Kristin Lems: Song Lyrics

You know who I'm talking about, don't you? My fantasy is to sing this in Central Park, as the warmup act for Judy Collins, Joni Mitchell, and Joan Baez, appearing together for the first time. Truly, each one of them means so much to me, and had such an incredible influence on me as a performer -- bouquets to them all!

I had three models when I was young
What a great crowd I traveled among
It’s time that their influence on me was sung
Judy and Joni and Joan

It was the best of times, the worst of times too
We all did the very best that we could do
But through tears and fears their voices rang through
Judy and Joni and Joan

chorus:
Both sides now, amazing grace
Chelsea morning shining on my face
Diamonds and rust all over the place
Carry me home

I found Joan first, met her through some friends
She wore no makeup and a peasant dress
With a voice of such worldly innocence
Judy and Joni and Joan

When I came across Judy, she was sweet but strong
Looking deep with Judy blue eyes into what was wrong
And raising her voice in a tremulous song
Judy and Joni and Joan

Joni was a case unto her own self
Magic musings and tunings, an endless wealth
With her paintings, her poems, and her mysteries to delve
Judy and Joni and Joan

We were folksingers all, the novice was me
I listened and learned from them faithfully
The three Madonnas were my Trinity
Judy and Joni and Joan

Joan sparked my desire to sing out for what’s right
Judy said, a touch of elegance can bring delight
Joni winked and said, be yourself, it’s all right
Judy and Joni and Joan

Three strong women, three lives so true
Three voices in the storm, three hearts true blue
Now I raise mine in thanks to the three of you
Judy and Joni and Joan.
I had three models when I was young
What a great crowd I traveled among
It’s time their influence on me was sung
Judy and Joni and Joan...
Singing me home.