The Folk-Rock Hero That Pushed Joni Mitchell To Explore Songwriting

Joni Mitchell is an individual in the truest sense of the word. Her musicianship is unlike anything that came before her and, though many try to emulate her, her individualism remains in tact. However, even an artist as distinctive as Mitchell got inspiration from somewhere. Find out which artist pushed Mitchell into becoming a singer, below.

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Bob Dylan’s Influence on Joni Mitchell’s Songwriting

Go away from my window
Leave at your own chosen speed
I’m not the one you want, babe
I’m not the one you need

You say you’re lookin’ for someone
Who’s never weak but always strong
To protect you and defend you
Whether you are right or wrong
Someone to open each and every door

Mitchell is considered a folk hero for many, but she also has heroes of her own. One such hero is Bob Dylan.

Dylan is considered a foundational figure in modern songwriting. He fused poetry and music in a way no artist had before. Mitchell, a lifelong artist, hadn’t considered becoming a musician until she heard Dylan’s unique songwriting.

“It was a hobby that mushroomed,” Mitchell once said. “I wrote poetry and I painted all my life. I always wanted to play music and dabbled with it, but I never thought of putting them all together. It never occurred to me. It wasn’t until Dylan began to write poetic songs that it occurred to me you could actually sing those poems.”

That “lightbulb moment” for Mitchell eventually became an enduring and revered career. Mitchell’s songwriting is perhaps even more singular than Dylan’s. There is no mistaking a Mitchell song when it comes on–with her jam-packed measures and prosaic lyrics.

However, we have to give credit where credit is due. Dylan changed the game, which paved the way for Mitchell to become the artist we know and love. Without Dylan taking creative risks, the world of songwriting wouldn’t be what it is today. Revisit one of Dylan’s biggest hits, “It Ain’t Me Babe”, below.

But it ain’t me, babe
No, no, no, it ain’t me, babe
It ain’t me you’re lookin’ for, babe

Go lightly from the ledge, babe
Go lightly on the ground
I’m not the one you want, babe
I’ll only let you down

(Photo by Watal Asanuma/Shinko Music/Getty Images)