Monday, March 17, 2008 9:30 PM
The song is known for its environmental statement (from the lyrics "Paved paradise to put up a parking lot", "Hey farmer, farmer, put away that DDT now") and sentimental sound. The line, "Took all the trees, put 'em in a tree museum/And charged the people a dollar and a half just to see 'em" refers to
Foster Botanical Garden in downtown Honolulu, which is a living museum of tropical plants, some rare and endangered.
In the song's final verse, the political gives way to the personal. Mitchell recounts the departure of her "old man" in the titular "big yellow taxi", referring to the old Toronto Police Service patrol cars that until 1986 were painted yellow. In many covers the departed one may be interpreted as variously a boyfriend, a husband, or a father. The literal interpretation is that he is walking out on the singer by taking a taxi; otherwise it is assumed he is being taken away by the authorities.
I think it speaks volumes about how society is just screwing up all the simple beuty in the world. Jonni is relating this to an ex boyfriend.I think this song is just about not taking for granted the things you have.She goes into how the environment is being exploited and wasted by people, and transitions into catching herself doing the same thing to someone she loves. this song is about living every moment to its fullest and appreciating everything...because tomorrow something you love could be gone and you never know how important something is to you until its gone
SPONGEBOB was here (:
