There has been a long-standing debate about Joni Mitchell’s song, “Free Man in Paris,” and whether it was written about David Geffen, the powerful music executive who co-founded Asylum Records and Geffen Records. The song was released in 1974 as part of her album, Court and Spark.
Background
Joni Mitchell and David Geffen had a close relationship during the 1970s. Not only was Geffen Mitchell’s manager at the time, but he was also a close friend. In fact, Geffen is often cited as one of the inspirations behind the song “Free Man in Paris.”
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Free Man in Paris” are certainly open to interpretation. The song tells the story of a man who is able to escape his hectic life by traveling to Paris. He is free from the worries that come with success and fame.
One verse goes:
“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 them 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”
These lyrics suggest that the person being described is someone who is successful but constantly under pressure. There are many people vying for his attention and he is constantly being pulled in different directions.
Is It About David Geffen?
While Joni Mitchell has never confirmed that “Free Man in Paris” is specifically about David Geffen, many fans and critics believe that this is indeed the case. The song’s lyrics seem to describe someone who is very similar to Geffen – successful, powerful, and constantly under pressure.
Additionally, Mitchell has said in interviews that the song was inspired by a conversation she had with a friend who was trying to convince her to go on a trip to Paris. She was hesitant at first, but eventually decided to go and found the experience to be very liberating.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether or not “Free Man in Paris” is about David Geffen is up for debate. However, there are certainly many similarities between the lyrics of the song and Geffen’s life at the time. Regardless of who the song is about, it remains one of Joni Mitchell’s most beloved tracks and a testament to her talent as both a songwriter and performer.
- References:
- https://www.songfacts.com/facts/joni-mitchell/free-man-in-paris
- https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/joni-mitchell-free-man-in-paris/
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