Note E1301

Both Sides Now

This is definitely NOT by Gilbert and Sullivan. The original was written and sung by Joni Mitchell, and the orchestration used within the Nikado was similar to that used by Judy Collins when she had her big hit with this song. The song particularly suited Nicholas's character, which has more than one side, more than two sides, and as seen by others seems to have an unlimited number of sides. This is particularly true to Gelis, who loves him as a child, comes to fear and loath him through Katelina's twisted view of him, has this harsh view confirmed by Katelina's death, but also comes to love him and to fear being duped by him.

This song was pretty we perfect, and one of the earliest o be written. It was written in the downstairs bedroom of Cindy's sister and brother-in-law's house (hi Marybeth and Peter!) at Lake Arrowhead near Los Angeles. It was sung beautifully by Jenifer Gile, who acted the part to perfection. Especially her "How may I be of help?".

From Both Sides Now Both Sides Now

Rows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feathered canyons everywhere
I've looked at clouds that way

But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on everyone
So many things I could have done
But clouds got in my way

I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down
And still somehow
It's cloud illusions I recall
I really don't know clouds
At all

Laughs and smiles and making fun
And knowing I'm the only one
That we are two who are as one
I've looked at Nick that way

But think of Katelina's pain
He left her pregnant, near insane
Embittered, sad, then dead in vain
That also is Nick's way

I've looked at Nick from both sides now
As clown and schemer
Still somehow
It's Nick's illusions cloud the clear
Is this the man I've learned
To fear?

Moons and Junes and ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way you feel
When every fairy tale comes real
I've looked at love that way

But now it's just another show
You leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care, don't let them know
Don't give yourself away

I've looked at love from both sides now
From give and take
Aand still somehow
it's love's illuisions I recacll
I really don't know love at all

Fun and games and business deals
The dizzy dancing way you feel
When every childhood dream comes real
I've looked at Nick that way

But am I just the latest show?
He'll break me, take my child and go
I'm scared he'll never let me know
Won't give himself away

I've looked at Nick from all sides now
From love and hate
Aand still somehow
It's love's sad longings I recall
I really don't know Nick at all

Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say I love you right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus clowns
I've looked at life that way

But now old friends are acting strange
They shake their heads and say I've changed
Well something's lost but something's gained
In living every day

I've looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and stil somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all

The beaten child, the hardened man
The hurt, the triumph and the plan;
The music that he can't quite stand
They're all Nick in a way

And now I know what I must do
I'm tired of fighting: I'll be true
And he will do what he must do
I'll risk my all and stay

I've looked at Nick from all sides now
I've been a fool, and broke a vow,
But with him and his family
I'll trust the man he wants to be

Updated 08 Sep 2002
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