Coyote

Joni Mitchell's 'Coyote' is a poetic exploration of a fleeting, complex relationship set against the backdrop of contrasting lifestyles. The song opens with a sense of resignation and acceptance, as Mitchell sings, 'No regrets coyote, we just come from such different sets of circumstance.' This line sets the tone for the entire song, highlighting the inherent differences between the two characters. Mitchell, a night owl immersed in the world of music and studios, contrasts sharply with the 'coyote,' a man tied to the early mornings and physical labor of ranch life. Despite their physical closeness, there's an emotional distance that neither can bridge, encapsulated in the line, 'Just how close to the bone and the skin and the eyes and the lips you can get, and still feel so alone.'

The song's narrative unfolds through vivid imagery and metaphor, painting scenes of transient encounters and fleeting moments of connection. The 'coyote' is depicted as a restless, wandering spirit, much like the animal itself. He is a 'prisoner of the white lines on the freeway,' a metaphor for the endless, aimless journey of life and love. This imagery is further enriched by scenes of a burning farmhouse, a local roadhouse, and a dance floor, each symbolizing moments of passion, chaos, and temporary escape. The coyote's behavior—pinning Mitchell in a corner, dragging her onto the dance floor—reflects a desperate, almost predatory need for connection, despite having other commitments.

Mitchell's lyrics also delve into the internal struggles and contradictions of the characters. The coyote's eyes, 'just like yours under your dark glasses,' suggest a hidden vulnerability and a shared sense of searching for something more. The song's closing lines, 'Either he's going to have to stand and fight or take off out of here,' encapsulate the coyote's existential dilemma. Mitchell herself grapples with her own desires and the 'flame' ignited by this elusive figure, ultimately recognizing that both are 'prisoners of the white lines on the freeway.' The song is a poignant reflection on the complexities of love, freedom, and the human condition, wrapped in Mitchell's signature blend of folk and jazz influences.