One of the most emotionally powerfully draining song about his friend’s taking of her own life. You could react to 30 of James songs and still have another 30 or 40 more great tunes to react to.Some other fantastic songs by James are Mexico, Suite For 20g, Sunny Skies, Country Road, You’ve Got a Friend which was written by his good friend Carole King.
Suzanne was a friend he had when he was in a psych ward kicking heroine. the staff put her in isolation as part of her treatment, but that was too much on her and she committed suicide. the second verse where he says "see me thru another day, my bodies aching and my time is at hand" tells of the pain from opioid withdrawal . third verse "sweet dreams and flying machines× ,flying machines was the name of the band he was putting together at the time.
James Taylor is a different level, even the Beatles promoted him as the next best thing but he suffered from serious drug issues. here's a solis list to start with. Walking man, Carolina in my mind, how sweet it is, Mexico, Sweet baby James, You've got a friend.
Sweet Baby James, and that's another his songs. An original with many meaningful songs and that sweet, sweet voice. Still performs and sounds great. Thanks for sharing.
James Taylor has the sweetest, purest voice ever. Besides being a great songwriter and guitarist, I think he's one of the greatest vocalists ever. There's not much else that could be said about him. I think my favorite song by JT is Walking Man or Country Road, or Steamroller Blues (don't play Steamroller on YT or you'll be demonitized).
Expressive. That was a masterful choice of words to describe this song. I was a teenager when this was released and I am always happy to hear it again. Nice job on this one. Thank you.
After hearing this Carole King,who has been besties with Taylor forever wrote the massive song “ You’ve Got a Friend” for him & graciously let him release his version before hers dropped. That should be your next listen
James Taylor took his guitar to Lewiston, ME to sing the Star Spangled Banner at the local football game in Memorium of those lost in the shooting. That's the knd of guy he is.
James Taylor also has a great duet with JD Souther named "Her Town Too". And, in '79 JD Souther wrote and sang the awesome love ballad "You're Only Lonely".
Fun fact: James Taylor was the first artist to sign with the Beatles' record label, Apple Records, in 1970. If you like those thundering drums, give a reaction to the 1971 Grammy award winning song, Anticipation by Carly Simon! She and James married in 1973.
I have always loved James Taylor and his stunningly beautiful music. I’m glad you reacted to him and this song. Your interpretation was right on point. Thanks again, I love your insight.
The song follows Taylor's reaction to the suicide of Suzanne Schnerr, a childhood friend, and his experiences with drug addiction and fame. After its release, "Fire and Rain" peaked at number two on RPM's Canada Top Singles chart and at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.
You're spot on but it's heroin that he's referencing. I'm 70 yrs old and Heroin was raging in the streets! Mainly brought back originally by vets from Viet Nam. They got hooked over there because the situation was so messed up. I remember participating in "sit in's), locking ourselves to statues in protest. Unfortunately that's the origin of the popularity of the drug. It was always here. I really love these young UA-camrs exploring some of the best music ever.
J.T. spent some time in his youth in a mental institution. He had a female friend in there with him who I think committed suicide. This song is for her. He was also a heroin addict when he was a young man. He’s been through a lot. Maybe that’s why I can feel his soul in every song he has written and sung a song. He was married to singer, Carly Simon and they had a son, Ben and a daughter, Sally.
Are you a minister, J? If not you should be. Not of the same faith as you, but you express yours so well it makes me wanna believe. Yeah, and the line "Lord knows when the cold wind blows, it'll turn yr head around" is one of all-time faves. JT is a deep rabbit hole and you're gonna enjoy exploring this beautiful artist's music son!
Amen Brother. As I recall the song touches on his real life experiences. The first verse about his friend Suzanne who he had learned died and I believe at her own hands. Later verses touch on his addiction - look down upon me Jesus you got to help me make a stand.
Love James Taylor. What a great singer songwriter. His style is more folk rock. I grew up with his music & had some of his records. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Some other hits were "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)", "Handy Man", "Sweet Baby James", "Carolina in My Mind", "Shower the People", "Your Smiling Face" etc. He was married at one time to Carly Simon. They had a few duets together including "Mockingbird" & "Devoted to You".
This song is just so.....life....you know what I mean? Just relatable to everyone's life. Absolutely one of my favorites. Good choice! ❤ You should try some Jim Croce, The Mama's & The Papas, or Mungo Jerry (this one would have to be In The Summertime, great vibes) ❤
Exceptional guitar skills, lyrics and melodic vocals are the standard for James Taylor.... Discovered and signed to Apple Records by Paul McCartney and married to Carly Simon. His life hasn't been all fire and rain since this song hit the radios.
Getting up there in age, but still puts on a great show. A bit more humor in his shows, but it's great, timely humor. So him last week in NH (5th time) and wasn't disappointed at all. Great outdoor venue
Joni Mitchell's song: BLUE is thought to have been written to/about James Taylor with whom she had a romantic relationship. Anything from that album (BLUE)would be worth a reaction; River A case of you All i want Blue
@JMBOYTV That's right, you reacted to All I Want from her BLUE album. And you really liked her. And James Taylor accompanied her on that song. I hope you'll continue to explore Joni's music. Thanks -
another 'real as it gets song to check out is 'needle and the damage done ' by Neil Young . most choose the live video version ,but think the album version is better
Hi JMB,I have a request. Not a Patreon as I got laid off last September and haven't been able to land anything since, which is a bit tough at 61. Anyway, while I loved my 80's music, this band was a little different than most. Love and Rockets put out 7 albums from 1985-1995. This song packs a ton into only 3 and a half minutes. No New Tale to Tell from the 1987 album Earth Sun Moon. Thx, Jon
I guess the question I would have is who sets the standard of what “good” is? In a universe where everything is coincidence and we are all just primordial soup, who can say what is “good” or “bad”? If we go by survival of the fittest then whatever I can do to increase my position in the world is good for me. Maybe that includes lying, cheating, deceptive practices, etc., doesn’t really matter as long as I make sure my family is well off. In fact it makes the most sense especially if I can get away with it. I personally believe that God gave us a standard that is universal. The Bible (to me) is what helps us fine tune that standard. And by the they way I am not speaking to you judgmentally or aggressively. Just participating in healthy civil debate no malice intended.
impossible for me to listen to this man without extremely mixed reactions at this point in my life. i was forced to listen to his album of "american standards" on sirius xm at work, and it was dreadful. his version of "lucky old sun" was nothing compared to frank sinatra's; and i realized that this man has never suffered any adversity that was not self-inflicted.
One of the most emotionally powerfully draining song about his friend’s taking of her own life. You could react to 30 of James songs and still have another 30 or 40 more great tunes to react to.Some other fantastic songs by James are Mexico, Suite For 20g, Sunny Skies, Country Road, You’ve Got a Friend which was written by his good friend Carole King.
Suzanne was a friend he had when he was in a psych ward kicking heroine. the staff put her in isolation as part of her treatment, but that was too much on her and she committed suicide. the second verse where he says "see me thru another day, my bodies aching and my time is at hand" tells of the pain from opioid withdrawal . third verse "sweet dreams and flying machines× ,flying machines was the name of the band he was putting together at the time.
James Taylor is a different level, even the Beatles promoted him as the next best thing but he suffered from serious drug issues. here's a solis list to start with.
Walking man, Carolina in my mind, how sweet it is, Mexico, Sweet baby James, You've got a friend.
Sweet Baby James, and that's another his songs.
An original with many meaningful songs and that sweet, sweet voice.
Still performs and sounds great.
Thanks for sharing.
WOW! No baby James? Amazing. Glad you have at last found him. Sweet Dreams.
James Taylor has the sweetest, purest voice ever. Besides being a great songwriter and guitarist, I think he's one of the greatest vocalists ever. There's not much else that could be said about him. I think my favorite song by JT is Walking Man or Country Road, or Steamroller Blues (don't play Steamroller on YT or you'll be demonitized).
Expressive. That was a masterful choice of words to describe this song. I was a teenager when this was released and I am always happy to hear it again. Nice job on this one. Thank you.
After hearing this Carole King,who has been besties with Taylor forever wrote the massive song “ You’ve Got a Friend” for him & graciously let him release his version before hers dropped. That should be your next listen
Agreed!
James Taylor took his guitar to Lewiston, ME to sing the Star Spangled Banner at the local football game in Memorium of those lost in the shooting. That's the knd of guy he is.
James Taylor also has a great duet with JD Souther named "Her Town Too". And, in '79 JD Souther wrote and sang the awesome love ballad "You're Only Lonely".
Fun fact: James Taylor was the first artist to sign with the Beatles' record label, Apple Records, in 1970. If you like those thundering drums, give a reaction to the 1971 Grammy award winning song, Anticipation by Carly Simon! She and James married in 1973.
Check it out! ua-cam.com/video/tInGUSQadCQ/v-deo.html
An icon. Many many other great songs. '
James is smooth as silk!
Another great reaction from you. One of my favorites from James Taylor is "Mexico".
I have always loved James Taylor and his stunningly beautiful music. I’m glad you reacted to him and this song. Your interpretation was right on point. Thanks again, I love your insight.
straight out of North Carolina! he represents us so good!
You are so smart, sharp, and succinct in your musical reactions. Really awesome all the time! Thnx for being you!
Cheers to all on deck here....
I appreciate that!
The song follows Taylor's reaction to the suicide of Suzanne Schnerr, a childhood friend, and his experiences with drug addiction and fame. After its release, "Fire and Rain" peaked at number two on RPM's Canada Top Singles chart and at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.
You're spot on but it's heroin that he's referencing. I'm 70 yrs old and Heroin was raging in the streets! Mainly brought back originally by vets from Viet Nam. They got hooked over there because the situation was so messed up. I remember participating in "sit in's), locking ourselves to statues in protest. Unfortunately that's the origin of the popularity of the drug. It was always here.
I really love these young UA-camrs exploring some of the best music ever.
SHOWER THE PEOPLE ❤❤Another great one from JT.
J.T. spent some time in his youth in a mental institution. He had a female friend in there with him who I think
committed suicide. This song is for her. He was also a heroin addict when he was a young man. He’s been through a lot. Maybe that’s why I can feel his soul in every song he has written and sung a song. He was married to singer, Carly Simon and they had a son, Ben and a daughter, Sally.
I feel so lucky i found your channe I love you reactions and more. Such smart and unique perspectives of music. Welcome to the hippie side of life!
Been listening to JT for a long time. Been following JC for a long time too. Thanks for your reaction. James Taylor has a lot of outstanding songs.
Amen brother!
Are you a minister, J? If not you should be. Not of the same faith as you, but you express yours so well it makes me wanna believe. Yeah, and the line "Lord knows when the cold wind blows, it'll turn yr head around" is one of all-time faves. JT is a deep rabbit hole and you're gonna enjoy exploring this beautiful artist's music son!
His albums are great. Some songs of his that I like are,
Hey Mister, That’s Me Up On the Jukebox, I Was a Fool To Care, Sweet Baby James.
A great soothing voice. His songs helped me get through tough times. Thank you for your reaction.
This is an album that must be listened to fully. ✌️❤️🤟🥁
Amen Brother. As I recall the song touches on his real life experiences. The first verse about his friend Suzanne who he had learned died and I believe at her own hands. Later verses touch on his addiction - look down upon me Jesus you got to help me make a stand.
❤❤ I've always loved James Taylor❤❤
Amen !!!
Excellent review, brother!
What an outstanding choice. It brings back alot of memories good and bad.
Thanks.
Love it.
James Taylor.
Now there’s another cool cat. He has many great songs!
I've been loving your channel. I have been binge watching your videos. I love how insightful and intelligent you are.
Thank you!
God bless you, brother! Preach it!
Great analysis, as always! Love sharing your journey of discovery through the music I grew up with !
❤🎉
Love James Taylor. What a great singer songwriter. His style is more folk rock. I grew up with his music & had some of his records. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Some other hits were "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)", "Handy Man", "Sweet Baby James", "Carolina in My Mind", "Shower the People", "Your Smiling Face" etc. He was married at one time to Carly Simon. They had a few duets together including "Mockingbird" & "Devoted to You".
Shower The People is another great song of his
Have to add “Carolina On My Mind”
This song is just so.....life....you know what I mean? Just relatable to everyone's life. Absolutely one of my favorites. Good choice! ❤ You should try some Jim Croce, The Mama's & The Papas, or Mungo Jerry (this one would have to be In The Summertime, great vibes) ❤
The lyrics about "look down upon me Jesus..." are about his past heroin addiction.
Not past, it was a current addiction. Taylor didn't quit until after his 11 year marriage to Carly.
Noeline Hofmann | "Purple Gas she going to be BIG thing in country
Exceptional guitar skills, lyrics and melodic vocals are the standard for James Taylor.... Discovered and signed to Apple Records by Paul McCartney and married to Carly Simon. His life hasn't been all fire and rain since this song hit the radios.
❤
Try, “Mexico” and “Carolina On My Mind.” The genius of JT will be with us forever.
Great insights. Nicely done, young man. And you're 100% correct about Jesus. Props.
Try listening to another of his hits: "Sweet Baby James".
Getting up there in age, but still puts on a great show. A bit more humor in his shows, but it's great, timely humor. So him last week in NH (5th time) and wasn't disappointed at all. Great outdoor venue
HIs shows are still fantastic! I have seen many times over the years.I will be seeing him again in Sept
Jackson Browne’s For a Dancer. Similar theme.
I have been a member here since forever. I come here to escape tings like Christian proselytizing. Darn it. I really liked it here.
I can only speak from what I know…. If you don’t like what I believe, can’t blame you. I’m sure there’s plenty of other great channels out there…
Joni Mitchell's song: BLUE is thought to have been written to/about James Taylor with whom she had a romantic relationship.
Anything from that album (BLUE)would be worth a reaction;
River
A case of you
All i want
Blue
I definitely want to do more Joni! ua-cam.com/video/L0tTALL29lY/v-deo.html
@JMBOYTV
That's right, you reacted to All I Want from her BLUE album. And you really liked her. And James Taylor accompanied her on that song.
I hope you'll continue to explore Joni's music.
Thanks -
Thanks for your witness to the Real Lord Jesus Christ - He is the only hope we have!
another 'real as it gets song to check out is 'needle and the damage done ' by Neil Young . most choose the live video version ,but think the album version is better
You really seem to understand the meaning of the songs.
Hi JMB,I have a request. Not a Patreon as I got laid off last September and haven't been able to land anything since, which is a bit tough at 61.
Anyway, while I loved my 80's music, this band was a little different than most. Love and Rockets put out 7 albums from 1985-1995. This song packs a ton into only 3 and a half minutes.
No New Tale to Tell from the 1987 album Earth Sun Moon.
Thx, Jon
I'm an atheist , but I love this song . You don't have to believe in 'organized religion' to stand on your own two feet and be a good person .
I guess the question I would have is who sets the standard of what “good” is? In a universe where everything is coincidence and we are all just primordial soup, who can say what is “good” or “bad”? If we go by survival of the fittest then whatever I can do to increase my position in the world is good for me. Maybe that includes lying, cheating, deceptive practices, etc., doesn’t really matter as long as I make sure my family is well off. In fact it makes the most sense especially if I can get away with it. I personally believe that God gave us a standard that is universal. The Bible (to me) is what helps us fine tune that standard. And by the they way I am not speaking to you judgmentally or aggressively. Just participating in healthy civil debate no malice intended.
impossible for me to listen to this man without extremely mixed reactions at this point in my life. i was forced to listen to his album of "american standards" on sirius xm at work, and it was dreadful. his version of "lucky old sun" was nothing compared to frank sinatra's; and i realized that this man has never suffered any adversity that was not self-inflicted.