The legendary songwriter released a new watercolor animated music video for her song “River” in honor of the track’s 50th Anniversary. The video for the song, which is set at Christmastime and talks about loneliness, was directed by Matvey Rezanov.

“‘River’ expresses regret at the end of a relationship…but it’s also about being lonely at Christmas time…. A Christmas song for people who are lonely at Christmas!” Mitchell said in a statement. “We need a song like that.”

Mitchell’s social media share news about the new video, saying on Twitter, “Just in time for Christmas, Joni has debuted the first official music video for ‘River.’ This goes out especially to anyone who may be feeling lonely this Christmas. Stay safe & sound out there.”

The 78-year-old Canadian-born Hall of Fame artist released the song on her 1971 album, Blue. The piano-centric tune (which features a “Jingle Bells” lick) has become a standard for musicians to cover, even and perhaps especially around the holidays. It is thought to be inspired by her relationship with artist Graham Nash in the late-‘60s.

Recently, Mitchell was celebrated at this month’s  https://americansongwriter.com/the-kennedy-center-honors-joni-mitchell-bette-midler-berry-gordy-justino-diaz-and-lorne-michaels/" rel="nofollow - 44th Kennedy Center Awards . Others included Bette Midler, Berry Gordy, Justino Díaz and Lorne Michaels.

from https://americansongwriter.com