5 Facts About Joni Mitchell’s Misprinted Album Cover

The original title was Song to a Seagull, spelled out by birds in flight on the cover. A printing error cut off part of the title, leaving only the word “Song” visible.

The album was released under the eponymous title Joni Mitchell instead. This was not the artist’s intention, but the misprint became the official cover.

The error occurred during the manufacturing process. The birds forming the full title were cropped out, making the cover incomplete.

Mitchell later expressed frustration with the mistake. She felt the original title and design were important to the album’s concept.

The misprinted cover is now a collector’s item. Original pressings with the error are sought after by fans and record collectors.