Big Yellow Taxi

Amy Grant

About Big Yellow Taxi

"Big Yellow Taxi" is a song written, composed, and originally recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell in 1970, and originally released on her album Ladies of the Canyon. It was a hit in her native Canada (No. 14) as well as Australia (No. 6) and the UK (No. 11). It only reached No. 67 in the US in 1970, but was later a bigger hit there for her in a live version released in 1974, which peaked at No. 24. Charting versions have also been recorded by The Neighborhood (who had the original top US 40 hit with the track in 1970, peaking at No. 29), Maire Brennan, Amy Grant and Counting Crows. 


Year:
1994
3:01
#1

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They paved paradise and put up a parking lot
With a pink hotel, a boutique, and a swinging hot spot

Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got till it's gone
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot

They took all the trees and put 'em in a tree museum
And then they charged all the people
Twenty-five bucks just to see 'em

Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got till it's gone
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot

Hey farmer, farmer, put away your DDT now
You give me spots on my apples
But leave me the birds and the bees

Please don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got till it's gone
They paved paradise and they put up a parking lot
I say, they paved paradise and they put up a parking lot

Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got till it's gone
They paved paradise and they put up a parking lot

Late last night I heard the screen door slam
And a big yellow taxi carried off my old man

Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got till it's gone
They paved paradise and they put up a parking lot

Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got till it's gone
They paved paradise and they put up a parking lot
Oh, no, no, paved paradise and they put up a parking lot
Hey, steam rolled paradise and put up a parking lot

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Amy Grant

Amy Lee Grant (born November 25, 1960) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, media personality and actress, best known for her Christian music. She has been referred to as "The Queen of Christian Pop". As of 2009, Grant remains the best-selling contemporary Christian music singer ever, having sold over 30 million units worldwide. more »

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Written by: Joni Mitchell

Lyrics © Crazy Crow Music / Siquomb Music Publishing, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Original Artist
Joni Mitchell is the original singer and songwriter of "Big Yellow Taxi". She composed it during her first trip to Hawaii in 1970.
Literal Inspiration
Joni Mitchell once said that she wrote "Big Yellow Taxi" after looking out of her hotel window in Hawaii and seeing a car park overtaking the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Award Recognition
The song is one of Joni Mitchell's most popular, and earned her a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 2007.
Environmental Theme
"Big Yellow Taxi" is often considered an environmental anthem, with its lyrics emphasizing the importance of natural beauty and critiquing the modern world's inclination towards commercialization and urban development.
Amy Grant's Version
Amy Grant covered "Big Yellow Taxi" in 1994 on her album "House of Love". Her version was a top 20 hit on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
Different Lyrics
While Amy Grant's version generally adhered to the original lyrics, she did change one verse to give the song a more Christian perspective.
Counting Crows's Version
Counting Crows covered "Big Yellow Taxi" for the soundtrack of the film 'Two Weeks Notice' in 2002. Their version featured backing vocals by Vanessa Carlton.
Chart Success
Counting Crows' version was a big success in many countries, reaching No.5 in the UK Singles Chart, No.1 in the Canadian Singles Chart, and No.42 in the US Billboard Hot 100.
Non-album Single
Counting Crows version was not initially included in any of their studio albums. It was later included in their greatest hits album.
Live Performances
Joni Mitchell has often included "Big Yellow Taxi" in her live performances throughout her career, and many of these renditions have received critical acclaim.
Pop Culture References
The song, due to its recognizable lyric "they paved paradise and put up a parking lot," has been referenced and covered in a variety of media including film, television and other music artist's works.
Continued Relevance
As environmental issues continue to be pertinent, the song remains relevant and is considered a timeless classic that speaks about the destruction of Earth's natural beauty for commercial gain.

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    Big Yellow Taxi

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1995

    Billboard #67


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