There are some great singer-songwriters who use extraordinary imagery. Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Richard Thompson are just some of the finest. But no one - I mean NO ONE - could paint a picture in song like Joni Mitchell. "Leaving six white vapor trails across the bleak terrain. It was the hexagram of the heavens, the strings of this guitar". Oh, my. Never constrained by song form, yet never veering far from it. She not only mastered the art and craft of songwriting - she set a new benchmark that will probably never be raised. Simply perfection in words and music.

Rick Beato brought me here. I’m so grateful.

"Maybe I've never really loved, I guess that is the truth. I've spent my whole life in clouds at icy altitudes. And looking down on everything, I crashed into his arms. Amelia, it was just a false alarm." There's nothing more heartbreaking than those lines.

I'm gonna say this just once, "There is no one born of this earth, who can even come near to the excellence in writing and performing her vocal paintings, imagery, and never once ever given the credit she deserves as a master beyond the realm of those celebrated."

I was there that night ... still a great memory.

This is probably the most fascinating song I will ever listen to in my lifetime. Many thanks to Rick Beato for explaining why Joni is an unmatched legend in the universe of music; sincerely...j

My mother was a pilot in the early 50's. She was an incredible artist, a very private person. She was the leader of our family, a true renaissance woman. She smoked like a chimney like Joni and when I hear Joni speak I hear my mother. When I sit and watch the jets fly from the runway I see my mother. She flew. She knew.

One of the greatest songs by one of the greatest artists on one of the greatest albums ever made (Hejira). I would hope that the fact that guys of the caliber of Pastorius and Metheny collaborated with her moves her beyond the "female artist" bullshit. She is one of the greatest ever, pure and simple.

I nominate Joni Mitchell for the Nobel-Prize in "Literatur". Or... Best singer-songwriter, EVER. Also, Joni is the most original guitarist. EVER!!

What a great song. I love it how Joni walks off the stage at around 6:40 or so, leaving the last 3 plus minutes in the sure and capable hands of Pat Metheny who takes us on that gorgeous final leg of the flight with Lyle Mays on the Oberheim. It doesn't get any better than this!

One of the greatest musicians and lyricists of the 20th Century

If ever a song could be declared a masterpiece, this is it.

May 20 ~ 21 1932, Amelia Earhart turned on ignition in a red Lockheed Vega and flew from Harbour Grace, Newfoundland to near Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in fifteen hours nonstop, alone over the North Atlantic.

Anytime I think I’ve heard every possible intricacy of a Joni Mitchell song, I get a little stoned and am transported to this higher place of appreciation. I’ve listened to this song hundreds and hundreds of time and it sounds new each time. Do any of us really understand how incredible Joni Mitchell is?

This is my favourite Joni Mitchell song, actually probably my favourite song period, and this version is mesmerising. I can´t stop listening. I only wish Amelia Earhart could have known that a masterpiece of songwriting would be dedicated to her.

Simply put.....beautiful person and the most amazing singer/songwriter of our time..

This is one of my most beloved songs. As I sit here writing this, I think back on all the past relationships I’ve been through. At such a young age, I come back to this song only when I am in pain and need something to convey those emotions. In my room, at night thinking back on all the people whom have wrong me. I hurt, but I do not regret anything I’ve done, everything happens for a reason. This song is a brilliant, yet sad reminder of that. Words can’t express how much I love and am glad she wrote this masterpiece. Thank you, Joni. ❤️

This is timeless perfection. The composition, the tribute, the story, the imagery of the poetry. Just incredible. I feel like I was spoiled by this generation of music, not realizing just how unique it will forever be. Where did all the great artists go?

Joni plays and sings so effortlessly here and Pat Metheny's solo is out of this world !

"Then your life becomes a travelogue of picture post card charms" There are no words to describe how much I love this song.

Probably one of the greatests videos around. Joni sounds like an angel; her voice at its best, the perfect, sad and subtle entonation in "false alarm" - and oh my, she was gorgeous. Oh, and what a beautiful footage of Amelia... Love you, Joni!

...and Pat's solo. What an incredible backing band line up, so f'n good.

Aside from praising Joni and this song... this live recording is tremendously awesome. The vocal and the guitar are recorded to perfection. I wish there were live recordings of all her songs with this kind of studio quality result.

Goose Bumps! Goose Bumps! Goose Bumps! - Oh! What Genius - What Beautiful Music and Poetry.

My favourite ever song by this iconic songwriter. There is something achingly beautiful within it. The lines 'A ghost of aviation she was swallowed by the sky, or by the sea' hits the heart.

This should have millions of views. What an incredidle song. She really did and has set the bar so high for songwriting. She is there with Keats, WB Yates, even Shakespeare. She should have got a Nobel Prize. Look at her writing from her first album to The Hissing Of Summer Lawns, Blue, Heijira, infact all her albums, (too many to list here). What a talented ‘poet’ muscian and singer plus she can really paint. So ignored in many ways by the mainstream of popular culture.

I was driving across the burning desert When I spotted six jet planes Leaving six white vapor trails across the bleak terrain It was the hexagram of the heavens Like the strings of my guitar Amelia, it was just a false alarm The drone of flying engines Is a song so wild and blue It scrambles time and seasons if it gets through to you Then your life becomes a travelogue Full of picture post card charms Amelia, it was just a false alarm People will tell you where they've gone They'll tell you where to go But till you get there yourself you never really know And where some have found their paradise Others just come to harm Amelia, it was just a false alarm I wish that he was here tonight It's so hard to obey His sad request of me to kindly stay away So this is how I hide the hurt As the road leads cursed and charmed I tell Amelia it was just a false alarm A ghost of aviation She was swallowed by the sky Or by the sea like me she had a dream to fly Like Icarus ascending On beautiful foolish arms Amelia, it was just a false alarm Maybe I've never really loved I guess that is the truth I've spent my whole life in clouds at icy altitudes And looking down on everything I crashed into his arms Amelia, it was just a false alarm I pulled into the Cactus Tree Motel To shower off the dust And I slept on strange pillows of my wanderlust I dreamed of 747s Over geometric farms Dreams Amelia, dreams and false alarms

I was fortunate enough to be there to see this amazing show. There is Joni and then there is everyone else...She will forever be my reining Queen and I am just as moved by her now as I was as a young girl. I hope when it is my time to leave this earth I will be listening to Blue.

She is more than a song writer she is amazing artist. No other such as her! She is classic artist, I love Joni

I never tire of watching this particular video her music and beauty are stunning, please don't ever delete it, please

i was 4 when Hejira came out, and my young hippie mother in France was listening to this record a lot and i was imbued by it - and others from Joni, but that one...that one stays deep in the core of my heart. I'm a guitarist and never played Joni and now that i'm learning Coyote and Amelia, those two songs appears as pure marvels to play and sing..speechless in front of such genius and dephts. Thank you Joni, reading all the comments i think it's clear everyone loves you deeply :)

I can’t tell you guys how much the Hejira album has meant to me growing up and through several geographic relocations

Imagine Amelia and Hejira on one album. Truly the highest of musical heights. No painter this. Transformative metaphysical genius. Mitchell and Earhart: together in the stratosphere of 20th century legends

I never listened to Joni until I heard her work with Pat, Lyle, Jaco. Jazz was my thing....but she clearly was every bit a jazz musician. I'm so thankful that I've "discovered" this work...and the depth of her songwriting and artistry. It was painful to learn of her stokes....a reminder that we don't live forever. Blessed Joni...thank you for your tender heart.

Amelia served as a nurse and suffered in service as a patient under the previous pandemic. Her symptoms lingered even as she piloted her aircraft. She's a true hero.

I’ve played guitar and piano all of my life. Rick Beato has taught me that I never really learn to appreciate the art of music. Rick’s videos on Gordon Lightfoot and Joni Mitchell have been eye opening

Every time I hear Jony Mitchell singing is like to travel in another world. She has a magic in her.

This is one of the most interesting and one of the best songs ever written. Joni music and lyrics are sheer perfection and make you feel your own feelings.

Why does this song always bring the tears to the surface?

I will always be grateful for having Joni's artistry in my life. Now that we're in our last chapter, I have greater appreciation for her voice, writing, and painting. An enormous gift to this life. Impermanence is difficult.

The most haunting song ever sung (perfectly) by the best writer/ singer of our generation / Then Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays finish it off with a wondrous solo/ Their relationship was a musical classic/ the frontman and the backman / that combo translates far beyond jazz/ I cant believe Lyle is gone/ I'm sure Pat Metheny is empty/ i lost my frontman 10 years ago and it's still in the studio i hear him playing in my right ear / I let him have my good ear ( I've heard myself enough already!) They ALL make it look so easy !

think this is my favourite song of hers, and this my favourite rendition.

A rare combination of great music and poetry. Never bettered.

This is music. No naked dancing girls, no flashing lights, no pyrotechnics, just a girl alone on the stage with her guitar, and she still gives me chills, no matter how many hundreds of times I’ve watched this. THIS is music.

I don’t feel worthy of this level of musicianship and artistry. Today’s “artists” should try to compare themselves to her before calling themselves artists. What a gifted, talented woman.

Greatest of her and most other generations. A true original, and artist who's always honest, sincere, and shows her vulnerability. A great song. Thank you.

What an amazing song--what an amazing performance!

Just amazing... I love how Joni kind of walks off as Metheny takes over... Where are the artists of this quality today? (There are none...)

this is a peak experience, a polished and poised storyteller offering such a nuanced view of, and sweet kinship with a kindred spirit.

Wonderful Joni... she can pull the emotions out of your heart... Surely, one of the best! Ever

It can't actually be as easy and perfect as she makes it. I have watched her hundreds of times and it's never less unreal how great she is.

What an amazing woman, who could not love her songs ?

Danke from Germany/ Joni you are more then a legend. Send from Heaven for sure.

Plays such awesome guitar styles and tunings.....I would say that Joni is a Giant

Real musician with true beautiful Lyrics. Can't beat the 60's and 70's music.

The most gifted and most remarkable female artist of the 20th century.. no question.. done..

so I think that's Pat Metheny, guitar solos, with Joni! Beautiful pairing!!! Such a lovely voice, Joni Mitchell, such fine open tuning guitar 'chops!!!'

An amazing live performance of probably my favourite Joni song. Her guitar playing is fabulous on this version. But those lyrics cut right through my soul.

Both Ladies are the part of History now. And the ending minutes with Pat Metheny are also like Heaven. Words can barely describe this ten minutes.

One of the greatest composers, lyricists and guitarist/performers ever. So sophisticated a sense of design. She's an artist from her nose to her toes. Such a rarity❤

I am 43 and Joni stil helps me to grow up.

I found Joni as a boy when these albums were coming out and bought every new one as it came. I think I was in love. And when I watch this beautiful video after all those years ... I know that I was in love. Such beautiful music, beautiful muse.

It doesn't matter how many times I watch this video or listen to the CD; I still get goosebumps for this live version. Musically and lyrically, just stunning on all counts.

I broke down in tears listening to this divine piece of music.

Perhaps we will be blessed with another such as this in a millinnea or two. Thank you Joni.

The BEST singer songwriter ever in my humble , and one whose lyrics ( intentionally or otherwise ) are strong enough to stand alone . A remarkable talent , I thought it all those years ago and my opinion has never faltered .

Rarely do you witness perfection in the performing arts. This was it. I will always love Ms. Joni.

Stay with us Joni. We're not yet ready for you to go.

My most loved song.And singer and composer.Pure perfection.Nadja from Mexico.Enjoy.🙏💋🌹🤞🏻😌😢🌷❤️🍀🌷

Linda Manzer was in the audience and became captivated with this Pat Metheny guy. Today she makes specialty guitars for him and the power elite of the guitar world.

Dear Joni! I didn't listen enough to your wonderful music when I was young. Today though I find great joy and comfort in listening to your creations most every day, a never ending joy. Christer

It's hard to believe anyone could listen to this song without sobbing uncontrollably by the end. How much heartbreak can one song have? It is just overwhelming.

The day I've bought this double live album in 1980 is still clear in my memory. Went back at home. Played and taking off with her beautiful voice. But at a certain point this song arrived. I stopped myself doing everything, trying to understand any single word. Then I've read anything about Amelia and her story. An incredible story sung by an incredible artist. The art of storytelling into a single song. Joni has a voice of an angel, but looking to the video you can be impressed by her beauty and her stunning technical skills in playing guitar. Is one of the song of my life. All the time I'm listening after so many years I feel human.

Such heartfelt, lovely, genuine, poignant music; I'm lucky to have been alive then and now. This is beauty.

Its amazing the amount of class it takes for an artist of her caliber to leave the stage and allow Metheny, who was still early in his career, to shine like that. Joni has no equal.

One of the finest pieces of music that has ever been recorded

In the top 10 of best songs ever written.....and to be paired with the Pat Matheny solo.....In fact, this solo by Pat reaches far far into my heart and pulls out EVERYTHING!!! that's there, the exquisite love and affection and hope and dreams and heartbreak and devastation and primordial longing and loneliness......... this pairing is beyond genius, beyond enlightenment....

I heard "Shadows and light" a thousand times before the original "Hejira", and I think both are amazing...but never have seen this video. It´ s heavenly! The face expression of Joni is thrilling Thanks sonicboy!

This is just one example of how amazing Joni is in live performance. Love this version.

Simply the most moving and perfect performance of what could be the greatest song written. By anyone. The voice, the playing, the poetic lyrics, the imagery…utterly flawless and without equal.

Travelled through Burbank Airport last week - big statue of Amelia with her propeller - hummed this song all the way back to Sacramento !!!!

若い頃、彼女のライブを武道館で体験しました。間違い無く人生最高のライブでした。終わった瞬間、感動と寂しさで涙がこぼれました。凄い女性です。長生きしてください。ラスベガスから帰りの砂漠でこの曲を思い出しました。車を止めてしばらく空を見ていました。仕事でシカゴに行った時に、スミソニアン博物館に立ち寄り、イアハートさんの愛機も見ました。行方不明の捜索には、日本海軍も参加しました。

I love the way Joni sets the scene before she dives into the circumstances of her life at the time. My impression of this song is she thinks she’s crashed but no, it was just a false alarm and somehow she will get through this heartache.

Just watched the Rick Beato video on this song. Im 50 years old and I am totally ashamed I havent been listening to Joni Mitchell for decades already.

This song & performance always brings out goose bumps on my arms!!!

She has such a way with words. They always spoke to me.

I'll be ever grateful for the whole record. Joni and Pat, Jaco, Michael, Don... everything was perfect. This is one of the highlights of the record along with ... all the other highlights!!! Seeing Jaco smiling because he was enjoying it so much.... The dry cleaner from Des moines... I can list every single song. It is my record for the desert islan, definitively.

Absolutely stunning. Joni sounds, plays and looks like an angel. That may be the most beautiful guitar solo I’ve ever heard.

I've been in love with Joni Mitchell ever since I heard her sing this song! The most amazing open chords I've ever heard!

I can hardly believe what I am hearing. This song and voice and this unearthly accompaniment is only pure genius. Noone else on earth can do this. These words don't even need meaning. I remember when I first heard both sides now. Same feeling all over again.

That night, 40 years ago exactly, I was running a weekly music programme on a brand new radio station located in Toulouse and named TSF 100. Mainly american music. while I was putting my stuff together at the end of my 2 hours, the guy officiating after me, Jacques, got "Shadows and lights" out and started playing "Amelia". I Immediately became sort of paralysed and listened to every note, including Metheny's solo without moving an inch. I knew Joni as a folk singer from the year I had spent in L.A. in 67/68 but I was unaware of the extent of her evolution, even though I had purchased "Blue" in the meantime. Up until now, "Amelia" remains one of the pieces of music that I have most often listened to and watched. Just magic! Roland Fauré

The whole of the Hejira album is equally brilliant, and I would say is her finest work.

Not only is Joni brilliant, but this videography is impressive for the late 70s.

I loved that entire album, though this was my favorite because I was taking flying lessons and worshiped Amelia Earhart. Brings me to tears hearing this all these years later.

AMERICAN MUSICAL ROYALTY EVRYONE ON THIS STAGE STUNNING LIVE RECORDING THANK YOU .28

OMG beautiful. Listened again after her amazing Nerport performance last summer. She tells the story of the album Hejira her favorite! Anyway, moved to tears beautiful and thank you Joni!

So moving it isn't funny. 'Hejira" is - to me - the greatest album ever made.

Not only a brilliant artist and instrumentalist and composer but a dynamic voice like butter.

It should be a crime for them to interrupt Pat Metheny's solo after Joni performs like this and then walks off to hand off the stage to him; the song wasn't finished until he finished!! That was part of the whole package. Stupid KZfaq needs to keep the ads at the front and NEVER do this!!! I immediately hit the pause button when that happened so I didn't see the ad; it made me so mad.

this seems to me to be the best version of this tune ....her voice is strong and the rhythms pop....Pat makes a great contribution..we need another Joni !!