Taylor wrote "Fire and Rain" in 1968. The song has three verses. One is about a friend who committed suicide, another is about Taylor's addiction to heroin, the third refers to a mental hospital and a band Taylor started called The Flying Machine. Suzanne refers to Suzanne Schnerr, James Taylor's friend who committed suicide.
"Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground" was a reference to his band The Flying Machine that broke up (For many and varied reasons) and the dreams he and the band had for their future. Those dreams crashed and burned Also, the line "there were times when I could not find a friend" is poignant because Carole Kings song "You've Got a Friend was written just for James in response to this line. Then when he recorded it , Carole and Joni Mitchell sang backup for the song and Carole played the piano. They developed a strong friendship.
@@VinchenzoC "Suzanne" is Susan Una Schnurr (often misspelled as Schnerr). James said, her family had her committed to a state institution, not because she needed it, but to control her. He felt the "treatment" there caused problems that contributed to her suicide. On May 14, 1968, in NYC, at age 19, she stepped in front of a subway train.
This song inspired his friend Carole King to write "You've Got A Friend" and include it on her album "Tapestry". JT recorded it and had another hit single with it. You should follow with that one.
Asia & BJ, You’ll love his “You’ve Got A Friend”, “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)”, “Your Smiling Face” and many more!!! He’s one of the great singer/songwriters and guitarists!!
Actually, Carole King wrote “You’ve got a friend “ to James Taylor in response to this song. As well, Susanne was his girlfriend who was also struggling with addiction. Her family took her from UK back to the states and put her in treatment. Because James T. was working on an album in UK, they didn’t tell him that she had committed suicide until the album was completed. That’s why this song opens the way it does…
Taylor wrote "Fire and Rain" in 1968, at age 20, at three different times. He started it in London, where he auditioned for The Beatles' Apple Records. He later worked on it in a Manhattan Hospital, and finished it while in drug rehab at The Austin Riggs Center in Massachusetts. In a 1972 Rolling Stone interview, Taylor explained: "The first verse is about my reactions to the death of a friend (that would be Suzanne). The second verse is about my arrival in this country with a monkey on my back, and there Jesus is an expression of my desperation in trying to get through the time when my body was aching and the time was at hand when I had to do it. And the third verse of that song refers to my recuperation in Austin Riggs which lasted about five months. Source: Songfacts
‘Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground’. When this song released, it was one of the saddest, yet most powerful songs on the air. Of course we all loved 🥰 James Taylor because he is one of the best songwriter/storytellers ever.👍🏿🧝🏿💕.
James Taylor sings is mellow and soulful at the same time. He is one a generation of singer-songwriters like Paul Simon, Carole King, and Jim Croce. Try Shower the People, Carolina on My Mind, or Your Smiling Face.
Just a little thing, but "Suzanne" is Susan Una Schnurr (Aug. 28, 1948-May 14, 1968). Somewhere, maybe a book, it was spelled Schnerr & now "'everybody" has that.
James Taylor is "THE" sound of the 70s for sure. He was and still is my favorite singer from that time. I've had his music with me since it cameout. He is very upbeat and laid back and real in his music. A few years back he did a spoof of this song. It is very funny. You should find it and watch it.
Wife here...Grew up hearing this amazing song...Lyrically strong yet Beautiful..James Taylor is a Superstar of Soft Rock..He has an amazing catalog,,",Metaphortically speaking everyone has felt these feelings"....So well stated!!!..Always love your insight!
Love this iconic song! 😍 Comes from a tragic story tho - James wrote it after one of his friends, a lady named Suzanne, took her own life. Carole King, famous singer/songwriter and close friend of James, wrote the song You Have A Friend as a way to show her support for James. Incredible song about friendship, you should check it out.
James is a legend. He was recruited to be a guest coach on The Voice. He's so wise and really knows how to help young artists in the entertainment world.
The first time I heard this song, was when he did it in a concert on September 12th 2001. I was watching it on TV, crying my eyes out. Watching so many first responders in the audience breaking down, crying. It was really emotional.
It's hard to know what this song is about by just listening to it, in terms of the specifics. But it is great about conveying a sense of pain, suffering, and desolation. That comes through. Part of the genius of this is in the production, as the percussion they added underlines all of the dramatic parts, pounding the points home.
Taylor has explained the 3 verses are about 3 difficult times in his life. 1st is his friend "Suzanne" (Susan Una Schnurr, often misspelled as Schnerr), whose family unnecessarily committed her to a state asylum, in an effort to control her. He felt the treatment there actually caused problems, that contributed to her May 1968 suicide (at 19, by stepping in front of a subway train). When she died, he was in London, recording with the Beatles, so his friends didn't tell him till the project was over (Oct. 1968). 2nd verse, is about his addiction issues, written while in rehab in MA. 3rd, is the 1967 break-up of his band, The Flying Machine, & "kind of a bleak look of trying to pick up & get started again."
James Taylor and his intimate vocals touch many people with their tender delivery. YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND is but one example. He was married two Carly Simon during his most popular years. They share a duet MOCKINGBIRD from a happier time in their relationship. He sings of a love lost and divorce in his duet with J.D. SOUTHER on the hit HER TOWN TOO. Enjoy.
Back in the day we just called him JT! You can go deep into his catalog and never be disappointed. You must react to a duet he did with his wife Carly Simon, another great performer… They make great music together and very successful solo acts. The duet song is Mockingbird ‼️
This dudes vocals paint a picture like no other....Beatles found him as their first major artist on the Apple label. Harrison and McCartney heard him in audition for them and saw the talent and signed him...his whole catalog is special...Dig Deep...
I've long loved James Taylor and this song. Somehow it makes me more emotional when I watch people like you experience these songs. I've always thought Taylor's voice was strong and fragile at the same time, if that makes sense.
This beautiful song is about a close friend of his who passed from suicide. "Susan the plans they made put an end to you." Meaning a funeral. At the time he was living in California and was heavily into heroin, trying to turn his life around, going through withdrawl etc, asking Jesus to help him through . " won't you look down upon me Jesus, you gotta help meake.a stand, just got to see me through another day, my body's aching and my time is at hand, just won't make it any other way"! Very sad song when you analyze the lyrics.... " but I always thought that I'd see you again" meaning he thought she would always be in his life...still such a beautiful song and he is a wonderful story teller.
Taylor has explained the 3 verses are about 3 different difficult times, & were written at different times. The 1st is about his friend "Suzanne" (Susan Una Schnurr, often misspelled as Schnerr), whose family unnecessarily committed her to a state asylum, in an effort to control her, which he felt caused problems that led to her May 1968 suicide. When she died, he was in London, working with the Beatles, so his friends didn't tell him till the project was done (Oct. 1968). 2nd verse, about his addiction issues, written while in rehab in MA. 3rd, is the 1967 break-up of his band, The Flying Machine & "kind of a bleak look of trying to pick up & get started again."
I watched James Taylor live. He has a great voice but what doesnt come across on CD is the power of his voice when you listen to him live! Carolina In My Mind is my favorite song by him.
I've been a fan of JT since 1970. I've seen him live 5 times. His studio and tour band "The Section" are all incredible musicians who also played with Don Henley, Carole King and others. When I was pregnant and my 3 kids were babies I sang his song "Sweet Baby James" to them every night.
Carolina in my Mind, Copper Line, Steamroller Blues, Angel's of Fenway. An epic live performance of Mockingbird with Carly Simon. Anything by James Taylor is memorable, relatable and timeless.
Someone else mentioned Sweet Baby James. It's my all time favorite by James Tayor and I've never seen anybody react to it. I think you would enjoy it. Also, and maybe because I love a more mellow country rock, Desperado by the Eagles. Wonderful and timeless. Love you guys in all of your different contents.
JT writes songs that are very specific, and yet all feel like they apply directly to your life. I listen to him when I'm sad, happy, stuck in traffic and furious...he's perfect for all times. I would suggest "Shed a Little Light", "Shower the People", and "Walking Man" if you want to check out some deeper cuts.
James Taylor is a deep rabbit hole. Great song after great song he has had a very long career. I met him in Cleveland you will not meet a more genuine person. He never lost sight that his fans put him where he is
Great observation, Lois. Me, too. JT, when interviewed about this track's recording sessions, said that drummer Russ Kunkel came up with the percussion punches as the song progressed, and JT said such 'punches' elevated the track to its greatness. Oh, check out #jessicamitchell ... be well. /M.
James Taylor is singer/songwriter royalty for real who had been married to another singer/songwriter royal - Carly Simon. Such great music in the 60s and 70s when we either heard it on the radio or had to buy the singles the day they came out.
Always been a big James Taylor fan. In one of the other comments explains the meaning of this song. His book talks about this song. This is the first time I seen one of your UA-cam videos and enjoyed listening to you both talking about how you felt about this song. Nice video
Several people in the comments have said you should listen to Shower the People. Look for the live version of it- it's on YT but was on his tour album, James Taylor (Live). It is one of the best recordings (sound, production, arrangement, his band, etc) of a live song. In fact, that whole live album is stellar, including a truly haunting version of Fire and Rain.
James Taylor is a great singer songwriter and his music will remain popular for many years, this type of Folk Rock is the music I grew up listening to and will listen to this music as long I’m alive
I’m 48 yrs old, my father from the Bronx my mom from Serbia! I came up in the 80s listening to whoodini LL run dmc bizzyB! AND James Taylor Madonna Duran Duran boy George Phil collins! Cmon man the 80 babies!! Rip to my uncle buzz! When they played this song at his funeral with the slide show I broke all the way down! Salute!!
This is a bittersweet tune James wrote about a girl he knew at a mental health facility who didn't make it. Hoping you take a listen to 'Steamroller', it's a twist on Taylor's sweet and easygoing style with an injection of some soul I'm thinking you two might like. Thanks Asia and BJ
Love James Taylor; he has such a soothing voice. He was married to Carly Simon. He wrote this song at age 20. Please also check out his song "Shower the people."
I've been a James Taylor fan since the 80's when I first heard the album "sweet baby James". However my favorite song is with the back up of Arnold Mcculler "shower the people". Classic!
I always thought this was a reference to Vietnam . Fire and rain… flying machines in pieces on the ground . He was struggling with a heroine addiction at the time and had been discovered in London and been signed to the Beatles label Apple . So that dates this to 69-71 . And beautifully presented song 👍🏴
I've been listening to JT for many years. Y'All know the song Youve got a friend.? This man puts out more energy live in concert than 3 rock/rap bands. No joke. JT is powerful.
JT is a deep dive - a masterful singer-songwriter. Also, in the 70s/80s/90s if you were looking to have someone sing harmony on your record, it was a huge score to get James. Even well up into the 2010's he was still touring and sounding flawless live...that voice, and that guitar...I think he may be semi-retired these days. _Highly_ recommend you check out the concert of "Live at the Beacon Theater" to get a snapshot of his concerts around 2000 or so. He's a national treasure.
He is still touring. Saw him last summer. Fantastic show as always. In fact, tonight he’s opening the new theater at Fenway Park - gonna play 2 nights. This fall he is touring Europe. I believe he loves touring - thankfully. That why I’ve seen him about 25 times.
Fantastic song and a brilliant artist. The first time hearing it and concentrating on the lyrics can definitely bring a tear to your eye. Please do more James Taylor.
James Taylor's full face appeared on the cover of Time magazine, the leading newsmagazine of it's time (circa 1970). The gist of the article was an examination of the heroin scourge sweeping the US, and artistic responses to the epidemic. James Taylor came from an exemplary upper middle-class family(his father was a doctor who treated me for a broken ankle)., which the article used to press the point that drug addiction was a problem across all classes. Carole King, a good friend of Taylor, wrote a great song in response to this song, YOU'VE GOT A FRIENDHighly recommended!
Great reaction guys. So was born in the 70's and grew up in the 80's. My dad would play this song on guitar and sing it to me and my sisters before my parents got divorced. One thing about music from the 70's & 80's is that they told a story. Music was written to convey REAL feelings and not just sell albums. Much love and keep on keepin on J. There is tons of music to discover. I would recommend Kansas "Carry on my wayward son".
I am almost 77 years old and I nearly wore out this album back in the day when we only had vinyl records. Read the back story of this song and it will have much more meaning for you. My children still remember me playing this album over and over. It is sheer perfection.
Asia, James Taylor is the kind of guy, and sings the type of music that, when you are down in the dumps, he can make you feel better ... mainly because he makes you feel like he understands exactly how you feel, because he's been there before ... like you're NOT all alone !!! He brought me through and out of plenty of bad and low times. He's got some really lovely stuff too. I think both of you would really like to drop down that rabbit hole for a while. If you want some suggestions, let me know. He's got a LOT of great music, not all of which are in this vein, many that are pretty uplifting.
Not sure of other movies, but it was featured in "Running on Empty" (1988) with River Phoenix and Judd Hirsch about the eldest son of a fugitive family who comes of age and wants to live a life of his own.
Great reaction. I'm glad you got exposure to James. He's the real deal in my opinion. I agree Asia, his voice isn't very powerful and he doesn't wow you with his range. Just a simple laid back style that is so pleasant to listen to and fits so well with his songwriting. BJ you are so right, we have all seen both fire and rain in our own way. Every person has their own unique story and experiences, but we all have had ups and downs one way or another.
You have the sensitivity and intelligence to realise right from the start that there is more to this song than just a “nice little tune” as some other people have. It is a song about a tragedy. A friend played this to me in the 60s in West London. I can even recall the sunlight coming through the windows and that it was morning. The line about “Look down on me Jesus” always brings a tear to my eye because, my goodness, how many times have I said that!
Hard to believe this song is 50 years old. I was in high school when it was on the radio and when I hear this now, I remember friends and family who have passed on.
James Taylor has been a beloved music icon forever and a day. The extent to which thats true will be driven home clearly to the world when he's no longer here with us. There will be millions of hearts broken globally. Fortunately, I have enjoyed him in concert a couple of times over the years. They were rich experiences inhaled adoringly by his many fans present at each.
Also...he had been finishing his album..in the studio with the Beatles...when this happened,,he wasn't told until he finished a few days later....and he wrote this right after...
Taylor had just begun working with the Beatles when "Suzanne" (Susan Una Schnurr, often misspelled as Schnerr), committed suicide, May 14, 1968, in NYC, age 19, by stepping in front of a subway train. His friends withheld the info for months, till the project was done (Oct. 1968).
This song became anthemic with the counterculture in 1970 when there was a lot of turbulence what with an increasingly unpopular war and political scandal right around the corner. He wrote this song after a friend committed suicide and it also references his struggles with addiction. Suffice it to say it comes from someplace real and you can always tell when that is the case; the great ineffable quality when something just rings true and has some authentic emotion behind it.
You can't think of James Taylor without thinking about Carol King!! Both are incredible talented and Carol wrote songs that made others famous, hits. Check out her Tapestry album
What sets this beautiful recording apart is how heartfelt it is It lost out for the Grammy Song of the year to Simon and Garfunkle's Bridge Over Troubled Water,
This song was number 1 practically as soon as it was out, and stayed there for months, literally. Heard it so much I sort of got tired of it. That's how much air time it got.
at almost 70 yers old i can relate more to this song than when i was younger. lots of friends that i will never see again but they are still in my heart.
Thank you for your reaction to this beautiful song. I think you’d like his song Carolina In My Mind, or even the lullaby he wrote for his newborn nephew named for him - Sweet Baby James.
This is one of those legendary and emotional tunes that just about anyone who listened to this for the first time would be listening and feeling it for the rest of their lives.
Taylor wrote "Fire and Rain" in 1968. The song has three verses. One is about a friend who committed suicide, another is about Taylor's addiction to heroin, the third refers to a mental hospital and a band Taylor started called The Flying Machine.
Suzanne refers to Suzanne Schnerr, James Taylor's friend who committed suicide.
"Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground" was a reference to his band The Flying Machine that broke up (For many and varied reasons) and the dreams he and the band had for their future. Those dreams crashed and burned Also, the line "there were times when I could not find a friend" is poignant because Carole Kings song "You've Got a Friend was written just for James in response to this line. Then when he recorded it , Carole and Joni Mitchell sang backup for the song and Carole played the piano. They developed a strong friendship.
Who was he blaming for Suzanne's death? I don't like that line.
Great explanation! Right on !
@@VinchenzoC "Suzanne" is Susan Una Schnurr (often misspelled as Schnerr). James said, her family had her committed to a state institution, not because she needed it, but to control her. He felt the "treatment" there caused problems that contributed to her suicide. On May 14, 1968, in NYC, at age 19, she stepped in front of a subway train.
@@wnsafford1854 Wow.....just wow
James Taylor's voice is literally unlike any other.
His voice is so stirring. Unique and beautiful.
Listen to his brother Livingston and his son Ben and you’ll hear the family resemblance.
Or Kermit the frog, I’ve always heard a little bit of Kermit in there…
@@curtsnellgrove3538 😂😂maybe!!
Effortless. So smooth without seemingly even trying...but he can get up there when he wants...his voice just cuts thru
This song inspired his friend Carole King to write "You've Got A Friend" and include it on her album "Tapestry". JT recorded it and had another hit single with it. You should follow with that one.
Asia & BJ, You’ll love his “You’ve Got A Friend”, “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)”, “Your Smiling Face” and many more!!! He’s one of the great singer/songwriters and guitarists!!
When it comes to “You’ve got a friend” you should listen to the original version by Carole King who wrote the song
You forget Goin’ to Carolina…
To be clear, "How Sweet It is" was a previous Motown hit sung by Marvin Gaye from 1965/66...not written by James Taylor.
Actually, Carole King wrote “You’ve got a friend “ to James Taylor in response to this song. As well, Susanne was his girlfriend who was also struggling with addiction. Her family took her from UK back to the states and put her in treatment. Because James T. was working on an album in UK, they didn’t tell him that she had committed suicide until the album was completed. That’s why this song opens the way it does…
Taylor wrote "Fire and Rain" in 1968, at age 20, at three different times. He started it in London, where he auditioned for The Beatles' Apple Records. He later worked on it in a Manhattan Hospital, and finished it while in drug rehab at The Austin Riggs Center in Massachusetts. In a 1972 Rolling Stone interview, Taylor explained: "The first verse is about my reactions to the death of a friend (that would be Suzanne). The second verse is about my arrival in this country with a monkey on my back, and there Jesus is an expression of my desperation in trying to get through the time when my body was aching and the time was at hand when I had to do it. And the third verse of that song refers to my recuperation in Austin Riggs which lasted about five months. Source: Songfacts
I think you would both really enjoy his song "Sweet Baby James" which he wrote for his new born Nephew (also named James).
‘Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground’. When this song released, it was one of the saddest, yet most powerful songs on the air. Of course we all loved 🥰 James Taylor because he is one of the best songwriter/storytellers ever.👍🏿🧝🏿💕.
James Taylor sings is mellow and soulful at the same time. He is one a generation of singer-songwriters like Paul Simon, Carole King, and Jim Croce. Try Shower the People, Carolina on My Mind, or Your Smiling Face.
James Taylor is an icon. My parents got engaged at one of his concerts. He's not my speed but I respect his whole catalog since it's genuine.
For me, "Lord know when the cold wind blows it'll turn your head around" is the best line ever written in a song.
Taylor wrote this song for his childhood friend Suzanne Schnerr who sadly took her own life.
Just a little thing, but "Suzanne" is Susan Una Schnurr (Aug. 28, 1948-May 14, 1968). Somewhere, maybe a book, it was spelled Schnerr & now "'everybody" has that.
My favorite artist of all time. Been a fan for over 40yrs. Got to meet him and have a guitar signed by him
James taylor is amazing. Still one of my most favorite songs.
James Taylor is "THE" sound of the 70s for sure. He was and still is my favorite singer from that time. I've had his music with me since it cameout. He is very upbeat and laid back and real in his music. A few years back he did a spoof of this song. It is very funny. You should find it and watch it.
Wife here...Grew up hearing this amazing song...Lyrically strong yet Beautiful..James Taylor is a Superstar of Soft Rock..He has an amazing catalog,,",Metaphortically speaking everyone has felt these feelings"....So well stated!!!..Always love your insight!
Love this iconic song! 😍 Comes from a tragic story tho - James wrote it after one of his friends, a lady named Suzanne, took her own life. Carole King, famous singer/songwriter and close friend of James, wrote the song You Have A Friend as a way to show her support for James. Incredible song about friendship, you should check it out.
One of the greatest singer songwriters ever LEGEND!
James has "Human" written all over him...he sings with such beautiful conviction...thanks guys
James is a legend. He was recruited to be a guest coach on The Voice. He's so wise and really knows how to help young artists in the entertainment world.
I’m sure others have said that there is SO much great James Taylor. This one is a cry song for me ❤️
He's a prolific songwriter and master guitarist. You guys would love his songs, "Secret of Life" and "Shower the People". 👍☺️💞
The first time I heard this song, was when he did it in a concert on September 12th 2001. I was watching it on TV, crying my eyes out. Watching so many first responders in the audience breaking down, crying. It was really emotional.
It's hard to know what this song is about by just listening to it, in terms of the specifics. But it is great about conveying a sense of pain, suffering, and desolation. That comes through. Part of the genius of this is in the production, as the percussion they added underlines all of the dramatic parts, pounding the points home.
Taylor has explained the 3 verses are about 3 difficult times in his life. 1st is his friend "Suzanne" (Susan Una Schnurr, often misspelled as Schnerr), whose family unnecessarily committed her to a state asylum, in an effort to control her. He felt the treatment there actually caused problems, that contributed to her May 1968 suicide (at 19, by stepping in front of a subway train). When she died, he was in London, recording with the Beatles, so his friends didn't tell him till the project was over (Oct. 1968). 2nd verse, is about his addiction issues, written while in rehab in MA. 3rd, is the 1967 break-up of his band, The Flying Machine, & "kind of a bleak look of trying to pick up & get started again."
James Taylor and his intimate vocals touch many people with their tender delivery. YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND is but one example. He was married two Carly Simon during his most popular years. They share a duet MOCKINGBIRD from a happier time in their relationship. He sings of a love lost and divorce in his duet with J.D. SOUTHER on the hit HER TOWN TOO. Enjoy.
Yes it was in a movie. Actually my favorite movie, “Running On Empty”which had actor River Phoenix.
Back in the day we just called him JT! You can go deep into his catalog and never be disappointed. You must react to a duet he did with his wife Carly Simon, another great performer… They make great music together and very successful solo acts. The duet song is Mockingbird ‼️
Yes, there is a video of them singing this and they seemed to be having a good time performing this. Upbeat and fun.
This dudes vocals paint a picture like no other....Beatles found him as their first major artist on the Apple label. Harrison and McCartney heard him in audition for them and saw the talent and signed him...his whole catalog is special...Dig Deep...
I've long loved James Taylor and this song. Somehow it makes me more emotional when I watch people like you experience these songs. I've always thought Taylor's voice was strong and fragile at the same time, if that makes sense.
The quintissential singer/songwriter.
GREAT James Taylor song that often gets overlooked: “HER TOWN” featuring J.D. Souther; pure bliss 😊
Baller of a tune
This beautiful song is about a close friend of his who passed from suicide. "Susan the plans they made put an end to you." Meaning a funeral.
At the time he was living in California and was heavily into heroin, trying to turn his life around, going through withdrawl etc, asking Jesus to help him through . " won't you look down upon me Jesus, you gotta help meake.a stand, just got to see me through another day, my body's aching and my time is at hand, just won't make it any other way"!
Very sad song when you analyze the lyrics....
" but I always thought that I'd see you again" meaning he thought she would always be in his life...still such a beautiful song and he is a wonderful story teller.
I thought she died in a plane crash
Taylor has explained the 3 verses are about 3 different difficult times, & were written at different times. The 1st is about his friend "Suzanne" (Susan Una Schnurr, often misspelled as Schnerr), whose family unnecessarily committed her to a state asylum, in an effort to control her, which he felt caused problems that led to her May 1968 suicide. When she died, he was in London, working with the Beatles, so his friends didn't tell him till the project was done (Oct. 1968). 2nd verse, about his addiction issues, written while in rehab in MA. 3rd, is the 1967 break-up of his band, The Flying Machine & "kind of a bleak look of trying to pick up & get started again."
I watched James Taylor live. He has a great voice but what doesnt come across on CD is the power of his voice when you listen to him live! Carolina In My Mind is my favorite song by him.
This song was included in the movie “Remember the Titans” soundtrack. Love James Taylor’s musical delivery.
I love this soundtrack!
I've been a fan of JT since 1970. I've seen him live 5 times. His studio and tour band "The Section" are all incredible musicians who also played with Don Henley, Carole King and others. When I was pregnant and my 3 kids were babies I sang his song "Sweet Baby James" to them every night.
Carolina in my Mind, Copper Line, Steamroller Blues, Angel's of Fenway. An epic live performance of Mockingbird with Carly Simon. Anything by James Taylor is memorable, relatable and timeless.
Someone else mentioned Sweet Baby James. It's my all time favorite by James Tayor and I've never seen anybody react to it. I think you would enjoy it. Also, and maybe because I love a more mellow country rock, Desperado by the Eagles. Wonderful and timeless. Love you guys in all of your different contents.
JT writes songs that are very specific, and yet all feel like they apply directly to your life. I listen to him when I'm sad, happy, stuck in traffic and furious...he's perfect for all times. I would suggest "Shed a Little Light", "Shower the People", and "Walking Man" if you want to check out some deeper cuts.
In this song, James wrote and sings about real life experiences he’s had.
James Taylor is a deep rabbit hole. Great song after great song he has had a very long career. I met him in Cleveland you will not meet a more genuine person. He never lost sight that his fans put him where he is
I saw you appreciating the percussion near the end, Asia. Beautiful, sad, yet relaxing and thoughtful.
Great observation, Lois. Me, too. JT, when interviewed about this track's recording sessions, said that drummer Russ Kunkel came up with the percussion punches as the song progressed, and JT said such 'punches' elevated the track to its greatness. Oh, check out #jessicamitchell ... be well. /M.
Rock a bye Sweet Baby James is my favorite Taylor song.So many great songs by so many during the 60s and 70s.
James Taylor is singer/songwriter royalty for real who had been married to another singer/songwriter royal - Carly Simon. Such great music in the 60s and 70s when we either heard it on the radio or had to buy the singles the day they came out.
Always been a big James Taylor fan. In one of the other comments explains the meaning of this song. His book talks about this song. This is the first time I seen one of your UA-cam videos and enjoyed listening to you both talking about how you felt about this song. Nice video
James Taylor is another national treasure. If you don’t do “Shower the People” live at the beacon theater, you will miss something.
Several people in the comments have said you should listen to Shower the People. Look for the live version of it- it's on YT but was on his tour album, James Taylor (Live). It is one of the best recordings (sound, production, arrangement, his band, etc) of a live song. In fact, that whole live album is stellar, including a truly haunting version of Fire and Rain.
James Taylor is a great singer songwriter and his music will remain popular for many years, this type of Folk Rock is the music I grew up listening to and will listen to this music as long I’m alive
I’m 48 yrs old, my father from the Bronx my mom from Serbia! I came up in the 80s listening to whoodini LL run dmc bizzyB! AND James Taylor Madonna Duran Duran boy George Phil collins! Cmon man the 80 babies!!
Rip to my uncle buzz! When they played this song at his funeral with the slide show I broke all the way down! Salute!!
One of the most singular voices in pop music.
The honey smooth voice of James Taylor. This is a song that I love to play on my guitar.
James Taylor's voice is literally a National Treasure!!!❤️❤️
This is a bittersweet tune James wrote about a girl he knew at a mental health facility who didn't make it. Hoping you take a listen to 'Steamroller', it's a twist on Taylor's sweet and easygoing style with an injection of some soul I'm thinking you two might like. Thanks Asia and BJ
Is that the same Steam roller song that Elvis did? 🤔
Love James Taylor; he has such a soothing voice. He was married to Carly Simon. He wrote this song at age 20. Please also check out his song "Shower the people."
I've been a James Taylor fan since the 80's when I first heard the album "sweet baby James". However my favorite song is with the back up of Arnold Mcculler "shower the people". Classic!
I always thought this was a reference to Vietnam . Fire and rain… flying machines in pieces on the ground . He was struggling with a heroine addiction at the time and had been discovered in London and been signed to the Beatles label Apple . So that dates this to 69-71 . And beautifully presented song 👍🏴
I've been listening to JT for many years. Y'All know the song Youve got a friend.?
This man puts out more energy live in concert than 3 rock/rap bands. No joke. JT is powerful.
He sounds the same live as the recordings .
Such a grand voice !
James Taylor is a Gem! Always on the playlist! His live double CD is fire!!!
This classic is SUPER evocative. So emotional and his voice and guitar playing are sublime . 👍🏴
JT is a deep dive - a masterful singer-songwriter. Also, in the 70s/80s/90s if you were looking to have someone sing harmony on your record, it was a huge score to get James. Even well up into the 2010's he was still touring and sounding flawless live...that voice, and that guitar...I think he may be semi-retired these days. _Highly_ recommend you check out the concert of "Live at the Beacon Theater" to get a snapshot of his concerts around 2000 or so. He's a national treasure.
He is still touring. Saw him last summer. Fantastic show as always. In fact, tonight he’s opening the new theater at Fenway Park - gonna play 2 nights. This fall he is touring Europe. I believe he loves touring - thankfully. That why I’ve seen him about 25 times.
The one movie I know this song is in, is Remember The Titans. James Taylor is one of my all-time favorite musicians!
His voice is the Male equivalent of Karen Carpenter. Clear. Perfect pitch, easy never strained.
A unique voice. Many splendid songs, he's like a fine wine and got better with age.
Fantastic song and a brilliant artist. The first time hearing it and concentrating on the lyrics can definitely bring a tear to your eye. Please do more James Taylor.
Was lucky enough to hear him sing this and many of his other hits here in Ottawa a few years ago. Just tremendous.
James Taylor's full face appeared on the cover of Time magazine, the leading newsmagazine of it's time (circa 1970). The gist of the article was an examination of the heroin scourge sweeping the US, and artistic responses to the epidemic. James Taylor came from an exemplary upper middle-class family(his father was a doctor who treated me for a broken ankle).,
which the article used to press the point that drug addiction was a problem across all classes.
Carole King, a good friend of Taylor, wrote a great song in response to this song, YOU'VE GOT A FRIENDHighly recommended!
Only concert I’ve been to where in a crowd of 15,000 you could hear a pin drop. Everyone hanging on his every note.
Great reaction guys. So was born in the 70's and grew up in the 80's. My dad would play this song on guitar and sing it to me and my sisters before my parents got divorced. One thing about music from the 70's & 80's is that they told a story. Music was written to convey REAL feelings and not just sell albums. Much love and keep on keepin on J. There is tons of music to discover. I would recommend Kansas "Carry on my wayward son".
I am almost 77 years old and I nearly wore out this album back in the day when we only had vinyl records. Read the back story of this song and it will have much more meaning for you. My children still remember me playing this album over and over. It is sheer perfection.
Asia, James Taylor is the kind of guy, and sings the type of music that, when you are down in the dumps, he can make you feel better ... mainly because he makes you feel like he understands exactly how you feel, because he's been there before ... like you're NOT all alone !!! He brought me through and out of plenty of bad and low times. He's got some really lovely stuff too. I think both of you would really like to drop down that rabbit hole for a while. If you want some suggestions, let me know. He's got a LOT of great music, not all of which are in this vein, many that are pretty uplifting.
I recently saw JT and Jackson Browne. They both still sound amazing. I was so glad I got to see them while they are still with us!
I've always loved James Taylor! A couple of my favorites are Sweet Baby James and Steamroller Blues. Love your reactions! 💖😎
Steamroller, Yes! ❤️
"In My Mind I'm Going to Carolina" is the ultimate James Taylor song, given his growing up in the Chapel Hill area.
Beautiful reaction to a timeless classic
Not sure of other movies, but it was featured in "Running on Empty" (1988) with River Phoenix and Judd Hirsch about the eldest son of a fugitive family who comes of age and wants to live a life of his own.
I play 3 of James's songs "Fire and Rain" "Sweet Baby James" "BSUR" fun to play. have a good one !!
Authenticity, very real, easily one of the most meaningful songs I remember from high school. One of my favorite musicians
Great reaction. I'm glad you got exposure to James. He's the real deal in my opinion. I agree Asia, his voice isn't very powerful and he doesn't wow you with his range. Just a simple laid back style that is so pleasant to listen to and fits so well with his songwriting. BJ you are so right, we have all seen both fire and rain in our own way. Every person has their own unique story and experiences, but we all have had ups and downs one way or another.
He has gazillions of songs LOL so many good songs that sounds so good I hope you reach out and listen to others❤️
You have the sensitivity and intelligence to realise right from the start that there is more to this song than just a “nice little tune” as some other people have. It is a song about a tragedy. A friend played this to me in the 60s in West London. I can even recall the sunlight coming through the windows and that it was morning. The line about “Look down on me Jesus” always brings a tear to my eye because, my goodness, how many times have I said that!
"Sweet dreams and flying machines with pieces on the ground" is referring to his first band, James Taylor and the flying machine and their breakup .
Hard to believe this song is 50 years old. I was in high school when it was on the radio and when I hear this now, I remember friends and family who have passed on.
I saw him play in Vermont about 30 years ago. He sounds exactly the same as he does on his studio albums, which is great!
James Taylor has been a beloved music icon forever and a day. The extent to which thats true will be driven home clearly to the world when he's no longer here with us. There will be millions of hearts broken globally. Fortunately, I have enjoyed him in concert a couple of times over the years. They were rich experiences inhaled adoringly by his many fans present at each.
Our North Carolina boy did good! Love James Taylor!
Also...he had been finishing his album..in the studio with the Beatles...when this happened,,he wasn't told until he finished a few days later....and he wrote this right after...
Taylor had just begun working with the Beatles when "Suzanne" (Susan Una Schnurr, often misspelled as Schnerr), committed suicide, May 14, 1968, in NYC, age 19, by stepping in front of a subway train. His friends withheld the info for months, till the project was done (Oct. 1968).
This song became anthemic with the counterculture in 1970 when there was a lot of turbulence what with an increasingly unpopular war and political scandal right around the corner.
He wrote this song after a friend committed suicide and it also references his struggles with addiction. Suffice it to say it comes from someplace real and you can always tell when that is the case; the great ineffable quality when something just rings true and has some authentic emotion behind it.
His voice almost made me cry. It’s beautiful. Just made me reflect on my life.
You can't think of James Taylor without thinking about Carol King!! Both are incredible talented and Carol wrote songs that made others famous, hits. Check out her Tapestry album
James Taylor is one of my all time favorites. Sweet Baby James was a lullaby I used to sing.
carolina in my mind, walking man, how sweet it is, sweet baby james, mexico, shower the people you love... sooo many more he's an amazing artist
James Taylor is the consummate singer/songwriter.
Arguably the greatest singer/songwriter ever. He’s at least in the conversation.
First album I ever owned.
What sets this beautiful recording apart is how heartfelt it is It lost out for the Grammy Song of the year to Simon and Garfunkle's Bridge Over Troubled Water,
This song was number 1 practically as soon as it was out, and stayed there for months, literally. Heard it so much I sort of got tired of it. That's how much air time it got.
"But I always thought that I'd see you again" hits me really hard.
Give Sweet Baby James a listen. He wrote it to his newborn nephew. His brother named him James.
at almost 70 yers old i can relate more to this song than when i was younger. lots of friends that i will never see again but they are still in my heart.
Thank you for your reaction to this beautiful song. I think you’d like his song Carolina In My Mind, or even the lullaby he wrote for his newborn nephew named for him - Sweet Baby James.
This is one of those legendary and emotional tunes that just about anyone who listened to this for the first time would be listening and feeling it for the rest of their lives.