Conversation by Joni Mitchell (1970)
He comes for conversation
I comfort him sometimes
Comfort and consultation
He knows that’s what he’ll find
I bring him apples and cheeses
He brings me songs to play
He sees me when he pleases
I see him in cafes
And I only say hello
And turn away before his lady knows
How much I want to see him
She removes him like a ring
To wash her hands
She only brings him out to show her friends
I want to free him
Secrets and sharing soda
That’s how our time began
Love is a story told to a friend
It’s second hand
But I’ll listen to his questions
I’ll give my answers when they’re found
He says she keeps him guessing
But I know she keeps him down
She speaks in sorry sentences
Miraculous repentances
I don’t believe her
Tomorrow he will come to me
And he’ll speak his sorrow endlessly and ask me why
“Why can’t I leave her?”
He comes for conversation
I comfort him sometimes
Comfort and consultation
He knows that’s what he’ll find
Could you sense both the sweetness and sadness in this song? Why can’t I make such a simple and incredible song like this one? Well, it’s because I basically can’t write. That’s why.
I just realized Joni Mitchell is a soprano singer. Anyway, LOVE the strumming.