Big Yellow Taxi

During a trip to Hawaii, written by famous recording artist Joni Mitchell was inspired to write the song, Big Yellow Taxi. Her inspiration was derived from her view of the Pacific mountains. The mountains were marvelous and stretched beautifully across the land. She recalls looking out her hotel window only to see a parking lot. However, the scenery behind the parking lot was nothing she could describe, it was paradise, hence the lyrics to her song, "They paved paradise to put up a parking lot." The tone of the song is very sentimental and enjoyable to listen to. Although, many people have heard this song while listening to the radio, for the most part the meaning behind Joni Mitchell's lyrics is not understood. Having that said, some may still wonder, what does this song refer to? The song, Big Yellow Taxi reflects the artist's concern for our environment.

Throughout the entire song the artist is focused on mother nature. She is saddened that we are taking away from the land's natural beauty. In reality, the song Big Yellow Taxi provides us with an important life lesson of not to take things for granted. We all should be aware that construction sites and the pesticide DDT (also mentioned in her song) destroys our environment; "… you don't know what you've got until it's gone."
Video below is remade by Counting Crows.