from FOR OUR CHILDREN TOO!
Written by Joni Mitchell
Around 1996, David Foster worked on a special cd titled For Our Children too! that benefited the Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Foster wasn’t only the executive producer of the project, but personally crafted seven tracks for it. Foster worked with some of his superstar friends including Cher, Babyface, Celine Dion, Toni Braxton, Faith Hill and the late Natalie Cole (1950-2015). Other music greats appearing in the stellar line-up were Sir Elton John, Seal, Richard Marx, Vanessa Williams and the late Luther Vandross (1951-2005). We already reviewed Ms. Braxton’s intense interpretation of the R&B classic, “Brown Baby” that’s still available in the archives.
There was another song that deserved the spotlight; Ms. Cole’s stunning rendition of the Joni Mitchell masterpiece “Both Sides Now.”
Ms. Cole’s brilliant performance of “Both Sides Now” transcended time and space. With Foster’s help, the late singer created a colorful landscape for the moving and meaningful lyrics. A special shout-out goes to arranger and film score composer Brad Warnaar. Warnaar crafted a spectacular orchestration for this number that was enhanced by Foster’s exceptional production. This delicate musical moment was further proof of Ms. Cole’s versatility and superior talent; a welcome chance to listen to her beautiful voice once again.
For Our Children Too! was meant to include sweet lullabies for children. However, the top-notch level of sophistication of most of its tracks makes it total ear-candy for the most demanding soul, pop and jazz music lovers.
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/natalie-cole-Both-Sides-Now.mp3|titles=Both Sides Now|artists=Natalie Cole]
- Lead Vocals: Natalie Cole
- French Horn: Brad Warnaar
- Arranged by Brad Warnaar
- Produced by David Foster
Lyrics
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 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’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know clouds at all
Moons and Junes and ferries 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 they’re acting strange
They shake their heads, they say 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
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