This Flight Tonight

Joni Mitchell's 'This Flight Tonight' is a poignant exploration of regret, longing, and the complexities of love. The song begins with the narrator on a flight, looking out the window and reflecting on a past relationship. The imagery of a falling star burning up over the Las Vegas sands serves as a metaphor for a love that has faded or been lost. The star is not the one given by the lover, nor the guiding star for sailors, but a fleeting, burning moment that signifies something beautiful yet transient. This sets the tone for the narrator's deep sense of regret and yearning for what once was.

The chorus, with its repeated plea to 'turn this crazy bird around,' underscores the narrator's wish to undo their decision to leave. The use of 'starbright' as a term of endearment highlights the lover's unique and irreplaceable qualities. The narrator acknowledges the lover's gentle touch and critical look, revealing the complexity and duality of their relationship. The line 'sometimes I think love is just mythical' suggests a disillusionment with love, as if the narrator is grappling with the idea that true love might be an unattainable ideal.

As the song progresses, the narrator's sense of isolation becomes more pronounced. The blackness outside the plane window mirrors the emotional darkness they feel inside. Despite attempts to distract themselves with champagne and music, the narrator cannot escape thoughts of their lover. The final verses express a hope for reconciliation, with the narrator wishing for better circumstances when they meet again. The song closes with the same plea to turn the plane around, emphasizing the narrator's deep regret and desire to return to the past. Mitchell's evocative lyrics and haunting melody make 'This Flight Tonight' a powerful meditation on love, loss, and the enduring hope for redemption.