Meaning of "Both Sides Now" by Carly Rae Jepsen

In "Both Sides Now," Carly Rae Jepsen explores the complexities of growing up and coming to terms with the harsh realities of life, love, and relationships. The repeated motif of looking at things from "both sides now" suggests a shift in perspective from youthful naivety to a more mature understanding. The speaker moves from seeing clouds as whimsical and beautiful to recognizing them as obstacles and sources of disappointment. Similarly, the portrayal of love transitions from romantic idealism to disillusionment, where love is no longer pure and magical but rather a performance and a facade. The speaker's contemplation of life reveals a similar trajectory, from viewing it through the lens of dreams and aspirations to facing the harsh truth of loss and change. The song speaks to the universal experience of losing innocence and coming to terms with the complexities and challenges of adult life, relationships, and self-discovery.