Being the son of Paul McCartney, James McCartney knows a well-written song when he hears one. A singer/songwriter in his own right, James has just released a cover of a classic tune by iconic artist who, like his dad, emerged during the 1960s … “The Circle Game” by Joni Mitchell.
James’ version of the song is available now via various streaming services. You also can check it out on his YouTube channel. The 46-year-old musician brings a breezy, country-rock feel to Mitchell’s folk tune.
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In the days leading up to release of his “Circle Game” cover, McCartney shared some messages about the track on his social media pages.
In one post, he wrote, “‘The Circle Game’ is a Joni Mitchell song I’ve always loved that shows the journey of a boy to a man, I love the Sixties aspect to it, too.”
In a second post, James shared, “There are so many fabulous lyrics in this song. One of my favourites is ‘Sixteen springs and sixteen summers gone now, Cartwheels turn to car wheels through the town, and they tell him take your time it won’t be long now, Till you drag your feet to slow the circles down.’ What a wonderful lyric!”
Fans React to James McCartney’s Joni Mitchell Cover
Some of James’ fans took to the comments section of his Instagram page to share their reactions to his version of Mitchell’s song.
“james your songs are so happy and catchy, you can listen to them in the car or when im doing the housework,” one fam wrote. “i am sure Joni is proud of the song too, your voice is so clear gentle and beautiful.”
Another commented, “Beautifully interpreted version of one of Joni’s finest. Nice job James!!”
A third fan enthused, “Beautifully done! Your voice is amazing!”
More About “The Circle Game”
Mitchell’s studio version of “The Circle Game” appeared on her third studio album, Ladies of the Canyon, which was released in 1970. Joni had written the tune in 1966, in response to Neil Young’s song “Sugar Mountain.” Mitchell had wanted to offer a more hopeful look at getting older than Young’s melancholy tune.
Before Mitchell released her version of “The Circle Game,” it already had been covered several times, including by folk artists Ian & Sylvia, Buffy Sainte Marie, and Tom Rush.
About James McCartney’s Recent Collaboration with Sean Lennon
James’ “Circle Game” cover is the fourth single he’s released this year, following the original tunes “Beautiful,” “Primrose Hill,” and “Nothing.” “Primrose Hill” received a particularly large amount of attention because he co-wrote it with Sean Ono Lennon, son of his dad’s late Beatles bandmate John Lennon.
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