A Case of You

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 carton 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 that 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

This is absolutely my favorite Joni Mitchell song. I'm sure that is a claim made by many people as it's one of her most popular songs off what is definitely her most popular album, Blue. But a song this beautiful DESERVES to be at the top of everyone's favorites list. The lyrics are penetrating and confessional and the sentiment is so utterly romantic and heady. Joni sings so sweetly, hitting those incredible high notes that take the listener by surprise.

Have you ever seen the film Truly, Madly, Deeply? It's written and directed by the wonderful Anthony Minghella and stars the lovely Juliet Stevenson and Alan Rickman. Juliet is Nina, distraught over the death of her boyfriend Jamie. After many months of deep mourning, Jamie suddenly comes back to her as a ghost. There is a scene that takes place the morning after their reunion where they are looking out the window at the clouds in the sky and they sing a bit of Joni's A Case of You. It's adorable and comic, and oh so very romantic. You can see it here; it starts at about 7:37 minutes into this 10:00 minute clip. If you haven't seen this movie, I encourage you to do so.