” is a song written and performed by Joni Mitchell, released in 1994 as part of her album “Turbulent Indigo”. The song is a haunting and powerful condemnation of the Magdalene asylums, institutions run by the Catholic Church in Ireland where thousands of women and girls were imprisoned, abused, and forced to work in the laundry. The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar melody, accompanied by Mitchell’s emotive vocals. The lyrics describe the horrific conditions of the laundries, where women were subjected to physical and emotional abuse, forced to give up their children, and denied basic human rights.
As the song progresses, Mitchell’s guitar playing becomes more intense and the melody more haunting. The lyrics delve deeper into the speaker’s emotions, exploring themes of injustice, trauma, and the search for redemption. The chorus, with its refrain of “The sisters of mercy, they’re not departed or gone / They were waiting for me when I thought that I just can’t go on”, is a powerful indictment of the Catholic Church’s complicity in the atrocities committed against women in the Magdalene laundries.
“The Magdalene Laundries” is a masterful work of art that has been recognized for its social and political significance.
9. LOVE PUTS ON A NEW FACE (FROM ‘TAMING THE TIGER’, 1998)
“Love Puts on a New Face” is a song written and performed by Joni Mitchell, released in 1998 as part of her album “Taming the Tiger”. The song is a beautiful and reflective exploration of the power of love to transform and heal.
The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar melody, accompanied by Mitchell’s delicate vocals. The lyrics describe the speaker’s experience of falling in love and the profound changes that love brings. The melody is intimate and introspective, conveying a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
As the song progresses, Mitchell’s guitar playing becomes more complex and the melody more intricate. The lyrics delve deeper into the speaker’s emotions, exploring themes of joy, hope, and the transformative power of love. The chorus, with its refrain of “Love puts on a new face / When I look at you”, is a celebration of the beauty and power of love.
“Love Puts on a New Face” is a testament to Mitchell’s talent as a songwriter and musician. The song showcases her ability to blend different musical genres and styles, including folk and jazz, and to create a unique sound that is both timeless and contemporary. The song has been praised for its lyrical depth and emotional resonance, and has become a favorite among Mitchell’s fans.
10. PAPRIKA PLAINS (FROM ‘DON JUAN’S RECKLESS DAUGHTER’, 1977)
“Paprika Plains” is a sprawling, experimental song written and performed by Joni Mitchell, released in 1977 as part of her album “Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter”. The song is a bold departure from Mitchell’s previous work, incorporating elements of jazz, folk, and classical music to create a complex and intricate sonic landscape.
The song opens with a haunting, atmospheric melody, accompanied by Mitchell’s dreamy vocals. The lyrics describe the speaker’s journey through a mystical landscape, filled with vivid colors and surreal imagery. The melody is complex and multi-layered, with Mitchell’s guitar playing weaving in and out of the intricate arrangements of strings and woodwinds.
As the song progresses, Mitchell’s vocals become more intense and the melody more complex, with the various musical elements blending together to create a hypnotic, otherworldly sound. The lyrics delve deeper into the speaker’s emotions, exploring themes of spirituality, identity, and the search for meaning.
11. CHINESE CAFÉ/UNCHAINED MELODY (FROM ‘WILD THINGS RUN FAST’, 1982)
“Chinese Café/Unchained Melody” is a poignant and reflective song written and performed by Joni Mitchell, released in 1982 as part of her album “Wild Things Run Fast”. The song is a beautiful blend of Mitchell’s signature folk-pop sound and more experimental elements, showcasing her ability to blend different genres and create something truly unique.
The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar melody, accompanied by Mitchell’s soft, introspective vocals. The lyrics describe the speaker’s memories of a former lover, with the titular Chinese café serving as a metaphor for the memories that linger in the mind. The melody is nostalgic and bittersweet, conveying a sense of loss and longing.
As the song progresses, Mitchell’s vocals become more intense and the melody more complex, with the addition of a haunting synthesizer melody and a powerful drum beat. The song then seamlessly transitions into a cover of the classic ballad “Unchained Melody”, with Mitchell’s vocals soaring over a lush, orchestral arrangement.
12. NOTHING CAN BE DONE (FROM ‘NIGHT RIDE HOME’, 1991)
“Nothing Can Be Done” is a hauntingly beautiful song written and performed by Joni Mitchell, released in 1991 as part of her album “Night Ride Home”. The song is a powerful exploration of the complexities of relationships and the pain of letting go.
The song opens with a sparse, melancholic melody, accompanied by Mitchell’s soft, introspective vocals. The lyrics describe the speaker’s attempts to mend a broken relationship, but ultimately realizing that “nothing can be done” to save it. The melody is mournful and resigned, conveying a sense of emotional weight and weariness.
As the song progresses, Mitchell’s vocals become more intense and the melody more complex, with the addition of a driving drum beat and a soaring guitar solo. The song then transitions into a powerful chorus, with Mitchell’s vocals rising to a crescendo as she proclaims that “nothing can be done” to change the past or salvage the relationship.
13. JUDGEMENT OF THE MOON AND STARS (LUDWIG’S TUNE) (FROM ‘FOR THE ROSES’, 1972)
“Judgement of the Moon and Stars (Ludwig’s Tune)” is a complex and intricate song written and performed by Joni Mitchell, released in 1972 as part of her album “For the Roses”. The song is a beautiful exploration of the creative process and the struggle to balance artistic vision with commercial success.
The song opens with a gentle piano melody, accompanied by Mitchell’s soft, introspective vocals. The lyrics describe the story of Ludwig van Beethoven, as Mitchell imagines the composer struggling to balance his artistic vision with the demands of the commercial music industry. The melody is delicate and mournful, conveying a sense of the weight of creative ambition and the pressure to succeed.
As the song progresses, Mitchell’s vocals become more intense and the melody more complex, with the addition of a driving drum beat and a soaring horn section. The song then transitions into a powerful chorus, with Mitchell’s vocals rising to a crescendo as she proclaims that “the artist aims for no-one’s ears but his own”.
14. BAD DREAMS (FROM ‘SHINE’, 2007)
“Bad Dreams” is a haunting and introspective song written and performed by Joni Mitchell, released in 2007 as part of her album “Shine”. The song is a powerful exploration of the human condition, and the ways in which our dreams and fears can shape our perceptions of reality.
The song opens with a sparse, haunting melody, accompanied by Mitchell’s soft, introspective vocals. The lyrics describe the speaker’s struggles with “bad dreams”, which haunt them and prevent them from fully experiencing the beauty of life. The melody is mournful and introspective, conveying a sense of emotional weight and weariness.
As the song progresses, Mitchell’s vocals become more intense and the melody more complex, with the addition of a driving drum beat and a soaring guitar solo. The song then transitions into a powerful chorus, with Mitchell’s vocals rising to a crescendo as she proclaims that “bad dreams are good in the great plan”.
15. PASSION PLAY (WHEN ALL THE SLAVES ARE FREE) (FROM ‘NIGHT RIDE HOME’, 1991)
“Passion Play (When All The Slaves Are Free)” is a poignant and thought-provoking song written and performed by Joni Mitchell, released in 1991 as part of her album “Night Ride Home”. The song is a powerful exploration of the human desire for freedom and the struggle to break free from the constraints of society.
The song opens with a driving, percussive beat and a haunting melody, accompanied by Mitchell’s soulful, emotive vocals. The lyrics describe the speaker’s longing for freedom and their belief that a time will come when all people will be free from the chains of oppression and slavery. The melody is intense and passionate, conveying a sense of urgency and longing.
16. THE JUNGLE LINE (FROM ‘THE HISSING OF SUMMER LAWNS’, 1975)
https://youtu.be/vF2_1Jfgo4I
“The Jungle Line” is a unique and experimental song by Joni Mitchell, released in 1975 as part of her album “The Hissing of Summer Lawns”. The song features an innovative blend of electronic and traditional instrumentation, with tribal drums and a Moog synthesizer creating a hypnotic, jungle-like atmosphere.
The lyrics of the song are equally innovative, exploring themes of modern urban life, technology, and cultural identity. Mitchell uses vivid imagery and evocative metaphors to describe the fast-paced, chaotic world of the city, where “traffic crawls, cell to cell / and all the restless dead are somewhere else”. The chorus features a repetitive refrain of “we’re gonna break through the border”, suggesting a desire to break free from the constraints of modern life and find a sense of freedom and identity.
17. SEX KILLS (FROM ‘TURBULENT INDIGO’, 1994)
“Sex Kills” is a poignant and socially conscious song by Joni Mitchell, released in 1994 as part of her album “Turbulent Indigo”. The song’s title is a play on the phrase “sex sells”, which is often used in advertising to sell products, but in Mitchell’s hands, it becomes a warning about the dangers of modern society.
The lyrics of the song address various issues of the time, including the AIDS epidemic, gun violence, and political corruption. Mitchell’s powerful and emotive voice delivers lines like “I’m a white girl, but I’m a Third World girl too” and “Democracy is just a word when the people are starving”, highlighting the stark reality of inequality and injustice in the world.
Musically, “Sex Kills” features a driving beat and a catchy chorus, making it a standout track on the album. The song’s mix of social commentary and accessible pop sensibilities made it a hit on the radio, and it remains a fan favorite and a powerful statement about the state of the world.
18. DON JUAN’S RECKLESS DAUGHTER (FROM ‘DON JUAN’S RECKLESS DAUGHTER’, 1977)
“Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter” is a sprawling and ambitious song by Joni Mitchell, released in 1977 as the title track of her album of the same name. The song is an epic exploration of love, passion, and spirituality, with Mitchell weaving together various musical and lyrical themes to create a complex and multi-layered work of art.
Musically, “Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter” is a fusion of jazz, folk, and rock, with Mitchell’s intricate guitar playing and emotive vocals at the forefront. The song features various sections and instrumental interludes, with Mitchell’s band creating a rich and diverse sonic landscape.
Lyrically, the song is equally complex, exploring themes of passion, love, and spirituality through a series of cryptic and metaphorical verses. Mitchell uses imagery from mythology and literature to paint a vivid portrait of a woman in search of herself and her place in the world.
19. THE TEA LEAF PROPHECY (LAY DOWN YOUR ARMS) (FROM ‘CHALK MARK IN A RAIN STORM’, 1988)
“The Tea Leaf Prophecy (Lay Down Your Arms)” is a haunting and powerful song by Joni Mitchell, released in 1988 as part of her album “Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm”. The song features guest vocals by British musician Peter Gabriel and is notable for its stark lyrics and sparse musical arrangement.
The song is anchored by Mitchell’s evocative vocals, which are layered over a simple acoustic guitar melody. The lyrics of the song are deeply introspective, with Mitchell reflecting on the futility of war and the power of love to overcome even the most entrenched conflicts.
The song’s title is a reference to the practice of reading tea leaves, which is used as a metaphor for the ability to predict the future and see beyond the present moment. Mitchell’s lyrics draw on this idea to suggest that there is a deeper, more profound truth that can be accessed through love and compassion.
Peter Gabriel’s guest vocals on the song add a haunting and ethereal quality, elevating the already powerful lyrics to new heights. His voice blends seamlessly with Mitchell’s, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose that is at the heart of the song’s message.
20. FREE MAN IN PARIS (FROM ‘COURT AND SPARK’, 1974)
“Free Man in Paris” is a classic song by Joni Mitchell, released in 1974 as part of her album “Court and Spark”. The song is widely regarded as one of Mitchell’s most popular and enduring works, thanks in part to its catchy melody and upbeat, optimistic lyrics.
At its core, “Free Man in Paris” is a celebration of freedom and self-expression. The song’s protagonist is a successful music executive who has grown tired of the industry’s hustle and bustle, and decides to take a break and explore the world. He heads to Paris, where he revels in the city’s beauty and its laid-back, bohemian culture.
The song is buoyed by Mitchell’s soulful vocals and the jazzy instrumentation, which incorporates elements of saxophone and piano. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and poetic turns of phrase, painting a picture of a man who is living life on his own terms and finding joy in the simple pleasures of existence.
Jared Parker is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
