There's been some recent discussion about ACOY, so I thought I'd put my
thoughts on paper (so to speak).
I've always thought ACOY was about James Taylor, for several reasons:
Just before our love got lost you said
"I am as constant as a northern star"
And I said "Constantly in the darkness
Where's that at?
If you want me I'll be in the bar"
Maybe the line "constantly in the darkness" refers to his drug use, which
was pretty heavy for a long time. He's saying his behaviour may not be
pretty, but at least he's consistent. Her response is that it may be
constant, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's good.
Oh I am a lonely painter
I live in a box of paints
I'm frightened by the devil
And I'm drawn to those ones that ain't afraid
Maybe the devil in question is (again) drugs? I'm sure I've read several
different places that James introduced Joni to heavier drugs than she'd
previously experienced - maybe the fact that he was using, and still
functioning (relatively) well, made her feel more comfortable about trying
it too?
I met a woman
She had a mouth like yours
She knew your life
She knew your devils and your deeds
And she said
"Go to him, stay with him if you can
But be prepared to bleed"
I've always thought the woman in question was Kate Taylor, James' sister ("a
mouth like yours" = a family resemblance), and knowing of James drugs
problems (and his history of depression, etc.), she was warning Joni that he
had some problems that might be more severe than she was aware - although
she was still encouraging their relationship.
Oh but you are in my blood
You're my holy wine
You're so bitter, bitter and so sweet
Oh, I could drink a case of you darling
Still I'd be on my feet
I would still be on my feet
I've always loved these lines. Like she's saying their love has it's highs
and lows (and that's definitely been documented!) but she always needs or
wants more. Or rather she can always take more - can never get enough of
him. Too much is never enough.
Pure supposition on my part, of course! It still remains one of my
favourite Joni songs, especially the BSN version. And I've had the
privilege of hearing/seeing Diana Krall perform it live, and that was just
incredible!
Hell
P.S. Happy now, Bob? I'm posting, I'm posting!
____________________________
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great audiences too." - Walt Whitman
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