A Case of You
Joni Mitchell
A song I’ve always loved — from her classic record BLUE that Henry’s fingerprints are all over — the production style, the approach and Joni’s vocal performances.
But I gotta say up front, I didn’t fully love or understand this song until I saw how Keith Gordon used it in his wonderful film WAKING THE DEAD. Something about the way these two characters feel about each other — played perfectly by Billy Crudup and Jennifer Connelly. Could be a top ten favorite love song. I’ve never made that list, but before I do, I’ll just start with it at the very top. The first line kills me —
Just before our love got lost…
And then this command from a clairvoyant woman —
“Go to him, stay with him if you can,
But be prepared to bleed…”
So these two people — like the characters in WAKING THE DEAD — are looking back at the time their souls intertwined. And these lovely, gentle, shuffling major chords with Joni’s soaring vocals? They’re perfect. It’s one of these songs you could play all day and not tire of.
Just before our love got lost you said
"I am as constant as a northern star"
And I said, "Constantly in the darkness
Where's that at?
If you want me I'll be in the bar"
On the back of a cartoon coaster
In the blue TV screen light
I drew a map of Canada
Oh, Canada
With your face sketched on it twice
Oh, you're in my blood like holy wine
You taste so bitter and so sweet
Oh, I could drink a case of you, darling
And I would still be on my feet
Oh, I would still be on my feet
Oh, I am a lonely painter
I live in a box of paints
I'm frightened by the devil
And I'm drawn to those ones that ain't afraid
I remember that time you told me
You said, "Love is touching souls"
Surely you touched mine
'Cause part of you pours out of me
In these lines from time to time
Oh, you're in my blood like holy wine
You taste so bitter and so sweet
Oh, I could drink a case of you, darling
Still I'd be on my feet
I would still be on my feet
I met a woman
She had a mouth like yours
She knew your life
She knew your devils and your deeds
And she said, "Go to him, stay with him if you can
But be prepared to bleed"
Oh, but you are in my blood
You're my holy wine
You're so bitter
Bitter and so sweet
Oh, I could drink a case of you, darling
Still I'd be on my feet
I would still be on my feet
