What’s a “carbon ribbon ride ?

[Huzo]

In the Joni Mitchell song “Coyote”.
BTW..
I love the line..
”A prisoner of the white lines on the freeway...”

[LowRyter]

https://musicaficionado.blog/2016/05/30/coyote-by-joni-mitchell/

[Huzo]

https://musicaficionado.blog/2016/05/30/coyote-by-joni-mitchell/

Still dunno what carbon ribbon rides are.

[cliffrod]

My opinion- she's recording music, so it's a reference to taking a metaphoric spin or ride on the tape of her reel-to-reel tape recorder. 

Edit- probably should correct/expand-  I think the reel-to-reel where she is, because that's her world.   others might only be in their office typing about the world, so they're riding the carbon ribbon of their typewriters to record & express their view of things. 

In general, a line (white lines on the highway, tape on reel to reel, black ribbon tape on typewriter and those lines or boundaries suggested as the parameters or lack thereof of relationships, social norms, etc) is a common theme throughout the whole song.

[Huzo]

My opinion- she's recording music, so it's a reference to taking a metaphoric spin or ride on the tape of her reel-to-reel tape recorder. 

Edit- probably should correct/expand-  I think the reel-to-reel where she is, because that's her world.   others might only be in their office typing about the world, so they're riding the carbon ribbon of their typewriters to record & express their view of things. 

In general, a line (white lines on the highway, tape on reel to reel, black ribbon tape on typewriter and those lines or boundaries suggested as the parameters or lack thereof of relationships, social norms, etc) is a common theme throughout the whole song.

Well said mate. Has the sound of correctness about it.

[Kane]

Yes, it’s a type of typewriter ribbon.
I guess Coyote is a typer.

[cliffrod]

I like the larger theme of freedom within the boundaries that define you.

I could never imagine having a certain type of life experience that others choose, but understand that many of them look at me the same way.  People tend to do whatever they think will free them from whatever they don't want binding them.  If you don't realize the freedom within the boundaries that define your world, you'll  never be free at all. 

Can you imagine Joni Mitchell in a cubicle for a career?  Can you imagine your favorite CPA or ?? on stage singing? Being free between the boundaries is lots easier than crossing the boundaries to be something you're not.