Free Man In Paris
Joni Mitchell
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The way I see it, he said You just can't win it Everybody's in it for their own gain You can't please 'em all There's always somebody calling you down I do my best And I do good business There's a lot of people asking for my time They're trying to get ahead They're trying to be a good friend of mine I was a free man in Paris I felt unfettered and alive There was nobody calling me up for favors And no one's future to decide You know I'd go back there tomorrow But for the work I've taken on Stoking the star-maker machinery Behind the popular song I deal in dreamers And telephone screamers Lately I wonder what I do it for If l had my way I'd just walk out those doors And wander Down the Champs Elysees Going cafe to cabaret Thinking how I'll feel when I find That very good friend of mine I was a free man in Paris I felt unfettered and alive Nobody was calling me up for favors No one's future to decide You know I'd go back there tomorrow But for the work I've taken on Stoking the star maker machinery Behind the popular song
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Written by: Joni Mitchell
Lyrics © Crazy Crow Music / Siquomb Music Publishing, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
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10 facts about this song
Release Date"Free Man in Paris" is a song written by Joni Mitchell, initially released in 1974 on her album "Court and Spark."
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Inspiration behind the SongThe song was written about Mitchell's close friend David Geffen, who was a music executive and founder of Asylum Records. During a trip to Paris, Geffen expressed his wish to escape the pressures of the music business, inspiring Mitchell to write "Free Man in Paris."
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PerformanceThis track is well-known for its up-tempo pop awareness and sophisticated orchestration by Tom Scott, a distinctive contrast to some of Mitchell's earlier, folk-oriented songs.
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Chart SuccessDespite never being released as a single, "Free Man in Paris" reached no. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It's considered one of Mitchell’s most popular songs.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by various artists over the years, including Neil Diamond, Stephen Stills, and Sufjan Stevens, emphasizing its notable impact.
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Artistry RecognitionThe use of interlocking, complex rhythmic patterns and varied lyrical meter in this song is praised as an example of Mitchell's innovative musicianship.
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Song StructureThe narrative of the song pushes forward with the momentum of a well-crafted short story or film, shot through with Mitchell’s characteristic blend of cinematic detail and lyrical ambiguity.
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Album's SuccessThe album "Court and Spark," which features "Free Man in Paris," became Mitchell's best commercial work. The album peaked at no. 2 in the Billboard album charts in the United States and was certified double-platinum.
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Lyrical AnalysisThroughout the song, Mitchell uses a variety of poetic devices and strong imagery to portray Geffen’s longing for freedom, a theme that resonated with many in the music industry and beyond.
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Critical AcclaimRolling Stone magazine placed "Free Man in Paris" on its list of 'The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.' This track has widely been regarded as a masterpiece showcasing Mitchell's immense talent as a songwriter.
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"Free Man In Paris Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/28051900/Joni+Mitchell/Free+Man+In+Paris>.
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