Both Sides Now
Lara Fabian Lyrics


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Rows and flows of angel hair and ice cream castles in the air
And feathers, canyons everywhere, I've looked at cloud that way.
But now they only block the sun, they rain and snow on everyone.
So many things I would have done but clouds got in my way.

I've looked at clouds from both sides now,
From up and down, and still somehow
It's cloud illusions I recall.
I really don't know clouds at all.

Moons and Junes and ferris wheels, the dizzy dancing way you feel
As every fairy tale comes real; I've looked at love that way.
But now it's just another show. You leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care, don't let them know, don't give yourself away.

I've looked at love from both sides now,
From give and take, and still somehow
It's love's illusions I recall.
I really don't know love at all.

Tears and fears and feeling proud to say "I love you" right out loud,
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds, I've looked at life that way.
But now old friends are acting strange, they shake their heads, they say
I've changed.
Well, some things're lost but some things gained in living every day.

I've looked at life from both sides now,
From win and lose, and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall.
I really don't know life at all.

I've looked at life from both sides now,
From up and down, and still somehow




It's life's illusions I recall.
I really don't know life at all

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of the song "Rows and flows of angel hair and ice cream castles in the air" paint a picture of childlike wonder and imagination. It sets a tone for a song that explores the different perspectives that come with experience, growth and change. The imagery of clouds that once inspired dreams and whimsy now represents a more sobering reality, as they block the sun and bring rain and snow. This change in perspective is further illustrated with the lyric, "So many things I would have done but clouds got in my way."


The chorus, "I've looked at clouds from both sides now, from up and down, and still somehow it's cloud illusions I recall. I really don't know clouds at all," is a reflection on how, despite seeing the same thing from different angles, it can be difficult to fully understand it. This is extended to other aspects of life as well, such as love and relationships. The idea of seeing love from both sides, from give and take, is presented. The verse, "But now it's just another show. You leave 'em laughing when you go and if you care, don't let them know, don't give yourself away," suggests a disillusionment with love and how it can become performative and leave one feeling exposed.


The final verse brings the different perspectives of the song together, as the singer reflects on how life has changed them and how they "don't know life at all." It suggests an acceptance of both the losses and gains that come with experience and aging. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, "I really don't know life at all," implying a continued uncertainty and lack of understanding despite having looked at life from so many different angles.


Line by Line Meaning

Rows and flows of angel hair and ice cream castles in the air
There are beautiful and fanciful things that exist only in the mind, like angel hair and castles made of ice cream.


And feathers, canyons everywhere, I've looked at cloud that way.
The clouds are like feathers and canyons that can be seen and admired from afar.


But now they only block the sun, they rain and snow on everyone.
The clouds can be an obstacle and bring harsh weather conditions to everyone.


So many things I would have done but clouds got in my way.
The clouds have prevented the artist from achieving their goals and dreams.


I've looked at clouds from both sides now,
The artist has seen clouds from different perspectives.


From up and down, and still somehow
The singer has looked at the clouds from above and below, but feels unchanged.


It's cloud illusions I recall.
The image of clouds that the singer remembers is not necessarily their true form.


I really don't know clouds at all.
The artist feels uncertain about what clouds are really like.


Moons and Junes and ferris wheels, the dizzy dancing way you feel
There are wonderful feelings associated with love and romance.


As every fairy tale comes real; I've looked at love that way.
Love can feel like a fairy tale come true.


But now it's just another show.
Love has lost its enchantment and excitement.


You leave 'em laughing when you go
The artist is leaving and not taking love seriously.


And if you care, don't let them know, don't give yourself away.
The singer advises to not reveal your true feelings to avoid getting hurt.


I've looked at love from both sides now,
The singer has experienced love from different perspectives.


From give and take, and still somehow
The singer has experienced love from the perspective of both giving and receiving.


It's love's illusions I recall.
The artist remembers the unrealistic aspects of love.


I really don't know love at all.
The artist is uncertain of the true nature of love.


Tears and fears and feeling proud to say "I love you" right out loud,
Life is filled with emotions, including fear and pride when expressing love.


Dreams and schemes and circus crowds, I've looked at life that way.
Life can seem like a spectacle, with dreams and plans to achieve them.


But now old friends are acting strange, they shake their heads, they say I've changed.
The artist has changed and others have noticed, causing confusion or concern.


Well, some things're lost but some things gained in living every day.
Life is a constant process of gaining and losing things, but ultimately moving forward.


I've looked at life from both sides now,
The artist has seen life from different perspectives.


From win and lose, and still somehow
The singer has experienced both victory and defeat, yet remains uncertain.


It's life's illusions I recall.
The artist remembers the unrealistic aspects of life.


I really don't know life at all.
The singer is uncertain about the true nature of life.




Contributed by Alex B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@Melwasul06

Rows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere
I've looked at clouds that way

But now they only block the sun
They rain and they snow on everyone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way

I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
It's cloud illusions I recall
I really don't know clouds at all

Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way that you feel
As every fairy tale comes real
I've looked at love that way

But now it's just another show
You leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care, don't let them know
Don't give yourself away

I've looked at love from both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
It's love's illusions I recall
I really don't know love at all

Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say "I love you" right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
I've looked at life that way

Oh, but now old friends they're acting strange
They shake their heads, and they tell me I've changed
Well something's lost, but something's gained
In living every day

I've looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all



All comments from YouTube:

@powerblades

Lara and a piano are a total orchestra. Did anybody noticed how simple and classy these covers are?

@stanimirvasilev857

Yes! Magic..! There is no other like Lara!
What would you say for "why"?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mvxn7_zYWGA

@powerblades

@Stanimir Vasilev Beautiful. this album is so goood

@MrChristroost

Absolutely! And your comment is spot on, all you need is Lara. Her beautiful voice and a piano make miracles happen :-)

@feijojr

Incomparável, Lara Fabian imortaliza tão linda canção. You are amazing , Lara!

@lindolphoribeiro9922

Uma voz divinal encantadora

@beat1riz

I could listen to her voice all day...

@stanimirvasilev857

I do it ..!

@beat1riz

@Stanimir Vasilev cheers! 🍻

@JenShea

One of my favourite Joni Mitchell songs... and this version is stunning!

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