Eletricity

Joni Mitchell's song 'Electricity' delves into the complexities of relationships and the challenges of communication and understanding. The lyrics use metaphors related to electrical systems to illustrate the difficulties and breakdowns that can occur between two people. The 'minus' and 'plus' represent two individuals who are out of sync, unable to connect properly. The imagery of leaves falling and a pond over-icing suggests a cold, loveless environment where communication has failed, and the relationship is in a state of disrepair.

The song continues with the metaphor of a malfunctioning electrical system, where the 'masking tape tangles' and 'copper' symbolize the messy and complicated nature of trying to fix a broken relationship. The 'technical manual' being busy implies that there is no easy solution or guide to mend the issues. The flashlight and candle represent attempts to shed light on the problems, seeking understanding and solutions, but the process is far from straightforward. The repeated refrain 'She's not going to fix it up too easy' underscores the difficulty and perhaps the futility of trying to repair something so fundamentally broken.

Mitchell also reflects on a time when the relationship was vibrant and full of energy, described as 'floodlit' with 'input-output-electricity.' However, the 'lines overloaded' and 'sparks started flying,' leading to conflict and disconnection. The song poignantly captures the longing for resolution and the pain of unresolved issues, as the woman 'begs him to show her how to fix it again.' The song he once sang to soothe her now runs through her circuits 'like a heartbeat,' indicating that the memories and emotions are still very much alive, even if the relationship is not easily repairable. 'Electricity' is a powerful exploration of the fragile connections that bind us and the challenges of maintaining them in the face of inevitable breakdowns.