Joni Mitchell is an open book that has detailed her deepest and darkest feelings through songwriting. It has allowed her to address situations that would be difficult to address in everyday life. And it has earned her supporters such as Elton John, who holds her talent in the highest regard.
Despite adversity, Mitchell has navigated life by using songwriting as a coping mechanism. Before becoming famous, the singer-songwriter became pregnant. To give her child a better life, she placed her daughter for adoption. Even though they weren’t reunited for many decades, Mitchell never forgot about her.
Joni Mitchell wrote about the ordeal on ‘Little Green‘ in the seminal Blue. Mitchell’s love for her daughter is evident in the lyrics, making the song heartbreaking. Despite what appears to be a difficult decision, the singer-songwriter explains why she believes it was the best choice for her child’s future.
For Elton, maturity is expressed in the song. It is combined with the emotional weight of the subject matter on ‘Little Green‘. In his opinion, the track is less well-known than other cuts on the LP such as ‘River’ or ‘Case of You’. It is the highlight of Blue and demonstrates Mitchell’s dexterity with his magic touch.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, John praised the song’s “beautiful, plaintive melody”. She did it before describing it as “musically straightforward.” The beauty, however, is in Mitchell’s lyrics. It was with Elton adding: “Then you peel back the surface and it has this extraordinary emotional depth,” John said of the song.
He also mentioned the “incredibly brave” subject matter. He did it before saying, “The lyrics are incredible, the mix of beautiful imagery. The icicles, the Northern Lights, and the spring crocuses – and brutal honesty about a susceptible topic.”
There’s no rage in them. she’s not condemning herself, she sings ‘[I’m] not ashamed’. This had to happen, it was painful, but it was the right thing to do, she was a ‘child with a child.’ It’s sad, but realistic, which adds to its poignancy.”
“She made so many great albums. But Blue is her masterpiece And ‘Little Green’ is the most poignant, emotionally heavy thing on it,” John concluded. I know Joni and adore her. However, I would never bring up the subject of that song with her. But I don’t have to because everything you need to know is in the lyrics.”
It took another 25 years after the release of ‘Little Green’. Mitchell eventually developed a strong relationship with her daughter. While it was most likely her most difficult moment, as she sings in the song. Despite her best intentions, Mitchell, being a “child with a child,” couldn’t provide the motherhood her daughter deserved. Despite this, it only takes one listen to ‘Little Green’ to understand Mitchell’s passion.
