I love the song “Both Sides, Now” and this morning was sadly inspired by Trump’s continued bluster to write this parody. The song was written by Joni Mitchell and first released by Judy Collins in 1969.

Rows and flows of angel hair

And white flights in the air

And unfettered vitriol everywhere

I’ve looked at hate that way

But now it only blocks the sun

Haters rail and hinder everyone

So many things I would have done

But hate got in my way

I’ve looked at hate from both sides now

From give and take and still somehow

It’s hate’s delusions I recall

I really don’t know the good side,  not at all

Tears and fears and feeling proud

To say, white power right out loud

Nationalist dreams and schemes and mobbing crowds

I’ve looked at the Klan that way

But now old friends are acting strange

They shake their heads, and say they won’t change

Well something’s lost but something’s gained 

In living every day

I’ve looked at the Klan from both sides now

From lynchings to tiki torches and still somehow

It’s hate crimes and terrorism that I recall

I really don’t know the good, not at all

Rows and rows of minorities there

In the castle dungeons everywhere

And it’s the end of urban nightmares

I’ve looked at death penalties that way

But now when DNA is done

Too many are freed before they’re gone

And too many lives were lost that way

Because justice was delayed

I’ve looked the Five from both sides now

From Ken and Ava and still somehow

It’s DNA conclusions I recall

I really don’t see Trump’s point, not at all

Years of jeers and being proud

Of being sexist right out loud

Memes and schemes and circus crowds

I’ve looked at Trump that way

But now it’s just another show

Trump leaves Europe laughing when he goes

And if you care, please let them know

Don’t give America away

I’ve looked at Trump from both sides now

From TV to White House and still somehow

It’s Trump’s lies that I recall

I really don’t know his appeal, not at all

If you’re unfamiliar with the song, here are two versions: