Joni Mitchell famously walked out on a performance during Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue tour after singing just one song, exemplifying her lifelong commitment to artistic integrity and personal wellbeing. The incident demonstrated her refusal to compromise the quality of her performances, even when it meant disappointing an audience, revealing her philosophy that health and authenticity took precedence over fulfilling show-business obligations.

Mitchell later explained that the Rolling Thunder Revue had taken a severe toll on her physical and mental state, describing the tour conditions as "heavy drama, no sleep – a circus" that caused her nervous system to deteriorate. Although she expressed deep regret at leaving the audience, she maintained that continuing would have been impossible under those circumstances. Despite this difficult period, Mitchell maintained her commitment to delivering exceptional performances throughout her career, later recording an acclaimed orchestral arrangement of 'Both Sides Now' that showcased her evolution as an artist.