The article highlights four examples of exceptional lyricism by female folk singers, focusing on Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez and Carly Simon. It argues that these songs remain powerful because they explore love, memory, ageing, honesty and changing perspectives with emotional intelligence.

– Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” reflects on how experience changes one’s understanding of love.
– Joan Baez’s “Diamonds and Rust”, inspired by her relationship with Bob Dylan, examines the mixed emotions attached to past memories.
– Mitchell’s “The Circle Game” presents growing up as an unavoidable cycle of change, written partly in response to Neil Young’s “Sugar Mountain”.
– Carly Simon’s “We Have No Secrets” explores the tension between honesty and emotional fulfilment in relationships.