3 James Taylor Songs that Will Melt Hearts and Minds Forever | CPT PPP Coverage
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3 James Taylor Songs that Will Melt Hearts and Minds Forever appeared on americansongwriter.com by Jacob Uitti.
The 76-year-old, Boston-born songwriter and performer James Taylor exudes authenticity. He is the sonic equivalent of the Theodore Roosevelt quote, “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.” For Taylor is smooth and hushed but his talent has taken him around the world and to the stereo speakers of millions.
Here below, we wanted to explore three songs from the artist that have stood the test of time. A trio of tracks that elucidate and indicate Taylor’s supreme knack for lyricism and understated performance. But three songs that nevertheless show that the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer belongs with the biggest names. Indeed, these are three James Taylor songs that will play forever.
[RELATED: Behind the Meaning of “Carolina In My Mind” by James Taylor]
“Fire and Rain” from Sweet Baby James (1970)
This song, which hit No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, is about hard times. It’s a reaction to the suicide of his childhood friend Suzanne Schnerr and highlights Taylor’s own personal struggles with success and substance use. Using his somber blanket of a voice, Taylor talks openly and honestly about the devastating time in his life from which this track was born. On the offering, he sings, trying to rectify all that just befell him and his spirit,
Just yesterday mornin’, they let me know you were gone
Suzanne, the plans they made put an end to you
I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song
I just can’t remember who to send it to
I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain
I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I’d see you again
“You’ve Got a Friend” from Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon (1971)
Written by Taylor’s longtime friend and collaborator Carole King, this song showcases subtle musicality and just how a change of inflection or a single note can alter the mood. Lyrically, the tune, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, is about love, loyalty, and support. The Grammy Award-winning song has gone on to be covered by artists like Michael Jackson and Dusty Springfield. Interestingly, King says she wrote the song in response to a line from Taylor’s “Fire and Rain,” in which he sings: I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend. And on this track, Taylor sings,
When you’re down and troubled
And you need some lovin’ care
And nothin’, nothin’ is goin’ right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night
You just call out my name
And you know, wherever I am
I’ll come runnin’
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there
You’ve got a friend
“Carolina in My Mind” from James Taylor (1968)
Sometimes you are in one place and all you want to do is be in another. Many call this feeling homesickness, but Taylor calls it going to Carolina in my mind. Indeed, this song from Taylor’s self-titled 1968 LP is about wanting to escape and be back home where you feel most comfortable. He wrote the track while in England, recording for Apple Records. And on the mournful, resilient, nostalgic track, he sings,
In my mind I’m going to Carolina. Can’t you see the sunshine, can’t you just feel the moonshine?
Ain’t it just like a friend of mine to hit me from behind? Yes, I’m going to Carolina in my mind.
Karen she’s the silver sun, you best walk her way and watch it shine,
watch her watch the morning come.
A silver tear appearing now I’m crying, ain’t I? I’m going to Carolina in my mind.
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Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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