the circle game.

this song includes not only the child-like faculty of wonder, but the looking-forward, looking-backward bittersweet of growing up. as my birthday is soon, I feel this tug at my heart.

it's a bit like my struggle with time in the sun also rises, 
but it's different because this song offers the hope of "there'll be new dreams, maybe better dreams."

I recently discovered Joni Mitchell and am in love with her melodious voice and powerful poetic lyrics. I also recommend her songs Woodstock, Big Yellow Taxi, and Urge for Going. 

Take moment to listen:


"The Circle Game" via jonimitchell.com
Yesterday a child came out to wonder
Caught a dragonfly inside a jar 
Fearful when the sky was full of thunder 
And tearful at the falling of a star 

Then the child moved ten times round the seasons
Skated over ten clear frozen streams 
Words like when you're older must appease him 
And promises of someday make his dreams

And the seasons they go round and round 
And the painted ponies go up and down 
We're captive on the carousel of time 
We can't return we can only look 
Behind from where we came 
And go round and round and round 
In the circle game 

Sixteen springs and sixteen summers gone now 
Cartwheels turn to car wheels thru the town 
And they tell him take your time it won't be long now
Till you drag your feet to slow the circles down 

And the seasons they go round and round 
And the painted ponies go up and down 
We're captive on the carousel of time 
We can't return we can only look 
Behind from where we came 
And go round and round and round 
In the circle game

So the years spin by and now the boy is twenty 
Though his dreams have lost some grandeur coming true
There'll be new dreams maybe better dreams and plenty
Before the last revolving year is through

And the seasons they go round and round 
And the painted ponies go up and down 
We're captive on the carousel of time 
We can't return we can only look 
Behind from where we came 
And go round and round and round 
In the circle game

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