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Joni Mitchell — Black Crow
Album: Hejira
Avg rating:
5.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1289








Released: 1976
Length: 3:55
Plays (last 30 days): 2
There's a crow flying
Black and ragged
Tree to tree
He's black as the highway that's leading me
Now he's diving down
To pick up on something shiny
I feel like that black crow
Flying
In a blue sky

I took the ferry to the highway
Then I drove to a pontoon plane
I took a plane to a taxi
And a taxi to a train
I've been traveling so long
How'm I ever gonna know my home
When I see it again
I'm like a black crow flying
In a blue blue sky

In search of love and music
My whole life has been
Illumination
Corruption
And diving diving diving diving
Diving down to pick up on every shiny thing
Just like that black crow flying
In a blue sky

I looked at the morning
After being up all night
I looked at my haggard face in the bathroom light
I looked out the window
And I I saw that ragged soul take flight
I saw a back crow flying
In a blue sky

Oh I'm like a black crow flying
In a blue sky
Comments (110)add comment
 Alastair wrote:

Never totally convinced she ever knows the tune before going into the studio.



That's fair but when you've got Jaco on bass, I don't see how that would even be possible.
We've started doing this recently. Our version is heavy on the piano. A great version (more accessible)  of this is here (not ours):

Hejira "Black Crow"
Never totally convinced she ever knows the tune before going into the studio.
This sounds like someone threw music in a clothes dryer. 
Jaco is definitely at the top of his game on this one...
5.8 , come on guys, this is a big 10 ;-)
Jaco, that's all!
 ortega1 wrote:

Does she really sing? For me this is  shouting after drags. My score - marginal.



Are you serious? I think you're on the wrong platform.
 sfyi2001 wrote:
NO.


NO NO
 triviagal wrote:

Nah. I can't get into this. Too discordant for me.



Discordant??
 jelgator wrote:


So is your grammar.


Well, since Radio Paradise goes worldwide and not everyone around the world has mastered the English language, I'm just happy to hear their perspective.
Holy Moses Malone, my ears are killing me.
ah...when she was those trippy albums

we should all be so lucky
I am Sorry but as a Canadian I feel the pain you all may Endure listening to JM ! It forces me to nervous scramble for the forward option,. My thoughts in Saskatoon 🤮
 beneggen wrote:

What does Some people like Joni Mitchell !!!it’s so bad



So is your grammar.
 beneggen wrote:

What does Some people like Joni Mitchell !!!it’s so bad



there are worse artists I think
What does Some people like Joni Mitchell !!!it’s so bad
This should be rated more than 5.8 with Jaco on it!
 RabbitEars wrote:

worth a re-post for link to live version. 
now...what planet did this come from?

Cool.
Music for the mind.  Jaco superb as ever.  Not an easy listen, but great depths.  I appreciate it more than enjoy it, but you can't deny the meeting of genius.  RIP Jaco.
I'd like this a bunch more of I could take the vocals out of the mix and just listen to the bass line....cause it's damn fine... 
- Jaco and Joni at the peak of both of their creative genius here -
More art than music for me...
What a rating distribution.  Solid 10 from me, though.  This album would be in my top ten of all times and types.
The brilliance of the songwriting and original musicianship in this song is breath taking.
However, if you like basically bland food but with a lot of salt and sugar added, I can see why it might not be to your taste.
NO.
Does she really sing? For me this is  shouting after drags. My score - marginal.

I've recently come to hear Joni in a whole new frame of reference. I used to dislike her music and now I genuinely like much of it. Not sure what happened to reach this epiphany, but I'm happy that it occurred. More music to enjoy now! 
As with most of Joni Mitchell's stuff, this is very unpleasant and cacaphonous. Awful stuff that hasn't aged well at all. Solid 1 at most.
"Wanna a whole lotta love..."
 amb599 wrote:
I respect the artistry but I find this painful to listen to .  
 
I have a feeling that you are NOT alone in that assessment.  A lot of JM tracks have the "weird" rating disturbution, with a lot of 1-3, a few 4-6, and a lot of 7-10.  I'm in the last category, this one is an 8 for me, though maybe based on the strength of the entire album.  Also - PhilChill's 10 year old comment is SPOT ON.  Long Live RP!!
I respect the artistry but I find this painful to listen to .  
 paulstrangeway wrote:
Brilliant! Jaco on the bass?
 

Jaco was a legend in my North Miami Beach days : >
Brilliant! Jaco on the bass?
Sorry but I dont like her music.Cannot understand what all the fuss is about.
 zenhead wrote:
A great band. The live version of this is brilliant. I don't get why people dislike her so much.
 

yeah, this is just tremendous


Image result for joni black crow
I will pay good money for a new feature on the web player that automatically skips Sucko Barfo songs for me.

Yes, I know: She's the greatest singer EVER! But my gag reflex doesn't lie.
 dewhead wrote:
Music for deaf people.
 
I think On-the-Beach said it best:
'Joni's music is not for the simple-minded'
 dewhead wrote:
Music for deaf people.
 
{#Music} Huh? 
Pure genius...
A great band. The live version of this is brilliant. I don't get why people dislike her so much.
Music for deaf people.
 Philchill wrote:
I always liked this song purely because it brought back the nostalgia of growing up in an isolated place with a rookery nearby.

 But now that I've read about Joni's life I can see the deeper meaning:

 Although crows appear to be social animals, roosting in groups, when you look at their group the individuals are in constant motion - there are always one or two that hop from one tree to another or take flight when the wind picks up.

 A black silhouette against a blue sky takes the image even further away from the group – standing out from the crowd, solitary, a loner, a misfit. (Much of Hejira was inspired by a road trip, half of it with a couple of buddies and the rest Joni on her own).

 And if something shiny catches the individual's attention he'll immediately dive in and check it out without considering whether it's really something of value or not. (Joni's mistakes in life, the 'reckless daughter' - She left home very young, fell into a doomed marriage, gave up an unplanned child for adoption)

 Some comments allude to the discordant or atonal aspects of this song. There's that 'misfit' image again!

But I often find myself humming phrases and lines from this song, so there's definitely a melody in there too.

 So we have powerful imagery, her ethereal voice, unconventional melody, and the best of the best musicians all capturing the mood in their own way. No other word for it: GENIUS

 It should be an obligatory part of a music teacher's curriculum, using Joni's best songs to show just how powerful the combination of words, haunting melody and an inspired choice of instruments/sounds can be.


 
Thank you, Philchill.
Hejira, at first a challenging listen, became my frequent musical companion for several dark years in my life "way back when." It remains my favorite Joni Mitchell album.  Not least because listening to Hejira taught me how powerfully and amazingly an astonishing bass player like Jaco Pastorius could lift music to greater heights than would otherwise have been possible.
Just an incredibly fine album. And; I understand it is Mitchell's own favorite.
Jaco Pastorious!
I didn't think this women could get any more irritating.   Boy was I wrong.
 naumni wrote:
I'm a passionate Joni Mitchell fan and one of the reasons that I subscribe to Radio Paradise is that you regularly play her music.  In my mind she is one of the top 5 musicians of our generation and as time goes by I appreciate her unique lyrics, music, and musician skills more and more.  Thanks again for playing her music.

 
I am coming to believe that, to be a really good musician, your have to come up with some turkeys or else you are not pushing hard enough. This isn't one of hers. I had an English-major friend who would rant about her lyrics to Goodby Pork-Pie Hat but the album started her using jazz phrasing. 
realy unbearable !!!!  and twice a day here inRP ... destructured songs,  mosaic lyrics  herself  understanding..hysteric personnality  probably yes the music can be a therapy!!! 
I'm a passionate Joni Mitchell fan and one of the reasons that I subscribe to Radio Paradise is that you regularly play her music.  In my mind she is one of the top 5 musicians of our generation and as time goes by I appreciate her unique lyrics, music, and musician skills more and more.  Thanks again for playing her music.
 Steely_D wrote:
Her kinda not really chords but some kinda rhythmic thing on acoustic
Jaco on dat bass
Her linear vocal melody

Man, this is when people tried really hard and made interesting music. 
 
There are still people trying to do that, they may not be as well-known as Joni, but they're out there.  Creativity and ingenuity didn't perish in the late 1970s, despite what some may want to believe.  Anyhow, cool tune.
Thank you for playing Joni, I have loved her forever. I am mystified by the low ratings for this song, and by the Joni haters in general.
 On_The_Beach wrote:
Joni's music is not for the simple-minded.

 
...or those who like their music, you know, musical. Blah.
 Philchill wrote:

I always liked this song purely because it brought back the nostalgia of growing up in an isolated place with a rookery nearby.

 But now that I've read about Joni's life I can see the deeper meaning:

 Although crows appear to be social animals, roosting in groups, when you look at their group the individuals are in constant motion - there are always one or two that hop from one tree to another or take flight when the wind picks up.

 A black silhouette against a blue sky takes the image even further away from the group – standing out from the crowd, solitary, a loner, a misfit. (Much of Hejira was inspired by a road trip, half of it with a couple of buddies and the rest Joni on her own).

 And if something shiny catches the individual's attention he'll immediately dive in and check it out without considering whether it's really something of value or not. (Joni's mistakes in life, the 'reckless daughter' - She left home very young, fell into a doomed marriage, gave up an unplanned child for adoption)

 Some comments allude to the discordant or atonal aspects of this song. There's that 'misfit' image again!

But I often find myself humming phrases and lines from this song, so there's definitely a melody in there too.

 So we have powerful imagery, her ethereal voice, unconventional melody, and the best of the best musicians all capturing the mood in their own way. No other word for it: GENIUS

 It should be an obligatory part of a music teacher's curriculum, using Joni's best songs to show just how powerful the combination of words, haunting melody and an inspired choice of instruments/sounds can be.



 
There are several interesting comments for this track, one that I've learned to LOVE listening to for the many reasons you expressed so well, partly because I also had a similar journey (solo cross-country drive 10 days after 9/11, from NYC to SEA via LV) and really that bass. 

Another commenter worried about her dying in 2016, and thankfully she has survived to die another year.  She looks "good" for someone who had an aneurism in the last few years....glad she made it out to Elton's big bday bash!  (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4350680/Joni-Mitchell-73-seen-wheelchair-brain-aneurysm.html

Long Live RP!  Where it's cool to like music that most of society is conditioned to not like. 


Not my favorite cut on the album but man, Jaco could play the bass...
Joni's music is not for the simple-minded.
This is one of the worst songs I have ever heard on RadioParadise.  It seems like others agree looking at ratings, so why does it get played.  Tired of good songs all the time?  or maybe its like being forced to eat vegetables you hate (cause they're good for you?)
Emancipation
Thank goodness for Joni.  She has absolutely enriched my life over the years.
Musically this was innovative (for the time) and has engaging and thought provoking lyrics. I'm mystified that this scores less than 6 on RP{#Stupid}
Excellent post, Philchill!

I always liked this song purely because it brought back the nostalgia of growing up in an isolated place with a rookery nearby.

 But now that I've read about Joni's life I can see the deeper meaning:

 Although crows appear to be social animals, roosting in groups, when you look at their group the individuals are in constant motion - there are always one or two that hop from one tree to another or take flight when the wind picks up.

 A black silhouette against a blue sky takes the image even further away from the group – standing out from the crowd, solitary, a loner, a misfit. (Much of Hejira was inspired by a road trip, half of it with a couple of buddies and the rest Joni on her own).

 And if something shiny catches the individual's attention he'll immediately dive in and check it out without considering whether it's really something of value or not. (Joni's mistakes in life, the 'reckless daughter' - She left home very young, fell into a doomed marriage, gave up an unplanned child for adoption)

 Some comments allude to the discordant or atonal aspects of this song. There's that 'misfit' image again!

But I often find myself humming phrases and lines from this song, so there's definitely a melody in there too.

 So we have powerful imagery, her ethereal voice, unconventional melody, and the best of the best musicians all capturing the mood in their own way. No other word for it: GENIUS

 It should be an obligatory part of a music teacher's curriculum, using Joni's best songs to show just how powerful the combination of words, haunting melody and an inspired choice of instruments/sounds can be.


 AhhtheMusic wrote:
Why isn't there a zero?

 
Because 0 is not a number.
Her kinda not really chords but some kinda rhythmic thing on acoustic
Jaco on dat bass
Her linear vocal melody

Man, this is when people tried really hard and made interesting music. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GLJCZ5L2sQ
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Agreed.
Hissing
is also my favourite although I'd put Hejira before Don Juan.
Cheers, Ears!

 
backatcha beach
Why isn't there a zero?
I heard she's dying ? 2016 is going to be a deadly year....
Genius
Sorry - just have to say AGAIN - what is with all the Joni Mitchell all of a sudden (these recent months)?!  It's like Bill forgot about her all this time and is suddenly trying to make up for it....?  {#Stupid}  Certainly very talented and a 70's icon, but becoming much too much on RP for my taste....
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Agreed.
Hissing
is also my favourite although I'd put Hejira before Don Juan.
Cheers, Ears!

 
Hard for me to pick a fave between Hissing..., and Hejira, Court & Spark, Blue...

I'll just take them all, TYVM!
 hempmandan wrote:
Black Crow....My Spirit Guide
 
Well, that's got to be better than it being a red or white crow.  Good song.
hey On the Beach...what about "Court and Spark"? That was a jaw dropper and a transitional album.  
 RabbitEars wrote:
One of my favorite Joni tracks, though the live version on Shadows & Light beats this by a mile. You haven't heard Joni if you don't know her work from 1975-1979 - where she hit her stride. People dig this album a lot but I always preferred HIssing of Summer Lawns & Don Juan's Reckless Daughter - much more dynamic.
 
Agreed.
Hissing
is also my favourite although I'd put Hejira before Don Juan.
Cheers, Ears!
For those who would like a little more Jaco Pistorius (no relation to Oscar in my mind),

try this:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEKwLwbrYnM 

This is a little different for Joni Mitchell, I like it, especially Jaco Pastorius.

 


Black Crow....My Spirit Guide
 ncollingridge wrote:

I absolutely love Joni, particularly her three great albums (Blue, C&S, HOSL), but I'm afraid I'm with SteveH (and others below) on this track.

 
I would add For the Roses among her great albums. (I've been listening to it since it came out when I was in high school, and I have yet to tire of any of it.)
And while I understand why this track (album) is not her most popular, I always love hearing it (but have never bought it). 
 
Oh Jaco!
What a beautiful lady. Her voice soures like a bird..
 SteveH wrote:
I have to agree with JCJ...it just doesn't go anywhere for me. Not my cup of tea, I suppose.
 
I absolutely love Joni, particularly her three great albums (Blue, C&S, HOSL), but I'm afraid I'm with SteveH (and others below) on this track.
Do you think she sees the world the same way you and I do? The creative side of the brain must have taken over completely.
I guess this song soars too high for some people. Pity.
One of my favorite Joni tracks, though the live version on Shadows & Light beats this by a mile. You haven't heard Joni if you don't know her work from 1975-1979 - where she hit her stride. People dig this album a lot but I always preferred HIssing of Summer Lawns & Don Juan's Reckless Daughter - much more dynamic. 

 
lily33 wrote:
i think i have to pick up some more joni. i only have Hits & Misses. i'd like some more to get some deeper tracks.... this is just fabulous. never heard it before. can anyone recommend a good couple of her works to get? i've heard Blue, but i'd like to hear some more opinions. email me if you can recommend any! thanks!
It may be dense and inaccessible to some, but Hejira is a classic: Joni's voice before she ravaged it with cigarettes, her best lyrics, and Jaco at his prime wrapped up in cool cover art- this is the must have of her canon.
I have to agree with JCJ...it just doesn\'t go anywhere for me. Not my cup of tea, I suppose.
Originally Posted by Leslie: It's the late, great Jaco Pastorius shayde.
I think that's also Larry Carlton on guitar.
Nah. I can\'t get into this. Too discordant for me.
Hejira - One of Joni\'s great ones. Every cut terrific. Thanks for playing it!
and Don Juan's Reckless Daughter...! :)
Originally Posted by tawanda: Hejira, without question -- it's in my top 3 albums of all time. After that I'd say Court & Spark, Chalk Mark in a Rainstorm (duets with Peter Gabriel, Willie Nelson, and Tom Petty) and the Hissing of Summer Lawns. If you prefer the early stuff like Blue, then you NEED Ladies of the Canyon. So much for one or 2 suggestions -- but then she's had a 35-yr career ....
Originally Posted by shayde: This is outstanding. I keep forgetting how wonderful her music is, and what a talent she is. But I have to say... who is the bass player?!? I play bass myself, and this person is -oustanding!-
It's the late, great Jaco Pastorius shayde.
Originally Posted by tonypf: Thanks for the tune. I was a big fan in the early 70's but haven't stayed current w/ Joni's work. Clearly, to my ears anyway, the woman's grown and developed.
Actually tony, this song is from an album that came out in the mid 70s, I'm thinking about 1976 or so. :)
This is outstanding. I keep forgetting how wonderful her music is, and what a talent she is. But I have to say... who is the bass player?!? I play bass myself, and this person is -oustanding!-
Originally Posted by red: Crap!
Please... not here! OK? If you don't like something... fine- just say something worth reading. What you posted is just poor english!
Thanks for the tune. I was a big fan in the early 70's but haven't stayed current w/ Joni's work. Clearly, to my ears anyway, the woman's grown and developed.
Originally Posted by lily33: i think i have to pick up some more joni. i only have Hits & Misses. i'd like some more to get some deeper tracks.... this is just fabulous. never heard it before. can anyone recommend a good couple of her works to get? i've heard Blue, but i'd like to hear some more opinions. email me if you can recommend any! thanks!
I recommend "The Hissing of Summer Lawns". Probably her best album. Strangely, I've heard that it is/was one of Prince/TAFKAP's/Whatever's favourite albums?
Joni Mitchell is a muse. There is no question about it.
this song just has no melody, goes nowhere.
thank god there are finally some positive remarks about joni-- i really can't grasp how people don't appreciate her... for those of you looking for her best albums, i vote for ladies of the canyon. it's perfect...great live audience clips, too! :p
Not so good
Originally Posted by tawanda: Hejira, without question -- it's in my top 3 albums of all time. After that I'd say Court & Spark, Chalk Mark in a Rainstorm (duets with Peter Gabriel, Willie Nelson, and Tom Petty) and the Hissing of Summer Lawns. If you prefer the early stuff like Blue, then you NEED Ladies of the Canyon. So much for one or 2 suggestions -- but then she's had a 35-yr career ....
I'd go in with Court & Spark and then Hissing of Summer Lawns. Hejira is an album that takes some getting used to. Very dense. Does not lend itself to simple enjoyment. I like it a lot, but recommend my first two calls before it to acquaint yourself with one of the great poets and songwriters of the era.
Hard to decide what to listen to most; Joni\'s lovely singing or Jaco\'s fabulous playing!
Originally Posted by KAJMK: can anyone recommend a good couple of her works to get? i've heard Blue, but i'd like to hear some more opinions. email me if you can recommend any! thanks!:
Hejira, without question -- it's in my top 3 albums of all time. After that I'd say Court & Spark, Chalk Mark in a Rainstorm (duets with Peter Gabriel, Willie Nelson, and Tom Petty) and the Hissing of Summer Lawns. If you prefer the early stuff like Blue, then you NEED Ladies of the Canyon. So much for one or 2 suggestions -- but then she's had a 35-yr career ....
Originally Posted by lily33: i think i have to pick up some more joni. i only have Hits & Misses. i'd like some more to get some deeper tracks.... this is just fabulous. never heard it before. can anyone recommend a good couple of her works to get? i've heard Blue, but i'd like to hear some more opinions. email me if you can recommend any! thanks!
Nothing but praise, terrific song writer (lyrics and melodies), vocal stylist, musician, painter, photographer. A person I\'ve admired over the years. A writer of timeless music. Multitalented beautiful lady. For those that inquired about her music. Joni\'s music changed over the years, starting off in a folk genre through a jazz like period. To the uninitiated but interested, you might want to simply progress chronologically and with an open mind and ear ... Taste of course is subjective, different strokes for different folks. I say her music is timeless and while this is my opinion, I recently lent some Joni disks to a co-worker half my age and this person thouroughly enjoyed the music. Joni would find a niche in any era.
Crap!
My FAVORITE Joni album. Every song is incredible. Great vocals, great lyrics and great instrumentals. What more can you ask for?
Ugh. I just can\'t stand her. And this song is no exception
Great Song ... and AMAZING fretless bass work by Jaco !*!*!*!*