About the Song
Neil Diamond’s “Both Sides Now” is a poignant and introspective ballad that has resonated with listeners for decades. Written by the Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell in 1967, the song was originally recorded by her, but it gained wider recognition when it was covered by American singer Judy Collins in 1969. Diamond released his own version of the song in 1970, and it became one of his biggest hits.
The song’s lyrics are a reflection on the passage of time and the changes that come with it. The narrator looks back on their life and realizes that they have seen things from “both sides now,” meaning that they have experienced both the joys and sorrows of life. They have seen the world through the eyes of a child and an adult, and they have come to understand that everything is impermanent.
Diamond’s performance of the song is heartfelt and sincere. His voice is full of emotion, and he conveys the song’s message with a deep understanding. The song’s arrangement is simple but effective, with a delicate piano melody and a gentle acoustic guitar accompaniment.
“Both Sides Now” is a beautiful and moving song that has become a classic of American popular music. It is a song that speaks to the human condition and our shared experiences of love, loss, and change.
Here are some of the key themes of the song:
- The passage of time: The song is about the way that time changes us and our perspective on the world.
- The duality of life: The song explores the contrast between the joys and sorrows of life.
- The importance of perspective: The song suggests that we can only truly understand life if we have seen it from both sides.
“Both Sides Now” is a song that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a song that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. If you have never heard it before, I encourage you to give it a listen. I think you will be glad you did.