Joni Mitchell's 'Both Sides Now' performed by Lalah Hathaway | Next at the Kennedy Center | PBS

Lalah Hathaway performs a unique and sensitive interpretation of Joni Mitchell's iconic "Both Sides Now" with the National Symphony Orchestra. Written by Mitchell, it was first recorded by Judy Collins but would later appear on Joni Mitchell's 1969 album Clouds.

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[bt]

When I was a kid the song was wildly popular. My mom and I sang it together each time it was on the radio. Last week, at age 63, I visited my 84 yr old Mom for the last time. She was dying from cancer that had only been diagnosed four months prior. We never expected to lose her so quickly but I had to get home quickly. The entire flight I was worried sick about what to say to her. What would be right? How to say goodbye? She was heavily medicated when I arrived. She never spoke and never opened her eyes. I knew what felt right. It came to me so clearly. I kneeled by her bed, cradled her head and sang “Both Sides Now” while forcing back tears. She was gone 2 days later. I never saw her conscious again. I’ll never know if she heard me. The song was always special to me, always our song. I’ll never hear it without crying again. RIP Mom. You’re so loved. So missed.

[fredricgrethel]

This is truly the most beautiful version of this song I have ever heard. The complex orchestration, the interesting timing, the incredible story telling. The slight lack of synchronicity of the gorgeous vocals with the dissonant sound of the orchestra was just a perfect way to help you feel “both sides now”. Thank you to the glorious vocal artist Ms Hathaway and her stunning accompaniment. Truly special

[fredamallory]

She definitely has made her dad smile 😊 Rest Well Donnie Hathaway ❤

[mpatreece]

Lalah's voice is comforting. Beautiful arrangement. Lovely cover. Thank you.

[TheRozberry]

When you can take a Joni Mitchell and make it your own then you are a beast on the mic!!!

[daknox]

Her voice! Like her dad, she has the ability to go deep and move the soul. While his voice was a beautiful, deep, rich, vibrato, hers is lush, smooth, soothing and velvety.. what genes..

[chrislloyd]

I started crying within 3 seconds. this woman has the most perfect voice

[Godstrumpet]

Oh my God…I love Lalah Hathaway. That smoky, expensive texture. Beautiful orchestra music envelopes this wonderful voice.
Classic performance.

[feliciastreet]

This song.. at age 63 it means more to me now than when I first heard it years ago ❤❤❤❤

[alessandrorossini]

Not easy... not easy at all... but she did it, with love and respect. And a beautiful, soothing voice, well done Lalah, well done. ❤❤❤❤

[madcitywendy]

I love her rendition of this classic!!

[The.leatherlungs]

That was like crying while being hugged the most healing, warm voice and performance x

[Lelito]

Probably the best rendition of this masterpiece ever. Pure magic!

[Shutterbugin]

This is living in the words. She took her time and spun the listener up in the story. Beautifully sung and heartfelt. 💜

[christinesullivan]

Jonis song, Lalahs Voice and Singing blended with Vince Mendozas superb arrangement is one of the genuine wonders of the sonic world. X

[elizabethsudweeks]

Her voice is lovely I remember her father, the day he died made my mother cry

[tamaralynn]

Lalah’s voice is so warm and soothing. I love it!

[macmanworldwide]

HER VOICE MAKES YOU FEEL... HER VOICE IS LIKE HOLDING THAT WARM MUG AND THAT FIRST SWALLOW OF THE PERFECTLY TEMPED HOT CHOCLATE AFTER COMING FROM SHOVELING SNOW FOR AN HOUR. HER VOICE IS THE DROP ON THE BED AND DEEP EXHALE AFTER COMING INTO THE HOUSE AFTER A THREE MILE HIKE IN HUMID WEATHER WHEN YOURE TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT AND YOURE 50 LBS OVER WEIGHT. I LOVE HER VOICE.

[darrylmorrison]

Between the singer's wonderfully understated control and the gorgeous orchestration, thank you for making this standard new again. This is what Kennedy Center does so well.

[cllareou]

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