Song Lyrics

Big Yellow Taxi

by Joni Mitchell

Printer-friendly version of this lyric

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've got
Till it's gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

They took all the trees
Put 'em in a tree museum *
And they charged the people
A dollar and a half just to see 'em

Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got
Till it's gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

Hey farmer farmer
Put away that DDT * now
Give me spots on my apples
But leave me the birds and the bees
Please!

Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got
Till it's gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

Late last night
I heard the screen door slam
And a big yellow taxi
Took away my old man

Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got
Till it's gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

© January 7, 1970; Siquomb Publishing Corp

Footnotes

Pink Hotel: Although Joni's own words (below) suggest she wrote this on Maui, the Pink Hotel in this song is most likely the Royal Hawaiian in Honolulu. The romantic and legendary Pink Palace, built in 1927 is the landmark hotel on Waikiki Beach. Here, amidst serene gardens behind the coral-colored facade, you can still find the special ambiance of old Hawaii and its gracious island hospitality. The Royal Hawaiian has 526 beautifully appointed rooms, located in either the elegant Historic Building or the modern Tower Wing.
Tree Museum: Dave Donelly, reporter for Honolulu's Star-Bulletin, informs us that: "'Big Yellow Taxi', by the way, was written about Hawaii and the "tree museum" she sang about where they charged you to see the trees was Foster Botanical Garden"

New fees to see the trees?
Admission:
$5.00 - General, 13 years and older
$3.00 - Resident of Hawaii, 13 years and older with ID
$1.00 - Child, 6 to 12 years old
FREE - Child, 5 years old and under (must be with adult)
$25.00 - Annual family pass

DDT is a persistent organochlorine pesticide and is largely responsible for the great decrease in the reproductive capabilities and consequently in the populations of fish-eating birds, such as the bald eagle, brown pelican, and osprey. Because of DDT's effects on birds, the chemical has not been used in the United States since 1972, and can no longer be used except in cases of public health emergency. At the time Joni wrote this lyric (1967-68), the continued use of DDT was quite controversial. DDT is still used in several other areas of the world.

Joni introduced the song this way on November 29, 1969:

"Two weekends ago I went to Hawaii. It was my first time there and I was only there for two days which was kind of a bummer, I wish I could’ve really seen more of the island and I arrived there at 11 o’clock at night and the next morning I ran to the window and threw back the curtains and sure enough, there it was, paradise, you know, green, lush hills, old Sugarloaf Mountain up there, white birds flying low, Myna birds all over the place, and, right in the middle of it all, was a big parking lot [laughing]. So I wrote this little rock and roll song to commemorate the occasion. It’s called “Big Yellow Taxi,” or, alternately, “They Paved Paradise and Put in a Parking Lot.”

As archived in Mojo Magazine's March 2019 issue: “I wrote Big Yellow Taxi on my first trip to Hawaii. I took a taxi to the hotel and when I woke up the next morning, I threw back the curtains and saw these beautiful green mountains in the distance. Then, I looked down and there was a parking lot as far as the eye could see, and it broke my heart…this blight on paradise. That’s when I sat down and wrote the song. When it first came out, it was a regional hit in Hawaii because people there realised their paradise was being chewed up. It took 20 years for that song to sink in to people most other places. That is a powerful little song because there have been cases in a couple of cities of parking lots being torn up and turned into parks because of it.”

Related articles from the Library

Transcriptions of Big Yellow Taxi

Big Yellow Taxi has been recorded by 595 other artists

  • 3 West (- 2016)
  • A.P. Project (from "Live at Iron Pipe (6/24/23)" - 2023)
  • ABC Kids (from "Popcorn Pop Hits" - 2003)
  • ADA (from "Digital Single" - 2023)
  • Agostini, Lucio (from "45 RPM Single" - 1974)
  • Aires, Hollie  (from " If I Should Break " - 2014)
  • Akasa (from "Festival Folk Sing Joni Mitchell" - 2010)
  • Alan Tew Orchestra (from "These I Like" - 1971)
  • Alberstein, Chava  (- )
  • Alexander , Monty (from "Taste Of Freedom" - 1970)
  • Alías, Celeste  (from "La Veu De La Guitarra" - 2011)
  • Alibrandi, Lisa  (from "Midnight Sky" - 2000)
  • Allagash (from "The Last Gig March 3, 1986" - 2002)
  • Allen, Dina (from "Pop Rock & Folk Songs 70's 80's" - 2018)
  • Altomare, Stefania (from "Digital Single" - 2018)
  • Alvord, Tiffany  (from "Digital Single" - 2014)
  • Amodeo-Vickery, Tess (- 2012)
  • Angela Esmeralda & Sebastiano Lillo (from "9 Renditions" - 2018)
  • Ann, Keren (- 2003)
  • Anna I (from "Anna I" - 2004)
  • Anneloes Verveld Combo (from "(unreleased live recording)" - 2003)
  • Anschell, Bill  (from "Figments" - 2011)
  • Anvah (from "Hit the Wall" - 2022)
  • Applegate, Bob (from "Applegeezer" - 2003)
  • Aquila Rose & Idana Valdes  (from "Rhythms del Mundo - Classics" - 2009)
  • Asha (from "If You Want to Change the World" - 2019)
  • Automatic Shoes (from "Science Fiction Superstar" - 2020)
  • Autorickshaw  (from "The Humours of Autorickshaw" - 2013)
  • Auty, Kelly (from "Kelly Auty Live 2016" - 2016)
  • Avenue (- 1970)
  • Azevedo, Julie de (from "Pray For Rain Concert Tour" - 1996)
  • Bailey, Nina (from "Nina Bailey" - 2012)
  • Baker, Cheryl  (from "Cheryl Sings Joni" - 2017)
  • Ballroom Dance Orchestra (from "Best Years Of Our Lives" - 2005)
  • Banks, Tommy (from "Tommy Banks Jazz Band w/ Big Miller At The Montreux Jazz Festival " - 1978)
  • Barbarino, Linda (- )
  • Barbera, Berti  (from "100 Hours" - 2015)
  • Barnes, Ilene (from "Two Sides" - 2010)
  • Basset, Karen (- 2012)
  • Baxter, Gwen (from "Peaceful Women" - )
  • BB Band (from "Those 70's Songs 1970-1" - 1999)
  • Be Sharp (from "De Finalisten" - 2006)
  • Beach, Cat (from "Love Me Out Loud" - 2009)
  • Beazley, Del (from "World's Got To Choose" - 1995)
  • Betsy & Chris (from "Folk Album 2" - 1971)
  • Beyond The Influences (BeTI) (from "45 Single" - )
  • Biddle, Jenny (from "Cover To Cover" - 2014)
  • Big Country (from "Eclectic" - 1996)
  • Big Yellow (- 2016)
  • Big Yellow Taxi (from "The Music of Joni Mitchell (demo)" - 2002)
  • Big Yellow Taxi (from "A Tribute To Joni Mitchell" - 2002)
  • Big Yellow Taxi (from "Big Yellow Taxi " - 2012)
  • Bjelleklang (from "Kort ved øra" - 1996)
  • Bligan, Liz (from "For The Fun Of It" - 2007)
  • Bloomsbury Pops (from "Modern Lounge" - 1997)
  • Blue Lightning (from "Live at the Aladdin Theater" - 2007)
  • Bobby Morganstein Productions (from "The Complete Cocktail Volume 4 Party CD #36" - 2010)
  • Bond, Tasha (- 2014)
  • Boom! Baby (- 2018)
  • Borzym, Monika  (from "Back To The Garden" - 2016)
  • Both Sides Of A Taxi (from "Joni Mitchell We Miss Streaming You" - 2022)
  • Brad The Bard (from "Tales You've Heard Before" - 2021)
  • Brennan, Maire (from "Misty Eyed Adventures" - 1994)
  • Brian Kirk and The Jirks (- )
  • Bridgers, Katy (from "Stuck At Home Covers" - 2020)
  • Brinton, Melissa (from "Born With The Moon" - 2018)
  • Brooks, Dave (- )
  • Brother Paul (from "Same Old Blues" - 2022)
  • Bruce, Lana (from "Lana" - 2011)
  • Brun, Ane (from "Leave Me Breathless" - 2017)
  • Buckingham, Lindsey & Mick Fleetwood (from "A Case Of Joni" - )
  • Bukeka Shoals with Ken Lovern's OJT (from "OJT + B" - 2006)
  • Butler, Harold (- 1977)
  • Buzz Toyz (- 2004)
  • C.S. Heath & Jonas James  (from "Spiritual Guitar" - 2005)
  • Caldwell, Kate  (from "Blue Jean Day" - 2024)
  • Campbell, Tracey (from "Gold" - 1997)
  • Canadian Suite (from "Coast to Coast" - 2002)
  • Cape Harmony (from "Golden Sky" - 2019)
  • Caplinger, Dennis (from "Pickin' On The Counting Crows" - 2005)
  • Captain Smartypants (from "Undercover" - 2004)
  • Captain Vic (from "Goodnight Ladies" - 2002)
  • Carroll, Liane (from "Live At The Listening Room" - 2000)
  • Casale, Rossana (from "Joni" - 2022)
  • CDAWN (from "CDAWN" - 2013)
  • Central Park Band (from "A Bite From The Big Apple" - 1997)
  • Chandler, Hattie (from "Hattie I" - 2020)
  • Chapman, S. A. (- )
  • Charly Records Studio Group (from "Almost Pop: House Of Love" - 2006)
  • Chartbusters Orchestra and Singers (from "Million Sellers" - 1970)
  • Chasing Memories (from "Separating The Whites From The Colors (EP)" - 2010)
  • Cher (from "Live And Loud, Volume II" - 2005)
  • Chris Lee & Jenny Howe (from "Second Take" - 2007)
  • Cincotti, Peter  (from "Digital Single" - 2024)
  • Clarke, Rona (from "Utopian Dream" - 1975)
  • Claytone, Clara (- 2013)
  • Clermont Chorale (from "Sing Out My Soul!" - 2024)
  • Code One (from "Rockin the Streets" - )
  • Colgate Swingin' Gates (from "Gateways" - 2002)
  • Colgate Swingin' Gates (from "Unhinged" - 1987)
  • Colvin, Shawn with Mary Chapin Carpenter & James Taylor (from "An All-Star Tribute to Joni Mitchell (TV Broadcast)" - 2000)
  • Confetti (- 2014)
  • Connor, Carly (from "ONE Presents agit8 - The Power of Protest Songs" - 2013)
  • Conspiracy of Venus  (from "Muse Ecology " - 2016)
  • Cooper, E.M. (from "Acoustic Covers 2" - 2021)
  • Cooper, Thom (from "Acoustic Covers" - 2019)
  • Corporate Cash Cows (- )
  • Cossu, Barbara (- 2013)
  • Counting Crows (from "Hard Candy" - 2002)
  • Counting Crows (featuring Vanessa Carlton) (from "CD-single" - 2003)
  • Court And Spark Band (- 2018)
  • Cozier & Hermans Duo – Spaces (from "Spaces" - )
  • Crawford, Allan (from "Sounds Like Hits No. 12" - 1970)
  • CU Buffoons (from "Under The Arches" - 2012)
  • Cydermen (from "Digital Single" - 2015)
  • D.E.B.T. (from "Digital Single" - 2020)
  • Daly, Paul (from "Earth Songs" - 2023)
  • Dan & Lyla (- )
  • Dangerous Folk (from "Dangerous Folk " - 2010)
  • Dark One Lite (from "A Guitar Tribute To Counting Crows" - 2004)
  • Dassin, Joe  (from "Joe Dassin" - 1970)
  • Davey, Jake (from "Digital Single" - 2016)
  • David Reed & The Introverts (from "Gypsy Davy" - 2019)
  • Davies, Colin (- )
  • Davies, Julian (from "Julian Davies" - 2004)
  • Davis, Rachael (- 2003)
  • Dee, Charlie (from "A Tribute To Joni Mitchell Live At Kriterion" - 2009)
  • Defrenchy Duo (- )
  • Delirium Street Party Brass (from "Digital Single" - 2023)
  • Denjean, Claude & Synthesizer (from "Open Circuit" - 1973)
  • DesLauriers, Marsha  (from "Not Too Far" - 2003)
  • Devany Jr., David  (- 2006)
  • Diamond String Orchestra (from "Folk Hits, Vol. 1" - 2017)
  • Diaz, Gabriela (- )
  • Diaz, Gabriela (from "A Case Of Joni" - 2018)
  • Dig It All  (from "Third" - 2013)
  • Dimmick, Sharyn (from "Paris" - 2009)
  • Dixon, Carl (from "One Voice, Two Hands" - 2003)
  • DMX Krew (from "A Tribute to Robert Moog" - 2007)
  • Dobson, Sasha (from "Digital Single" - 2020)
  • Doc Harbor (from "Digital Single" - 2021)
  • Douglas, Shirley (from "A Heart On The Loose " - 1980)
  • Dr Bluegrass & The Illbilly 8 (- 2013)
  • Dylan, Bob (from "Dylan" - 1973)
  • Earthlings Electric Washboard Band (from "Earth Day Every Day " - 2010)
  • Eason, Sam (from "Sam Eason Promo EP (Weddings​/​Events) - Live Recordings" - 2014)
  • Ecco Singers (from "Singer Love" - 2014)
  • Eddie From Ohio (from "(Live Performance)" - )
  • Eden, Joanna (from "Joni & Me" - 2016)
  • Eli, Jason (from "Digital Album" - 2018)
  • Elmerhassel (from "Honour Your Parents" - 1991)
  • Engling, Gail  (from "Just Because..." - 2012)
  • English, Hannah (- )
  • ENiid (from "A Celebration of Joni Mitchell; songs by & for her + stories" - 2015)
  • Erelli, Mark (- 2013)
  • Esmé Bos (from "Tres Tigres Tristes " - 2002)
  • Eu, Dick  (from "66" - 2014)
  • Exit 9 (from "reissued" - 2007)
  • Face2Face (from "Higher Love" - 1999)
  • Faegre, Dierdre Leah (from "Dreaming Beach Party 4" - 2011)
  • Faith, Percy  (from "Black Magic Woman" - 1971)
  • Falciani, Dave (from "Top Ten Radio Dance Mix 24" - 2003)
  • Feather and Down (from "Revisits" - 2012)
  • Feddy, Jason (from "Fish On The Moon" - 1993)
  • Figueiredo, Armando (from "Cruisin' California" - 2008)
  • Flagman Ahead (from "Panta Rhei - Unplugged '99 - Live IV " - 1999)
  • Flandez, Warren Dean (from "(single)" - 2011)
  • Flash Connection (from "Talk To Me" - 2006)
  • Fletcher, Mary (from "Somewhere......" - 2009)
  • Flip Peters and Larry Maltz (from "Acoustic" - 2015)
  • Floatstone (from "Skipping Over Damaged Area" - 2015)
  • Foni Mitchell (from "Foni Mitchell" - 2022)
  • Ford, Kimberly (from "A Celebration of Joni Mitchell" - 2015)
  • Gabor, BB  (from "BB Gabor" - 1980)
  • Get Lucky (- )
  • Gil, Joe (from "Blankets" - )
  • Gill, Peter (from "From The Heart" - 2018)
  • Giqueaux, Beatrix  (from "Covered With Love" - 2022)
  • Glória - Dublin's Lesbian and Gay Choir  (from "Our Kind Of Music" - 2014)
  • Glymur (- )
  • Godwin, Nick (from "VIVA! Songs of Freedom" - 2022)
  • Gomes, Kason  (from "Digital Single" - 2023)
  • Grace Acoustic Trio (from "Grace Acoustic Trio" - 2012)
  • Graham Blvd (from "Top of the Charts 1971" - 2008)
  • Grant, Amy (from "House of Love" - 1994)
  • Grant, Lorna (from "Star For A Night" - 2000)
  • Grean, Lorin  (from "Spinning Gold" - 2000)
  • Great Grandpa (- 2020)
  • Green Day (- )
  • Green, Larry (from "The Organ Lounge Vol.3" - 2015)
  • Grier, Cathy (from "Moonlighting in Key West " - 1988)
  • Guitar Dreamers (from "Guitar Dreamers Cover Joni Mitchell (Instrumental)" - 2024)
  • Gustafsson, Rigmor  (from "Come Home" - 2019)
  • Gustav Peter Wöhler (from "Get Back" - 2009)
  • Gwildis, Stefan (from "Wünscht du Wärst Hier" - 2008)
  • Haime, Vera  (from "Came Upon A Child of God" - 2000)
  • Hall, Kira (from "Not So Blue: Kira Sings Joni " - 2016)
  • Hamilton, Scott (from "61" - 2017)
  • Hamman, Sara (from "Breath By Breath" - 2003)
  • Harper, Claire (from "All These Plans" - 2005)
  • Harrington, Paul (from "Songs" - 2010)
  • Harrison, Carmel (- )
  • Harvard Opportunes (from "Six Degrees" - 2003)
  • Heath & Molly (from "Beneath the Roots: Live in Cascade Cave" - 2014)
  • Henning Olsen Band (from "A Tribute Minus Mitchell" - 2004)
  • Henry, Nicole (from "So Good, So Right: Nicole Henry Live" - 2013)
  • Here We Go Go (from "Digital Single" - 2024)
  • Herve, Andre (from "(45 Single)" - 1970)
  • Het Borghuis Collectief (- 2011)
  • Heuvel, Corey  (from "Acoustic Covers " - 2012)
  • Higgins, Rachel and Hugh (from "The Best of the 1992 Elandorf Music Festival" - 1992)
  • Hilary Burt's Blue Calluna (from "Step off and Fly" - 2018)
  • Hislop, Andy  (- )
  • Ho, Daniel (from "Timeless Treasure" - 2006)
  • Hodge Podge (from "Imaginary Numbers" - )
  • Holloway, Diane  (from "Stars in Their Ears [Tonight They're Going to Be...] " - 1999)
  • Hollywood Session Singers (from "T.V. Superhits" - )
  • Hopeless Romantics  (from "Hopeless Romantics " - 2012)
  • Hopkins, Marty J. (- 2016)
  • Horler, Sadie (- 2020)
  • Hullabahoos (from "Jacked" - 2004)
  • Hyman , Dick  (from "The Sensuous Piano of Dick Hyman" - 1971)
  • Ian & Helen C (from "Big Yellow Taxi (A New York Buskers Tale)" - 2004)
  • In Pieces (- )
  • Indigo Bunting (from "Tears of a Generation: A Smashin' Journey Through the Sixties" - 2018)
  • Isabelle & Sam (from "The Lockdown Sessions" - 2022)
  • Ithacappella (from "Two P's, Two L's" - 2006)
  • Itsuwa, Mayumi (from "The Show - Best Concert Album '75" - )
  • Itt (- 2012)
  • J-Min (from "Korogaru Ringo " - 2007)
  • J.R. & Sharon (from "Too Many Parades" - 1998)
  • Jackson, Anita Michelle  (from "Life Is Beautiful" - 2024)
  • Jade (from "Fly On Strangewings" - 2003)
  • Jakubowicz, Martyna (from "Burzliwy błękit Joanny" - 2013)
  • James, Mark (from "Folk Music - Only the Best" - 2022)
  • Janna (from "Janna" - 2006)
  • Jansen, Leoni (from "Second Wind" - 2008)
  • Jockel (from "Wasted In The Afternoon" - 1997)
  • Jones, Caroline (- 2020)
  • Jova (from "Good Songs" - 2020)
  • Jovie (- 2013)
  • Juliet, Daphne (from "Digital Single" - 2024)
  • Just Friends (- )
  • Kadoos (from "Joni Goes Dutch" - 2014)
  • Kai (from "Feelin' This Way" - 2010)
  • Kai, Natsuki (from "Nights in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo" - 2017)
  • Karlsson, Mats (from "Digital Single" - 2023)
  • Karmin (from "Home" - 2014)
  • Kat (- 2009)
  • Keb' Mo' (from "Big Wide Grin" - 2001)
  • Keener, Emily  (from "Digital Single" - 2016)
  • Kellner, Kelly (from "Little Bird" - 2005)
  • Kennedy, Brian (from "Songs" - 2006)
  • Kennedy, Brian (from "A Love Letter to Joni - Volume 2" - 2023)
  • Kennedy, Kerrie (from "In My Father's House" - )
  • Kentucky Express (from "That's Not What Lovin' Is" - )
  • Kickdrive (from "Digital Single" - 2021)
  • Kimber, Julie  (- 2011)
  • Kindred Spirit (from "Free Spirit" - 2000)
  • King, Chris Thomas  (from "Rise" - 2006)
  • Ko-Ko (from "Acoustic Covers " - 2019)
  • Konkova, Olga (from "Improvisational Four" - 2009)
  • Kushibiki, Sayaka (from "Essential" - 2002)
  • La Marisoul, James Taylor, Chaka Khan & Brandi Carlile (from "Joni 75: A Birthday Celebration" - 2019)
  • Ladies Of The Canyon (from "California Dreaming" - 2022)
  • Lady Belles (from "Woodstock Rock" - 2014)
  • laidbook (from "The Acoustic Issue" - 2010)
  • Laing, Rachel (from "Acoustic Covers, Vol. 3 (One Takes 2018)" - 2018)
  • Lamboy, Greg (from "Live @ Studio D" - 2014)
  • Lamonnier, Marion  (from "Bossa London Nights" - 2018)
  • Langer, Michael (from "Acoustic Pop Guitar Songbook 2" - 2022)
  • Langley Ukulele Ensemble (from "Canada 150" - 2018)
  • Lanzetti, Bernardo  (from "Master Poets" - 1999)
  • Lapointe, Lauren (from "Decadence - The Best of First Friday 2006" - 2007)
  • Last Call (from "Straight Up" - 2005)
  • Laurel Canyon Trio (from "Live In Germany" - 2019)
  • Lavell, Dee Dee (from "Sounds of Love" - 2014)
  • Lawrence, Claire  (- 1975)
  • Lead Shot Hazard (from "War & More Pieces" - 2023)
  • Lee, Nancy  (from "Crazy Dreams" - 2010)
  • Lehman, Ted (from "Left Overs" - )
  • Lemonier, Marion (- )
  • Lennon & Maisy (from "Digital Single" - 2014)
  • Leora Cashe & The Ross Taggart Trio  (from "Another Side Now - The Songs of Joni Mitchell" - 2007)
  • Libman, Jeff (- )
  • Lilac Sheer with Shay Tochner  (from "Kisses Sweeter Than Wine" - 2010)
  • Lilac Time (from "Welcome to Hell...Here's Your Accordion (Promo EP)" - 1989)
  • Lilliu, Federica  (- 2017)
  • Lindsay Thomas Morgan  (from "Waiting So Long" - 2007)
  • Little Gas (from "Wove EP" - )
  • Little, Stephanie Tucker (from "When Sea Shells Dance" - 2007)
  • Lizzie (from "Lizzie: Live At The Tucson Folk Fest" - 2024)
  • Loach, Vickie-Maree (from "All Play" - )
  • Loaded Boxers (- )
  • London Pro Musica Choir (from "Songs Of The Land" - 2008)
  • Lorencová, Zdenka  (from "Tady jsem" - 1975)
  • Los Valldemosa (from "Los Valldemosa" - )
  • Lost Planet Airmen (from "Sagan" - 2023)
  • Lotus (from "The Dance Goes On" - 1994)
  • LRK Trio (- )
  • Lu (from "Joni Mitchell Cover Comp" - 2020)
  • M2 (from "M2" - )
  • Madeleine (from "Another Bright Light" - 2022)
  • Mahoubi, Izzy (from "Changing Tides" - 2023)
  • Maine Steiners (from "Alive!" - 2005)
  • Makin' Whoopee (from "Makin' Whoopee Live" - )
  • Maniscalco, Chuck  (- 2005)
  • Mann, Debra (from "Full Circle: The Music of Joni Mitchell" - 2018)
  • Maria Pia De Vito, Danilo Rea,Enzo Pietropaoli, Aldo Romano (from "So Right" - 2008)
  • Martin, Lynn (from "England's Top Of The Pops" - )
  • Martini, Mia (from "I Miei Compagni di Viaggio" - 1996)
  • Mattea, Maryjo (from "Digital Single" - 2021)
  • May, Lola (from "Jazz Pop Songs 2024" - 2023)
  • Mayer, Tim (from "Eclectic Mojo" - 2021)
  • McCarthy, Carol (from "Tom Saputo and Friends" - )
  • McCuen, Ian (from "This Machine Kills Fascists" - 2020)
  • McDonald, Shelagh (- )
  • McKenzie, Sarah  (from "Close Your Eyes" - 2012)
  • McLachlan, Sarah & Lilith Fair (from "(Live)" - )
  • McNaughton, Eddie (- 2011)
  • McQueen, Valerie (- )
  • Me And Them (- )
  • Mead, Gale  (from "Live at Jessel's" - 2007)
  • Measure 4 Measure (from "Don't Wait Up" - 2004)
  • Megalomaniacs (from "Melts In Your Mouth" - 2001)
  • Meinhardt Merry (from "Life" - 2012)
  • Mekon, Dave (from "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia- The Complete Fantasy Playlist" - 2023)
  • Meltini (- )
  • Mezek, Aleksander  (from "Kje So Tiste Steznice" - 1977)
  • Mhairi, Brigid (- 2007)
  • Michael & Jello (from "Just Dance; Pop Songs For Families" - 2013)
  • Milk And Honey (from "Still Showing" - 2003)
  • Miller, Betsy  (from "Becology" - 2013)
  • Min (from "Itch" - 1998)
  • Miss Drey (from "Birthday" - 2017)
  • Mitchell, Katy (from "Baby It's You" - 2005)
  • Mitchell, Scott (- )
  • Mixed Company (from "Tree Museum" - 2004)
  • Mockingbird (from "A Fearless Day - Mockingbird's 4th Album" - 2007)
  • Modern Folk Quartet (from "Highway 70" - 1999)
  • Molaskey, Jessica (from "Portraits of Joni" - 2017)
  • Moore, Bill (from "Bill Moore" - 1974)
  • Morgan, Trace  (from "Digital Single" - 2024)
  • Morning Morgantown Band (from "Morning Morgantown Band" - 2012)
  • Mosaic Whispers (from "Defrosted" - 2004)
  • Moser, Kathy (from "Some 1 Like U" - 2009)
  • Mount San Antonio College Singcopation (from "Avalon" - 2024)
  • Mr. Pitiful (from "In Soul Motion" - 1996)
  • Myhre, Wenche (- )
  • Mystery Jets (from "Home Protests" - 2020)
  • Nadeau, Caroline (from "Forever Lasting Canadian Songs" - 2023)
  • Napkin Trio (from "Napkin Trio Plays Joni" - 2017)
  • Naugle, Erik (from "These Are The Days" - 2022)
  • Nee (from "All Fans On Deck" - )
  • Nehemiah H. Brown & The Faith Gospel Choir (from "The Long Road to Freedom" - 2011)
  • Nena (from "Cover Me" - 2007)
  • Nereide (from "Nereide sings Joni Mitchell" - 2010)
  • Nice Work Jazz Combo (from "Pathways Sessions" - 2019)
  • Nicholas, Tomas  (from "Lagunitas To Cazadero" - 2010)
  • Niegratschka, Klaus  (from "Good Enough For Me" - 2000)
  • No Fixed Abode (from "Hold The Cover" - )
  • Nolasco, Mariana (from "Turn Her Up" - 2019)
  • Noon (from "Full Moon" - 2013)
  • Nora and Will (from "Digital Single" - 2022)
  • Norby, Cæcilie  (from "Sisters In Jazz" - 2019)
  • Norma Winstone with the NDR Bigband (from "It's Later Than You Think" - 2006)
  • Norman, Dave (from "Digital Single" - 2020)
  • Northeastern University Downbeats (from "Downbeat Crossing" - 2004)
  • Not Too Sharp (from "May Contain Nuts" - 2011)
  • O'Brien, Paul (from "Long May You Sing" - 2013)
  • O'Keefe, Ryan (- 2014)
  • Opal Blue (- 2016)
  • Ora, Rita (- 2019)
  • Ortopilot (from "Covers 18" - 2022)
  • Oxley, Mateo (from "Digital Single" - 2019)
  • Palmer, Amanda (from "Digital Single" - 2018)
  • Parallel (- 2011)
  • Patrick McGinley & Family Style  (from "Patrick, Family and Friends" - 2001)
  • Paul Tillotson The Love Trio (from "Tequila Time" - 2005)
  • Paul Tillotson The Love Trio (from "Lindy Hop Blues" - 2008)
  • Pearsongs (from "POP CLASSICS Acoustically" - 2024)
  • Pelkman, Bailey (from "Covers II" - 2017)
  • People Power Band (from "Green Bandwagon" - 2010)
  • Piano Project (from "Piano Tribute to Joni Mitchell" - 2021)
  • Piano Tribute Players (from "Piano Tribute To Counting Crows" - 2009)
  • Pigg, Gabe (from "Top Pop 2" - 2003)
  • Pinhead Gunpowder (from "Fahizah EP" - 1992)
  • Pinto, Lynn (from "Broadway: Romances Manhattan" - 2002)
  • Pomplamoose (from "Digital Single" - 2021)
  • Pop Express Band (from "Super Hits III" - 1971)
  • Rachel Z Trio (from "Moon At The Window" - 2002)
  • Random Folk (from "Tales From The Oast House" - 2019)
  • Rankin, John (from "PazFest - The New Orleans Tribute to Joni Mitchell at the Howlin' Wolf" - 2002)
  • Ray Kelley Band (from "Hold My Hand" - 1999)
  • Redtenbacher's Funkestra (from "The Colours of Joni" - 2023)
  • Reed, Catherine (from "As I Am" - 2003)
  • Reggaddiction (from "Digital Single" - 2022)
  • Richardson, Monica (from "Hand Stories" - 2007)
  • Richter, Chip  (from "The Dream Tree" - 2014)
  • Ritčik, Julija  (from "Dalintis Negalima Slėpti" - 2016)
  • Rob Tobias and the Northwest Express (from "Dreams Coming Round" - 2016)
  • Rock Kids Biz (from " Accidentally in Love Lullaby Tribute to Counting Crows" - 2014)
  • Room 302 (from "December 2021: Joni Mitchell" - 2021)
  • Rosie Meader Trio  (from "Rosie Meader Trio " - 2014)
  • Rossi, Apollinare  (from "In a Cinematic Way" - 2020)
  • Ruud, Öystein  (from "Öystein Ruud" - 1978)
  • Saline Fiddlers (from "Kaleidoscope " - 2010)
  • Sally Barker - Joni Mitchell Project (from "Conversation: The Joni Tapes" - 2010)
  • San2 & His Soul Patrol (from "The Groundlift Stories" - 2023)
  • San2 & Sebastian Schwarzenberger (from "Absolutely Barefoot " - 2014)
  • Santing, Mathilde (- 2016)
  • Santing, Mathilde (from "Both Sides Now (Live)" - 2020)
  • Santos, Paolo (from "Acoustic Night Out" - 2003)
  • Satin Sheets (from "Dick Syncona Smith/Satin Sheets/Reg Gibson/The J-J's" - 1975)
  • Saunter, Riddim  (from "7" Single" - 2007)
  • Scary Pockets (from "Digital Single" - 2023)
  • Schettino, Gemma (- 2004)
  • Schinkel, Gerd (from "Treibgut Im Wind" - )
  • Schmitt, Michelle (from "Looking Back" - 2017)
  • Scissors. Paper. Song. (from "Soulfood" - 2014)
  • Scott, Lorraine (from "Back To The Garden" - 1992)
  • SeaStar (from "SeaStar - Live at the Lyon's Den" - 2008)
  • Seibert, Marion (from "Demo" - 2005)
  • Shadows and Light (- )
  • Sharino, Alison (from "Alison Sharino" - 2003)
  • Sharkey, Louise  (from "Declare & Protest " - 2020)
  • Sheer, Ireen (from "(45 single)" - 1970)
  • SHELLS & PALMR (from "Digital Single" - 2020)
  • Shih, Patricia  (from "Gold Covered" - 2014)
  • Simon and Jane Gomez (from "Ballarat Rose" - 1978)
  • Skinner, Belle (from "Belle-Skinner Sings Joni Mitchell Live" - 2022)
  • Sklar, Brian  (from "AAIIEE!!" - 2003)
  • Skonberg, Bria  (from "So Is the Day" - 2012)
  • Sky, Katie (from "Better Together & Other Covers" - 2012)
  • Skylark Acoustic (- 2015)
  • Sly & Robbie (from "Foundation" - 2007)
  • Smith, Catherine (- 2016)
  • Smith, Jesse Daniel (from "Other People's Music III" - 2021)
  • Smith, Sara (from "A Tribute To Joni Mitchell" - 1974)
  • Smoothies (- )
  • Soco Fa Sho (from "Digital Single" - 2023)
  • Sorcs (from "Digital Single" - 2023)
  • Sorokin, Angelina (from "Digital Single" - 2017)
  • Soulfood (from "Songs From The Vault" - )
  • Soundtrack Wonder Band (from "Cat Stevens and Joni Mitchell at the Movies" - 2018)
  • Stacey (- )
  • Star, Michelle  (from "Timeless Treasures" - 2023)
  • Staring, Roland (- 2004)
  • Starke, Sabrina (from "De Beste Zangers Van Nederland Seizoen 6" - 2014)
  • Steel Sunrise Steel Band (from "Out of the Fire and Into the Pan" - 2001)
  • Stephanie K. (from "A Word Before You Go" - 2018)
  • Stilgoe, Joe (from "Joe Stilgoe" - 2020)
  • Stringspace (from "Autumn In New York" - 2023)
  • Stroud, Les (from "Bittern Lake" - 2018)
  • Struggledrummer (from "Digital Single" - 2024)
  • Studio Unplugged (from "Your Record Our Spin - Session One" - 2024)
  • Styles, Harry (from "Live Sessions Duets And Cover Versions" - 2024)
  • Sugar Beats (from "Really Cool Songs" - 1993)
  • Sullivan, Heather (from "Piano Girl" - 2014)
  • Summers, Michele (from "Suddenly It's Summers" - )
  • Sunday Folk (from "Monday Songs" - 1981)
  • Supple, Brooke (from "Francfranc Presents Space Program [Sunshiny] Compiled by Old Nick aka Dj Hasebe " - 2012)
  • Susan & Ray (from "Digital Single" - 2019)
  • Susan Govali and Terry Disley (from "A Moment In Time" - 2008)
  • Sutton, Tierney  (from "After Blue" - 2013)
  • Suzanne M. Sheridan & And the Suzanne Sheridan Band (from "Suzanne Sheridan Sings the Music of Joni Mitchell & Leonard Cohen" - 2012)
  • Tabitha Fair & The Little Monsters (- 2009)
  • Tangled Up In Blue (from "Unraveled" - 2004)
  • Tapestry (from "Watercolour Clouds" - 2017)
  • Tar Heel Voices (from "Deuces Wild" - 2000)
  • Tara Heft and Blair Buchanan (from "Acoustic Highway " - 2020)
  • Tara Scheyer & The Mud Puppy Band (from "HiFi Felix Vol. 2" - 2009)
  • Taxi Downtown Trio (from "REC LIVE" - 2023)
  • Taylor, Richard (from "Richard Taylor" - 2009)
  • The Aaron James Collective (- 2014)
  • The Acoustic Guitar Troubadours (from "Acoustic Instrumental Memories" - 2009)
  • The Albion Band (from "Songs From The Shows" - 1999)
  • The Album Show (from "The West Coast 70's (Live)" - 2024)
  • The Bates College Merimanders (from "On Track" - 1992)
  • The Boy Romeo (from "THE SUMMER ENDED AND WE ARE NOT SAVED" - 2021)
  • The Bridgettes (from "I'm Every Woman" - 2014)
  • The Cat and Owl (from "Folk Lullabies" - 2018)
  • The Cautious Arc (from "Digital Single" - 2024)
  • The Cherry Valentines (from "45 Single" - )
  • The Chief Whips (from "The Other Creek" - 2007)
  • The Come Dancing Orchestra (from "Mambo" - 2004)
  • The Cooltrane Quartet (from "Coffee Jazz Essentials" - 2022)
  • The Crawfords - Mario Cavallero Et Son Orchestre (from "Hippies Story " - )
  • The Dartmouth Rockapellas (from "Think On These Things" - 1996)
  • The Distance (from "Barn Sessions" - 2019)
  • The DQ of Amherst College (from "Duck Viking Presents" - 2000)
  • The Enigma Machine (from "Le Bombe Tracks" - 2010)
  • The Eyewall Band (- 2006)
  • The Harmony Keepers (from "A Tribute To Our Lady Of The Canyon" - 2023)
  • The Harris Family (from "One, Two, Three" - 2012)
  • The Hit Crew (from "Drew's Famous Kids Authentic Limbo Party Music" - 2004)
  • The Hyannis Sound (from "Route 6" - 2005)
  • The Idea Of North (from "Smile" - 2013)
  • The Kids Picks Singers (from "Kids Picks Hit Mix" - 2003)
  • The Last Peach (from "1990 - 1993" - 2023)
  • The Luv Handles (- )
  • The Mayries (from "Digital Single" - 2024)
  • The Melissa Behring Trio (from "Tributes" - 2023)
  • The Monstieurs  (from "Intercontinental Sessions" - 2013)
  • The Moon Loungers (from "Acoustic 70's" - 2019)
  • The Neighborhood (from "Debut" - 1970)
  • The New Group (from "Reflective Surface Syndrome" - 2003)
  • The New Love Generation (from "Summer of Love" - 2018)
  • The Nola Resistance (- 2019)
  • The Oopsadaisies  (from "Funny Box" - 2017)
  • The Paris Studio Orchestra & Singers (from "It Was...1970 (Vol. 3)" - 2008)
  • The Poor Richards (from "Touring Nowhere" - )
  • The Practicers (from "Smooth & Raw" - 2000)
  • The Quality Kids (from "Kids Mix 4" - 2003)
  • The Rain Jackets (from "Inside Out" - 1990)
  • The Real Choir (from "Live!" - 2015)
  • The Retards (from "In Memory of the Dead Bird " - )
  • The Retro Rockets (- )
  • The Rhythm Method (from "Immaculate Contraception" - )
  • The Rock Masters (from "Driving Anthems" - 2008)
  • The Shaken Bakers (from "Classic Covers Playlist" - 2018)
  • The Shivers (from "Downtown Sister" - 1991)
  • The Soundalikes (from "Today's Massive Hits" - 2004)
  • The Steve Klink Trio (from "Places To Come From, Places To Go" - 2002)
  • The Sunbeams (from "Easy Like Sunday Morning" - 2011)
  • The Sweets (- 2010)
  • The Take (from "Take One" - 1996)
  • The Tindalls (from "Family Album" - 2005)
  • The Tony Chappell Orchestra (from "(45 Single)" - )
  • The Ukaye Ukes  (from "Blue Skies" - 2011)
  • The Wakes (from "The Stripped Back Session Vol.1 " - 2011)
  • The Wolverhinos (from "Love Runs Out!" - 2017)
  • The Womps (from "Mad Science" - 2024)
  • The Wright Kids (from "Blue Skies" - 2011)
  • The Yello Allstars (from "Alles Gelb " - )
  • Therapy (from "One Night Stand" - 1973)
  • Thibeault, Fabienne  (from "Made In Quebec" - 2004)
  • Thistle, Charlotte (- )
  • Thomas Kölling Acoustic Jazz&Song (from "More Of That Kind " - 2005)
  • Thomas, Mike (from "Welcome to My Living Room" - 2015)
  • Thorpe, Dave (from "twenty twenty vision" - 2021)
  • Three Mile Hill (from "Live At The Railway Barn" - 2018)
  • Throwing Stuff (from "Stuff We've Thrown" - 2013)
  • Tide Lines (from "Lockdown Mixtape - EP" - 2020)
  • Timmer, Inez (from "Baas Giele Taksy" - 2022)
  • Timmer, Mirjam (from "Motel Westcoast" - 2007)
  • tomaszewski, ceej  (from "cell phone sillies" - 2024)
  • Tous les oiseaux d’Europe  (from "Birdland" - 2011)
  • Toxic Audio (from "Toxic Audio" - )
  • Triple Trio (from "Lipids (phats & oils)" - 1997)
  • Truly, Wonder  (from "The Walkabout Sessions: Volume 2 " - 2018)
  • Tutu Puoane & Brussels Jazz Orchestra (from "We Have A Dream" - 2018)
  • Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star (from "Lullaby Versions of Joni Mitchell" - 2021)
  • Two In A Car Crash (from "When Were You Last in Phoenix?" - 2022)
  • Two Tight (from "Every Little Thing" - 2004)
  • Ty & Ayesha (- )
  • Ulf Meyer, Martin Wind (from "Licorice and Beer" - 2018)
  • Uncle Seth (- )
  • Vallance, Joanne (- )
  • Vehkavaara, Kenny & Silvio Simone (from "Peace, Love & Guitar" - 2001)
  • Vietta, Michael (from "Digital Single" - 2020)
  • Vikki and James (- )
  • Vincent's Chair (- 2002)
  • Vinnick, Sheppard & Harte (from "My Favourite Shirt" - 2007)
  • Voce (from "So Many Ways" - 1996)
  • Voice & Bass (from "Into the groove" - 2013)
  • Volker Niehusmann & Christiane Weber (from "Another Blue" - 1997)
  • Walker, Debi Sander (from "If You Could See Me Now" - 2008)
  • Warwick, Rachael (- 2013)
  • Wexler, Judy (from "Back To The Garden" - 2021)
  • When The Cat's Away (from "(45 single)" - 1989)
  • White Hot (- 2010)
  • White On Black (from "White On Black" - 1974)
  • Whyton, Wally (from "The World of Wally Whyton" - 1972)
  • Wilkinson, Sunny  (from "Into The Light" - 2018)
  • Will Taylor And Strings Attached (from "Back To The Garden: A Tribute To Joni Mitchell" - 2007)
  • Williams, David (from "Acoustic Favourites Vol 1" - 2020)
  • Wilmot, Linda  (from "Pillow at 4:20" - 2000)
  • Wilson, Julie (from "New Love" - 2002)
  • Winch, Ray (from "Live at The Sacred Bean" - 2001)
  • Wisconsin Singers (from "We'll Take You There" - 2011)
  • Wojtal, Liz (from "Better Days" - )
  • Wolfe, Rowan (from "First Impressions" - 2020)
  • Wolman, Lesley  (from "The Great Canadian Songbook" - 2018)
  • Wong, Susan (from "Step Into My Dreams" - 2010)
  • Yager, Andy (- 2007)
  • Yarema, Tyler  (from "Dinner Party - Popular Music With A Jazzy Twist" - 2003)
  • Yarushina, Alyona (- 2013)
  • Yokozawa, Laura  (from "Kyujitsu Cafe" - 2013)
  • Yoshiko, Goshima  (from "Now & Forever #2" - 2001)
  • Youmou-to-Ohana (from "Live In Living '09" - 2012)
  • Young, Justin (from "One Foot On Sand" - 2003)
  • Yung, Samara (from "July Rain" - 2011)
  • Zilbersmith, Carla (from "Uncovered" - 2009)
  • 遠藤雅美 (from "Endorphin" - 2014)
  • [more information on recordings by other artists]

Comments:

Log in to make a comment

JDT on

FYI.

Recent search by myself on Google for lyrics of Big Yellow Taxi produced first up a full txt of the song as provided by Musixmatch. I was surprised to find the line 'And a big yellow taxi took away my old man' had been replaced with '"And a big yellow taxi took my girl away" and therefore searched on Musixmatch site to investigate but I could find no lyrics available at all, so, the facility being available, I added the 'official version' and they are now being reviewed for acceptance on the site.

I would be interested, should you pursue this with Google, as to why the official lyrics were altered and why while they are available from Google, promoted as courtesy of Musixmatch, they are unavailable if searching the actual Musixmatch site, incorrectly or otherwise?

The only logical assumption I came up with is it's the result of pedantic cybernetic censorship.

Best Regards, JDT

danielsmith on

Joni Mitchell is one of my favorite singer , lyricist and composer.



Integrate System

Pizzafreak on


To flubcritic re: comment by ad101867:

Besides which, even if what ad101867 says is true (and I don't think it is), that information was not available at the time the song was written, nor had DDT yet been banned.

This is from the Wikipedia article about Silent Spring:

"Carson never called for an outright ban on DDT. She said in Silent Spring that even if DDT and other insecticides had no environmental side effects, their indiscriminate overuse was counterproductive because it would create insect resistance to pesticides, making them useless in eliminating the target insect populations... Carson also said that 'Malaria programmes are threatened by resistance among mosquitoes,'[33] and quoted the advice given by the director of Holland's Plant Protection Service: 'Practical advice should be 'Spray as little as you possibly can' rather than 'Spray to the limit of your capacity'. Pressure on the pest population should always be as slight as possible.'[34]"

Shlivewitz on

joni mitchell is a peacenick who is obviously concerned about the earth and ecology....she does her concerns so beautifully...oh that life was different and I could "maybe put on a harmony..." to some of her songs.
p.s. I am glad she is feeling better these days.

flubcritic on

ad101867, you are utterly full of shit. DDT is still used in huge quantities to fight malaria, typically by spraying it on walls of bedrooms. This is of concern to arctic nations, because DDT makes its way to high latitudes and concentrates in the body fat of top predators such as polar bears. However, arctic nations tolerate the use of DDT in tropical countries because of its anti-malarial effectiveness. Pretending that Rachel Carson brought the use of DDT against malaria to a halt is gross dishonesty. The real reason the fight against malaria faltered was for lack of funding and also increasing resistance of mosquitos and the malaria organism to the main lines of attack. Mosquito nets are one of the most effective defences against malaria, but they still aren't available to all people in malaria areas--nothing to do with Rachel Carson. If you really cared about the poor people of the world, you'd be exercised about malnutrition (economic imbalances) and infant gut infections (made worse by ruthless marketing of infant formula in the third world) rather than a purely imaginary ban on DDT. See here (2013): http://chemicals-l.iisd.org/news/expert-group-recommends-continued-use-of-ddt-for-vector-borne-disease-control/
"January 2013: The DDT Expert Group has assessed the continued need for dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and recognized its continued need in specific settings where safe alternatives are lacking."
And here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2801202/
"An estimated 5,000 metric tons of DDT (active ingredient) was used for disease vector control in 2005"
Your enthusiasm for the 'big lie' technique, however, marks you out as a propagandist, not someone who is interested in the truth, so I doubt you can be bothered with the facts on any level.

ad101867 on

Dear Ms. Mitchell:

Below the lyrics of "Big Yellow Taxi" (original version) is the following claim:

"DDT is a persistent organochlorine pesticide and is largely responsible for the great decrease in the reproductive capabilities and consequently in the populations of fish-eating birds, such as the bald eagle, brown pelican, and osprey. Because of DDT's effects on birds, the chemical has not been used in the United States since 1972, and can no longer be used except in cases of public health emergency. At the time Joni wrote this lyric (1967-68), the continued use of DDT was quite controversial. DDT is still used in several other areas of the world."

It's unfortunate that, like the Western majority, you've fallen prey to the anti-human myths about DDT, originating from the singular "authority" Rachel Carson.

I call the myths about DDT "anti-human" because environmental policies such as the policy of banning effective insecticides like DDT, which reduces malaria, actually constitute the oppression and murder of many of the world's poor.

Environmental policies such as this actually have one New Age goal: the eradication of scores of human beings in the name of "saving the planet." Millions upon millions of people have died as a result of bans on DDT, but the eco-radicals _don't care_. Indeed, that's precisely what they _want_. For example: Alexander King, founder of the Club of Rome, once said about DDT, "In Guyana, within two years it had almost eliminated malaria, but at the same time the birth rate had doubled. So my chief quarrel with DDT in hindsight is that it has greatly added to the population problem." (Juurd Eijsvoogel, "Alexander King, the Activist: The Human Lemmings," in Janny Groen, Eefke Smit, Juurd Eijsvoogel, ed., /The Discipline of Curiosity: Science in the World/ [New York: Elsevier, 1990], 43)

One might suppose that such views are only at the lunatic fringe of the environmental movement - in which case one should read the quotations here: http://wakeupcallpage.tumblr.com/post/38481443164/depopulation-eugenics-quotes

In his online article, "The Truth About DDT and /Silent Spring/," Robert Zubrin has written:

"While excellent literature, however, /Silent Spring/ was very poor science. Carson claimed that DDT was threatening many avian species with imminent extinction. Her evidence for this, however, was anecdotal and unfounded. In fact, during the period of widespread DDT use preceding the publication of /Silent Spring/, bird populations in the United States increased significantly, probably as a result of the pesticide's suppression of their insect disease vectors and parasites. In her chapter 'Elixirs of Death,' Carson wrote that synthetic insecticides can affect the human body in 'sinister and often deadly ways,' so that cumulatively, the 'threat of chronic poisoning and degenerative changes of the liver and other organs is very real.' In terms of DDT specifically, in her chapter on cancer she reported that one expert 'now gives DDT the definite rating of a "chemical carcinogen." ' [/Silent Spring/, pp. 16, 22, 225] These alarming assertions were false as well."
http://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/the-truth-about-ddt-and-silent-spring

Zubrin footnotes that last sentence with the following citation: "J. Gordon Edwards, 'DDT: A Case Study in Scientific Fraud,' /Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons/ 9, no. 3 (2004): 86." Edwards' study can be read here: http://www.jpands.org/vol9no3/edwards.pdf .

Zubrin goes on to debunk the standard myths about DDT: the false claims that it causes cancer, threatens birds with extinction, and threatens ocean life.

Zubrin closes his article with this reflection on the third of those myths:

"For the record, 1979 has come and gone, and life in the world's oceans has continued to flourish gloriously. But, as a result of the mendacity and actions of Carson, Ruckelshaus, Wurster, Ehrlich, and their allies, DDT has been banned, and hundreds of millions of people who might have lived to enjoy those oceans, to sail on them, fish in them, surf in them, or swim in them, to play on their beaches or write poems about their sunsets, are dead."

So, Ms. Mitchell, is this the "life-affirming" worldview to which you subscribe...?

Janey on

Miles and miles away from Hawaii and 'the pink hotel', the Sea Point Promenade in Cape Town (South Africa) is under threat from developers and our journos and writers to Editors of newspapers are still quoting "Big Yellow Taxi". See www.facebook/seafrontforall. Thanks Joni for your inspiring lyrics. What a pity that 33 years on, Cape Town and so many other places don't heed the call.