Carey
Carey

Joni Mitchell - Carey Lyrics

Singer/Songwriter
Feb 12, 2013
157
Carey Music Video

Carey Lyrics

The wind is in from Africa
Last night I couldn't sleep
Oh, you know it sure is hard to leave here, Carey
But it's really not my home
My fingernails are filthy
I've got beach tar on my feet
And I miss my clean white linen and my fancy French cologne

Oh Carey, get out your cane (Carey, get out your cane)
And I'll put on some silver (I'll put on some silver)
Oh, you're a mean old Daddy, but I like you fine

Come on down to the Mermaid Cafe
And I will buy you a bottle of wine
And we'll laugh and toast to nothing and
Smash our empty glasses down
Let's have a round for these freaks and these soldiers
A round for these friends of mine
Let's have another round for the bright red devil, who
Keeps me in this tourist town

Come on, Carey, get out your cane (Carey, get out your cane)
And I'll put on some silver (I'll put on some silver)
Oh, you're a mean old Daddy, but I like you
I like you, I like you, I like you

Maybe I'll go to Amsterdam
Or maybe I'll go to Rome
And rent me a grand piano and put some flowers 'round my room
But let's not talk about fare-thee-wells now
The night is a starry dome
And they're playin' that scratchy rock and roll
Beneath the Matala Moon

Come on, Carey, get out your cane (Carey, get out your cane)
And I'll put on some silver (I'll put on some silver)
You're a mean old Daddy, but I like you

The wind is in from Africa
Last night I couldn't sleep
Oh, you know it sure is hard to leave here, but it's
Really not my home
Maybe it's been too long a time since I was
Scramblin' down in the street
Now they got me used to that clean white linen and that
Fancy French cologne

Oh Carey, get out your cane (Carey, get out your cane)
I'll put on my finest silver (I'll put on some silver)
We'll go to the Mermaid Cafe, have fun tonight
I said, oh, you're a mean old Daddy, but you're out of sight

Writer(s): Joni Mitchell
Copyright(s): Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who is the song 'Carey' by Joni Mitchell about?

    'Carey' is about Cary Raditz, a red-haired American cook whom Joni Mitchell met while living in a hippie community in Matala, Crete. They spent time together during her travels in Europe after her relationship with Graham Nash ended.

  2. Where did Joni Mitchell write 'Carey'?

    Joni Mitchell wrote the first version of 'Carey' while staying in Matala, Crete. She was inspired by her experiences and the people she met there, particularly Cary Raditz.

  3. What instruments are featured in the original recording of 'Carey'?

    The original recording of 'Carey' features Joni Mitchell playing the Appalachian dulcimer, with Stephen Stills on bass and acoustic guitar.

  4. Was 'Carey' ever released as a single?

    'Carey' was released as a single and debuted at number 93 on the Billboard Chart on September 4, 1971. Although it lasted just one week on the chart, it remains one of Joni Mitchell's most enduring and popular songs.

  5. Did Joni Mitchell perform different versions of 'Carey'?

    Yes, Joni Mitchell performed different interpretations of 'Carey'. Notably, she recorded a reggae/ska version backed by Tom Scott & The LA Express for her 1974 live album Miles of Aisles. This version received mixed reviews.

  6. What is significant about the Mermaid Cafe mentioned in 'Carey'?

    'Mermaid Cafe,' mentioned in the song, was an actual cafe in Matala where Cary Raditz worked as a cook. It was a popular spot for hippies who lived in caves nearby during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

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