Song to a Seagull
Encyclopedia
Song to a Seagull is Joni Mitchell
's 1968 debut album. Mitchell would later note that the album is more a result of her love of classical music than of folk, and this is evident through the thick, rich, and often unusual harmonies, and the densely poetic lyrics of the album. This album was originally released as an untitled or self-titled LP because of an error at Reprise Records
' publishing department.
Song to a Seagull is a concept album
divided into two halves: "I Came to the City" and "Out of the City and Down to the Seaside". (The two halves correspond to the two sides of the LP, which are identified as "Part 1" and "Part 2" rather than the conventional "Side 1" and "Side 2"). The first track refers to her failed marriage to Chuck Mitchell in Detroit, and a similar theme is explored with "Michael from Mountains", which questions whether one can truly love someone without knowing him. "Night in the City" is a celebration of nightlife; "Marcie" is a profile of a lonely woman, presumably a friend of Mitchell's; and "Nathan La Franeer" ends side one with the account of a bitter city-dwelling taxi driver Mitchell once encountered.
Side two takes on more natural, organic themes: "Sisotowbell Lane" describes domestic bliss (Joni has said that "Sisotowbell" stands for "Somehow, in spite of trouble, ours will be ever lasting love"), and "The Dawntreader" and "Pirate of Penance" concern sea themes - first of a mystical sea captain calling her away, and then to a murderous pirate with whom a dancer is infatuated. Though some speculate that "The Dawntreader" is written for David Crosby
, Mitchell has denied this. The final two tracks concern freedom: "Song to a Seagull" and "Cactus Tree". "Song to a Seagull" is especially noteworthy for its uninhibited treatment of the desire for freedom.
Mitchell had written songs that were hits for other artists (e.g., "Both Sides Now
" and "Chelsea Morning
" by Judy Collins
, "Eastern Rain" by Fairport Convention
, "Urge for Going," and "The Circle Game" by Tom Rush
), but chose to record none of these for her debut. The album is dedicated to her grade 7 English teacher, "Mr. Kratzmann, who taught me to love words."
Side 1: "I Came to the City"
Side 2: "Out of the City and Down to the Seaside"
Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell, CC is a Canadian musician, singer songwriter, and painter. Mitchell began singing in small nightclubs in her native Saskatchewan and Western Canada and then busking in the streets and dives of Toronto...
's 1968 debut album. Mitchell would later note that the album is more a result of her love of classical music than of folk, and this is evident through the thick, rich, and often unusual harmonies, and the densely poetic lyrics of the album. This album was originally released as an untitled or self-titled LP because of an error at Reprise Records
Reprise Records
Reprise Records is an American record label, founded in 1960 by Frank Sinatra. It is owned by Warner Music Group, and operated through Warner Bros. Records.-Beginnings:...
' publishing department.
Song to a Seagull is a concept album
Concept album
In music, a concept album is an album that is "unified by a theme, which can be instrumental, compositional, narrative, or lyrical." Commonly, concept albums tend to incorporate preconceived musical or lyrical ideas rather than being improvised or composed in the studio, with all songs contributing...
divided into two halves: "I Came to the City" and "Out of the City and Down to the Seaside". (The two halves correspond to the two sides of the LP, which are identified as "Part 1" and "Part 2" rather than the conventional "Side 1" and "Side 2"). The first track refers to her failed marriage to Chuck Mitchell in Detroit, and a similar theme is explored with "Michael from Mountains", which questions whether one can truly love someone without knowing him. "Night in the City" is a celebration of nightlife; "Marcie" is a profile of a lonely woman, presumably a friend of Mitchell's; and "Nathan La Franeer" ends side one with the account of a bitter city-dwelling taxi driver Mitchell once encountered.
Side two takes on more natural, organic themes: "Sisotowbell Lane" describes domestic bliss (Joni has said that "Sisotowbell" stands for "Somehow, in spite of trouble, ours will be ever lasting love"), and "The Dawntreader" and "Pirate of Penance" concern sea themes - first of a mystical sea captain calling her away, and then to a murderous pirate with whom a dancer is infatuated. Though some speculate that "The Dawntreader" is written for David Crosby
David Crosby
David Van Cortlandt Crosby is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. In addition to his solo career, he was a founding member of three bands: The Byrds, Crosby, Stills & Nash , and CPR...
, Mitchell has denied this. The final two tracks concern freedom: "Song to a Seagull" and "Cactus Tree". "Song to a Seagull" is especially noteworthy for its uninhibited treatment of the desire for freedom.
Mitchell had written songs that were hits for other artists (e.g., "Both Sides Now
Both Sides Now
- Personnel : * Joni Mitchell — vocals * Mark Isham — trumpet, solo* John Anderson — oboe * Julie Andrews — bassoon * Nick Bucknall — clarinet * Stan Sulzmann — clarinet, flute * Philip Todd — clarinet, flute and alto flute...
" and "Chelsea Morning
Chelsea Morning
"Chelsea Morning" is a song written by Joni Mitchell and introduced on the singer's 1969 album Clouds..The song was inspired by Mitchell's room in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. The inspiration for the first verse comes partly from the distinct décor of her apartment...
" by Judy Collins
Judy Collins
Judith Marjorie "Judy" Collins is an American singer and songwriter, known for her eclectic tastes in the material she records ; and for her social activism. She is an alumna of the University of Colorado.-Musical career:Collins was born and raised in Seattle, Washington...
, "Eastern Rain" by Fairport Convention
Fairport Convention
Fairport Convention are an English folk rock and later electric folk band, formed in 1967 who are still recording and touring today. They are widely regarded as the most important single group in the English folk rock movement...
, "Urge for Going," and "The Circle Game" by Tom Rush
Tom Rush
Tom Rush is an American folk and blues singer, songwriter, musician and recording artist.- Life and career :Rush was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. His father was a teacher at St. Paul's School, in Concord, New Hampshire. Tom began performing in 1961 while studying at Harvard University after...
), but chose to record none of these for her debut. The album is dedicated to her grade 7 English teacher, "Mr. Kratzmann, who taught me to love words."
Track listing
All songs written by Joni Mitchell.Side 1: "I Came to the City"
- "I Had a King" – 3:37
- "Michael from Mountains" – 3:41
- "Night in the City" – 2:30
- "Marcie" – 4:35
- "Nathan La Franeer" – 3:18
Side 2: "Out of the City and Down to the Seaside"
- "Sisotowbell Lane" – 4:05
- "The Dawntreader" – 5:04
- "The Pirate Of Penance" – 2:44
- "Song to a Seagull" – 3:51
- "Cactus Tree" – 4:35
Personnel
- Joni MitchellJoni MitchellJoni Mitchell, CC is a Canadian musician, singer songwriter, and painter. Mitchell began singing in small nightclubs in her native Saskatchewan and Western Canada and then busking in the streets and dives of Toronto...
- guitar, piano, vocals - Stephen StillsStephen StillsStephen Arthur Stills is an American guitarist and singer/songwriter best known for his work with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills & Nash . He has performed on a professional level in several other bands as well as maintaining a solo career at the same time...
- bass on "Night in the City" - Lee Keefer - banshee
- Produced by David CrosbyDavid CrosbyDavid Van Cortlandt Crosby is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. In addition to his solo career, he was a founding member of three bands: The Byrds, Crosby, Stills & Nash , and CPR...