Song Lyric Sunday — A Case of You

Fandango

Helen Vahdati’s theme for this week’s Song Lyric Sunday prompt is “drink.” There are tons of songs about drinking, drinkers, and drunks. But the song I came up with is one I would describe as being a little out of the way. Unless you happen to be a Joni Mitchell fan, like I am. If so, then you know her song, “A Case of You,” from her 1971 album Blue.

“A Case of You” is a melancholy song about a failed relationship and the hurt that remains afterwards. Mitchell supposedly wrote this song after her breakup with Graham Nash, although some claim that it’s about Leonard Cohen. In either case, it’s the quintessential after-the-fact love song. She understands that you have to feel love deeply enough to mourn its passing.

Here are the song’s lyrics.

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 cartoon coaster
In the blue TV screen light
I drew a map of Canada, oh Canada
With your face sketched on it twice

Oh, you are in my blood like holy wine
You taste so bitter and you taste so sweet
Oh, I could drink a case of you, darling
And I’d still be on my feet
I’d 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 you told me
“Love is touching souls”
Well 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
I could drink a case of you, darling
And I’d still be on my feet
I’d 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, you are in my blood like holy wine
You taste so bitter and you taste so sweet
Oh, I could drink a case of you, darling
And I’d still be on my feet
I’d still be on my feet.

18 thoughts on “Song Lyric Sunday — A Case of You”

    • Fandango August 5, 2018 / 12:21 pm

      I’ve always been her fan, but it seem the older I get, the wiser she gets.

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  3. J-Dub August 5, 2018 / 11:28 am

    Everything Joni Mitchell invokes such memories though this song is new to me. That voice is hauntingly beautiful. Great choice.

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    • Fandango August 5, 2018 / 8:32 pm

      It’s not one of Joni’s more well known works.

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  5. Sight11 August 5, 2018 / 7:43 pm

    That’s a classic blue song. Wait the album name was Blue wasn’t it?

    Liked by 1 person

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  7. Helen Vahdati August 12, 2018 / 10:26 am

    I honestly never listened to Joni Mitchell until bloggers started posting her songs for SLS. I have enjoyed every single song I’ve heard, and this one is no exception. The lyrics are fantastic, and her voice is beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

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