Mitchell, Joni - Free Man In Paris Lyrics






The way I see it, he said, you just can't win it
Everybody's in it for their own gain
You can't please 'em all
There's always somebody calling you down
I do my best and I do good business
There's a lot of people asking for my time
They're trying to get ahead
They're trying to be a good friend of mine

I was a free man in Paris
I felt unfettered and alive
There was nobody calling me up for favors
And no one's future to decide
You know I'd go back there tomorrow
But for the work I've taken on
Stoking the star-maker machinery
Behind the popular song

I deal in dreamers and telephone screamers
Lately I wonder what I do it for
If I had my way
I'd just walk through those doors
And wander down the Champs-Élysées
Going café to cabaret
Thinking how I'd feel when I find
That very good friend of mine

I was a free man in Paris
I felt unfettered and alive
Nobody was calling me up for favors
No one's future to decide
You know I'd go back there tomorrow
But for the work I've taken on
Stoking the star-maker machinery
Behind the popular song





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Mitchell, Joni Free Man In Paris Comments
  1. m.... ....

    This was a watershed album for Joni - after this record she felt totally free to experiment.
    That is how we arrived at the brilliant “ Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter”...4 years later.

    A titan of creativity and challenged boundaries, this woman...

  2. f.... ....

    Hmmm, do I not hear here the real original BATTLE OF EVERMORE later copied by that thief Robert Plant from Led Plagiarin?

  3. f.... ....

    Her voice is so fluid and silky and her phrasing is effortless and on-point.

  4. S.... C....

    The way I see it he said
    You just can't win it
    Everybody's in it for their own gain
    You can't please 'em all
    There's always somebody calling you down
    I do my best
    And I do good business
    There's a lot of people asking for my time
    They're trying to get ahead
    They're trying to be a good friend of mine

    I was a free man in Paris
    I felt unfettered and alive
    There was nobody calling me up for favors
    And no one's future to decide
    You know I'd go back there tomorrow
    But for the work I've taken on
    Stoking the star maker machinery
    Behind the popular song

    I deal in dreamers
    And telephone screamers
    Lately I wonder what I do it for
    If l had my way
    I'd just walk through those doors
    And wander
    Down the Champs Elysées *
    Going cafe to cabaret
    Thinking how I'll feel when I find
    That very good friend of mine

    I was a free man in Paris
    I felt unfettered and alive
    Nobody was calling me up for favors
    No one's future to decide
    You know I'd go back there tomorrow
    But for the work I've taken on
    Stoking the star maker machinery
    Behind the popular song

  5. R.... ....

    incorporates folk, Nashville steel, and jazz/rock sensibilities all in one. wonderful accomplishment

  6. E.... W....

    W4llyB4nger - I agree with you. I wrote two blogs in thenewbereans.com about Joni Mitchell and since I forgot to say what I had intended to say on the first one I had to do an addendum. If you have a chance read them. I am NOT being anything but grateful, I hope!

  7. m.... r....

    Has anyone ever noted the similarity of the ending to this and the Steely Dan song "Any Major Dude"? Both songs were recorded in 1973 and released in 1974. I've been listening to SD a lot lately and this song is one of my faves. I'm a huge Joni fan and noticed the similarities just recently.

    m.... r....

    Interesting take...yeah both songs have that same tone or brightness, wish I could hear both now without vocals. SD prob in my Top5 of all time...def prefer their 70s stuff. Still love to hear Joni sing "and WANnNDER - down the Champs Elysees"

  8. 3.... E....

    This SO amazing if you play it at 0.5x speed!

  9. W.... P....

    Growing up in the late 60's and 70's, I really miss music like this...

  10. T.... S....

    This Joni Mitchell hit song remains a favorite of mine. Brilliant composition...

  11. T.... B....

    Studio Perfect.

  12. D.... H....

    One of my favorite JM songs, no matter what else was one. BTW - I have strolled the Champs Elyees, I could feel her in every step.

  13. K.... ....

    Happy birthday Joni...you wonderful person!

  14. J.... X....

    Love this song!

  15. A.... G....

    When Paris was good

  16. R.... H....

    a beautiful describtion from a life situation

  17. K.... T....

    thank you so much ... this is wonderful!

  18. K.... M....

    Keith Green brought me here

  19. a.... ....

    Good on you. What's with all the crappy live recording stuff on YouTube, anyway? Sometimes that's all I can find.

  20. K.... t....

    Growing up I never really cared for this song but as I have gotten older and listened to the lyrics I have a new appreciation of it.

  21. C.... ....

    i remember hearing this when it first came out....FM DJ put the whole thing on the turntable....what a summer.

  22. g.... ....

    The way I see it, he said
    You just can't win it
    Everybody's in it for their own gain
    You can't please 'em all
    There's always somebody calling you down

    I do my best
    And I do good business
    There's a lot of people asking for my time
    They're trying to get ahead
    They're trying to be a good friend of mine
    I was a free man in Paris
    I felt unfettered and alive
    There was nobody calling me up for favors

    And no one's future to decide
    You know I'd go back there tomorrow
    But for the work I've taken on
    Stoking the star-maker machinery
    Behind the popular song

    I deal in dreamers
    And telephone screamers
    Lately I wonder what I do it for
    If l had my way
    I'd just walk out those doors

    And wander
    Down the Champs Elysees
    Going cafe to cabaret
    Thinking how I'll feel when I find
    That very good friend of mine
    I was a free man in Paris
    I felt unfettered and alive
    Nobody was calling me up for favors
    No one's future to decide
    You know I'd go back there tomorrow

    But for the work I've taken on
    Stoking the star maker machinery
    Behind the popular song

  23. J.... J....

    RIP Mike Winn who turned me on to Joni back in '74 before I discovered CSN &/or Y. Wow. Bought this 45 back then.

  24. H.... E....

    ....for those who just read it...the communards were killed,
    tabu, no book... then 1. Worldwar...

  25. H.... E....

    ...what did you think about........
    1871, the communards?

  26. f.... f....

    Such a Great Album!!!! Always Loved this Album from the time it came out to present it has followed me as one of Thee Greatest Albums ever recorded. I Love You Joni Mitchell💗😊

  27. p.... ....

    Should be titled 'The David Geffen Song.'

  28. I.... V....

    Is that Jaco Pastorius on bass?

  29. M.... M....

    LEGEND.

  30. h.... ....

    To comment on this song I love it her hard work in writing it. Beautifully arranged. Love you Joni.
    masterpiece album

  31. J.... P....

    I've loved this song for years. It was only just today that I learned Joni wrote it for David Geffen.

    WOW! Takes it up to another level. What a great song!

  32. t.... k....

    David Geffen getting away to be himself

  33. C.... H....

    thank you for this wonderful studio song.

  34. R.... L....

    I love her but think her lyrics r better than her voice. She wrote many songs Carol king wrote

  35. J.... W....

    What an original this song is!

  36. K.... O....

    Joni mitchell never lies

  37. D.... M....

    On my Man Songs playlist.

  38. M.... B....

    Sorry to disappoint but with the exception of Chelsea Morning, Blue yellow taxi, Blue Motel room all her songs sounds all the same. Sorry I know you like her a lot (not sure why...). go on insulting me.. :-)

  39. D.... F....

    If I was asked my favourite Joni song - this would be the first I would think of.

  40. T.... ....

    “Adam Braverman “ said that this song makes him cry.

  41. C.... D....

    The greatest song ever about just getting away to chill..perfectly written. I was a "poor " college student when I was in Paris..
    God bless Notre Dame and Joni

  42. M.... G....

    I fell in love with this song the very first time I heard it...all those years ago.

  43. D.... C....

    Love your stuff joni you are the best from des in Bingley Yorkshire 💞

  44. R.... B....

    I got to Saigon, in 1967..The Paris of southeast Asia)

    R.... B....

    not quite a "frre man"........

  45. M.... M....

    "The way I see it, he said
    You just can't win it
    Everybody's in it for their own gain
    You can't please 'em all
    There's always somebody calling you down
    I do my best
    And I do good business
    There's a lot of people asking for my time
    They're trying to get ahead
    They're trying to be a good friend of mine
    I was a free man in Paris
    I felt unfettered and alive
    There was nobody calling me up for favors
    And no one's future to decide
    You know I'd go back there tomorrow
    But for the work I've taken on
    Stoking the star-maker machinery
    Behind the popular song
    I deal in dreamers
    And telephone screamers
    Lately I wonder what I do it for
    If l had my way
    I'd just walk out those doors
    And wander
    Down the Champs Elysees
    Going cafe to cabaret
    Thinking how I'll feel when I find
    That very good friend of mine
    I was a free man in Paris
    I felt unfettered and alive
    Nobody was calling me up for favors
    No one's future to decide
    You know I'd go back there tomorrow
    But for the work I've taken on
    Stoking the star maker machinery
    Behind the popular song
    Songwriters: Joni Mitchell
    Free Man in Paris lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Crazy Crow Music / Siquomb Music Publishing

    M.... M....

    Thank you

  46. V.... T....

    Studio versions are what live artist should strive for. It's a sign of excellence. Thanks for the clean version :)

  47. D.... B....

    Wonder if David Geffin still listens to this wonderful song once in a while?

  48. p.... ....

    Ode to our Homosexual King.

  49. R.... P....

    This is SUPERB songwriting!!!! Joni Mitchell James Taylor Cat Stevens Neil Young John Denver Carole King Jim Croce Harry Chapin David Gates Al Stewart Gene Cotton Phoebe Snow Janis Ian Carly Simon etc etc etc DEFINED the 70s!!!! SUPERB Singer/Songwriters that blows ANY new artists today away!!!!

  50. j.... s....

    So many great songs written Joni thanks to YouTube lm finding more she never gave into the demands of a shallow Music Industry she just coming up with the goods that she had to do because she's a true artist like one of the other comments said there will never be another Joni mitchell

  51. M.... K....

    This song is so beautiful it could go on forever. And I wouldn’t mind!

  52. V.... ....

    Joni's classic, a tune that is endless!

  53. J.... D....

    My favorite ALL TIME song.

  54. B.... ....

    "I felt unfettered and ALIVE"

    B.... ....

    a GREAT LYRIC..one of many from joni

  55. T.... ....

    You got sick of the crappy live recordings because the studio recording had David Crosby and Graham Nash singing backup on the song, which they would not have been singing on any live recordings, and to me always resonates a little flat without them as backup.

  56. j.... ....

    Though obviously unintentional when it was written this song captures a period- like a painting in some ways unlike the contrived political humanity of today.

  57. M.... K....

    I really dig this tune.

  58. S.... B....

    Overlooked gem from Joni.

  59. Y.... j....

    All joni's song have this anima quality. This one:) My very old and dear friend Eva Avenue. What a free diamond in the sky. We've always had real nice times together atop the city of lights. I love you always Eva. And bless you Joni :)

  60. F.... W....

    now as then as ever - simply beautiful - I just love this song and this original interpretation

  61. g.... ....

    Free Man in Paris
    Joni Mitchell
    The way I see it, he said
    You just can't win it
    Everybody's in it for their own gain
    You can't please 'em all
    There's always somebody calling you down
    I do my best
    And I do good business
    There's a lot of people asking for my time
    They're trying to get ahead
    They're trying to be a good friend of mine
    I was a free man in Paris
    I felt unfettered and alive
    There was nobody calling me up for favors
    And no one's future to decide
    You know I'd go back there tomorrow
    But for the work I've taken on
    Stoking the star-maker machinery
    Behind the popular song
    I deal in dreamers
    And telephone screamers
    Lately I wonder what I do it for
    If l had my way
    I'd just walk out those doors
    And wander
    Down the Champs Elysees
    Going cafe to cabaret
    Thinking how I'll feel when I find
    That very good friend of mine
    I was a free man in Paris
    I felt unfettered and alive
    Nobody was calling me up for favors
    No one's future to decide
    You know I'd go back there tomorrow
    But for the work I've taken on
    Stoking the star maker machinery
    Behind the popular song

  62. P.... H....

    I heard this song hundreds of times back in the day but never knew the name of it or who sang it. This was my parents music really but I always liked hearing it and knew it was special.

  63. r.... V....

    Actually, the "crappy" live versions were performed by some of the best musicians around.
    Fyi.

    r.... V....

    You had the same reaction that I did....she used a veritable who's who of the greatest living musicians on their respective instruments at that time or era....those bad live recordings were splendid given the outdoor venue, bad acoustics, weather factor, etc. These pinheads don't understand a thing about music or performances of same....

  64. L.... ....

    It's amazing how an artist can observe people and capsulate their observations into a 3 minute song.
    Gotta luv story tellers.

  65. M.... B....

    Joni has that certain spirit and voice that brings it altogether

    M.... B....

    One of a Kind truly in a class of her own... hard to believe she's already 75... always tell people to also listen to her song Hot Fire and cold blue steel one of her best and yet so different and then when you read the lyrics... wow .

  66. D.... J....

    Poster apparently knows good music so I'm confused why they bash and discard an incredible live version like the later 70s live album version this with Jaco Pastorious adding his own flavor on bass.
    Maybe the poster likes the studio version and that's fine but I'm guessing the poster does not perform live in a band and doesn't respect the difference between studio wizardry and live performance prowess.

  67. c.... ....

    Happy Birthday Joni. She turned 75 today.

    c.... ....

    no artist today iS like her, i wish her happiness and very best.thank you cleanview70,,peace and love

  68. G.... B....

    Great album. Happy birday Joni

  69. c.... f....

    Who does the backup vocals on this number?

  70. W.... ....

    w4llyB4nger    you done good with the audio.

  71. J.... F....

    Such a great tune. I was so lucky to hear her play at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival in '94 or so. Just splendid. She hadn't played in years, live. Mesmerizing.

  72. R.... V....

    At 13, I knew what she was singing about, but didn't care to know WHO she was singing ABOUT. What a great tune.

  73. D.... O....

    Episode of Girls brought me here.

  74. q.... ....

    Late summer of '74...started my senior year of high school. Her 3rd cut from this album. The whole album is fantastic (Court and Spark). Everything she does is great.

  75. L.... G....

    A brain worm for me today, I just had to hear it, yet again.

  76. S.... C....

    70's Perfection. Does not nor can not get any better.

  77. r.... ....

    The way I see it, he said
    You just can't win it
    Everybody's in it for their own gain
    You can't please 'em all
    There's always somebody calling you down

    I do my best
    And I do good business
    There's a lot of people asking for my time
    They're trying to get ahead
    They're trying to be a good friend of mine

    I was a free man in Paris
    I felt unfettered and alive
    There was nobody calling me up for favors
    And no one's future to decide
    You know I'd go back there tomorrow
    But for the work I've taken on
    Stoking the star-maker machinery
    Behind the popular song


    I deal in dreamers
    And telephone screamers
    Lately I wonder what I do it for
    If l had my way
    I'd just walk out those doors
    And wander
    Down the Champs Elysees
    Going cafe to cabaret
    Thinking how I'll feel when I find
    That very good friend of mine

    I was a free man in Paris
    I felt unfettered and alive
    Nobody was calling me up for favors
    No one's future to decide
    You know I'd go back there tomorrow
    But for the work I've taken on
    Stoking the star maker machinery
    Behind the popular song

    Songwriters: Joni Mitchell

  78. j.... z....

    The way I see it, I just can't win it
    Everybody's in it for their own game
    You can't please them all
    There's always somebody callin' you down
    And I do my best and I do good business
    As a lot of people asking for my time
    They're trying to get ahead
    And try and be a good friend of mine
    I was a free man in Paris, I was ? and alive
    There was nobody to call me up for favors
    No one's future to decide
    You know I'd go back there tomorrow
    But for the work I'm taking on
    ? star makin' machinery
    Behind the popular song
    I deal in dreamers and telephone schemers
    Lately I wonder what I do it for
    If I had my way, I'd walk through that door and wonder
    Down the ? going cafe to cabaret
    Thinkin' how I feel when I find
    That very good friend of mine
    Songwriters: JONI MITCHELL

    j.... z....

    I was unfettered and alive

  79. D.... M....

    She is alone in her beautiful style, so amazing and uplifting. God bless Joni Mitchell, one of a kind!

  80. R.... V....

    This was Top 40 AM when I was 12. I knew she wasn't speaking in first person, but didn't know who the "I" was until recently.

  81. b.... ....

    Dude, thanks for posting this!

  82. A.... M....

    I m getting sick of all the ads on You Tube!

  83. J.... D....

    My fav song.

  84. K.... B....

    I Love Joni because of her very unique way of vocalizing: a true original genius from Canada!!

  85. J.... K....

    Love you, joni. Jer

  86. w.... l....

    Just heard this song on the radio Sunday afternoon for the first time awesome song

  87. H.... S....

    69 people have no taste.

  88. t.... ....

    Love Joni

  89. M.... P....

    Excellent song !!!! a favorite of mine.

  90. c.... ....

    gonna check live just for a comparison...

  91. F.... B....

    song for a rapist

  92. N.... D....

    all of her songs are great,went I am down I thing of my sister who pass away this put smile to my face.thank you

  93. t.... ....

    Legend.

  94. D.... M....

    Kept us thriving in high school; her music. Thanks Joni Mitchell!

  95. R.... S....

    to Geffen with love!

  96. V.... ....

    Joni and Judy My Favs.

  97. K.... ....

    My history teacher started singing this in class today..... 😂😂😂

  98. B.... T....

    Check out Space of a Day's cover of this one!