About the song
“Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell is a timeless classic that resonates with audiences across generations. Released in 1970 as part of her album “Ladies of the Canyon,” this iconic song carries a poignant message about environmental conservation and the consequences of human intervention on nature.
Joni Mitchell, a Canadian singer-songwriter renowned for her poetic lyrics and distinctive voice, penned “Big Yellow Taxi” after a trip to Hawaii where she witnessed the rapid urbanization and destruction of natural landscapes. The song’s catchy melody and memorable chorus, coupled with its thought-provoking lyrics, have cemented its status as one of Mitchell’s signature pieces.
“Big Yellow Taxi” has enjoyed significant commercial success, peaking at number 67 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and garnering widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. Its impact transcends its initial release, with numerous artists covering the song over the years, further solidifying its place in popular culture.
The song’s enduring relevance is evidenced by its inclusion in various soundtracks, television shows, and advertisements, ensuring its continued exposure to new audiences. Beyond its musical merits, “Big Yellow Taxi” serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and the need to cherish and protect the natural world.
In summary, “Big Yellow Taxi” stands as a testament to Joni Mitchell’s artistry and her ability to craft songs that not only entertain but also provoke thought and inspire action. Its timeless appeal and powerful message make it a classic that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
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Lyrics
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 got ’til it’s gone?
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot
Ooh, bop-bop-bop
Ooh, bop-bop-bop (na-na-na-na-na)
They took all the trees and put ’em in a tree museum
And they charged the people a dollar and a half to see them
No, no, no
Don’t it always seem to go
That you don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone?
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot
Ooh, bop-bop-bop
Ooh, bop-bop-bop (oh-oh, na-na-na-na-na)
Hey, farmer, farmer, put away your DDT
I don’t care about spots on my apples
Leave me the birds and the bees
Please!
Don’t it always seem to go
That you don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone?
They paved paradise to put up a parking lot
Hey, now, they paved paradise to put up a parking lot
Ooh, bop-bop-bop (why not?)
Ooh, bop-bop-bop
Listen, late last night, I heard the screen door sway
And a big yellow taxi took my girl away
Now, don’t it always seem to go
That you don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone?
They paved paradise to put up a parking lot
Hey, now, now, don’t it always seem to go
That you don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone?
They paved paradise to put up a parking lot
Why not? They paved paradise to put up a parking lot
Hey, hey, hey, paved paradise to put up a parking lot
Ooh, bop-bop-bop
Ooh, bop-bop-bop
I don’t wanna give it, why you wanna give it?
Why you wanna give it all away? Hey, hey, hey
Now you wanna give it, ah, she wanna give it
‘Cause she’s giving it all away, now, now
I don’t wanna give it, why you wanna give it?
Why you wanna give it all away?
‘Cause you’re giving it all, giving it all away, yeah, yeah
Why d’you want me?
Why do you want to…? (She’s giving it all away, hey, hey, hey)
La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la
Hey, paved paradise to put up a parking lot
La-la, la-la-la, na-na-na-na, na-na-na