Both Sides Now – Judy Collins

“Both Sides Now,” sung by Judy Collins, is one of those timeless songs that captures the bittersweet essence of life, love, and the passage of time. Written by Joni Mitchell in the late 1960s, the song found its first major success through Collins’ hauntingly beautiful 1967 recording. Her crystalline voice and the delicate orchestral arrangement give the lyrics a wistful clarity that made it instantly unforgettable. It’s a piece that feels both intimate and universal, reflecting the way our perceptions evolve as we move through the different stages of life.

The song opens with the imagery of clouds—how they once seemed magical and full of wonder, only to later appear as obstacles that block the sun and rain on our dreams. This duality sets the tone for the entire piece, as Collins sings about how we can experience the same thing—clouds, love, life—from “both sides” and still feel like we truly understand neither. The melody is gentle and reflective, allowing the listener to sit quietly within their own emotions while contemplating the meaning of change, disappointment, and acceptance.

At its heart, “Both Sides Now” is a meditation on perspective. The lyrics move from innocence to maturity, from the idealism of youth to the sobering realities of adulthood. Judy Collins’ delivery is what elevates it: her voice carries the ache of someone who has seen dreams unravel yet still finds beauty in the memories they leave behind. Her performance feels like a conversation with time itself—nostalgic, tender, and wise.

Over the years, this song has become one of the great anthems of reflection, often used in films, memorials, and moments of quiet introspection. It reminds listeners that understanding is rarely absolute, and that living fully means embracing both joy and sorrow, love and loss. Judy Collins’ rendition continues to resonate because it feels honest—an acknowledgment that, no matter how much we grow or learn, life will always hold more than one side.