Joni Mitchell is both the writer of many songs and the subject of them as well. Whether it is in contempt or celebration, Mitchell has reportedly been the underlying character in numerous of the ’60s and ’70s greatest hits. Her spell-binding, hard-nosed, and vulnerable personality not only made her a great songwriter but also a great creative companion. Or, for lack of a better, muse. Well, many musicians seemed to believe this as well. However, it seems Mitchell left them something other than what they seemingly were expecting.
It is known that given her alluring and intellectual appeal many musicians fell in love with the great Joni Mitchell. Many failed to achieve her companionship, but numerous also succeeded. However, the commonality between both of them was a turbulently forceful feeling of introspective heartbreak. Unfortunately, they never acquired the love they wanted from Mitchell and felt the effects. For us fans, well, were fortunate she turned them away, as it led to some impeccably soulful music.
“Only Love Can Break Your Heart” by Neil Young
Joni Mitchell and Graham Nash dated from 1968 to 1970 and as a result of their relationship Nash wrote “Our House.” However, the two broke up for undisclosed reasons, but it is speculated that Mitchell left Nash after he tried to propose to her. Nonetheless, given Nash’s hit song and the emotions it entails, it’s fair to say he was madly in love with Mitchell. Thus, it seems Nash’s heartbreak was potent and piercing.
That being so, bandmate and friend Neil Young wrote Nash a song about his current state. Following Mitchell’s break-up anthem, “River,” Young crafted the song in hopes of helping Nash get through this heart-stricken time. As a result, Young wrote an exemplary song about love, loss, and the need to forget and let it go when the time has come.
“Winter Lady” by Leonard Cohen
Cohen and Mitchell’s relationship was fleeting as can be. Only lasting a few months, the relationship between the two songwriters seemingly encompassed everything about the honeymoon phase. That being so, it seemed the relationship was never meant to last. Although, the songs that came from it did and Mitchell’s departure gave Cohen some profound folk song inspiration.
Given the lyrics of Cohen’s song, it seems Mitchell’s departure derived from her need to keep moving, exploring, and experiencing new things. With that in mind, it’s a classic tale about a traveling troubadour leaving the present to plant seeds for the future. And even though the lyrics suggest that Cohen was in romantic distress, we fans thank him for experiencing and finding inspiration out of heartbreak.
Bonus: “That Song About the Midway” by Joni Mitchell
Rather than listing one more song about Mitchell as the heartbreaker, here is one about Mitchell experiencing heartbreak at the hands of David Crosby. David Crosby and Joni Mitchell shared a fleeting, yet cheerful and wholesome relationship. However, given Crosby’s highflying, fast-living, self-indulgent ways, Mitchell left him due to his infidelity.
The result is Mitchell’s iconic song “That Song About the Midway.” Performed in front of a group of people, Mitchell played the song to publicly humiliate and break up with Crosby. Crosby knew what he did, he knew was in the wrong, and he took the humiliation with a grain of salt. Though to this day Crosby regrets the decision as he stated on The Howard Stern Show, “I do love her with my whole heart for what she’s given us.”
(Photo by Jack Robinson/Getty Images)
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