 For The Roses (1972) [ larger cover art ] |
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Cold Blue Steel out of money
One eye for the beat police
Sweet Fire calling
"You can't deny me
Now you know what you need"
Underneath the jungle gym
Hollow-grey-fire-escape-thief
Looking for Sweet Fire
Shadow of Lady Release
"Come with me
I know the way" she says
"It's down, down, down the dark ladder
Do you want to contact somebody first?
Leave someone a letter?
You can come now
Or you can come later"
A wristwatch, a ring, a downstairs screamer
Edgy - black cracks of the sky
"Pin-cushion-prick-
Fix this poor bad dreamer!"
"Money" cold shadows reply
Pawnshops crisscrossed and padlocked
Corridors spit on prayers and pleas
Sparks fly up from Sweet Fire
Black soot of Lady Release
"Come with me
I know the way" she says
"It's down, down, down the dark ladder
Do you want to contact somebody first?
Does it really matter
You can come now
Or you can come later?"
Red water in the bathroom sink
Fever and the scum brown bowl
Blue Steel still begging
But it's indistinct
Someone's HI-Fi drumming Jelly Roll
Concrete concentration camp
Bashing in veins for peace
Cold Blue Steel and Sweet Fire
Fall into Lady Release
"Come with me
I know the way" she says
"It's down, down, down the dark ladder
Do you want to contact somebody first?
I mean what does it really matter?
You're going to come now
Or you're going to come later"
| Ericocean (Cumberland, Maryland) | Posted: Apr 27, 2013 - 06:19 I'm hoping the Joni Mitchell bender Bill is on ends soon. I'll be muting the sound and back later. |
| KurtfromLaQuinta (Deep in the heart of South California) | Posted: Apr 03, 2013 - 09:09 bam23 wrote: I guess it is necessary to add to the small pile of astonished responses. It can only be that she uses the same vocal chords in every song that you could even imagine this statement to be true. Try actually listening, unless you simply don't like the music. Which is fine, but your specific complaint is nonsensical. Back then albums were not really cheap. A couple of bucks? Maybe as a cutout, but I never saw any of her albums in the discount bins. I could rarely afford to pay the full price, so the cutouts or used records (not so great, since unlike CDs the quality deteriorated with use) were my primary purchases. It amazes me to read the confident statements, often incorrect, that my fellow planetary residents make about things they clearly do not actually know. These kids today... |
| lemmoth (NYC) | Posted: Apr 03, 2013 - 09:07 Did not listen to a lot of Joni beyond the radio tracks - which I always dug - back in the day. But have come to appreciate her amazing talent as a songwriter. Can imagine my man Elvis C. listening to this and sticking some of this in his head for future reference. |
| MirageRF (Clemmons, NC, USA) | Posted: Apr 03, 2013 - 09:07 There was a time and a place and Joni. She's an acquired taste. A unique voice and talent. Thanks RP! |
| bam23 (Berkeley) | Posted: Mar 26, 2013 - 18:42 johnjconn wrote: How bout it! Every Joni song sounds like the last Joni song. I'll assume she sold some records in her day, after all, an album back then only cost a couple bucks I guess it is necessary to add to the small pile of astonished responses. It can only be that she uses the same vocal chords in every song that you could even imagine this statement to be true. Try actually listening, unless you simply don't like the music. Which is fine, but your specific complaint is nonsensical. Back then albums were not really cheap. A couple of bucks? Maybe as a cutout, but I never saw any of her albums in the discount bins. I could rarely afford to pay the full price, so the cutouts or used records (not so great, since unlike CDs the quality deteriorated with use) were my primary purchases. It amazes me to read the confident statements, often incorrect, that my fellow planetary residents make about things they clearly do not actually know. |
| RobN (In the flatlands of East Anglia) | Posted: Jan 30, 2013 - 14:26 Her lyrics are so intelligent and beautifully crafted. I just don't get some of the antipathy I read in here. Even if you don't care for her voice. |
| plaid (Tech nexxus o' my house) | Posted: Jan 30, 2013 - 14:12 Please, God, no! Never again! |
| ScottN (Condo in Gaza needs remodeling. Still, I Thank TFSM I saw the divot where the landmine was placed.) | Posted: Jan 01, 2013 - 20:21 She, as is Emmyoul Harris, is a gift to our musical listening (and considering). |
| dputlak | Posted: Nov 21, 2012 - 06:48 Too bad to see some lousy comments about Joni, but to each his/her own. Maybe its an age thing. I'm 50+ and I still haven't heard anything quite like her, and I like her music a lot. |
| JHZ (between Clark and Hilldale) | Posted: Oct 28, 2012 - 12:57 finoufk wrote: did that woman sell any record in her time ???? this is terrible... johnjconn wrote: How bout it! Every Joni song sounds like the last Joni song. I'll assume she sold some records in her day, after all, an album back then only cost a couple bucks These two comments raise so many questions it is unbelievable. Joni Mitchell was a star in the 70s so how can that be a serious comment? Did you just think that would be funny? As for johnjconn: It does not sound as if you like Joni Mitchell (fine with me). But that would explain (possibly) why you claim that every song she made sounds the same. Ok her voice is distinctive (a bad thing?), but other than that she experimented with so many styles throughout her career that this really cannot be true. I assume you simply did not really listen to many of her songs and or LPs. Back then albums only cost a coupe of bucks? What do you mean by that? In the stores? Well you can download this album for $9.99 as MP3 (sacrilege to do so) from Amazon. Inflation adjusted that's like 5 bucks 1972 (I am admittedly guessing). Which to me is just a coupe of bucks. |
| skindy (AwlbanNY) | Posted: Oct 28, 2012 - 12:43 Mmm, yes... like jazzy silk... silky jazz... love it. |
| johnjconn (chicago land) | Posted: Sep 19, 2012 - 09:34 finoufk wrote: did that woman sell any record in her time ???? this is terrible... How bout it! Every Joni song sounds like the last Joni song. I'll assume she sold some records in her day, after all, an album back then only cost a couple bucks |
| burdell (Atlanta, GA) | Posted: Sep 19, 2012 - 09:33 Based on the picture on the album cover, I am sure the sax would definitely be haunting. Gregorama wrote: I still love it after 40 years, especially the haunting sax. Excellent. |
| Shesdifferent (Just visiting this planet) | Posted: Aug 18, 2012 - 21:49 finoufk wrote: did that woman sell any record in her time ???? this is terrible... You obviously have no taste. Whether or not Joni's music appeals to you...this is one of her best songs.....thank you RP for putting this on the playlist!! She was in her prime for this one!! |
| Gregorama (Austin, TX) | Posted: Jul 18, 2012 - 11:28 finoufk wrote: did that woman sell any record in her time ???? this is terrible... Yes. She sold tons of them. |
| Gregorama (Austin, TX) | Posted: Jul 18, 2012 - 11:26 I still love it after 40 years, especially the haunting sax. Excellent. |
| RedGuitar (Iowa, USA) | Posted: Jul 18, 2012 - 11:26 finoufk wrote: did that woman sell any record in her time ???? this is terrible... Joni's voice is not for everyone, but I believe she sold well in the 70s. Haven't heard much from her lately. |
| KurtfromLaQuinta (Deep in the heart of South California) | Posted: Jun 16, 2012 - 21:55 jagdriver wrote: Try Court & Spark with some really good headphones or on a top-notch surround sound rig without any distractions. Best on a sunny day, I believe. In fact, I think C & S was probably an extension of this track, judging from the terrific production and in comparison to the other numbers on this album. I never really cared much for jazz, but Tom Scott & the LA Express really changed my mind on his backing for Joni on Court and Spark. And this tune. At least for that one album anyway. And this great song. |
| iTuner | Posted: Jun 16, 2012 - 21:54 finoufk wrote: did that woman sell any record in her time ???? this is terrible...
Never understood it. Couldn't stand her as a kid. Don't like it as an adult. |
| That_SOB (In at least 2 places at once) | Posted: Apr 14, 2012 - 09:43 "For the Roses" is such a fine album. Joni is one of us. |
| bev (Reno, NV) | Posted: Mar 21, 2012 - 10:55 marktberry wrote: I've always enjoyed Tim Curry's cover on the 1979 release, Fearless Joni Mitchell is so phenomenal, it's ridiculously hard to imagine anyone even attempting a cover of this. Joni is such a remarkable artist and you can feel all of her emotions rawly exposed. However, that being said, I used to own Tim Curry's Fearless album (yes, kids, vinyl...) and I do recall that Curry handled himself admirably on this tune. IIRC, his version was just edgy enough that you fully understood the song was all about heroin addiction. (Aside: I loved "I Do The Rock" from that same album! Thanks for the memories, marktberry.) |
| GrooVy (Planet Earth, Mainly...) | Posted: Jan 10, 2012 - 04:36 =) I don't know about all that luv stuff below but this song is slightly better then comments imply... =) |
| Mari (île de lesvos) | Posted: Jan 10, 2012 - 04:34 unclehud wrote: Lord help me, I have been in love with this woman since the late 70s ... me too even though i was just gittin' born! |
| RParadise (Hastings-on-Hudson, NY) | Posted: Dec 09, 2011 - 09:17 Hairfarmer wrote: I still want to hear the 'Stones cover this. They did, sort of. It's called "Sister Morphine." http://www.radioparadise.com/rp2-content.php?name=songinfo&song_id=33039 |
| finoufk (Bordeaux - france) | Posted: Dec 09, 2011 - 09:14 did that woman sell any record in her time ???? this is terrible... |
| unclehud (300 feet above the planet) | Posted: Dec 09, 2011 - 09:14 Lord help me, I have been in love with this woman since the late 70s ... |
| MiracleDrug (Earth) | Posted: Nov 07, 2011 - 17:24 Jeff09 wrote: turning up the subwoofer... turning off the satellites... |
| TerryS (Another SW) | Posted: Nov 07, 2011 - 17:22 Happy 68th birthday, Roberta Joan Anderson. |
| RedGuitar (Iowa, USA) | Posted: Jun 03, 2011 - 09:28 sirdroseph wrote: I would like her if her voice was not like fingernails on a chalkboard to my ears, other than that she is fine. Funny, I think her voice is rather smooth-sounding. To each his own, I guess. |
| handyrae (Zero Point Field) | Posted: Jun 03, 2011 - 09:22 sirdroseph wrote: I would like her if her voice was not like fingernails on a chalkboard to my ears, other than that she is fine. Really????? I think I could listen to her sing the phone book just to hear her voice. I guess to each their own. |
| martinc (Ottawa Canada) | Posted: Jun 03, 2011 - 09:21 purplespider wrote: *sigh* I feel so... unAmerican. I just never could get into her music.  Don't sweat, she is after all Canadian. Her music and voice wasn't really on my radar when listening to all the good music in the late sixites but eventually I grew to appreciate her style. Really like to open tuning, she usually surrounds herself with stellar musicians and her voice is adventerous and unique |
| cc_rider (Austin Texas. Y'all.) | Posted: Jun 03, 2011 - 09:21 Randomax wrote: It refers to the horrible, visious cycle of heroin addiction. You can "come now" into 'her' arms because we all know you will sooner or later. Damn. After reading the lyrics, there is no doubt that's what it's about. Paints a pathetic scene. Made more poignant by the recent death of Gil Scott Heron, felled by drug addiction. Damn. |
| Jeff09 (Gainesville, Florida) | Posted: May 02, 2011 - 19:51 turning up the subwoofer... |
| sirdroseph (Yes) | Posted: Apr 01, 2011 - 04:18 I would like her if her voice was not like fingernails on a chalkboard to my ears, other than that she is fine. |
| jagdriver (Just a nod and a wink south of Paradise) | Posted: Mar 01, 2011 - 11:38 purplespider wrote: *sigh* I feel so... unAmerican. I just never could get into her music. Try Court & Spark with some really good headphones or on a top-notch surround sound rig without any distractions. Best on a sunny day, I believe. In fact, I think C & S was probably an extension of this track, judging from the terrific production and in comparison to the other numbers on this album. |
| purplespider (Portland, OR) | Posted: Feb 28, 2011 - 16:51 *sigh* I feel so... unAmerican. I just never could get into her music. |
| Shesdifferent (Just visiting this planet this is not my home) | Posted: Jan 28, 2011 - 10:34 Any Joni Anytime |
| pinto (west meade) | Posted: Nov 26, 2010 - 10:26 bachbeet wrote: Always liked this song and this album. One of her underrated albums. She showed more of her jazz influences. Agreed! "Let the Wind Carry Me" is an absolutely superb song. |
| Randomax (Wimberley, TX) | Posted: Nov 26, 2010 - 10:21 RParadise wrote: Indeed, the contrast between that heavenly voice and the lyrics, awash in total despair, always haunt me when I listen to this. I believe I read somwhere back in the long ago that the person she was speaking of here was James Taylor and the times she spent with him |
| lmic (Harmless Little Bunny) | Posted: Oct 25, 2010 - 17:53  'sall I gotta say. |
| RParadise (Hastings-on-Hudson, NY) | Posted: May 19, 2010 - 09:56 Randomax wrote: It refers to the horrible, visious cycle of heroin addiction. You can "come now" into 'her' arms because we all know you will sooner or later. Indeed, the contrast between that heavenly voice and the lyrics, awash in total despair, always haunt me when I listen to this. |
| k_trout (Dream State) | Posted: Apr 17, 2010 - 15:37 what a wonderful song - dig it tom scott oh yes |
| bachbeet | Posted: Feb 13, 2010 - 11:23 Always liked this song and this album. One of her underrated albums. She showed more of her jazz influences. |
| gatorade (Ocean Park, WA) | Posted: Dec 12, 2009 - 15:35 nagsheadlocal wrote: I've always thought she was under-rated as a guitarist. Her open tunings are always so distinctive, she's one of a handful of people who is instantly recognizable from the opening chords. She made it into Rolling Stones Top 100 Guitarists list. Due mainly to her developing a new way to play the guitar because of her contraction of Polio. And the songwriting. One of the best of all time in my opinion.Jazz. Sweet Jazz. |
| gatorade (Ocean Park, WA) | Posted: Dec 12, 2009 - 15:35 Sweeeeeet. |
| nagsheadlocal (North Carolina, the new New Jersey) | Posted: Nov 11, 2009 - 05:53 I've always thought she was under-rated as a guitarist. Her open tunings are always so distinctive, she's one of a handful of people who is instantly recognizable from the opening chords. |
| RedGuitar (Iowa, USA) | Posted: Nov 11, 2009 - 05:50 Hairfarmer wrote: I still want to hear the 'Stones cover this. Tim Curry (of Rocky Horror fame) did a nice cover of this. |
| Hairfarmer (Appalachia) | Posted: Sep 09, 2009 - 05:09 I still want to hear the 'Stones cover this. |
| SanFranGayMan (San Francisco) | Posted: Aug 11, 2009 - 23:35 lathyris wrote: Man, I wish I had been a hippy back in the 60s. I think that's where my heart is. . .even though I'm a product of the 80s. Guy, you are a hippie-that playlist of yours screams 60s! It ain't about the age, it's the state of mind... |
| MojoJojo (Indianapolis, IN USA) | Posted: Jun 06, 2009 - 05:53 Not my cup of tea. Ironically, I am enjoying a wonderful cup of green tea at the moment, so I guess I come out even. |