Down to You

Joni Mitchell

About Down to You

"Down to You" is a song written by Joni Mitchell that was first released on her 1974 album Court and Spark. It won the Grammy Award for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s).


Year:
1974
5:36
408 
#2

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Everything comes and goes
Marked by lovers and styles of clothes
Things that you held high
And told yourself were true
Lost or changing as the days come down to you
Down to you
Constant stranger
You're a kind person
You're a cold person too
It's down to you

You go down to the pick up station
Craving warmth and beauty
You settle for less than fascination
A few drinks later you're not so choosy
When the closing lights strip off the shadows
On this strange new flesh you've found
Clutching the night to you like a fig leaf
You hurry
To the blackness
And the blankets
To lay down an impression
And your loneliness

In the morning there are lovers in the street
They look so high
You brush against a stranger
And you both apologize
Old friends seem indifferent
You must have brought that on
Old bonds have broken down
Love is gone
Ooh, love is gone
Written on your spirit this sad song
Love is gone

Everything comes and goes
Pleasure moves on too early
And trouble leaves too slow
Just when you're thinking
You've finally got it made
Bad news comes knocking
At your garden gate
Knocking for you
Constant stranger
You're a brute, you're an angel
You can crawl, you can fly too
It's down to you
It all comes down to you

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Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell, CC (born Roberta Joan Anderson; November 7, 1943) is a Canadian musician, singer songwriter, and painter. Mitchell began singing in small nightclubs in Saskatchewan and Western Canada and then busking in the streets and dives of Toronto. In 1965 she moved to the United States and, touring constantly, began to be recognized when her original songs ("Urge for Going," "Chelsea Morning," "Both Sides, Now," "The Circle Game") were covered by notable folk singers, allowing her to sign with Reprise Records and record her own debut album in 1968. Settling in Southern California, Mitchell and her popular songs like "Big Yellow Taxi" and "Woodstock" helped define an era and a generation. Her more starkly personal 1971 recording Blue has been called one o… more »

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Written by: Joni Mitchell

Lyrics © Crazy Crow Music / Siquomb Music Publishing, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Down to You" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. This soulful track was written and composed by Joni herself.
Album Release
It is a part of her album "Court and Spark," which was released in January 1974.
Chart Success
Even though it was not released as a single, "Down to You" played a crucial role in the success of the album. The album "Court and Spark" was her most commercially successful album, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 chart.
Grammy Recognition
The song won the Grammy Award in 1975 for Best Arrangement, Accompanying Vocalist(s). This award recognizes the quality and originality of instrumental arrangements that accompany a vocal track.
Musical Style
A little unique and typical of Mitchell's style, "Down to You" has shifting tempos and varying sections. This song is an example of how Mitchell used modern harmonies in a pop context.
Lyrics Significance
The Lyrics of "Down to You" philosophizes about love and relationships, leaning towards her personal experiences. This reflects Joni Mitchell's distinctive narrative style which often exhibits introspection and emotional depth.
Guest Artists
The song features several guest artists, including famed multi-reed player Tom Scott and singer David Crosby.
Live Performances
Joni didn't perform "Down to You" live often, but a notable live version was recorded at her 1974 concert at the LA Music Center and later released on the live album "Miles of Aisles".
Critic Praise
It is considered one of Joni Mitchell's finest songs by critics with its complex musical arrangement and lyrical depth. It is often cited as an example of Mitchell's ability to effectively blend pop and jazz influences.
Cover versions
Various artists have covered this song, including singer-songwriter Kathryn Williams who included the track on her tribute album, "Relations". This clearly reflects the song's ongoing influence and appreciation across different generations.

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