> Thanks everyone for your thoughts on this. I know I'm trying to be a little > too analytical about this. Joni's meanings (in her best songs) are conveyed > implicitly, not obviously.
Well at the risk of being overly analytical and of repeating myself, I'm going to weigh in on this one. To me the whole song is about searching for happiness or fulfillment or peace of mind or some sign that will point to one or all of those things. Joni has followed many signs and paths at this point of her life, looking for that meaning or answer but they have all been false alarms. The 6 jet planes - not a mystical sign, just a false alarm. Traveling around from place to place - no answers or happiness, just picture post card charms - another false alarm. Fame and fortune or striving for a great achievement like Icarus or Amelia - not enough, one more false alarm. Falling out of those rarefied clouds down to earth and falling in love - the good part doesn't last, maybe she doesn't even know how to love - another cruel and crushing false alarm. My two cents. Mark E in Seattle Who likes 'nice kitty, kitty' and can't understand why it's such a crime for Joni to throw in a light line or two. Or (Goddess forbid!) write a whole song that's just playful and fun.
