My favorite Joni Mitchell song is “Cactus Tree.” I always think about the lyric “she’s so busy being free,” and the way the protagonist can never settle down anywhere or with anyone because of how much she values her independence. This mix is full of songs (“Cactus Tree” included) about the price and payoff of going your own way.

Photo by Araki Nobuyoshi.

Illustration by Minna.

Illustration by Minna.