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Joni Mitchell — All I Want
Album: Blue
Avg rating:
6.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1502









Released: 1971
Length: 3:28
Plays (last 30 days): 0
I am on a lonely road and I am traveling
traveling, traveling, traveling
Looking for something, what can it be?
Oh i hate you some, I hate you some
I love you some
I love you when I forget about me
I want to be strong I want to laugh along
I want to belong to the living
Alive, alive, I want to get up and jive
I want to wreck my stockings in some juke box dive
Do you want- do you want- do you want
to dance with me baby
do you want to take a chance
and maybe find some sweet romance with me baby
well come on

All I really really want our love to do
is to bring out the best in me and in you too
All I really really want our love to do
is to bring out the best in me and in you
I want to talk to you, I want to shampoo you
I want to renew you again and again
Applause, applause- Life is our cause
When I think of you kisses
my mind see-saws
do you see- do you see- do you see
how you hurt me baby
so I hurt you too
then we both get so blue

I am on a lonely road and I am traveling
looking for the key to set me free
Oh the jealousy, the greed is the unraveling
it's the unraveling
and it undoes all the joy the could be
I want to have fun, I want to shine like the sun
I want to be the one that you want to see
I want to knit you a sweater
want to write you a love letter
I want to make you feel better
I want to make you feel free
Hmm, Hmm, Hmm, Hmm,
Want to make you feel free
I want to make you feel free
Comments (128)add comment
Gorgeous, We watch her at the Emmys. Her voice disappeared after many years of chain smoking.  It must be terribly sad for her to listen now to what was. 
Joni Mitchell music is in a class by itself with the strange guitar tunings and the chord changes and the jazz feel.  The lyrics are poetry.  The range of her voice remains unmatched.  Her syncopated rhythms are so in tune with the lyrics and the music, no one can top this.  She was a gift.  Sad to see how many out there do not "get" it.
 DanFHiggins wrote:
that one could barley keep up
 
After early May, no more rain came to the red and gray country of Oklahoma.
One of those artist you either get/ or don't.
I LOVE HER MUSIC!
When I saw her live with Tom Scott it was such a rocking show it blew the top off the venue!
This whole era for me, 1967 - 1976, was an explosion of exploration, inventiveness and growth that one could barley keep up.
It still sounds great today as it did then.
If you can't sing, please don't sing
18 years ago I commented (way, way down below) that this was CRAP. My opinion has not changed.
 nickshortie wrote:
simply horrible...
 

Pure torture.
 tonyjory wrote:


 

Here Here!
 tonyjory wrote:
Listen to the whole of Joni Mitchell's "Blue".
The greatest album ever made?
As fresh as the day it was made 50 years ago.
Tony Jory
London and Somerset

 

 ambrebalte wrote:
I don't know who the woman in the picture below is and why she looks so obviously quite uncomfortable to say the least, probably nothing to do with Joni Mitchell
I love Joni Mitchell.
I used to not like her, and for some years, I just would PSD her songs. Couldn't stand her voice.
And, I don't know, I was once in one of these old lanes of Beijing, the one called hutong, listening to my local playlist. I had downloaded some songs by Joni Mitchell thinking that I should try listening given the numerous praise here on to and elsewhere, but never finding the time, the right disposition, the appeal.
It was a bad bad day, lots of administrative fuss, work not nice, bank closed, family absent and bad news. Really bad day.
This came up in the playlist, on shuffle. It took me by surprise. I felt so much more better after that. Like being cared by this voice, touched by a free spirit, light and funny.
When this song comes up, I just listen to it, suspended in a moment some years ago, in this lane, a grey winter day, with sun in my ears...
 

simply horrible...
Oh my...

Applause applause,
Life is our cause. 
That photo of her with the dulcimer...says it all. 

Can you imagine talking with her at the time of that photo?  Oh my. 
Met Joni in an elevator in a hotel in New Haven, CT.   She had a concert at NH Colesium that night.  I was helping my brother carry equipment for a photo shoot he had that day.  We told her how much we liked her music.  She was so gracious and soft-spoken, sweet.   
 zubeneschamli wrote:
This hasn't been played since 2009? Tragedy. This is musical artistry at its best.
 

Played in 2019 boy
Wow!  The photo a few posts ago is dated, but her joy and soul are evident, aren't they?



Hmmm, I wonder if you master a strummed dulcimer (not to be confused with a hammered dulcimer), you can then play a zither or an auto harp 
8→9 - JM is cool, deep and fun. This album has (slowly) climbed up my personal ranking....Long Live RP!!
Any person who can write these lyrics and play a dulcimer...is all right, eh? 
Any J. Mitchell tune with the word "free" in the lyrics starts with an 8 and gets better with time.  In case you were wondering how I think.
Blast the volume up boy!
 ambrebalte wrote:
I don't know who the woman in the picture below is and why she looks so obviously quite uncomfortable to say the least, probably nothing to do with Joni Mitchell
I love Joni Mitchell.
I used to not like her, and for some years, I just would PSD her songs. Couldn't stand her voice.
And, I don't know, I was once in one of these old lanes of Beijing, the one called hutong, listening to my local playlist. I had downloaded some songs by Joni Mitchell thinking that I should try listening given the numerous praise here on to and elsewhere, but never finding the time, the right disposition, the appeal.
It was a bad bad day, lots of administrative fuss, work not nice, bank closed, family absent and bad news. Really bad day.
This came up in the playlist, on shuffle. It took me by surprise. I felt so much more better after that. Like being cared by this voice, touched by a free spirit, light and funny.
When this song comes up, I just listen to it, suspended in a moment some years ago, in this lane, a grey winter day, with sun in my ears...

 
Ambrebalte, I fear you are an innocent commentator on RP.  Nice to read your personal memories and experiences with Joni Mitchell music.

The previous posting is a picture of a woman (doesn't matter who) showing surprise / shock / horror at something - in this case they want to portray the effect that this song has on their ears!

Just the peculiar RP humour that we have here on the forum - don't take it too personally! 
I don't know who the woman in the picture below is and why she looks so obviously quite uncomfortable to say the least, probably nothing to do with Joni Mitchell
I love Joni Mitchell.
I used to not like her, and for some years, I just would PSD her songs. Couldn't stand her voice.
And, I don't know, I was once in one of these old lanes of Beijing, the one called hutong, listening to my local playlist. I had downloaded some songs by Joni Mitchell thinking that I should try listening given the numerous praise here on to and elsewhere, but never finding the time, the right disposition, the appeal.
It was a bad bad day, lots of administrative fuss, work not nice, bank closed, family absent and bad news. Really bad day.
This came up in the playlist, on shuffle. It took me by surprise. I felt so much more better after that. Like being cared by this voice, touched by a free spirit, light and funny.
When this song comes up, I just listen to it, suspended in a moment some years ago, in this lane, a grey winter day, with sun in my ears...
 deepwoodskev wrote:
Image result for ugh meme face

 yeah that was my reaction too


Image result for ugh meme face
Godlike beautiful
 idiot_wind wrote:
I want to talk to you,
I want to shampoo you.
Oh jeeez...such cool lyrics. 

I bet she she make friends easy, she's not like me.
 
{#Roflol}
This page seems to be free of the usual Joni haters; a nice change.
Her voice was just like the sun that poured like butterscotch .......
I want to talk to you,
I want to shampoo you.
Oh jeeez...such cool lyrics. 

I bet she she make friends easy, she's not like me.    
 
 thewiseking wrote:
What do women want?
Listen to Joni 

 
seriously,  that is some good advice
Oh Bill... THANK YOU. This set is mighty, mighty fine! Clapton, then Case Lang & Veirs, then my Joni. {#Good-vibes}
Another wonderful Joni song you never hear on conventional radio.
 jab49 wrote:
I turned it up.

 
To 12!
What do women want?
Listen to Joni 
I turned it up.
I made it stop.
one of my all time favorite albums by one of my all time favorite singers,...and then she writes and plays just to make you the good kind of crazy
A GODDESS! And this song tells!
James Taylor on guitar. SWEET!!
https://youtu.be/rJ25f-QEHhM?t=1523
I think everything from this album is magical and masterful and amazing. It makes all of my emotions leap forward and pay rapt attention.

Oh, Joni I love you so. Thanks, RP.
This hasn't been played since 2009? Tragedy. This is musical artistry at its best.
As I get older, I can only appreciate our Joni more than ever.
 peter_james_bond wrote:

I agree, that's also a good disc. There are a few songs from that album in the RP library but, sadly, only "Free Man in Paris" is getting much airplay. Strange..... {#Stupid}

 
I've tried to upload other Joni stuff some from Court and Spark and its all gotten axed

never gets old, still lingers as a real tune that will move the clouds on a rainy day, bravo !
 
 jagdriver wrote:
why not some Court & Spark?
 
I agree, that's also a good disc. There are a few songs from that album in the RP library but, sadly, only "Free Man in Paris" is getting much airplay. Strange..... {#Stupid}

 crockydile wrote:

me, too. All Joni songs sound like segues from other Joni songs...like she just sits down in the studio and starts playing from where she left off last time.

 

Wow — I would say the exact opposite....Maybe you are referring to the 1st few albums...but more than any other artist, I think she wins the most-morphed-thru-the-years award!  And a brilliant musician ( the ONLY female on the Rolling Stone Magazine top 100 greatest guitarist of all times)
 iTuner wrote:
It just grates on me, pick a note please, stop the breathless warbling please. .....

I just don't get it.
No you don’t do you. You have my sympathies though. I hate to see people missing out on the good things of life.

{#Yes} This song just made my morning.
 nimesay wrote:
I want to like it, but I don't...
 
me, too. All Joni songs sound like segues from other Joni songs...like she just sits down in the studio and starts playing from where she left off last time.

Always happy to hear this one.
she's got style all her own{#Moon}
This album is a top 20 of all time, IMHO. So personal and yet musically so coherent and not at all maudlin. The song "Little Green," not in the RP library, is about her giving her baby up for adoption. ("I'm sad and I'm sorry, but I'm not ashamed...")

Viva Joni.

 planet_lizard wrote:
definitely in my top 10 albums of all time
 



Ditto.



Joni's style doesn't do much for me, but that "shampoo you" line cracks me up.
{#Daisy}
This is nice to hear once in a blue moon (no pun intended). Please don't put it in regular rotation, however, as it'll get old fast. And if you're into playing Joni, why not some Court & Spark?
I want to like it, but I don't...
All I can say is - sing Joni.  I am not a big fan of hers, but this album (Blue) is some of the best Joni.

William
No, no no no no no no no no.
 TanteJensen wrote:

{#Roflol} Me, I don't. Is there anybody indifferent to this? Seems like another love-or-hate artist.

 

To look at the histograph, it looks mostly like "love."  (A few indifferent.  So what's new?)
dmax wrote:
Had to turn that off. Maybe if I heard it a few more times, but don't know if I want to.

{#Roflol} Me, I don't. Is there anybody indifferent to this? Seems like another love-or-hate artist.

Yuck, Joni Mitchell. Giving it a 2 because it's sunny out and I'm feeling generous.
no comment  -   9.
This is the best song of Joni {#Cheesygrin}

Yay! {#Daisy}
Garçon, check please.
it's magic...
Thank you, Joni, for striking that chord of hopeful searching. Just what I needed.
Love Joni
What a nice song!
Joni and I go way way back. She is a great artist and performer. Always loved her unique style. Always found this song lifted my spirits.
definitely in my top 10 albums of all time
Wondrously exuberant. Find myself singing this on my bike more often than not. Dear Joni - happiness - pure happiness!! A 10 of course!!
Stop crying and whining, Joni. Milk is getting bad.
ranwulf wrote:
I know she's tops in the American Music Pantheon (AMP if you will), but I've just never cared much for her voice. Her writing is great, though, judging by the number of people who've covered her if nothing else.
Gotta agree. It just grates on me, pick a note please, stop the breathless warbling please. Its not even worth me rating because there are so many JM fans out there. I just don't get it.
I remember purchasing my first album when I was in college back in the 70's (Court and Spark). Blue came later...what did I know? Great stuff.
The glass on my desk just shattered.
I am just amazed! So far this morning, you have played MANY songs that I recorded on a tape of my FAVORITES, oh so many moons ago! How are you doing this? KEEP GOING!!
Still stunning!
Somethin' about that girl hmm, girl ?! Every time I hear her voice I just can't stop listenin'
A great song from a truly great album.
I know she's tops in the American Music Pantheon (AMP if you will), but I've just never cared much for her voice. Her writing is great, though, judging by the number of people who've covered her if nothing else.
The song I that I find myself singing most often - in the shower, on a bike - whatever - when I'm feeling happy. It's bittersweet I know - but it has such an exhuberant feeling to it. I adore Joni & I just love this song!!
"All I really really want our love to do / Is to bring out the best in me and in you too". The album is a lyrical (and, of course, musical) masterpiece. For me, this line stands out in particular.
Here, hear! s Gregorama wrote:
I am thinking if there had been no Joni Mitchell, or Judy Collins or Joan Baez--there would be no Suzanne Vega. Remember that no one breaks into music without some kind of pioneer ahead of them, paving the way.
I actually didn't "discover" this album until last year and I absolutely adore it. I listened to it just this morning while getting ready for work. Definitely a 10 for me.
pdhski wrote:
While Joni had a good idea, I don't care for her execution. I think Suzanne Vega hits the mark - truly brilliant songsmith and arranger.
I am thinking if there had been no Joni Mitchell, or Judy Collins or Joan Baez--there would be no Suzanne Vega. Remember that no one breaks into music without some kind of pioneer ahead of them, paving the way. Give Ms. Vega 30 years, and she may achieve an equal footing with Ms. Mitchell. She may be on the road, and she's damn good, but hasn't put out a body of work anywhere close to Mitchell's catalog. Didn't mean to overreact. It's just that some statements can't go unchallenged.
Thanks! Hearing this song is always a pleasure :daisy.gif:
Stunning song on a brilliant album. Then again, I'll admit to being influenced by the wistful calling of Joni from the windows of college dorms throughout the nation. And whenever Joni was playing, odds improved remarkably……….
I really like the album and the song, but I have one problem: Her singing is just on the verge of being really annoying. I can understand the people critizing her for her vocal fluctuations and so forth. But apart from that, the album and the song is absolutely fabolous!
Has always been my favorite Joni song, and I agree that Blue is just amazing. Certain Joni albums are treasures. I love her voice, contrary to those nay-sayers who haphazardly discard her by saying she has a bad voice. Listen to her more carefully, and be awed by her lyrics!
Great song
While Joni had a good idea, I don't care for her execution. I think Suzanne Vega hits the mark - truly brilliant songsmith and arranger.
rmurray248 wrote:
Terrible phrasing, awful tone and octave transpositions without any cohesion or musical intention. She tries so hard to be different that what she ends up doing is ignoring those things that could make a song more listenable. She doesn't have the ability to sing strong and compelling melodies so she tries to mask things with her fluctuating vocalizations. These songs could and should be so much better.
Ah, come on! This is modern music. This is rock and roll, blues, jazz and country. And we are all Working Class Heroes.
rmurray248 wrote:
Terrible phrasing, awful tone and octave transpositions without any cohesion or musical intention. She tries so hard to be different that what she ends up doing is ignoring those things that could make a song more listenable. She doesn't have the ability to sing strong and compelling melodies so she tries to mask things with her fluctuating vocalizations. These songs could and should be so much better.
What? How can someone be so wrong.
folk jazz... love it. extremely different and genius
Yes!
Works for me. (pimp)
This song is amazing, as is the whole of Blue.
Originally Posted by Carissa: I feel guilty for saying this, but I think I like the concept of Joni Mitchell and her songs more than Joni Mitchell herself...
Well said! I realise now that that is what I think aswell.
Oh Joni !!! A great classic, a favorite way back then that still has the power to move me.
This song is new to me... and I like it. It\'s honest and good. All the whining here doesn\'t mean a thing. Like the cheese, the song stands alone! :)
I just don\'t get Joni Mitchell. Give me Carol King any day over JM!
I feel guilty for saying this, but I think I like the concept of Joni Mitchell and her songs more than Joni Mitchell herself...
Originally Posted by Amazon: anybody who wd spout the academic drivel by rmurray248 obviously does not understand music well enough to hear the brilliance of this song
Oh, please. Let's not insult academia here by elevating said drivel to the plane of substantive thought, okay? Opinion and intellect are not the same things. ;) :)
I\'ll never get tired of this album or any of its tracks.
Originally Posted by rmurray248: Terrible phrasing, awful tone and octave transpositions without any cohesion or musical intention. She tries so hard to be different that what she ends up doing is ignoring those things that could make a song more listenable. She doesn't have the ability to sing strong and compelling melodies so she tries to mask things with her fluctuating vocalizations. These songs could and should be so much better.
Well, I guess I'm just uninformed and ignorant. I always thought the fact of Joni Mitchell's musical artistry, creativity and talent was a universally accepted "given". That only the most crass artistic barbarians could fail to grasp the quality, even if some weren't up to the challange. Ah, well. What do I know, anyway.
One of my favs! If not for the song but for the fact that when \"Blue\" came out I was living in Europe and was living her lyrics. Saw her in Weisbaden, Germany in 1971...and a new kid named Jackson Browne opened for her doing a solo act on piano of his brand new album \"Saturate Before Using\". I left the concert walking 6 inches above the ground...(but that\'s another story :p )
Originally Posted by rmurray248: Terrible phrasing, etc, blah blah blah and onand on and...
rmurray248 come out of your basket, we know you for who you are, Ms J Mitchell's twisted loft-hidden sister, full of rightful bile for the years of denigration and chicken bones while your angelic sibling wafted herself higher on wings you could only anal-yse on. She's great so give us a kiss you big girl's blouse.
she wants to shampoo me. :roll: good song, nonetheless.
After several listens, this song still doesn\'t gain any appeal. Her voice is just entirely too obnoxious.
Originally Posted by rmurray248: Terrible phrasing, awful tone and octave transpositions without any cohesion or musical intention. She tries so hard to be different that what she ends up doing is ignoring those things that could make a song more listenable. She doesn't have the ability to sing strong and compelling melodies so she tries to mask things with her fluctuating vocalizations. These songs could and should be so much better.
must march in step with the prosribed meter and structure...must march in step....don't dance....march...march...(maybe you would be a good "Minister of Music" in the new National Homeland Security Defense Government coming soon(?) - unless we pay attention.)
Saw Joni in Cleveland back in the 70s and again the next day—Valentine\'s Day—in Pittsburgh. Awesome concert. Good to hear this again. Thanks.
anybody who wd spout the academic drivel by rmurray248 obviously does not understand music well enough to hear the brilliance of this song
This song was horrible.
Originally Posted by rmurray248: Terrible phrasing, awful tone and octave transpositions without any cohesion or musical intention. She tries so hard to be different that what she ends up doing is ignoring those things that could make a song more listenable. She doesn't have the ability to sing strong and compelling melodies so she tries to mask things with her fluctuating vocalizations. These songs could and should be so much better.
Well, I'm glad I didn't know this. If true, then this is really a case where ignorance is truly bliss. While you may be technically correct in some of what you say, Joni's music evidently works for some of us. The world would indeed be a boring place if we all marched to one specific drum beat. "Flowers are red and green grass is green, there's no need to see them any other way than the way they always have been seen" Harry Chapin ...
One word: CRAP!
One of the best songs on one of the best albums ever recorded. Thank you Bill and Rebecca for the bravery to play Joni.