Both sides now – Joni Mitchell and the workplace

“Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell (ish)

Rows and flows of desks and chairs
And data patterns in the air
And politics most everywhere
I’ve looked at work that way

For some it only blocks the sun
Disdain and beige for everyone
So many things I would have done
But work got in my way

I’ve looked at work
From both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
It’s work’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know work at all

Happy faces, Christmas meals
Lifting up how people feel
As someone’s dreaming turns out real
I’ve looked at work that way

Maybe 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 work
From both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
It’s work’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know work at all

Teams and dreams and feeling proud
To say “this matters” right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
I’ve looked at work that way

But now old friends
They’re acting strange
They shake their heads
And say work has changed
Well something’s lost
But something’s gained
In working every day

I’ve looked at work from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It’s work’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know work at all

For Bina Briggs.

I know the Joni Mitchell version is almost peerless, but I have a huge affection for this version..