Sweet Joni
Neil Young & Stray Gators Lyrics


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Sweet Joni from Saskatoon
There's a ring for your finger
It looks like the sun
But it feels like the moon

Sweet Joni from Saskatoon
Don't go, don't go too soon.
Who lives in an old hotel,
Near the ancient ruins.
Only time can tell,
Time can tell.

Go easy, the doorman said
The floor is slippery,
So watch your head.
This message read.

Sweet Joni from Saskatoon
There's a ring for your finger
It shines like the sun
But it feels like the moon.





Sweet Joni from Saskatoon
Don't go, don't go too soon.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Neil Young & Stray Gators' song Sweet Joni in a way seem to evoke a sense of nostalgia and admiration for someone named Joni, who is from Saskatoon. The reference to "Sweet Joni from Saskatoon" portrays her as a sweet, simple, and lovable person. The second line, "There's a ring for your finger, it looks like the sun, but it feels like the moon" presents a deeper thought, alluding to the fact that things are not always what they appear to be. The ring may look shiny and valuable, but may not bring the kind of happiness as one expects.


The lyrics go on with an introduction of Joni's dwelling place, which is an old hotel, near ancient ruins. The next line, "Only time can tell, time can tell" may mean that one can know more about Joni's life by spending time with her. The verse ends with a warning from the doorman to watch the slippery floor.


The choruses of the song, "Sweet Joni from Saskatoon, There's a ring for your finger, It shines like the sun, But it feels like the moon, Sweet Joni from Saskatoon, Don't go, don't go too soon," are a repetition of the earlier lines, probably implying an insistence to stay longer and not rush away.


Overall, the song Sweet Joni in its lyrical simplicity, offers a glimpse into the beauty of the uncomplicated and unassuming things, and the joy we can find in appreciating their worth.


Line by Line Meaning

Sweet Joni from Saskatoon
This song is dedicated to a woman named Joni who hails from Saskatoon, Canada.


There's a ring for your finger
The singer is offering Joni a ring as a symbol of his affection.


It looks like the sun
The ring is bright and shiny like the sun.


But it feels like the moon
Despite its shiny appearance, the ring has a deeper, more emotional meaning that is similar to the feeling of the moon.


Don't go, don't go too soon.
The singer is begging Joni not to leave him too early.


Who lives in an old hotel,
The singer is asking about another person who lives in an old hotel.


Near the ancient ruins.
The hotel is located near some historical ruins.


Only time can tell,
The singer acknowledges that only time can reveal the identity of the person he's asking about.


Time can tell.
The singer repeats that time will be the only thing that can give him the answers he desires.


Go easy, the doorman said
The doorman is warning someone to be careful and cautious.


The floor is slippery,
The doorman is warning about a slippery floor that can cause someone to fall.


So watch your head.
The doorman is advising the person to be cautious with their movements.


This message read.
The message from the doorman sank in with the intended recipient.


There's a ring for your finger
The singer repeats his offer of a ring to Joni.


It shines like the sun
The singer repeats that the ring is bright and shiny like the sun.


But it feels like the moon.
The singer reiterates that the ring has a deeper meaning despite its shiny appearance.


Don't go, don't go too soon.
The singer reiterates his plea for Joni to stay with him for a longer duration.




Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@EvH920410

If i was alive in the 70's i wouldve fell madly in love with joni mitchell

@bigboyzac2010

theres nobody like joni. nobody at all.!!.shes written so many fabulous songs from river to my old man to lakota to clouds to woodstock.... its just endless

@kroakie4

Don’t forget Both Sides Now.

@augustinemares8941

I spent 3and a half yrs living in too-pung -gaa .which is pronunciation of the Indian word Topanga.i lived from 68 to 71 in Topanga Canyon.it is THE best memories I have of my childhood.I HAVE NO BETTER MEMORIES.AND AS A KID NEIL YOUNG. AND JONI MICHILL WERE TO OF MY FAVORITES .I FEEL THE EARTH MOVE UNDER MY FEET.AND ANY AND ALL OF NEIL SONGS..WHEN IHEAR THERE MUSIC MY MIND AND EMOTIONS INSTANTLY GO INTO REWIND LIKE IT WAS JUST YESTERDAY.

@augustinemares8941

Topanga is still Dawson.i went to Topanga 2018 and 2019.it feels exactly like the same vibe as when I lived there as a kid 68 thru 71.if I remember correcty canned heats lead singer Bob nite lived in Topanga I went to Topanga elementary with his step son Danny.and I believe Neil young lived up there too......anyway i still think it would be BARLY standing room only if Neil young did a jam at Topanga days 2021

@hollyvincent7726

Im 41 years old and I have a son who's 14 named Neil after Neil Young and a 12 yr old daughter named Joni after Joni Mitchell ❤ And yes they listen to Neil and Joni

@brianallancobb

Thanks. Never heard the tune before, and I've been a Neil fan since forever.

@paologuerra8795

Neil and Joni... Canada at his best! God bless them FOREVER!

@SuperScotch23

Joni mitchell is a visionary artist,outstanding poet,and the most prolific Singer ever! joni ROCKS The marrow of my soul!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

@megr3666

Sweet Joni don't go don't go too soon.💗💗

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