The Circle Game lyrics by Joni Mitchell, 1 meaning, official 2024 song lyrics | LyricsMode.com
Request & respond explanations
  • Don't understand the meaning of the song?
  • Highlight lyrics and request an explanation.
  • Click on highlighted lyrics to explain.
Joni Mitchell – The Circle Game lyrics
Yesterday, a child came out to wander
Caught a dragonfly inside a jar
Fearful when the sky was full of thunder
And tearful at the falling of a star

And the seasons they go 'round and 'round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look behind
From where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game

Then, the child moved ten times 'round the seasons
Skated over ten clear frozen streams
Words like, "When you're older", must appease him
And promises of someday make his dreams

And the seasons they go 'round and 'round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look behind
From where we came,
And go round and round and round
In the circle game

Sixteen springs and sixteen summers gone now
Cartwheels turn to car wheels through the town
And they tell him, "Take your time. It won't be long now.
'Til your drag your feet to slow the circles down"

And the seasons they go 'round and 'round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look behind
From where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game

So the years spin by and now the boy is twenty
Though his dreams have lost some grandeur coming true
There'll be new dreams, maybe better dreams and plenty
Before the last revolving year is through.

And the seasons they go 'round and 'round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return, we can only look behind
From where we came
And go round and 'round and 'round
In the circle game
And go 'round and 'round and 'round in the circle game.
×



Lyrics taken from /lyrics/j/joni_mitchell/the_circle_game.html

  • Email
  • Correct
Songwriters: Joni Mitchell
The Circle Game lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc.

The Circle Game meanings

  • U
    + 1
    Unregistered
    The overall direction and flow of our lives is not within our control: in a very real way we are just along for the ride. This is a cause not for sadness, but a call to seize the moment - all your moments - and dream your dreams. Only if you have the dream can it someday become your reality. What is the proof of this: any look back at any time will show that the dream and the effort are the only. . Game in town.
    Add your reply
    View -4 more meanings

    Write about your feelings and thoughts about The Circle Game

    Know what this song is about? Does it mean anything special hidden between the lines to you? Share your meaning with community, make it interesting and valuable. Make sure you've read our simple tips.
    U
    Min 50 words
    Not bad
    Good
    Awesome!

    Top meanings Post my meaning

    • U
      + 1
      Unregistered
      The overall direction and flow of our lives is not within our control: in a very real way we are... Read more →

    official video

    Featured lyrics

    0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z