North
Joan Baez · Other Songs - Joan Baez
Where icicles hung the blossoms swing,
But in my heart there is no spring.
You were my spring, my summer too,
It's always winter without you.
The flocks head north and the lilacs bloom,
At night they scent my moonlit room.
You were my spring, my summer too,
I'm going north to look for you.
Like a windblown bird my heart goes forth,
Sent by the spring to the shining north.
You are my spring, my summer too,
And I won't rest till I find you.
© 1967 Robbins Music Corporation and Chandos Music (ASCAP)
Rights throughout the world controlled by Robbins Music Corporation
North - Joan Baez
Joan Baez's 1964 recording of 'North' stands as a defining moment in her folk repertoire, blending traditional balladry with her signature acoustic guitar work. The song, often associated with the era of the Civil Rights Movement, reflects the social consciousness prevalent in her discography during the mid-1960s. Baez's clear, emotive vocal delivery transforms the material into a poignant narrative about longing and distance, characteristic of her ability to reinterpret folk songs for contemporary audiences. This recording exemplifies her commitment to using music as a vehicle for storytelling and social commentary, cementing her status as a pivotal figure in American folk history. The track remains a staple of her catalog, showcasing the lyrical depth and musical integrity that defined her career.