James Taylor wrote this song after the suicide of his childhood friend, Suzanne and about his own struggles with addiction and fame. Carole King wrote the song "You've Got a Friend" for him as a response to "Fire and Rain". They both released "You've Got a Friend" in 1971. Other great songs by James Taylor are "Something in the Way She Moves", "I Feel the Earth Move", "Carolina in My Mind", "Shower the People", "Don't Let Me Be Lonely", "How Sweet It Is", "Your Smiling Face", "Handy Man", and "Sweet Baby James".
I didn’t realize “You’ve Got a Friend” was written as a response to this one (I knew he didn’t write it), but it makes so much sense. That would be a great next James Taylor reaction for Shon.
@@melanieheathbeasley133 Well, it does say "flying machines in pieces on the ground," which made me think of a plane crash. Maybe it's a reference to that too? Or did his wife die after this was written?
I know this probably sounds weird to say but I'm really glad that James touched you for the first time you heard him in the deep way that you felt because that's how his music affects me. he is amazing he is beautiful he is James Taylor.
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. He had a lot of hits such as "You've Got A Friend", "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)", "Carolina In My Mind", "Handy Man", "Sweet Baby James", "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".
James Taylor is one of the best singer, song writers ever. His acoustic guitar and warm voice invite you you into his experience which may be similar to some of your own. You've Got A Friend is one of many hits. It is worth exploring this man's immense catalog of music.
James Taylor songs, You’ve got a friend, Carolina in my mind, Sweet baby James, How sweet it is, Mexico, James Taylor and Carly Simon, Mockingbird, And much much more
What a genuine, heartfelt reaction to the feelings the song arouses. I love your spontaneous remark, 'There's several people I've got to call now.' Happy with having subscribed. 😀
I’ve seen every big band you can think of…Rolling Stones, U2, Ozzy etc….been to over 200 concerts and hands down, James Taylor is the best concert I have ever been to. I have seen him eight times and he sounds just like his records, when he plays steam roller it is the best! He is very personable and chats with the audience…..love James!
Great reaction as always, Shon. I appreciate your appreciation of the muscianship as well as your interpretation of the lyrics. James Taylor is one of the all-time singer song writers. Lots of timeless classics.
Saw James summer of 1974 at Central Michigan University, one of my favorite concerts. 😍 He is such a great singer👍 so sincere. More of his reactions please 😊 Peace ✌️ and Love ❤️ Gary
This was such a lovely reaction, thanks Shon. I believe this is the song you were referring to. But if not, this is another one of his popular tunes. "James Taylor - Something In The Way She Moves (Disco 2, 12/5/1970)" (by the channel: James Taylor) --This song was written by James Taylor and is from his album simply called "James Taylor." Which happens to be his debut album and was released in 1968. Taylor is another one of my favorite artists, he is a wonderful storyteller and beautifully gifted guitarist. I enjoyed your reaction and I hope you got to speck to your mom & dad. lol Music has way of motivating us to action, sometimes when nothing else will. (At least that's been my experience) Anyway, thanks for sharing. peace out~
Those of us who grew up in the 60s and 70s were so blessed to have such a wonderful variety of amazing artists to listen to and see in concert. We thought it would last forever. We couldn't even imagine a world without great new artists emerging one after the other. We didn't know how good we had it.
Even better? We paid about $7 or $8 dollars to see the legends live in concert. I remember being almost outraged when I paid $12.25 to see The Who and The Clash on the same bill at Shea Stadium in 1982. A $0.25 "convenience fee" on my Ticketron ticket to that show seemed pretty expensive back then! Now in 2024, a $50.00 convenience fee per ticket almost seems like a bargain.
Great song to react to. I have seen him in concert many times. He did this song one time at an outdoor venue and it started raining. He is an incredible artist.
I am so happy to see you experience this for the first time. My parents came of age in the 60s, and I was raised on their music - and JT was (and is) their favorite. One of my earliest memories is hearing this song. It still touches me so deeply every time I hear it. Thank you so much for this video. I hope you continue to listen to his incredible music.
James and Carole were longtime friends, they never dated. They were musical contemporaries. James was involved with Joni Mitchell briefly (during this period) before moving on to date and then marry Carly Simon.
if you want to hear a happier song LOL, one of my favorites is one that he wrote for his nephew when his nephew was born and it's called Sweet baby James. his brother named the baby after James... it's a lovely song.
Let me tell you, this hit me like a truck the 1st time I heard it, too. This was the 1st song I heard by James Taylor, back in the day, and the 2nd was "You've Got a Friend." Carole King wrote this song, and she has written hundreds of songs over the years, songs that others made famous, and she is well worth listening to!! Next up, listen to James sing "You Got a Friend."
Yeah man, you definitely need to hear You've Got A Friend. People interpret it many ways, I've always heard it as God's love song to the hurting. Great pick Shon 👍😎👊
I love ALL of James Taylor! I am 53 years old, and my mother raised me listening to him. There are not many of his songs that I can't sing, I would thank you deep down if you would react to his song Sugartrade! It will not be well-known unless you are a big James Taylor fan, but I promise you won't be disappointed ❤
This song is one of the greteats Songs of all time, James taylor wrote this song for himself, to deal with his feeling. it is a healthy way to deal with the suffering of life. She Was married with Carly Simon,. I would love you react to her song You're so vain its full of mistery.
"won't you look down upon me Jesus You,ve got to help me make a stand. You've just got to see me through another day. My body's aching and my time is at hand. And I won't make it any other way." For those of us that have kicked heroin ( 20 + years clean) those words ring so true. Not sure that's what they are about, but they helped me along.
This is a hard one for me to listen to since I lost my oldest daughter in 2007 in an auto accident. She was 23. The suddenness of it can still be overwhelming 16 years later. I feel the sadness and loss in his voice.
It’s good you hit this one first. Carole King wrote ‘You’ve got a Friend’ in response to this song. They both put out their own versions of ‘Friend’ the same year, and I love them both
True fan of James Taylor, outstanding songs, but less popular songs are, Walking Man, Her Town Too, Lonesome Road, Up On A Roof, Frozen Man, Copperline, Hour That The Morning Comes, Handyman, Shed A Little Light. Even if you don't react to these songs as a music lover, they are worth listening to! Music feeds the soul!❤
I like all of JT deep tunes, but my favorite is Mocking Bird as performed by him and Carly Simon back when they were married. You've never heard the old lullaby like this!
Man, you picked up on that cello or bass part on your first listen! I must’ve listened to this song 628 times before I was consciously aware of that string part. Now it’s one of my favorite parts to this song.
Years ago James Taylor made news, at least in Central Florida, by appearing in a Tampa Bay area courtroom to speak on behalf of an old associate from the music industry.
This song was written many years before 911. But the line, "sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground ", now always invokes images of NY.
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.
JT had an issue with things that began with the letter H when he was young. No rehab back in those days so he admitted himself into a psych ward. Treatment for drug addiction & for a person with mental issues was pretty bare bones and lumped everyone together in the same treatment protocol: Fire: electroshock therapy Rain: ice water shower therapy
So I hear you like the harmonica. Check these out: Midnight Cowboy 1969 Harmonica Theme. Midnight Cowboy was best movie 1969. The Waifs - Crazy Train - Wave Aid 2005. She can play! You can thank Fred
Not as well known but please consider listening to Joan Armatrading. A singer songwriter who was also a very good guitarist. Love and Affection is the song that got the greatest airplay but Down to Zero is my favorite. Every song she writes is a short story set to music
Shon I just started listening to reactors and you are one of my favorite. Your reactions are always so real fun and true to heart. Not sure if you reacts to like Americas got talent or and if those shows but I’m hoping you will. One and I have lots but one of them is Courtney Hadwins audition on AGT. Please give it a try. I think you will be surprised and really like her.
James Taylor wrote this song after the suicide of his childhood friend, Suzanne and about his own struggles with addiction and fame. Carole King wrote the song "You've Got a Friend" for him as a response to "Fire and Rain". They both released "You've Got a Friend" in 1971. Other great songs by James Taylor are "Something in the Way She Moves", "I Feel the Earth Move", "Carolina in My Mind", "Shower the People", "Don't Let Me Be Lonely", "How Sweet It Is", "Your Smiling Face", "Handy Man", and "Sweet Baby James".
I didn’t realize “You’ve Got a Friend” was written as a response to this one (I knew he didn’t write it), but it makes so much sense. That would be a great next James Taylor reaction for Shon.
All hits!
I have been lied to my entire life that it was about his wife that died in a plane crash on the way to meet him.
@@melanieheathbeasley133 Well, it does say "flying machines in pieces on the ground," which made me think of a plane crash. Maybe it's a reference to that too? Or did his wife die after this was written?
He sounds exactly the same live as he does on his records.
SHOWER THE PEOPLE, James Taylor😊😊
Absolutely check out you've got a friend
The whole record ''Sweet Baby James'' is great
One of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time! With his guitar and his angelic voice he paints a picture! His voice is like big hug!
I know this probably sounds weird to say but I'm really glad that James touched you for the first time you heard him in the deep way that you felt because that's how his music affects me.
he is amazing he is beautiful he is James Taylor.
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. He had a lot of hits such as "You've Got A Friend", "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)", "Carolina In My Mind", "Handy Man", "Sweet Baby James", "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".
James Taylor is one of the best singer, song writers ever.
His acoustic guitar and warm voice invite you you into his experience which may be similar to some of your own.
You've Got A Friend is one of many hits.
It is worth exploring this man's immense catalog of music.
James Taylor songs, You’ve got a friend, Carolina in my mind, Sweet baby James, How sweet it is, Mexico, James Taylor and Carly Simon, Mockingbird, And much much more
I used to listen to "Carolina In My Mind" over and over. It still hasn't gotten old.🤟
"Sweet Baby James" is a must . It's almost a lullaby.
It was written for his new nephew who was named after him.
What a genuine, heartfelt reaction to the feelings the song arouses. I love your spontaneous remark, 'There's several people I've got to call now.' Happy with having subscribed. 😀
"... flying machines in pieces on the ground" refers to the breakup of his first band "Flying Machine".
I’ve seen every big band you can think of…Rolling Stones, U2, Ozzy etc….been to over 200 concerts and hands down, James Taylor is the best concert I have ever been to. I have seen him eight times and he sounds just like his records, when he plays steam roller it is the best! He is very personable and chats with the audience…..love James!
The song follows Taylor's reaction to the suicide of Suzanne Schnerr, a childhood friend, and his experiences with drug addiction and fame.
Great reaction as always, Shon. I appreciate your appreciation of the muscianship as well as your interpretation of the lyrics. James Taylor is one of the all-time singer song writers. Lots of timeless classics.
I wholeheartedly agree!!!
This song is a Timeless Classic that always takes you back in time when you hear it!! It never gets old!!
Love James Taylor ❤
I’ve heard this song a billion times and it still totally gut-punches me every time.
Finally thank you thank you thank you I gave you this request a long time ago thank you thank you thank you thank you shadow❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Saw James summer of 1974 at Central Michigan University, one of my favorite concerts. 😍 He is such a great singer👍 so sincere. More of his reactions please 😊 Peace ✌️ and Love ❤️ Gary
JT is a master songwriter & performer. Saw him in concert last year & it was just as magical as ever.❤❤
This was such a lovely reaction, thanks Shon. I believe this is the song you were referring to. But if not, this is another one of his popular tunes. "James Taylor - Something In The Way She Moves (Disco 2, 12/5/1970)" (by the channel: James Taylor) --This song was written by James Taylor and is from his album simply called "James Taylor." Which happens to be his debut album and was released in 1968. Taylor is another one of my favorite artists, he is a wonderful storyteller and beautifully gifted guitarist. I enjoyed your reaction and I hope you got to speck to your mom & dad. lol Music has way of motivating us to action, sometimes when nothing else will. (At least that's been my experience) Anyway, thanks for sharing. peace out~
Shon,you will love him! He is so calming,like John Denver,Karen Carpenter,Carole King,etc.....🎙🎶😚
I grew up listening to James Taylor. His acoustic guitar was incredible.
Such a sledgehammer of a song. Pure heart.
Those of us who grew up in the 60s and 70s were so blessed to have such a wonderful variety of amazing artists to listen to and see in concert. We thought it would last forever. We couldn't even imagine a world without great new artists emerging one after the other. We didn't know how good we had it.
Even better? We paid about $7 or $8 dollars to see the legends live in concert. I remember being almost outraged when I paid $12.25 to see The Who and The Clash on the same bill at Shea Stadium in 1982. A $0.25 "convenience fee" on my Ticketron ticket to that show seemed pretty expensive back then! Now in 2024, a $50.00 convenience fee per ticket almost seems like a bargain.
Great song to react to. I have seen him in concert many times. He did this song one time at an outdoor venue and it started raining. He is an incredible artist.
I am so happy to see you experience this for the first time. My parents came of age in the 60s, and I was raised on their music - and JT was (and is) their favorite.
One of my earliest memories is hearing this song. It still touches me so deeply every time I hear it. Thank you so much for this video. I hope you continue to listen to his incredible music.
Yes, You’ve Got a Friend is worth checking out. James Taylor is a deep rabbit hole.
Carol King wrote 'You Got a Friend' after hearing this song. I'm not sure if they were married then or not but they were a couple for awhile.
James and Carole were longtime friends, they never dated. They were musical contemporaries. James was involved with Joni Mitchell briefly (during this period) before moving on to date and then marry Carly Simon.
@@bearballin Thank you sir.
James Taylors songs are always beautifully written and sung
Always makes me tear up. Need a good cry... Beautiful song and artist, and a great reaction. Emotional intelligence Mr. Shon in boat loads.
The original JT and greatest songwriter of the century in my opinion. Rocked both of my babies to this 20 something years ago 🥰
Yes! Fire and Rain is great. So is You've got a friend! And James Taylor's voice? Smoooooth as an aged bourbon whiskey.
I used to play James Taylor for my BD classroom. The kids loved it and his music is calming ❤😊
My dad was a singer, I'm a singer; our last name is Taylor. This song (man) has had a profound impact on my life.
My Mom's all-time favorite musician.....good choice, my man
A huge favorite!
if you want to hear a happier song LOL,
one of my favorites is one that he wrote for his nephew when his nephew was born and it's called
Sweet baby James.
his brother named the baby after James... it's a lovely song.
This is my 2nd favorite song by James.The first is Sweet Baby James! Always such a clear amazing voice.
Let me tell you, this hit me like a truck the 1st time I heard it, too. This was the 1st song I heard by James Taylor, back in the day, and the 2nd was "You've Got a Friend." Carole King wrote this song, and she has written hundreds of songs over the years, songs that others made famous, and she is well worth listening to!! Next up, listen to James sing "You Got a Friend."
Incredible singer/songwriter. A living legend...
YAY!
James is my very favorite artists and his voice just makes my soul feel at peace.
Yeah man, you definitely need to hear You've Got A Friend. People interpret it many ways, I've always heard it as God's love song to the hurting. Great pick Shon 👍😎👊
I love ALL of James Taylor! I am 53 years old, and my mother raised me listening to him. There are not many of his songs that I can't sing, I would thank you deep down if you would react to his song Sugartrade! It will not be well-known unless you are a big James Taylor fan, but I promise you won't be disappointed ❤
One of my top 10 songs of all time. Hits hard for so many reasons. Glad it touched you, Shon.
This song is one of the greteats Songs of all time, James taylor wrote this song for himself, to deal with his feeling. it is a healthy way to deal with the suffering of life. She Was married with Carly Simon,.
I would love you react to her song You're so vain its full of mistery.
My favorite song when it came out in 70 or 71.
Yes, all the James Taylor, this song became popular again after 9-11 ,his voice sounds like a friend you've never met doesn't it? ❤
I love this song so beautiful, thank you Shon.
"won't you look down upon me Jesus You,ve got to help me make a stand. You've just got to see me through another day. My body's aching and my time is at hand. And I won't make it any other way." For those of us that have kicked heroin ( 20 + years clean) those words ring so true. Not sure that's what they are about, but they helped me along.
This is a hard one for me to listen to since I lost my oldest daughter in 2007 in an auto accident. She was 23. The suddenness of it can still be overwhelming 16 years later. I feel the sadness and loss in his voice.
❤️🩹 I’m sorry
It’s good you hit this one first. Carole King wrote ‘You’ve got a Friend’ in response to this song. They both put out their own versions of ‘Friend’ the same year, and I love them both
Great songwriter & singer , loved his music since the early 70s
James Taylor is one of America’s greatest singer songwriters. A deep collection
North Carolina! for life! we love you!
I've always enjoyed "Shower the People" I think you would too.
True fan of James Taylor, outstanding songs, but less popular songs are, Walking Man, Her Town Too, Lonesome Road, Up On A Roof, Frozen Man, Copperline, Hour That The Morning Comes, Handyman, Shed A Little Light. Even if you don't react to these songs as a music lover, they are worth listening to! Music feeds the soul!❤
James Taylor's " handy man" is great as well
What else can be said. We all know this feeling. Nice. Reaction. PEACE
This is such a classic. Beautiful. ❤️✌️
You’ve Got a Friend was written by his friend the great Carole King - in response to this song.
I like all of JT deep tunes, but my favorite is Mocking Bird as performed by him and Carly Simon back when they were married. You've never heard the old lullaby like this!
Man, you picked up on that cello or bass part on your first listen! I must’ve listened to this song 628 times before I was consciously aware of that string part. Now it’s one of my favorite parts to this song.
Yep do you've got a friend its another classic
I love James Taylor
I grew to love this song after watching the movie "Remember the Titans"
Years ago James Taylor made news, at least in Central Florida, by appearing in a Tampa Bay area courtroom to speak on behalf of an old associate from the music industry.
If this song doesn't make you feel things, you're not really listening. I think you would really enjoy You've Got a Friend!
This song was written many years before 911. But the line, "sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground ", now always invokes images of NY.
A big definite on "You've Got A Friend".
This puts me in mind of James Blunt “Monsters” with a different twist. Both great songs!
This is my favorite song of all time
Willie Nelsons ,Version Is My Favorite , I, ve Heard.. 👋😁
I always well up with tears
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.
One of my go-to drinkin & cryin' songs.
***TIME IN A BOTTLE*** by Jim Croce :)
Yes!! Great suggestion. Anything by Croce.
Just seeing this song mentioned makes me start to cry. Such a wonderful songwriter and singer and then lost to us so early
This is so awesome but yet sad. Love your reaction!
Yes please to you reacting to 'you got a friend' I really am enjoying your very sincere reactions Shon and love the music journey you are on.
I love his voice!
A wicked songmaster...
Shon, thank you!
Beautiful reaction.
Thank you !
JT had an issue with things that began with the letter H when he was young. No rehab back in those days so he admitted himself into a psych ward. Treatment for drug addiction & for a person with mental issues was pretty bare bones and lumped everyone together in the same treatment protocol:
Fire: electroshock therapy
Rain: ice water shower therapy
One of my favorite JT songs is "Walking Man" , not as well known as some of his other songs but really a great one.
Thank you,,,,,
you make me happy every time I get the opportunity to watch your videos 🌸
Beautiful,calming sounding song but you quickly find in the first line that it is anything but.
Great job! Yes, please do You’ve Got A Friend.
You should also try his "Shower the People." It is about what you just talked about with calling loved one.
So I hear you like the harmonica. Check these out:
Midnight Cowboy 1969 Harmonica Theme. Midnight Cowboy was best movie 1969.
The Waifs - Crazy Train - Wave Aid 2005. She can play!
You can thank Fred
I think you would really enjoy any of Neil Diamond's songs - Forever in Blue Jeans, I Am...I Said, America, Holly Holy etc etc etc.
Not as well known but please consider listening to Joan Armatrading. A singer songwriter who was also a very good guitarist. Love and Affection is the song that got the greatest airplay but Down to Zero is my favorite. Every song she writes is a short story set to music
Shon I just started listening to reactors and you are one of my favorite. Your reactions are always so real fun and true to heart. Not sure if you reacts to like Americas got talent or and if those shows but I’m hoping you will. One and I have lots but one of them is Courtney Hadwins audition on AGT. Please give it a try. I think you will be surprised and really like her.
Oh wow this is a classic for you
Saw him live in Brisbane Australia over 40 years ago, great times. His guitarist was awesome doing steamroller blues.