In 1996, speaking to journalist Robert Hilburn, Joni Mitchell said this about writing the song: I wrote 'Big Yellow Taxi' on my first trip to Hawaii.

I took a taxi to the hotel and when I woke up the next morning, I threw back the curtains and saw these beautiful green mountains in the distance.

Mitchell's original recording was first released as a single and then, as stated above, included on her 1970 album Ladies of the Canyon.

Billboard regarded the live version as "more full of life" than any of the singles Mitchell released in a long time.

[7] Cash Box called the live version "a great rendition of this excellent lyrical song.

In 2007, Joni Mitchell released the album Shine, which includes a newly recorded, rearranged version of the song.

Grant's version featured slightly altered lyrics, which she changed at Joni Mitchell's request.

Originally, the song was a hidden track on the band's 2002 album Hard Candy, and it did not include Carlton until it was to be featured in the film.

The original version of the song without Carlton was included on the album Nolee Mix, which was released to promote the My Scene dolls.

The music video features the Counting Crows performing on a boardwalk in Coney Island, New York.

Several people are shown looking back at mirages of past relationships or friendships that they regret losing.

Meanwhile, a yellow taxi drives through the streets, calling the attention of the Crows, Carlton, and the former couples.

[38] The review derided the cover as having paved paradise (Mitchell's original song) and put up a parking lot.

Adam, we don't know if you misunderstood the song's anti-globalization, anti-industrialization, anti-corporation message, or just chose to ignore it so you could get free Frappucinos for life.

You drove your shitty steamroller over something everyone loved so you could pander your sensitive pussyhound whine to people waiting in line at the Carl's Jr.

[40] In April 2022, American Songwriter ranked "Big Yellow Taxi" at number 10 on their list of "The Top 10 Counting Crows Songs".