I could drink a case of you, darling/
Still, I’d be on my feet/
I would still be on my feet.
In the first verse of Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You” she reveals her relationship is struggling. Her lover reveals that his love “is as constant as the northern star”. She doesn’t see it that way, “Constantly in the darkness…I’ll be in the bar”.
That’s funny stuff! As he speaks platitudes about his undying love for her she rolls her eyes and walks into the other room while making fun of him. Gently. But also not.
She wants him to know two things: 1)No matter what happens between them, she will come out on the other side of this okay. 2) she is intoxicated with him but she still wants a whole case of him and thinks she can handle it. She’s torn. That might not be the most romantic thing to tell a partner, but she is probably singing this to herself just as much.
Mitchell’s poetry is fantastic; maybe second only to Dylan. She writes personal observations and says them using language specific to her. And she then (sometimes) will universalize the message. She includes specific, literal descriptions of events she lived: In the sixth verse she talks about meeting his mother, she talks about the discussion in the bar, laying in bed with a map of Canada while doodling). It is almost like we’re there.
A Case Of You 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 so sweet, oh.
I could drink a case of you darling, and I would
Still be on my feet,
Oh, I would 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, you said,
“Love is touching souls”.
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, darling.
Still, I’d be on my feet,
I would 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, but you are in my blood, you’re my holy wine.
You’re so bitter
Bitter and so sweet, oh.
I could drink a case of you, darling.
Still, I’d be on my feet
I would still be on my feet.
Hmm
written by Joni Mitchell
