From: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org (JMDL Digest) To: joni-digest@smoe.org Subject: JMDL Digest V2014 #2054 Reply-To: joni@smoe.org Sender: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk Unsubscribe:mailto:joni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe Website:http://jonimitchell.com JMDL Digest Monday, April 20 2015 Volume 2014 : Number 2054 ========== TOPICS and authors in this Digest: -------- Joni's "The Gift of the Magi," and one other thought (long) ["mep chorus.] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2015 08:07:27 -0500 From: "mep chorus.net" Subject: Joni's "The Gift of the Magi," and one other thought (long) To all: I don't remember the video section of jonimitchell.com being so complete, or perhaps even existing at all, the last time I was here! And so it has been a real treat for me, loving "early Joni" as I do, to peruse the offerings from the mid- to late 60s. In doing that, I (re)discovered Joni's song, "The Gift of the Magi," based on the famous O. Henry story. I have a couple of thoughts on it. The first is that Joni--who was very, very young when she wrote this--sort of missed the point of the story, concentrating on the "foolishness" of the young married couple, how their Christmas had been ruined, and how "wise men lose their way." But for me, O. Henry's story has always been about deep and unselfish love. The young couple seems to have recovered their equilibrium at the end of the tale, And O. Henry himself weighs in, writing, in the story's final paragraph, "The magi, as you know, were wise men--wonderfully wise men--who brought gifts to the new-born King of the Jews in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the Magi." Which makes me wonder: how would Joni write this song today? And second, this song, with its swooping melody and minor chords, reminds me of what a phenomenal ear Joni has, and just how innovative she has been in popular music, even long before her move into jazz. I know Joni is fond of saying that she is a painter first, almost relegating the music to something that "just happened," and was nearly an afterthought. But, at the end of the day, meaning no disparagement to her painting, maybe it's no mistake that Joni is renowned for exactly what she's renowned for. Cheers, Mary P. ------------------------------ End of JMDL Digest V2014 #2054 ****************************** ------- To post messages to the list,sendtojoni@smoe.org. Unsubscribe by clicking here: mailto:joni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe -------