Soundtrack of My Life

"This Flight Tonight" by Joni Mitchell

"This Flight Tonight" by Joni Mitchell

"Look out the left," the captain said
"The lights down there, that's where we'll land."
I saw a falling star burn up
Above the Las Vegas sands

It wasn't the one that you gave to me
That night down south between the trailers
Not the early one
That you can wish upon,
Not the northern one
That guides in the sailors

Oh star bright, star bright
You've got the lovin' that I like, all right
Turn this crazy bird around
I shouldn't have got on this flight tonight

You got the touch so gentle and sweet
But you've got that look so critical
Now I can't talk to you baby
I get so weak
Sometimes I think love is just mythical

Up there's a heaven
Down there's a town
Blackness everywhere and little lights shine
Oh, blackness, blackness dragging me down
Come on light the candle in this poor heart of mine

Oh star bright, star bright
You've got the lovin' that I like, all right
Turn this crazy bird around
I shouldn't hove got on this flight tonight

I'm drinking sweet champagne
Got the headphones up high
Can't numb you out
Can't drum you out of my mind
They're playing, "Goodbye baby, Baby Goodbye,
Ooh, ooh, love is blind"

Up go the flaps, down go the wheels
I hope you got your heat turned on baby
I hope they finally fixed your automobile
I hope it's better when we meet again baby

Star bright, star bright
You got the lovin' that I like, all right
Turn this crazy bird around
I shouldn't have got on this flight tonight

I couldn't very well make a playlist without including the incomparable Joni Mitchell, could I? Her musicality and vocal agility combined with her vivid lyrics have created many a masterpiece. Blue is definitely her best album, in my opinion. (Feel free to disagree, but please provide evidence.) This one is a little more musically upbeat than some of the other songs on the album. The album is named "Blue", after all, after the title song which is about her struggle with depression. Is there a creative genius that doesn't struggle with depression? I don't think I know any. Maybe there's something to the "tortured artist" archetype.

Joni is well known for using alternate guitar tunings in her songs, and I think this is one of those songs that has unique tuning. It almost makes the guitar sound like an entirely different instrument, and the distinctive sound suits her style and her voice so well. There's something about the rhythm of the guitar against the rhythm of the lyrics / melody that I can't get enough of. But my favorite part is that musical interlude when she sings the "Goodbye baby, baby goodbye..." line. It's so pleasantly unexpected. Just like Joni.

Although I don't really know the story behind it, I like to imagine she wrote this song looking out the window on an overnight plane as she leaves a seemingly tumultuous relationship, still having some regrets about leaving. Did she end up turning around and going back to her lover? I kind of hope not, since it doesn't sound like a healthy relationship. I haven't flown anywhere in almost 3 years, due to the state of the world and the state of my finances, but you can bet I'll be listening to this song on repeat when I do.

Sit back and enjoy the ride!

Anni