Lyric discussion by missterfairy 

Cover art for For Free lyrics by Joni Mitchell

A lovely song about buskers, but Im always disappointed when Joni puts herself down and even feels guilty for askin for money from her audience. The time I saw Joni live was worth every dollar.

I guess it sounds like she's putting herself down to you, but I don't hear it that way; she's just acknowledging the difference, and (by making a song about it) admiring the person who plays with no guaranteed income. Buskers play for free for most people who hear them, but it's not for lack of hope or means of getting paid -- they do go out there hoping to make money, they put out a can or a hat or a case for people to drop money into. It's just optional, unlike when you go to a theater or arena...