“Both Sides Now” was written by Joni Mitchell in 1967, but was recorded first by Judy Collins in 1967. Joni Mitchell recorded her version only in 1969. The song is about how simple and exciting life can be in our youth, but then in adulthood the harsh reality sets in.
Solomon wrote about that dilemma as his journey was coming to a conclusion.
Ecclesiastics 1:2-4
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher;
“Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”
What profit has a man from all his labor
In which he toils under the sun?
One generation passes away, and another generation comes;
But the earth abides forever.
The final chapter of that book gives the answer. I won’t quote it, but pray you will take the time to investigate it for yourself.
We might be driving cars instead of riding donkeys, but the problem of understanding life is just as elusive. The only instrument that can help tremendously is looking at life through the lens of Scripture.
Think about it.
Gary