Joni Mitchell - River (Official Music Video)

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  • Опубліковано 22 гру 2021
  • Just in time for Christmas, Joni Mitchell has debuted the first official music video for “River,” her wistful contribution to the Christmas songbook, taken from her landmark 1971 album Blue.
    Animation by Skazka Studios
    Directed by Matvey Rezanov, in memory of his father Mikhail Rezanov
    Joni Mitchell Archives Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963-1967) has been nominated for the 2022 Grammy Award for Best Historical Album. It is the 17th Grammy nomination Mitchell has received since her first in 1969. To date, she has won nine Grammy Awards. That could change on Monday, January 31 when the 64th Annual Grammy Awards show will be broadcast live on CBS.
    A few days before the show, the Recording Academy will honor Mitchell as its 2022 MusiCares Person of the Year during a star-studded event on January 29. Jon Baptiste, Black Pumas, Brandi Carlile, Leon Bridges, Mickey Guyton, Herbie Hancock, Graham Nash, Maggie rogers, and James Taylor are among the artists set to perform at the show, which will raise funds for MusiCares’ charitable programs and relief efforts.
    Listen to Joni Mitchell’s latest release here JM.lnk.to/TRA6871ID
    🔔 Subscribe to the Joni Mitchell channel and ring the bell for breaking news, exclusive audio releases and merchandise, and updates from the Joni Mitchell Archives JM.lnk.to/UA-camSubscribe
    Stay In Touch with Joni …
    🌎 Website jonimitchell.com/
    🎨 Instagram / jonimitchell
    🚕 Facebook / jonimitchell
    🎹 Twitter / jonimitchell
    ✉️ Email Sign Up www.rhino.com/jonimitchellemail
    *******************
    Welcome to the official UA-cam channel of Joni Mitchell, whose songs “River,” “Both Sides Now," “California,” and albums ‘Clouds,’ ‘Ladies of the Canyon’ and ‘Blue’ compose only a fragment of a multi-disciplinary artistic output that has been embraced across generations, inspired multitudes of artists, and earned every conceivable accolade.
    One of the world’s most remarkable and beloved artists, Mitchell has influenced musicians across a vast cross-section of genres with her ethereal songs that reflect social and environmental ideals. The prolific singer-songwriter-painter-poet has not only written and produced her music, but also designed most of her album covers and packaging. A journey into Joni Mitchell’s artistry is one of a highly original, harmonically innovative, and emotionally charged, familiar yet fresh adventure.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 2,2 тис.

  • @joancarey5688
    @joancarey5688 5 місяців тому +474

    This song is 52 years old….its timeless… I’m 81 years young… and it still moves me to tears!

    • @juliehenry7203
      @juliehenry7203 5 місяців тому +12

      Same! I'm 65, but remember when this song came out. Joni, Carly & James... Had every single album (playing them CONSTANTLY) until it drove my entire family nuts! Listening to Joni... & hearing this young lady who sang this song on *The Voice*, Lila Forde... Let's just say it REALLY took me back to my early teens. ❤

    • @julieward9011
      @julieward9011 5 місяців тому +12

      I’m 76 playing it now… my favorite Christmas song!!!

    • @peterschancel7223
      @peterschancel7223 5 місяців тому +7

      This ls great ,,There is a version With Snoopy skating from Chralie Brown that will make you smile. Best to all

    • @torigodbey383
      @torigodbey383 5 місяців тому +5

      I am 52. This song is part of me.

    • @ransbarger
      @ransbarger 4 місяці тому +1

      Every damn time.

  • @oldsoul1187
    @oldsoul1187 2 роки тому +2331

    I will never forget my first time hearing this in 1971.I cried. I did so again today. At 70, the only constant is the beauty of this song., Joni's voice and my need to still hope for a better world.

    • @lauribaldwin4262
      @lauribaldwin4262 2 роки тому +37

      I agree wholeheartedly, here's to 2022 !

    • @carolohmartbehan
      @carolohmartbehan 2 роки тому +79

      Dear oldsoul.....this 72-yr. old appreciates your memory and sentiments.....and echoing my own need to still hope for a better world ✨🎄💜🎄✨

    • @josephinebehan9431
      @josephinebehan9431 2 роки тому +24

      Beautiful 🥰

    • @stevenwolf8434
      @stevenwolf8434 2 роки тому +48

      This 74 year old yearns for a better World

    • @srsolarwarriornw9465
      @srsolarwarriornw9465 2 роки тому +44

      Another Boosted Boomer 70 here and we agree, She is a treasure to be listened to over and over and over.

  • @richardhill6125
    @richardhill6125 Рік тому +563

    I fell in love with Joni's music at 17. I'm now 70 and it still stirs my emotions like it did back then.

    • @bethlogan1283
      @bethlogan1283 10 місяців тому +3

      There were a couple of different paths to take - I chose Carole King for my mentor because of her piano chords & songs. Now, I've read Reckless Daughter, the Joni Mitchell bio, & learned they recorded in the same studio - they were fighting over a red piano - Joni sings background on Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow. They really were in the same place & time, making great albums together.

    • @centatherese4826
      @centatherese4826 7 місяців тому +2

      Me too

    • @SpiritSurvivor89
      @SpiritSurvivor89 7 місяців тому +1

      70 :O

    • @dereklee4397
      @dereklee4397 5 місяців тому +1

      Wasn't this song about her break up with Graham Nash.

    • @mewhoisahumanonearth
      @mewhoisahumanonearth 5 місяців тому +1

      That tracks. Supposedly, in your teenage and early adult years, the music you listen to gets solidified as your taste and you will continue to like it, whether or not you begin to like other stuff as well
      Most of the time, this seems to be true and is why a lot of older generations do not like “new” music

  • @jrtaylor8178
    @jrtaylor8178 5 місяців тому +245

    I lost both my parents this year. Christmas will never be the same again. This song is beautiful and gives me some comfort.

    • @ilia5420
      @ilia5420 5 місяців тому +11

      Cara, non parliamo la stessa lingua ma il dolore dell'Anima ci unisce ed è universale. I genitori, la famiglia sono un dono di Dio. Porterai i loro i ricordi, le loro voci, i loro volti sempre con te per il mondo. Ti abbraccio forte e ti auguro di trovare il Natale nel tuo cuore ❤, nonostante il male che senti dentro.

    • @misty8009
      @misty8009 5 місяців тому +5

      Same ❤

    • @hollybrown9259
      @hollybrown9259 5 місяців тому +2

      Ah, found it. Jr. Taylor. This song is a warm comforter on a freezing Canadian night. All hail Joni ! Stay safe and warm. See other message l sent u. I'm not a techno pro, more of a technophobe

    • @le_th_
      @le_th_ 5 місяців тому +5

      Grief is the price we pay for having truly loved. If you have children, make sure you remember that YOU are their parent and make the most of the Christmas holiday you have with them so they can do the same for their children when they have them.

    • @kayfradeneck3281
      @kayfradeneck3281 5 місяців тому +12

      My husband of 46 yrs died last January. My first Christmas without him....I need that river!

  • @williamfowler8129
    @williamfowler8129 6 місяців тому +168

    Can’t stop listening to this beautiful song my wife soulmate and best friend passed away just before Christmas last year ended our 57 years together, always loved this song even more now
    ❤💔💔💔

    • @smlorrin
      @smlorrin 5 місяців тому +9

      I'm so very sorry for your loss. I'm glad that this song helps with the pain during the holidays. 💞

    • @ann-jj7to
      @ann-jj7to 5 місяців тому +8

      I'm so sorry....I lost my husband 14 years ago... it's coming on Christmas.. Merry Christmas to you

    • @loyduncan3728
      @loyduncan3728 5 місяців тому +6

      I am sorry for your loss. This song reminds me of a loss as well. Joni wrote it from the heart.

    • @kerryd59669
      @kerryd59669 5 місяців тому +5

      I'm so sorry.

    • @le_th_
      @le_th_ 5 місяців тому

      Your wife probably deserves a better song than this. Mitchell is singing about having broken her lover's heart because she's selfish and sad, and now she's alone at Christmas and having a total pitty party about it and wants to run away from how awful she is. Your wife stayed with you for 57 years, whereas Mitchell wrote a song about ending her relationship with David Crosby by writing a song about it and debuting the song to all their mutual friends at a party they BOTH attended, so...

  • @haschio
    @haschio 5 місяців тому +104

    I can’t believe how underrated this is. This should be up there with all the other Christmas classics everybody knows

    • @LS1conehead
      @LS1conehead 5 місяців тому +4

      One of the very few 'Christmas songs' I actually love, albeit not really about the holiday. ;)

    • @OlgavanKampen
      @OlgavanKampen 5 місяців тому +1

      I totally agree with you! 🎇

    • @malcolmmcfarlane7565
      @malcolmmcfarlane7565 5 місяців тому +3

      Absolutely! 98% of Christmas music is insufferable shit.

    • @ralfgeels
      @ralfgeels 4 місяці тому

      Underrated?! How is this underrated? Its considered a timeless classic.

    • @emanuelebruzzese1117
      @emanuelebruzzese1117 3 місяці тому

      it deserves far more than becoming a christmas classic

  • @muckaxe
    @muckaxe Рік тому +355

    “I’m so hard to handle/I’m selfish and I’m sad.” This line makes me cry every time, partially because I can relate, and partially because I’m in awe of the balls it takes to be that vulnerable in a song.
    So many songwriters want to come off like they are so sensitive but they’re really just throwing out platitudes and obfuscating lyrics. Joni really is baring her soul, and that takes more gall than most have.

    • @persephonerising1890
      @persephonerising1890 9 місяців тому +13

      Yep! Loss is painful...regret makes it 10x sadder!

    • @peggyhahn588
      @peggyhahn588 9 місяців тому +7

      Obfuscate, lovely.

    • @keepsmilin5766
      @keepsmilin5766 8 місяців тому +12

      nobody writes such painfully personal songs,as Joni...believe this one is about her break up with Graham Nash..

    • @kimmieh8419
      @kimmieh8419 7 місяців тому +2

      @@peggyhahn588It’s a word that fits its definition. Not many people know it so when you use it, you can literally say ‘Yes!’ when asked what it means. 😊

    • @baddeymaddey
      @baddeymaddey 7 місяців тому +4

      I know isn’t that so great. I can relate too. I’m selfish and sad.

  • @pamelacoulthurst3949
    @pamelacoulthurst3949 Рік тому +156

    My beautiful grandson was in our car at Christmas talking for ever until this song came on the radio, he listened in silence and at the end said "I love that song grandma " 3 years old awesome taste ❤

    • @raymondleicht9691
      @raymondleicht9691 Рік тому +13

      Get that boy a guitar today...he has great taste! You won't regret it.

    • @amandaf1042
      @amandaf1042 Рік тому +12

      @@raymondleicht9691 or wheel in the piano.

    • @amandaf1042
      @amandaf1042 Рік тому +6

      Pamela, a beautiful memento. TY❤

    • @fransvanmuijen3802
      @fransvanmuijen3802 Рік тому +5

      A boy with a great taste! Treasure it and stimulate him to make Music!🙏🏼 .. that's always helped me in all my years..

    • @Lucailey
      @Lucailey 9 місяців тому +1

      Awe that's beautiful

  • @sashabanks691
    @sashabanks691 2 роки тому +2058

    I got pregnant around Christmas time in 2019. During my pregnancy I listened to the Blue album over and over, I’d put the phone on my belly and the baby would kick. I was very lonely during those times, but listening to that album brought me some comfort… I lost my son at 36 weeks and 4 days pregnant. His name is River. “Now I’ve gone and lost the best baby that I ever had… oh, I wish I had a River I could skate away on. I wish I had a River so long, I’d teach my feet to fly.” 🕊🖤

  • @elizabethh1832
    @elizabethh1832 2 роки тому +481

    With age, Christmas feels even more pensive as we miss people who have passed away. This song captures a bit of that pensive feeling well.

    • @rebeccacade3371
      @rebeccacade3371 2 роки тому +21

      Lost my sister a couple of weeks ago. This song is salve for my soul.

    • @theresakotas-akridge1418
      @theresakotas-akridge1418 2 роки тому +17

      I totally agree. Have lost 4 persons since Covid. As I look through the Christmas cards to send out this year, I see the names of those Friends and silently grieve their loss and those they left behind.

    • @midlife_crossroads
      @midlife_crossroads 2 роки тому +2

      @@rebeccacade3371
      I’m so, so very sorry for your loss. Such a terrible time for that, though there is no good time. May you find some comfort in your memories of your sister, and in Joni’s healing lyrics.

    • @brocklanders6172
      @brocklanders6172 2 роки тому

      You just need to move with Christmas. I've lost everything family - parents gone, daughter a complete waste, extended family a bunch of Covid wackos - and I've found out that my friends are the people who truly love me. They have a choice.

    • @peternolan1316
      @peternolan1316 2 роки тому

      @@theresakotas-akridge1418 Hello Theresa how are you doing today dear I hope all is well with you and your family? I have been happy all day because of this song keep reminding me of my late Dad

  • @bradleytindall1766
    @bradleytindall1766 2 роки тому +18

    My oldest brother borrowed your Blue album from me when he was going though a divorce in the late 1970s. I’ve never asked him to return it.

  • @cherripeek9975
    @cherripeek9975 5 місяців тому +48

    it’s christmas eve, my last Christmas as a teenager and i’m sitting in bed singing away to this beautiful song

    • @justice-searching
      @justice-searching 5 місяців тому +3

      Life goes fast, cherish all you love!

    • @chellyr4972
      @chellyr4972 3 місяці тому +2

      You’ll be fine if you take care of yourself first always

  • @lesmorton7662
    @lesmorton7662 2 роки тому +464

    No one does bittersweet quite like Joni. I’ve loved this song for 50 years. It still moves me.

    • @briankistenmacher
      @briankistenmacher Рік тому +2

      Well said. Thank you.

    • @DeirdreKing111
      @DeirdreKing111 Рік тому +1

      It's Christmas again
      💚💙🖤

    • @DeirdreKing111
      @DeirdreKing111 Рік тому +1

      It's Christmas again
      💚💙🖤

    • @amandaf1042
      @amandaf1042 Рік тому +2

      Yes, so well said, and I feel the same.

    • @le_th_
      @le_th_ 5 місяців тому

      I heard more "poor me" and "I broke my baby's heart and now I'm lonely at Christmas" and "I'm selfish and I'm said" which tells me she's not a very nice person in a relationship. I'm not sure that's bittersweet, it's sound more like pathological narcissism.
      She admits she is "hard to handle" "selfish and sad" and she broke her baby's heart, so she's pathologically self-absorbed and now kicking herself for being such an a-hole because she's alone at Christmas.

  • @victoriadickens2827
    @victoriadickens2827 7 місяців тому +89

    My mother introduced me to Mitchell’s music and she passed this year..I’m so appreciative of her taste in music now mine

    • @hollyavillella554
      @hollyavillella554 6 місяців тому +3

      💔🙏✨🕊️

    • @seskwein
      @seskwein 5 місяців тому +4

      Sorry for your loss 💔 and merry Christmas, hope you have close ones around you :)

  • @justinreeves6337
    @justinreeves6337 5 місяців тому +58

    It’s Christmas Day 2023 and I lost my Dad suddenly 7 months ago to the day. I knew today was going to be hard, but I was doing ok. Then I listened to this song and now I’m a crying mess. What a beautiful and powerful song! I miss you Dad 😭😭😭

    • @TheUmbralFox
      @TheUmbralFox 5 місяців тому +1

      My dad introduced me to Joni's For The Roses album on a road trip in my mid teens... lost him a couple years ago. Doesn't take much to send us from one emotion to the next when we grieve, but music sure does cut right to the heart of things in a hurry!

    • @Missmjf87
      @Missmjf87 3 місяці тому

      I'm sorry for your loss.

    • @paulaartandmusic4412
      @paulaartandmusic4412 3 місяці тому

      My heart goes out to you.🙏🏼

  • @RichardFeynmanRules
    @RichardFeynmanRules Рік тому +82

    It's coming on Christmas
    They're cutting down trees
    They're putting up reindeer
    And singing songs of joy and peace
    Oh I wish I had a river
    I could skate away on
    But it don't snow here
    It stays pretty green
    I'm going to make a lot of money
    Then I'm going to quit this crazy scene
    I wish I had a river
    I could skate away on
    I wish I had a river so long
    I would teach my feet to fly
    Oh I wish I had a river
    I could skate away on
    I made my baby cry
    He tried hard to help me
    You know, he put me at ease
    And he loved me so naughty
    Made me weak in the knees
    Oh I wish I had a river
    I could skate away on
    I'm so hard to handle
    I'm selfish and I'm sad
    Now I've gone and lost the best baby
    That I ever had
    Oh I wish I had a river
    I could skate away on
    I wish I had a river so long
    I would teach my feet to fly
    Oh I wish I had a river
    I could skate away on
    I made my baby say goodbye
    It's coming on Christmas
    They're cutting down trees
    They're putting up reindeer
    And singing songs of joy and peace
    I wish I had a river
    I could skate away on

  • @castorphans
    @castorphans 2 роки тому +370

    That's one of my favorite Joni Mitchell's songs. Many of us feel so alone this time of year, longing to escape the bubble of happiness we don't feel.

  • @mpv409
    @mpv409 Рік тому +17

    The interweaving of “Jingle Bells” in this is both genius and haunting.

  • @yechmad3756
    @yechmad3756 2 місяці тому +4

    Je suis Français, je trouve que c'est une des plus belles chansons au monde.
    I'm French, it's in my opininion one of the best songs in the world.
    Je vous aime. Sorry if mistakes.

  • @SimonYoungOFFICIAL
    @SimonYoungOFFICIAL Рік тому +169

    One of the most beautiful songs ever written and sung.

    • @le_th_
      @le_th_ 5 місяців тому +2

      ...and some of the most pitty-party, "poor me, I was a total asshole, broke my baby's heart and now I'm alone at Christmas and want to run away from how selfish and sad I am".
      Not so beautiful when you listen, eh???

    • @mattdebnam2464
      @mattdebnam2464 5 місяців тому +1

      ​@@le_th_actually it does the exact opposite. It makes the song more beautiful and meaningful. She was going through a depressive moment in her life so this was her fighting back at her emotions through music.

  • @jeanetteadamo9039
    @jeanetteadamo9039 2 роки тому +173

    Have been in love with Joni since the Blue album when i was a 16 year old black girl living with Mom and my four brothers in the inner city. Don't know what it was but she has been my muse throughout the years. Mom got me a used guitar because i HAD to have one. Thank you Joni.

    • @globalcitizen011
      @globalcitizen011 2 роки тому +26

      You and I share a common bkgrnd, Jeanette! As a Black teen who loved Joni (along with Judy, Joan, Cat etc.), my family and neighbors saw me as an odd weirdo, an outlier. Like you, I learned to play her music. And the teasing and put-downs never deterred me. Now in my mid-60s, I'm still a huge fan of her music from the 70s. IMHO, she'll always rank as musical genius. 🎶

    • @ali-tube2967
      @ali-tube2967 2 роки тому +9

      God bless you both, sisters.

    • @johnkuipers8625
      @johnkuipers8625 2 роки тому +3

      ☮️☸️☯️

    • @brigittemungo2820
      @brigittemungo2820 2 роки тому +9

      I resonate with you a lot I am 16 years old and I love her music, in an age where lyrics are just now mere sounds her lyrics have meaning and thought and I find that so very beautiful.

    • @ayindestevens6152
      @ayindestevens6152 2 роки тому +3

      I ❤️ my rock and roll sistas!

  • @w.o.m.p.w.o.m.p.
    @w.o.m.p.w.o.m.p. 9 місяців тому +4

    I'm 71, Jesus,but I still have her to listen to

  • @liviousyoung4911
    @liviousyoung4911 5 місяців тому +11

    My mother listened to this all year round she loved joni and my mom passed at 52 of a brain aneurysm and I'll will forever think of her when listening to river fly high mama! ❤

    • @mrsmartypants_1
      @mrsmartypants_1 26 днів тому

      Awww. I feel that. I lost my mom to breast cancer - metastasized into bone cancer - at a time I was also going through a very difficult divorce. It almost killed me. But it didn’t. Darkest period of my life because prior to that I had been fortunate enough to suffer no loses close to my heart. What doesn’t kill you truly does make one stronger. But in return I became so much more jaded. And realistic. It took years to laugh at/with all the good times I had with my uncommonly fortunate life as a child and young adult.

  • @susanfretwell4375
    @susanfretwell4375 5 місяців тому +16

    Joni makes us think of our mistakes and regrets.but also wishes of better things to come.lost my husband and soul mate of 54 years 31/10/23.lonely in a room full of family and friends.pray things get easier.

    • @64slugirl
      @64slugirl 5 місяців тому +2

      I pray you will heal; your heart mends soon and the happy times you've enjoyed become priorty in your memories. Blessings for you this Christmas... I know it's a tough time. I'll pray for you for a year.

    • @joannawilk2731
      @joannawilk2731 3 місяці тому +1

      Hugs!

  • @xpopypip
    @xpopypip Рік тому +187

    This is my first time hearing this song and I'm bawling my eyes out. This will be my and my husbands first time apart during the holidays, we aren't doing well and need some time apart and God I love him.

    • @robertwise5432
      @robertwise5432 Рік тому +3

      If You take time apart there is no going back

    • @regmartin3629
      @regmartin3629 Рік тому +4

      You will be ok, have a wonderful Christmas

    • @manguy2000
      @manguy2000 Рік тому +5

      I have been divorced for a number of years and I don't even get to see my daughter.
      It is painful

    • @andydavies1810
      @andydavies1810 Рік тому +3

      Dig deep ma’am , nothing’s forever , its a tough ride!

    • @arabellavanzijtveld4603
      @arabellavanzijtveld4603 Рік тому +3

      ❤️💞🙏🏻

  • @jasonlightfoot4145
    @jasonlightfoot4145 2 роки тому +343

    What a haunting melody. I sit with tears welling up thinking of my mother who left this world on Christmas leaving behind 3 sons struggling each year to make sense of it. Listening to Joni brings back so many memories of her filling our living room on a Saturday morning, windows open fresh breeze blowing in and possibilities for the day with it. Sending love to all of you out there struggling with this time of year, you are not alone.

  • @tfe1788
    @tfe1788 5 місяців тому +3

    I just heard this on the radio and I cried 😢😢

  • @TheBella2u
    @TheBella2u 5 днів тому

    People always praise Joni’s open tuning on guitar 🎸 but she’s an awesome pianist as well. She captures a mood, undeniably. Joni, I hope you are playing. ❤

  • @IlGattonero13
    @IlGattonero13 5 місяців тому +33

    Wistful, rueful, powerful. Her voice soaring on the word “fly.” A perfect expression of regret and loneliness. I love the quote at the end. Yes we do, Joni - we need a song like that. Thank you.

  • @alessandrogeirola
    @alessandrogeirola 2 роки тому +58

    "It's coming on Christmas
    They're cutting down trees
    They're putting up reindeer
    And singing songs of joy and peace
    Oh, I wish I had a river
    I could skate away on
    But it don't snow here
    It stays pretty green
    I'm going to make a lot of money
    Then I'm going to quit this crazy scene
    I wish I had a river
    I could skate away on
    I wish I had a river so long
    I would teach my feet to fly
    Oh, I wish I had a river
    I could skate away on
    I made my baby cry
    He tried hard to help me
    You know, he put me at ease
    And he loved me so naughty
    Made me weak in the knees
    Oh, I wish I had a river
    I could skate away on
    I'm so hard to handle
    I'm selfish and I'm sad
    Now I've gone and lost the best baby
    That I ever had
    Oh, I wish I had a river
    I could skate away on
    I wish I had a river so long
    I would teach my feet to fly
    Oh, I wish I had a river
    I could skate away on
    I made my baby say goodbye
    It's coming on Christmas
    They're cutting down trees
    They're putting up reindeer
    Singing songs of joy and peace
    I wish I had a river
    I could skate away on"
    Such a wounderful song, sharp verses and velvety vocal line...it makes me dream about my childhood

  • @patriciapatriciagray-thorp9574
    @patriciapatriciagray-thorp9574 17 днів тому +1

    The Blue album is my path to dealing with having to give up my daughter. I was alone and just 16 years of age. The loss has impacted my life in so many ways😢😢😢and I still grieve. I did not not have other children. Thank you Joni❤❤❤

  • @robhead22
    @robhead22 18 днів тому +1

    Im a 66 year old man. I also remember the first time i heard this song. I was living in wickford rhode island. And played this song several times in a row. I did the same with the album! Ive been listening to the Great Joni Mitchell ever since. And today is mother’s day. I sent a video of the circle game to the mothers in my life, along with my mothers day wishes. God bless you Joni Mitchell! You have filled my life with beautiful music and the many emotions and inspirations that accompanied them!!!

  • @jeffbilby9415
    @jeffbilby9415 2 роки тому +87

    Yes, this gem has been played since 1971, hard to believe..when the Vietnam war was raging on, families torn apart all over the country, and like today so much division in our country... this lonely little classic reminds us that life is not all fancy Christmas gifts under the tree and mistletoe hanging waiting for the kiss of bliss, this song conveys real emotional turmoil of the heart, one of many gifts Joni Mitchell has giving us, a treasure from BLUE.. it really is, as Mitchell once wrote, "time to get ourselves back to the garden" the video is brilliant

    • @mikegalvin9801
      @mikegalvin9801 2 роки тому +3

      When it came out I was a happy Midwestern teen who just thought it was a pretty song. About 15 years later I was in California and couldn't fly home for Christmas one year and there was no snow and Twinklets on the palm trees and friends dying from AIDS with no cure then and this song hit me like a sledgehammer to the heart.

  • @mikkimification
    @mikkimification 5 місяців тому +15

    I hear this song and miss my wife of 34 years, she is in care for FTD/Alzheimer's...I wish you here listening to our Christmas song for the 35th Christmas.

  • @virginiaserwin8697
    @virginiaserwin8697 Рік тому +28

    when I was unhappily married in the early eighties with
    Four children under the age of ten I’d listen to this song and cry me a river during the Christmas season. Now that I married my first love my best friend and the love of my life in May of 2000 and had our daughter in 2002 and our children are all grown except my youngest son who died in 2018 from juvenile diabetes this song no longer makes me cry. I just love this beautiful song 💜♥️💕💖

  • @alexandriaocasio-smollett5078
    @alexandriaocasio-smollett5078 7 місяців тому +12

    For my money she is the best singer songwriter that nobody talks about at all these days. Everyone so (understandably and deservedly) wrapped up in Elton John and Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen even Carole King. But for my money Joni Mitchell takes me to a completely different place than any of those. This song is wrenching emotionally.

    • @cyndiaraujo1976
      @cyndiaraujo1976 4 місяці тому

      You hit it - her music is so raw and real and her singing is like noone else. She takes me to a different place.

  • @marcynadler7326
    @marcynadler7326 2 роки тому +168

    I'm one of those people and that's why all love Joni so much. She appeals to everyone but especially sensitive artists. For us, she's the absolute height of artistic expression. There's no one above her.

    • @kathijackson5239
      @kathijackson5239 2 роки тому +5

      I'm so glad that she is getting the recognition and respect that she so richly deserves.

    • @williamwilkes8177
      @williamwilkes8177 2 роки тому +2

      I agree with you..........people said it about Joan Baez......but there is always a new kid............it isn't a competition...'though studios may see easy money.......simply enjoy ............

    • @williamwilkes8177
      @williamwilkes8177 2 роки тому +2

      I agree with Joni's fanbase..........but try lykke li,.........Sharon van etten.........you may surprise yourself..........

    • @williamwilkes8177
      @williamwilkes8177 2 роки тому +1

      @@meadow9441 l know everything is centred on Joni.........try Jeff Buckley, the cure...........if you are determined to spend your life heartbroken, they will do it.........happy ñew year......

    • @williamwilkes8177
      @williamwilkes8177 2 роки тому +1

      Try Maddie moon.........beezus Taylor............quite unknown........pretty brilliant..........

  • @loose-drag
    @loose-drag 2 роки тому +158

    What a beautiful tribute to a timeless Christmas song.

    • @dewhittjames
      @dewhittjames 2 роки тому

      Hi Joni if you ever want to come to Austin TX and check out the music let me know. We can get around pretty well without too much notice. Wonderful Winter we are having. Weather is perfect but then again I know your from Canada. But if you want to reach out to the young there are tons of them and they need your thoughts and are willing to listen. I can't introduce Clifford Antone to you but he is no longer here. But there are others. Frosty is here if you need a drummer.

    • @williamwilkes8177
      @williamwilkes8177 2 роки тому +1

      I love Joni............l do not love cjtizzzzzzie songs.

    • @williamwilkes8177
      @williamwilkes8177 2 роки тому

      @@dewhittjames so is the alomo........

  • @Sally150
    @Sally150 9 місяців тому +17

    This makes me cry every time. Not a Christmas song at all. It's about regret for driving away a true love.

    • @SpiritSurvivor89
      @SpiritSurvivor89 7 місяців тому +2

      Then how come I am singing this at a lights on Singing Night near Christmas eve
      HMM

    • @RickTompkins-ez9xw
      @RickTompkins-ez9xw 2 місяці тому +1

      I can't believe how ignorant I was. I lost the best thing I ever had.

    • @Sally150
      @Sally150 2 місяці тому

      @@SpiritSurvivor89 Cause you don't get it; or you drove your love away at Christmas? "I made my baby cry..." "I made my baby say goodbye..."

  • @johnlewington5841
    @johnlewington5841 6 місяців тому +4

    This song reminds me that I am still actually human, and I do have feelings

  • @tuvantrader
    @tuvantrader 2 роки тому +338

    When I first began listening through Joni Mitchell’s catalogue earlier this year, I was quickly impressed by her lyricism, melodies and unusual chord progressions. Blue was certainly the peak of her early period, but this song in particular is an incredible piece of work. For a song that is one voice and one piano only, it is about as perfect a piece of music and lyrics as anything I’ve ever heard. 🙏

    • @metrowireless3381
      @metrowireless3381 2 роки тому +9

      A new fan, i take it a young person, nonetheless... thats impressive. Shes magic, find me anyone to compare. You cannot.

    • @williamwilkes8177
      @williamwilkes8177 2 роки тому +4

      Try ",Ladies of the Canyon", you probably know it...............

    • @williamwilkes8177
      @williamwilkes8177 2 роки тому +3

      Chalk Mark in a Rainstorm........try it.

    • @williamwilkes8177
      @williamwilkes8177 2 роки тому +2

      @@metrowireless3381 l know you are correct........try Sharon van Etten......Lykke Li..........you may like them.........happy hols',.to you.& people you love.........will, London......

    • @williamwilkes8177
      @williamwilkes8177 2 роки тому +2

      I think you know all of ms. Anderson's back catalogue.....but try those l mentioned...'bye........

  • @johnlloyd8109
    @johnlloyd8109 Рік тому +16

    Best song ever written.
    Don't try to change my mind. It just is.

    • @BJane58
      @BJane58 10 місяців тому

      I won’t argue with that

  • @arcane6465
    @arcane6465 Рік тому +3

    Was watching a Christmas episode of the Wonder years and this song came on as Kevin walks around his town thinking of life.

  • @staffanolofsson8201
    @staffanolofsson8201 Рік тому +24

    The best Anti Christmas Song that puts me in the mood for Christmas.

  • @lesliesterling826
    @lesliesterling826 2 роки тому +228

    Bless you Joni--I hope someone is telling you about these comments full of love! Your music has been the soundtrack of my life and "Blue" has spoken to me at every stage of my aging process just as powerfully as it did when I first heard it as a teenager and all my life was before me. That's practically the definition of great art. I could never thank you enough for all you have meant to me--teaching me songwriting structure, teaching me how to communicate a world of emotion on solo piano, teaching me how to sing clearly and effortlessly. You mean the world to me and to millions of others!!!

    • @letsgoupstream6079
      @letsgoupstream6079 2 роки тому +5

      💙

    • @gingerreiter5072
      @gingerreiter5072 2 роки тому +4

      Same for me. I often say Joni is my best friend and I don’t even know her.

    • @robertcronin6603
      @robertcronin6603 2 роки тому +3

      That's for sure.

    • @hsd287
      @hsd287 2 роки тому +1

      This is literally her channel so I think she does check it out herself or someone must be helping her as she's older and needs help to control her phone

    • @bbmtge
      @bbmtge Рік тому +1

      Hear, hear!!!

  • @jackgentile4605
    @jackgentile4605 Рік тому +6

    I was 26 again for 4 minutes. Now I’m 75 again…looking out the windows at an ice storm…feeling my memories.

  • @shihomaru0922
    @shihomaru0922 Рік тому +2

    One thing I needed for my current unexplainable loneliness was joni's song.

  • @stopbunsen
    @stopbunsen Рік тому +126

    I'm only 20 seconds into the song and the tears come. I have always loved this song. The animation is well done too

    • @marioski54
      @marioski54 Рік тому +2

      To me too, Heaps!

    • @georgiannamushalla5301
      @georgiannamushalla5301 Рік тому +2

      same here... '

    • @LS1conehead
      @LS1conehead 5 місяців тому +1

      The first few piano notes do it for me, as I don't even have to wait for her voice and the lyrics to start. 😢

  • @aaronabeloff5203
    @aaronabeloff5203 5 місяців тому +14

    I am 75, Joni is still one of my top favourite artists. She was and is an authentic genius.

  • @robynmarcus7768
    @robynmarcus7768 Рік тому +129

    Joni Mitchell songs remain as vibrant at 65 as when I discovered them at 15 years of age! The music still moves this fledgling spirit! 😘

    • @srsolarwarriornw9465
      @srsolarwarriornw9465 Рік тому +1

      One of a kind. For sure. Like Tina Turner. Rest her soul.

    • @cathibuzzard2796
      @cathibuzzard2796 Рік тому +1

      Love her so much and her songs that actually mean something!

  • @sheridangmail1277
    @sheridangmail1277 Рік тому +4

    Oh that I could go back .. I'm a 74 year old female and I really don't like this world we live in right now. Thank you Joni, for everything. ☮ ❤

  • @raffi_veiga
    @raffi_veiga 6 місяців тому +5

    This is the saddest and most genius Christmas song ever!

  • @daisygeeuk
    @daisygeeuk 2 роки тому +94

    Really lovely, this song never loses its magic. Thank you Joni.

  • @henriettahenson
    @henriettahenson 8 місяців тому +6

    I'm 70.. And this song brings me to tears everytime I here it... My life has flown by since the first time I heard this... Where's it gone😢 🤔💕

  • @samlewis7878
    @samlewis7878 11 місяців тому +12

    I wish that Joni is living forever in love and peace. She deserves every instant of it.

  • @pauloschmidtc4093
    @pauloschmidtc4093 2 роки тому +2

    Magic

  • @trygveknapstad3951
    @trygveknapstad3951 Рік тому +4

    Joni, you just made me cry .......again.

  • @floracrestanello
    @floracrestanello Рік тому +4

    I come here every time I need to cry

    • @GailJackson-fy4yl
      @GailJackson-fy4yl Рік тому

      I hope you’ve stopped crying… Everything is gonna be okay ❤

  • @jeffreysmith6793
    @jeffreysmith6793 2 роки тому +1

    On "The Top 500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list from "The Rolling Stone" magazine, this song was ranked number 247.

  • @vivianfarmery8681
    @vivianfarmery8681 6 місяців тому +13

    At 63 this sing brings up the same beautiful melancholy it did when I was 23. Blue is one of the major soundtracks of my life and now one of my son’s too. Bless Joni 🩵

  • @PlanetC64
    @PlanetC64 2 роки тому +156

    Beautiful. This song helps my sanity every single year. And the animation. Just wow❤️❤️❤️

    • @veronicabarry6220
      @veronicabarry6220 2 роки тому +3

      Beautiful song so meaningful vera

    • @berlymahn
      @berlymahn 2 роки тому +1

      got lucky and this popped up on my YT TV feed. first I've heard it but speaks so clearly.

    • @peternolan1316
      @peternolan1316 2 роки тому

      Hello how are you doing today dear I hope all is well with you and your family? I have been happy all day because of this song keep reminding me of my late Dad

    • @peternolan1316
      @peternolan1316 2 роки тому

      @@veronicabarry6220 Hello Veronica how are you doing today dear I hope all is well with you and your family? I have been happy all day because of this song keep reminding me of my late Dad

    • @drdavidpellegrino4270
      @drdavidpellegrino4270 Рік тому

      Hello friend how are you doing

  • @martaminder2716
    @martaminder2716 2 роки тому +148

    My favorite Joni Mitchell song, not just for the lyrics also the music. This captures all the emotions of those of us who are still alone even in a crowd of people. Thank you Ms. Mitchell for all the music and poetry that enhance and define life.

    • @tompohorsky353
      @tompohorsky353 2 роки тому +13

      The way the Jingle Bells theme drifts in and out really is exquisite.

    • @martaminder2716
      @martaminder2716 2 роки тому +8

      @@tompohorsky353 Yes, it is subtle. A comfortable reminder of the season and theme of the song. Exquisite is positively the best discription.

    • @spiritosa0123
      @spiritosa0123 2 роки тому +6

      Beautifully said.

    • @peternolan1316
      @peternolan1316 2 роки тому +2

      Hello Marta how are you doing today dear I hope all is well with you and your family? I have been happy all day because of this song keep reminding me of my late Dad

    • @drdavidpellegrino4270
      @drdavidpellegrino4270 Рік тому +3

      Hello friend how are you doing

  • @strawberryfab
    @strawberryfab 5 місяців тому +6

    This usually makes me cry. Buckets this year. Thank you Joni for being part of my reflection in solitude.

  • @jennicatlalunagato1122
    @jennicatlalunagato1122 7 місяців тому +2

    My mom passed last year... Joni was her FAVORITE!!!!❤

  • @glassmarky1
    @glassmarky1 6 місяців тому +4

    Utterly gorgeous heartbreakingly sad from one of the greatest albums of all time.

  • @kathleenmatschner8117
    @kathleenmatschner8117 5 місяців тому +5

    My favorite song every Christmas for 40 some years...and I really do wish I had a river I could skate away on...loss...losing family is the hardest damn thing..I'm 1 of 7 siblings left and I'm a young 63. I'll never forget our Christmas together when it was so simple.. fruit, nuts to Crack open, pj's, underwear, and socks...and we were happy as all get out. Merry Christmas out there

  • @georginastoliker3358
    @georginastoliker3358 6 місяців тому +1

    Here I am again 2023 Thank you for this ..I'm back in the 70 s

  • @roscoejones4515
    @roscoejones4515 2 роки тому +2

    World's saddest Christmas song. I love it.

  • @jazzygeoffgaming598
    @jazzygeoffgaming598 2 роки тому +8

    The only Christmas song I play all year round.

  • @sallykirkstephens8415
    @sallykirkstephens8415 5 місяців тому +29

    I could not be more grateful to the dear friend who kindly gave me his Blue Album ;what a jewel box . Heartfelt thanks to him and to Joni for just saying it all in its utter rawness .

  • @joshstutz3004
    @joshstutz3004 Рік тому +2

    That piano at the end brings me to my knees!

  • @geoffreyhaig4044
    @geoffreyhaig4044 3 місяці тому +1

    I like to think there is some longing for her home in Canada in this song, she left at a young age for the US spending years in California, where at Christmas it does stay "pretty green", and there's certainly no river you could skate away on. She also literally "lost a baby", a child she had to give to adoption because she was in desperate circumstances; i think they first met again when the child was grownup. I think her songs are so powerful because they come from a place of deep pain, and healing, and hope. Her music is quite simply incredible, deeply moving and beautifully crafted. I still love it after 45 years, as do many others evidently 😊

  • @WorldOneVideo
    @WorldOneVideo 2 роки тому +39

    I can see why Joni would approve this. Just like her, it is true art.

  • @ruthlongridge2137
    @ruthlongridge2137 2 роки тому +8

    Soooo beautiful I cried

  • @chrissytaurus9278
    @chrissytaurus9278 Рік тому +3

    Lost my grandma last week, I wish I had a river I could skate away on. Love you forever Gaitha Louise💜🌹💜🌹💜🌹💙🌹💙💙💙💙💙💙

  • @lefantomer
    @lefantomer 6 місяців тому

    The kind of song "Swifties" will never hear. The kind of talent they will never know. Our poet.

  • @sandyshelton9499
    @sandyshelton9499 2 роки тому +67

    I will never be able to get through this song without crying. Thank you, Joni. River is as beautiful as you are.

  • @justinlee3017
    @justinlee3017 2 роки тому +20

    This gem of a song gives you space to feel sad during a season when everyone else seems happy. In an age of social media phoniness, songs like these are more important than ever.

  • @user-wh7uk3kl7x
    @user-wh7uk3kl7x 5 місяців тому +3

    Saddest Christmas song ever. Beautiful too.

  • @kellymachonis
    @kellymachonis 2 місяці тому +3

    I am crying, and I cry every time... this is the most beautiful song

  • @maryellenlarkin3498
    @maryellenlarkin3498 2 роки тому +43

    I always wondered why I related to this song the way I have. Now I know. I'm lonely all the time 😭 but being lonely at Christmas is the worst feeling in the world. I really relate to the lines "I wish I had a river I could skate away on" and "I'm so hard to handle, I'm selfish and I'm sad. Now I've gone and lost the best baby I've ever had" those lines cut me deeply because I relate to them so much. I'm sorry to everyone else who is lonely this time of year. I guess we can all be lonely together. 💖 Maryellen Rosemaree Larkin 💖

  • @wintermuteohyeah4987
    @wintermuteohyeah4987 5 місяців тому +11

    What she does with the melody of Jingle Bells at the beginning and the end of the song is wonderful, but how she gives her everything during the song both in the notes she reaches and sustains and in the lyrics, confessing her own regret, goes beyond any Christmas song I have ever heard. Love her ❤

  • @DeirdreKing111
    @DeirdreKing111 Рік тому +2

    It's coming on Christmas they're cutting down trees. Another Christmas together. Xx

  • @WallyMerasty
    @WallyMerasty 5 місяців тому +2

    Another beautiful example of our countries ( Canada) sound.

  • @froglet72
    @froglet72 5 місяців тому +20

    This is how Christmas feels without my father. The first year I longed to escape from Christmas and this song came on the radio and it was just a gift. Now I play it every year, it is beautifully wintery - it has the little Christmas piano refrain- and Christmas has always had carols that are melancholy or haunting. She captures that. I can't explain how much this song means to me. Xx

  • @Martine1love
    @Martine1love 6 місяців тому +6

    So beautiful 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

  • @wsalvatore1
    @wsalvatore1 5 місяців тому +2

    Lila Forde sang this masterpiece on the Voice. I too love this beautiful song. Wow!

  • @StephenBateman
    @StephenBateman 2 роки тому +51

    As a child in Scotland I would walk the snow-covered fields to reach the frozen loch above my school where I'd skate in the wilderness. For years the evocation of wishing for a river to scate away on has charmed me. This animation does a sublime job of bringing to life those scenes of isolation and wilderness. Thank you Joni. Stephen

  • @jeanieo801
    @jeanieo801 5 місяців тому +9

    Oh Joni my dear no one better than you. Started listening to you when I was 13 laying in my bed looking at the waves at Wind n Sea crying about my lost love. Lol and many more to come. Now 71 you and CSNY bring back such vibrant and beautiful memories of a wonderful time in my life. Then I’d play and sing your songs to my girls who are now fans. Just beautiful memories thank you

  • @TedvanLieshoutkanaal
    @TedvanLieshoutkanaal 9 місяців тому +3

    You pictured this iconic song in a wonderful way.

  • @aarontorres5563
    @aarontorres5563 5 місяців тому +2

    Just take 4 minutes and 14 seconds of your life and sit back and just listen to river and I'll bet you'll be in paradise and you won't ever want to come back joni michell is a national treasure

  • @justice-searching
    @justice-searching 5 місяців тому +17

    I never realized this song is 50 years old. It has been in my heart that many years. Its beautiful. Listened to it on the voice with Lila Forde sang it brilliantly ❤

  • @TheCoreyLight
    @TheCoreyLight 2 роки тому +39

    Joni is a treasure!

  • @sallymiller1359
    @sallymiller1359 10 місяців тому +2

    Legendary

  • @berean77
    @berean77 5 місяців тому

    I cannot think of too many people whose talent approaches that of Joni Mitchell.

  • @untruenorth
    @untruenorth 2 роки тому +9

    Gorgeous.

  • @sayakhalder8601
    @sayakhalder8601 2 роки тому +7

    It's the best holiday gift ever 😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️🤗🤗🤗 happy holidays everyone 💐

  • @JenniferNewkirk-kj9on
    @JenniferNewkirk-kj9on 5 місяців тому +2

    I am 74 years old and just lost the best baby I ever had. Cried when I first listened to "River" over 50 years ago. Cried now.

  • @Xrlen
    @Xrlen Рік тому +1

    When I hear this I am back in our beautiful old communal house in Kitsilano. Jack and I are dancing close to this song, and our housemates are cooking, dancing, hanging out in sublime peace. Jack has been gone since 1985, but today, as I listen to this he is right beside me. Happy times, sad times, all mixed together in my memories, reminded by Joni. She sang our hearts out!

  • @florabarrientezescalante2874
    @florabarrientezescalante2874 5 місяців тому +16

    Absolutely beautiful song