A Case of You
Joni Mitchell's Poetry
"This woman’s poetry has saved my life and sanity throughout my entire adult life," is the first comment on the YouTube video. Joni has been described as a poet almost as frequently as she is said to be songwriter and singer. Blue is mentioned as her best album, with this song, a love song, or a loss of love song, as centerpiece.
Our Brew asks that you take a look and a listen to this song as poetry.
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."
On the back of a cartoon coaster
In the blue TV screen light
I drew a map of Canada
Oh, Canada
With your face sketched on it twice.
Oh, you're in my blood like holy wine
You taste so bitter and so sweet
Oh, I could drink a case of you, darling
And I would still be on my feet
Oh, I would still be on my feet
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.
I remember that time you told me
You said, "Love is touching souls."
Surely you touched mine.
'Cause part of you pours out of me
In these lines from time to time.
Oh, you're in my blood like holy wine
You taste so bitter and so sweet.
Oh, I could drink a case of you, darling
And still I'd be on my feet
I would still be on my feet
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."
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.