I went to a JT concert a few years ago in Seattle, and half way through, he said he had to take a break, union rules, for 20 minutes. So, he sat down on the edge of the stage in front center, legs dangling, and signed autographs, took picture with people, and chatted with everyone who made it up there. What a kind man. It was a phenomenal concert.
~even i met him…his crew always played baseball with our indoor/outdoor concert ‘team’, but as a young person-he needed a ride from the hotel to the concert! so he got one~in my 72 super beetle, no problem. very lovely man.💕
I went to a Jackson Browne concert in the late 70's at Tanglewood and at the end, same thing. He just sat down on the edge of the stage and hung out. It is a good memory!
Most requested lullaby by my children and grandchildren ( along with Cat Steven’s Moonshadow). I actually preferred this performance to the studio version. He’s incredible. Thank you, Fil, for another brilliant analysis.
this reaction is really something else ... it'll show not only your knowledge but it'll show you being moved by James Taylor and his story ... To me James Taylor is one of these very few artists who could take me to another place, no matter in which mood I am
These singer-songwriters were poets with the incredible ability to express emotions with a simple chord, melodic tune and expressive lyrics. The flashy, money-driven "music" that is forced upon us now-a-days has become so empty, tiresome and boring. Please continue to feature these wonderful artists!
I personally do not like today's music. As Fil stated in another video, the music business uses their artists as puppets. Today's artists are created. Rarely do they write their own music. They don't even dress themselves. They are turned into somebody they don't even recognize themselves. Very sad.
I have no idea if you'll ever see this, Fil, but you (I believe) have an old soul. I thought I grew up in the most precious times of music history - the 60's and 70's - and the advent of the singer/songwriters. I loved James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Kris Kristofferson, Joni Mitchell, CSN, Neil Young...etc. You have great music appreciation in that you do not have the benefit of having grown up with this music and therefore have the memories of living with them, yet you can look back and appreciate them. Unbelievable. And Bravo!
I just thank god that I am old enough to have lived through the greatest era of music ever. Judging by the rubbish dominating the scene today there will never be music of this quality again. What a great artist James Taylor is!! Thanks for the video, and keep them coming.
Nailed it again. This is one of those songs that makes me eyes moisten a bit no matter how many times I've heard it. Powerful stuff. Songwriting and performance at it's finest. Doesn't the best art have the shattered pieces of the artists soul in them?
I've never heard Anyone break down this song and this performance with the intricate care and musical knowledge that you have demonstrated here. Thank you Fil.
He is a legend, great songwriter, knowing it is his story makes it even more memorable. His voice is so pure & he still sounds great. Have seen him in concert several times, once w/Linda Ronstadt, probably in my top 5 all time concerts. I never get tired of hearing his music
I had the good fortune to hear experience James Taylor in concert in the mid eighties. I have to say, this song is even better live because , as often as he's performed this song, like a great actor he gets into character quickly and moves his audience with the feelings. He is truly an amazing performer.
One of the few performers who sound as good live as in the studio. I was lucky enough to see him live in the early 80's. He performed with a group of musicians, but it was when it was just him and his guitar that the really music shined. Harry Chapin was another one who was great live in a small venue. Your analysis is fantastic. I'm glad I found your channel.
He really did a great job weaving the picking and vocals, a classic, timeless piece. When I was a teen, I and many of my friends knew the lyrics so well we could easily sing along, so that's a testament, to the impression he left upon millions of listeners.
I was so touched by your breakdown of this classic song. Sweet Baby James was the first album I ever bought and I still have it. Glad that he is still around today. Thanks, Fil.
Fil, as I go through your videos I keep finding my favorite artists from my prime years (60’s &70’s), like Van Morrison, and now James Taylor. The beauty about your analysis is that you have helped me to appreciate and enjoy these artists at a higher level. I thank RUclips for you. If your goal is to use your extensive knowledge and elite musical skills to help others love music as much as you do, it is absolutely goals accomplished. You are so good that I fear that you will be lured to one of our American social media giants. Good for you, of course, but sad for us. You are brilliant.
Without knowing the complete back story, this song was a hit because you knew it intuitively. Like all great song writers, James gave you enough that you could feel it. This was a golden era for acoustic folk artists and they were prolific in bars & pubs every weekend and even during the week. Solo artists, duos, three and four piece bands with their added harmonies were inspired by the likes of James Taylor, John Denver, Cat Stevens, CSN(Y), etc.
The early 70's, bell bottoms and halter tops, mini skirts, knee high boots, Boonesfarm Strawberry Hill wine, my cousin's upstairs bedroom on the weekends in Portland, Oregon, secrets, giggling, an open window overlooking a restaurant and nightclub parking lot(it was educational!), rock and roll music, and a life size poster of James Taylor on my cousins bedroom door. We were in heaven. Those memories are as dear to me as a breath of air.😊
Great pick Fil. I saw James Taylor play ion Columbus Ohio around 1971 or 72, close in time when this song was out. What was interesting was Taylor came out on stage right at the beginning to introduce the warm up act. He said she was really good and had an album coming out soon......her name was Carole King. Taylor was such a class act.
I saw both on philly pa when they travelled again with their original band the troubadours. Now I know why my sister sat in the rain for his tickets in 1970. He wrote this when he was hospitalized for depression.
If you want to hear James’ soul crying, search out “New Tune” from “One Man Dog”. It is heartbreak set to music. It’s as if it was so intensely personal and painful that he couldn’t even bring himself to properly title it. And yet, like “Fire and Rain” while the lyrics are so sad and revealing, the melody is almost hopeful. The words tell the story, but he won’t let them defeat him: the music knows he has much more to say. The man could have been lost to us decades ago, but we most fortunately still have him to treasure. And he appreciates his fans so much, he devotes many of his RUclips videos to guitar lessons showing others how to play the diamonds of his life’s work. This man is a gift, and we are not quite worthy.
Fil, I will admit I know nothing of playing instruments like you do, but I LOVE MUSIC, ALL KINDS OF MUSIC. Like you I can tell it just touches the soul, its the common thread we as humans can relate too. Thank you so much!!
At times he’s going through this performance with his eyes closed. He’s truly a one of a kind guitar genius. He just played with Jackson Browne here in Greenville SC, amazing. Great analysis video Fil 👍
I grew up thinking James Taylor was a bit too "fluff" and not rock at all. Then I got a bit older and watched him playing and realized the man can really play. Great vid Fil!
I got to see James with Karla Bonoff at Red Rocks in Colorado in the early 1980s. It was a surreal evening I will never forget. It began to mist, and the crowd was so beautiful and reverent, like we were all one spirit.
One of those songs that holds you in a comforting embrace when you’re feeling so low and lonely. The beautiful, heartbreaking, lyrics convey a compassion that has let many sit and weep while it played. As if James was there holding you with compassion in his words and with a gentle tone of voice so that you felt safe rncould let it go. We are touched by Hus own deep
I saw James Taylor in concert in Brighton over ten years ago. He had a band, backing singers the full works but for me the highlight of the concert was when they left the stage on two occasions and he sang and played solo. 'Fire and rain' and 'you've got a friend', I believe. Great artist!
Thank you so much for this analysis, Fil. I was such a fan of James Taylor when I was younger but didn’t know all of this. When I became a teacher I played, ‘You Got a Friend,’ to my class to encourage them in reading, singing and personal relationships. They sang it alongside ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon every Friday afternoon. It was otherworldly listening to them singing their hearts out. Xxx
Kenny Baird Me too, just turned 62..so glad I'm that age..got to grow up at the greatest time for music in history! I remember buying this when 12 or so..remember listening pretty much non stop for months...and still listening obviously!
Thanks. This is timeless. I've covered this song hundreds of times at open mic sessions and everyone young and old marvels at the beauty of the song and tune even those who've never heard of him.
James Taylor is musically and vocally fluid in every performance yet fresh in his delivery. My favorite live concert of all time when he came to Vegas. I play my bass and acoustic guitars along with his performances frequently and it brings me great joy !
I consider the "singer-songwriter" era of the 70s with some bleed over from the late 60s to the early 80s as a high point in music. Taylor, Paul Simon, Jackson Brown, Harry Chapin, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot, Carole King, Dan Fogelberg, John Denver, Don McLean and so many others brought countless hours of enjoyment, inspiration, and enlightenment to me and who know how many others. I enjoy many other genres and eras of music, but I always seem to come back to these when thinking about favorite songs and memories.
I was very young when this came out, but still remember how in love with this fox I was. How can you not cry while listening? Beautiful breakdown, Fil. I’m obsessing over your analyses.
Much respect for you playing this song all the way through. This song has real meaning to me. I lost a good friend back in the '70s and listening to this always brings back memories of those times. Thank you.
I appreciate your knowledge and sharing it with your fans. I had such a busy life as a young man, that while I knew of James and had listened to some of his music, I truly didn’t “discover” JT until my late forties, (I’m now 76). Since that time, he’s become such a treasure to me....and as JT matured into his middle and later years, he’s become better, especially as a singer and still going strong as he approaches age 70. Thanks, Fil
The depth of this extraordinary piece of music is a place where most of us CANNOT go. This is a soul searching song that can make or break a human being. Too heavy to even contemplate because it will keep you grounded in life's trials and tribulations. Unreal commentary to a monumental song. Just a incredible video you have presented on a otherworldly level of musical analysis. Damn your deep.
Yeah, i always loved listening to James Taylor,Carol King, and Carly Simon, such,fabulous, fabulous, story tellers, and musicians... This hit a heart string for me also, Fil, and especially the story telling lyrics right on key, and pitch... Fil you told a great story yourself, mad me tear up, so genuine... Thanks Fil for that wonderful analysis... You are the man......
He’s a singer I can always cry too! This is really getting me tonight 9-20-19. As my mum died July 30,2019 And she was mom and dad to us 9 kids! His voice is so beautiful!! Thankyou Fil.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️
Another brilliant Southerner. They blend the best aspects of Anglo Saxon and Ulster Scots into something truly amazing. Greatest export to the Anglosphere. Even transfers over to their religious music and preaching. Love it.
Thanks Fil!……I so adore James Taylor! I did not know the history of this song or the connection between “You’ve got a friend” and this song, so sweet of Carole. I got to record “ You’ve got a friend” at a small studio in Texas in the 80s I have it somewhere on a cassette……✌️❤️🤘
Before we became refugees from Uganda (1972) Fire and Rain and You've Got A Friend were THE couple of songs played by many. I m learning to play these songs now at 67. The connection of You've Got a Friend to Fire and Rain is inspirational and heart-warming. God bless CK and JT.
Thank you Fil for not interrupting this one. Back in the cassette days, my JT cassette was ALWAYS with me - pocket, car, purse whatever. Living in the country now, years later, I STILL love a nice long walk on a country road with James' music in my ears, and as a psychologist in adult life, I have an even deeper appreciation for this beautiful man's lovely work than what I did as a teen. I wonder if he knows what a hero he is to so many....
I saw James this year (2019) in concert with Bonnie Raitt. He still has it Fil, he did change up just a bit but it was still just as good as when I saw him in '72
James Taylor was one of my favorite artists back when he first came out. I loved his first 3 albums. This was one of my favorite songs of his. He does an incredible version here. I had read some of the things about this song, but never knew the details til you described them tonight. It really makes the song a lot more meaningful now. His guitar playing is just incredible, sounds as good as the record. Thanks for making this song more meaningful to me. -Best,Jim
I saw James Taylor rehearsing in California for a small venue show and he was meticulous about what the people behind him were doing. Sweet Baby James was one of my first albums and he was soooo handsome when he was younger.
Your commentary is stellar, Fil. You always bring so much to your analysis. Knowledge is great, but the ability to impart knowledge to others in an entertaining, concise, and understandable way is a rare gift that you have. I appreciate the preparation that goes into each of your classes. James Taylor takes me back...Sweet Baby James. I went to college with someone who said he knew JT's mother from growing up in the neighborhood. He said she baked cookies and gave them out to all the kids.
You've picked the words out of my mind to describe so accurately James Taylor's soul. Besides the technical knowledge you have, you really do immerse yourself into music and lyrics. And it clearly can be seen on your face when you're watching the video. I love James Taylor because his music and the lyrics are entangled, no, they're just one. It's the kind of music that is so obvious that everyone thinks : now, why didn't I come up with this? It's universal and deeply human. Brilliant, Fil!
Again, loved this one Fil. Been a fan of James Taylor since the 1970's my youngest sons name is Caleb Taylor and he named his son Eli James. I met James in 2007 and he signed my album if the Original Flying Machine... thank you again
Love your analyses. Have always loved this song, but you’ve added layers of appreciation, both from a musical standpoint and on a human level. Thank you so much!
Yes. One of the great writers and story tellers of my generation. One of my insperations. I had the privilege of meeting him two times. He is a genuinely nice person. Another thing about James is he appreciates his fans, has not forgotten where he came from.
I grew up during this era. I miss the singer/songwriter era. Taylor, Chapin, Simon/Garfunkel and so on. Personal fun fact: I got to work with Pete Seeger in the mid 70's on his Clearwater Project.
James Taylor is my all time favorite singer song writer. His music and voice is so calm, smooth, and just easy. His music is a breath of fresh air in such a chaotic world....
Total respect for JT and others of the era. But one thing I notice about this and other performances of the time... the audience was listening. The artist wasn't simply background noise for people on the make.
This analysis hits it right on the head of a nail. James Taylor was a great story teller and it moved up up a notch with his feelings behind his soulful lyrics.
I've always loved James Taylor. I'm impressed by how much you know about him.He did a great performance with Zac Brown with Colder Weather. Thank you for another very good video...
Oh my dear Fil . . . This ripped my heart out . Didn't know the story behind this song. A whole new and deeper appreciation of James Taylor and Fire and Rain thanks to you Fil. Just goin to keep thanking you over and over. Keepin the faith. Big Hugs, Jo-Anna 💜 🙋
Thanks, Fil for this great analysis of James Taylor's "Fire and Rain." At 19, a freshman in college, I focused a lot onJames Taylor tgrough my love of songwriting, and I played his records frequently!
50 years ago!!! Can't believe it -- even though I was alive then, and listened to JT all the time! Love his music still. 💖 Thank you for telling the story behind it. All these years, and I never knew about the tragedy that inspired it. His pain is so evident.
James Taylor. Truly one of the greatest poet singer-songwriters of all time. Thank you for featuring these great artists. Your knowledge and research and enthusiasm is a breath of fresh air.
Hey Fil, In a sea of music videos on RUclips, it's amazing to me how you're finding so many of these videos that have been my favorites for years! This one is great, and the most amazing thing is how great the sound quality is of his voice and guitar. It's like studio quality! And for the time, with no fancy vocal processors or high tech transducers, is just astounding to me.
I’ve been a fan from the beginning, I learned to play fire and rain, and it took a while, James has a unique but beautiful style.... I’ve been fortunate enough to see him live a couple of times, once with Carol King, his live performances are amazing, thanks for posting this!
Yeah...James Taylor..this man is fantastic! Really enjoy his lay back sense of musical brilliance! Bittersweet love songs...a class act! Great analysis Fil!🙂🤘🤘
I didn't know about James's first band. For me, "Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground" seemed to be about the loss of hopes and potential - when a young person dies, especially by their own hand. Even knowing the real story behind those particular words, it still speaks to me about that loss. Crowded House have a song, in the comeback album Time On Earth, made after the suicide of Paul Hester, called Nobody Wants To. It contains the line "broken pieces on the ground" which still tears me up.
I was searching all your videos just yesterday to see if you've ever reacted to James Taylor. I guess it's just a coincidence. He's one of my all time favorites
Fire and Rsin is an iconic, classic 70s tune. This song put James on the popular AM radio map, then hit after hit after hit followed. Thank you, JT. This song is definitely part of the songbook of my life, along with Carolina In My Mind!
Brilliant analysis of the performance and of the profound lyrics and story... one of your very best IMO .So glad that you chose to feature this particular performance of my favourite James Taylor song, 'Fire and Rain', that always gives me the chills ! I remember during this particular gig that James also played a really cool instrumental that was almost like a jazzy/ folk treatment of 'Greensleeves / What Child is This ?' but I don't know the title that James may have given to that piece.
This song brought to us the danger and the heart break of our times. Hit us at the heart level. I remember so vividly the exact time and place I was at when I first heard the haunting vibrations and receptivity of his vocal style.
Fantastic analysis Fil. He's just a man with his guitar, but the song and the singer are a gift that keeps on giving, even 50yrs later. Great songwriting is timeless. He exposed his soul for all of us to see; his sort of " call out" was universal , I think that's why the song is still relevant. And the guitar playing, well, you said it all Fil... ☮️
The original recording says, 'Suzanne the plans THEY made put an end to you'. Reportedly that referred to her parents. He changed it up to 'we' made to avoid pointing the finger at anyone else.
I went to a JT concert a few years ago in Seattle, and half way through, he said he had to take a break, union rules, for 20 minutes. So, he sat down on the edge of the stage in front center, legs dangling, and signed autographs, took picture with people, and chatted with everyone who made it up there. What a kind man. It was a phenomenal concert.
~even i met him…his crew always played baseball with our indoor/outdoor concert ‘team’, but as a young person-he needed a ride from the hotel to the concert! so he got one~in my 72 super beetle, no problem. very lovely man.💕
I went to a Jackson Browne concert in the late 70's at Tanglewood and at the end, same thing. He just sat down on the edge of the stage and hung out. It is a good memory!
Same thing here in Cleveland when he played at Blossom Music Center a few years ago.
Sweet Baby James gets me everytime. I'm tearing up already.
Most requested lullaby by my children and grandchildren ( along with Cat Steven’s Moonshadow). I actually preferred this performance to the studio version. He’s incredible. Thank you, Fil, for another brilliant analysis.
this reaction is really something else ... it'll show not only your knowledge but it'll show you being moved by James Taylor and his story ... To me James Taylor is one of these very few artists who could take me to another place, no matter in which mood I am
These singer-songwriters were poets with the incredible ability to express emotions with a simple chord, melodic tune and expressive lyrics. The flashy, money-driven "music" that is forced upon us now-a-days has become so empty, tiresome and boring. Please continue to feature these wonderful artists!
James Taylor's stuff is not that simple. His harmonic ideas are sophisticated and not folky or formulaic.
I totally agree Laurie .
I personally do not like today's music. As Fil stated in another video, the music business uses their artists as puppets. Today's artists are created. Rarely do they write their own music. They don't even dress themselves. They are turned into somebody they don't even recognize themselves. Very sad.
Actually Taylors stuff is very diffcult... sounds simple... try playing the intro to Fire and Rain...
@@homefront3162 yes it is.
I find myself closing my eyes & just feeling this song every time.
I have no idea if you'll ever see this, Fil, but you (I believe) have an old soul. I thought I grew up in the most precious times of music history - the 60's and 70's - and the advent of the singer/songwriters. I loved James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Kris Kristofferson, Joni Mitchell, CSN, Neil Young...etc. You have great music appreciation in that you do not have the benefit of having grown up with this music and therefore have the memories of living with them, yet you can look back and appreciate them. Unbelievable. And Bravo!
I just thank god that I am old enough to have lived through the greatest era of music ever. Judging by the rubbish dominating the scene today there will never be music of this quality again. What a great artist James Taylor is!! Thanks for the video, and keep them coming.
Same
The music is still here ..but not on or with the mainline moneymakers
Nailed it again. This is one of those songs that makes me eyes moisten a bit no matter how many times I've heard it.
Powerful stuff. Songwriting and performance at it's finest.
Doesn't the best art have the shattered pieces of the artists soul in them?
That's true!
Beautifully said, Ursafan40. And yes, I agree wholeheartedly.
@@patricias5122 Thank you
I've never heard Anyone break down this song and this performance with the intricate care and musical knowledge that you have demonstrated here.
Thank you Fil.
Fil's musical reaction/analysis videos are just about the only ones worth watching.
He is a legend, great songwriter, knowing it is his story makes it even more memorable. His voice is so pure & he still sounds great.
Have seen him in concert several times, once w/Linda Ronstadt, probably in my top 5 all time concerts.
I never get tired of hearing his music
I had the good fortune to hear experience James Taylor in concert in the mid eighties. I have to say, this song is even better live because , as often as he's performed this song, like a great actor he gets into character quickly and moves his audience with the feelings. He is truly an amazing performer.
"like a great actor he gets into character quickly and moves his audience with the feelings". Fab sentence
One of the few performers who sound as good live as in the studio. I was lucky enough to see him live in the early 80's. He performed with a group of musicians, but it was when it was just him and his guitar that the really music shined. Harry Chapin was another one who was great live in a small venue. Your analysis is fantastic. I'm glad I found your channel.
He really did a great job weaving the picking and vocals, a classic, timeless piece. When I was a teen, I and many of my friends knew the lyrics so well we could easily sing along, so that's a testament, to the impression he left upon millions of listeners.
I was so touched by your breakdown of this classic song. Sweet Baby James was the first album I ever bought and I still have it. Glad that he is still around today. Thanks, Fil.
No problem ☺
Lastone my first album too! Still love every song on it!
Fil, as I go through your videos I keep finding my favorite artists from my prime years (60’s &70’s), like Van Morrison, and now James Taylor. The beauty about your analysis is that you have helped me to appreciate and enjoy these artists at a higher level. I thank RUclips for you. If your goal is to use your extensive knowledge and elite musical skills to help others love music as much as you do, it is absolutely goals accomplished. You are so good that I fear that you will be lured to one of our American social media giants. Good for you, of course, but sad for us. You are brilliant.
Thanks!
Without knowing the complete back story, this song was a hit because you knew it intuitively. Like all great song writers, James gave you enough that you could feel it. This was a golden era for acoustic folk artists and they were prolific in bars & pubs every weekend and even during the week. Solo artists, duos, three and four piece bands with their added harmonies were inspired by the likes of James Taylor, John Denver, Cat Stevens, CSN(Y), etc.
Once again, a man and his guitar telling a story and making musical history - magical stuff.
The early 70's, bell bottoms and halter tops, mini skirts, knee high boots, Boonesfarm Strawberry Hill wine, my cousin's upstairs bedroom on the weekends in Portland, Oregon, secrets, giggling, an open window overlooking a restaurant and nightclub parking lot(it was educational!), rock and roll music, and a life size poster of James Taylor on my cousins bedroom door. We were in heaven. Those memories are as dear to me as a breath of air.😊
Great pick Fil. I saw James Taylor play ion Columbus Ohio around 1971 or 72, close in time when this song was out. What was interesting was Taylor came out on stage right at the beginning to introduce the warm up act. He said she was really good and had an album coming out soon......her name was Carole King. Taylor was such a class act.
Cool!
I saw both on philly pa when they travelled again with their original band the troubadours. Now I know why my sister sat in the rain for his tickets in 1970.
He wrote this when he was hospitalized for depression.
If you want to hear James’ soul crying, search out “New Tune” from “One Man Dog”. It is heartbreak set to music. It’s as if it was so intensely personal and painful that he couldn’t even bring himself to properly title it. And yet, like “Fire and Rain” while the lyrics are so sad and revealing, the melody is almost hopeful. The words tell the story, but he won’t let them defeat him: the music knows he has much more to say.
The man could have been lost to us decades ago, but we most fortunately still have him to treasure. And he appreciates his fans so much, he devotes many of his RUclips videos to guitar lessons showing others how to play the diamonds of his life’s work.
This man is a gift, and we are not quite worthy.
Fil, I will admit I know nothing of playing instruments like you do, but I LOVE MUSIC, ALL KINDS OF MUSIC. Like you I can tell it just touches the soul, its the common thread we as humans can relate too. Thank you so much!!
No problem ☺
One man, one guitar, live. Oh my god. Singer songwriter, fingerstyle guitar. I'm in awe.
At times he’s going through this performance with his eyes closed.
He’s truly a one of a kind guitar genius.
He just played with Jackson Browne here in Greenville SC, amazing.
Great analysis video Fil 👍
I grew up thinking James Taylor was a bit too "fluff" and not rock at all. Then I got a bit older and watched him playing and realized the man can really play. Great vid Fil!
Check out "Steamroller Blues".
James Taylor is so amazing. He makes a guitar sound so rich and his voice compliments the melody perfectly.
a beautiful and a sad song. james is awesome
I got to see James with Karla Bonoff at Red Rocks in Colorado in the early 1980s. It was a surreal evening I will never forget. It began to mist, and the crowd was so beautiful and reverent, like we were all one spirit.
One of those songs that holds you in a comforting embrace when you’re feeling so low and lonely. The beautiful, heartbreaking, lyrics convey a compassion that has let many sit and weep while it played. As if James was there holding you with compassion in his words and with a gentle tone of voice so that you felt safe rncould let it go. We are touched by Hus own deep
one of the best voices ever, no one can accompany themselves as well as JT
He's definitely up there, John Denver? .....
@@bobrisse9823 JD Souther did what ??
@@bobrisse9823 I'll check it out 🎶👍🏻
That was heart breaking. I've heard this song many, many times and I had no idea the meaning behind these lyrics. Thank you for sharing.
I saw James Taylor in concert in Brighton over ten years ago. He had a band, backing singers the full works but for me the highlight of the concert was when they left the stage on two occasions and he sang and played solo. 'Fire and rain' and 'you've got a friend', I believe. Great artist!
Thank you so much for this analysis, Fil. I was such a fan of James Taylor when I was younger but didn’t know all of this. When I became a teacher I played, ‘You Got a Friend,’ to my class to encourage them in reading, singing and personal relationships. They sang it alongside ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon every Friday afternoon. It was otherworldly listening to them singing their hearts out. Xxx
I just realized that your beautiful smile is important, but you intense intentional face is much more telling. You sir are brilliant.
Thanks!
Always loved James Taylor's music, but never knew the story behind this one... Thanks for shedding some light on it !
Simply beautiful...
What a great guitarist
Thanks Brotherrrrrr .. The background information really helped me understand. Mr. Taylor...
Good job,i'm 61 and i learned a lot about this song.
Me 2!
Cool!
Same here. Love this channel.
Kenny Baird Me too, just turned 62..so glad I'm that age..got to grow up at the greatest time for music in history! I remember buying this when 12 or so..remember listening pretty much non stop for months...and still listening obviously!
61 myself, lost people, makes me want to keep on, stay positive, nobody said life was easy
Thanks. This is timeless.
I've covered this song hundreds of times at open mic sessions and everyone young and old marvels at the beauty of the song and tune even those who've never heard of him.
Thank you for your in-depth analysis of a very moving, beautiful song by the talented, James Taylor. I am a true fan of his music.
James Taylor is musically and vocally fluid in every performance yet fresh in his delivery. My favorite live concert of all time when he came to Vegas. I play my bass and acoustic guitars along with his performances frequently and it brings me great joy !
I consider the "singer-songwriter" era of the 70s with some bleed over from the late 60s to the early 80s as a high point in music. Taylor, Paul Simon, Jackson Brown, Harry Chapin, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot, Carole King, Dan Fogelberg, John Denver, Don McLean and so many others brought countless hours of enjoyment, inspiration, and enlightenment to me and who know how many others. I enjoy many other genres and eras of music, but I always seem to come back to these when thinking about favorite songs and memories.
Nothing to say but.....absolutely wonderful.
"Talking on pitch." That's perfect. His voice is so nice, always perfectly in tune, and so casually agile.
I was very young when this came out, but still remember how in love with this fox I was. How can you not cry while listening? Beautiful breakdown, Fil. I’m obsessing over your analyses.
Thanks!
Much respect for you playing this song all the way through. This song has real meaning to me. I lost a good friend back in the '70s and listening to this always brings back memories of those times. Thank you.
☺
Oh wow. I didn't know the background of the song until you explained. Sure does have a new meaning now.
Thank you, Fil. I did not know all this
I appreciate your knowledge and sharing it with your fans. I had such a busy life as a young man, that while I knew of James and had listened to some of his music, I truly didn’t “discover” JT until my late forties, (I’m now 76). Since that time, he’s become such a treasure to me....and as JT matured into his middle and later years, he’s become better, especially as a singer and still going strong as he approaches age 70. Thanks, Fil
The depth of this extraordinary piece of music is a place where most of us CANNOT go. This is a soul searching song that can make or break a human being. Too heavy to even contemplate because it will keep you grounded in life's trials and tribulations. Unreal commentary to a monumental song. Just a incredible video you have presented on a otherworldly level of musical analysis. Damn your deep.
Thanks!
Yeah, i always loved listening to James Taylor,Carol King, and Carly Simon, such,fabulous, fabulous, story tellers, and musicians... This hit a heart string for me also, Fil, and especially the story telling lyrics right on key, and pitch... Fil you told a great story yourself, mad me tear up, so genuine... Thanks Fil for that wonderful analysis... You are the man......
He’s a singer I can always cry too! This is really getting me tonight 9-20-19. As my mum died July 30,2019 And she was mom and dad to us 9 kids! His voice is so beautiful!! Thankyou Fil.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️
Another brilliant Southerner. They blend the best aspects of Anglo Saxon and Ulster Scots into something truly amazing. Greatest export to the Anglosphere. Even transfers over to their religious music and preaching. Love it.
Sweet baby James...I know every song by heart. A formative time in my life. Love every track on this album. What a talent!
Thanks Fil!……I so adore James Taylor! I did not know the history of this song or the connection between “You’ve got a friend” and this song, so sweet of Carole. I got to record “ You’ve got a friend” at a small studio in Texas in the 80s I have it somewhere on a cassette……✌️❤️🤘
Cool!
Before we became refugees from Uganda (1972) Fire and Rain and You've Got A Friend were THE couple of songs played by many. I m learning to play these songs now at 67. The connection of You've Got a Friend to Fire and Rain is inspirational and heart-warming. God bless CK and JT.
@@wingsofpegasus many thanks Fil
Thank you Fil for not interrupting this one. Back in the cassette days, my JT cassette was ALWAYS with me - pocket, car, purse whatever. Living in the country now, years later, I STILL love a nice long walk on a country road with James' music in my ears, and as a psychologist in adult life, I have an even deeper appreciation for this beautiful man's lovely work than what I did as a teen. I wonder if he knows what a hero he is to so many....
I saw James this year (2019) in concert with Bonnie Raitt. He still has it Fil, he did change up just a bit but it was still just as good as when I saw him in '72
Ed Maslak we had tickets to see both of them, but Bonnie Raitt had emergency surgery so he did the whole concert himself. Fantastic concert.
Great analysis and breakdown on J.T. He was so inspirational to guitar players back in the 70's, and he's still going strong today 5 decades later.
James Taylor was one of my favorite artists back when he first came out. I loved his first 3 albums. This was one of my favorite songs of his. He does an incredible version here. I had read some of the things about this song, but never knew the details til you described them tonight. It really makes the song a lot more meaningful now. His guitar playing is just incredible, sounds as good as the record. Thanks for making this song more meaningful to me. -Best,Jim
I saw James Taylor rehearsing in California for a small venue show and he was meticulous about what the people behind him were doing. Sweet Baby James was one of my first albums and he was soooo handsome when he was younger.
Cat Stevens another good story teller
Duane Atkinson You think? 😉 He was probably the best of them all! Just my opinion but...still true! ❤
Bob Dylan Paul Simon
Harry Chapin
Gordon Lightfoot.
Yes, and all of the above listed as well. Early 1970's best time for music (after the 1960s anyway) in history!!
Your commentary is stellar, Fil. You always bring so much to your analysis. Knowledge is great, but the ability to impart knowledge to others in an entertaining, concise, and understandable way is a rare gift that you have. I appreciate the preparation that goes into each of your classes. James Taylor takes me back...Sweet Baby James. I went to college with someone who said he knew JT's mother from growing up in the neighborhood. He said she baked cookies and gave them out to all the kids.
You've picked the words out of my mind to describe so accurately James Taylor's soul. Besides the technical knowledge you have, you really do immerse yourself into music and lyrics. And it clearly can be seen on your face when you're watching the video. I love James Taylor because his music and the lyrics are entangled, no, they're just one. It's the kind of music that is so obvious that everyone thinks : now, why didn't I come up with this? It's universal and deeply human. Brilliant, Fil!
Again, loved this one Fil.
Been a fan of James Taylor since the 1970's my youngest sons name is Caleb Taylor and he named his son Eli James.
I met James in 2007 and he signed my album if the Original Flying Machine... thank you again
Cool!
D Wincel Really cool! Good names honoring an amazing man and artist
Love your analyses. Have always loved this song, but you’ve added layers of appreciation, both from a musical standpoint and on a human level. Thank you so much!
Yes. One of the great writers and story tellers of my generation. One of my insperations. I had the privilege of meeting him two times. He is a genuinely nice person. Another thing about James is he appreciates his fans, has not forgotten where he came from.
Cool!
Outstanding analysis!!
Another legend in song writing and story telling. His music is still relevant and connects today!
I grew up during this era. I miss the singer/songwriter era. Taylor, Chapin, Simon/Garfunkel and so on.
Personal fun fact: I got to work with Pete Seeger in the mid 70's on his Clearwater Project.
Cool!
James Taylor is my all time favorite singer song writer. His music and voice is so calm, smooth, and just easy. His music is a breath of fresh air in such a chaotic world....
Total respect for JT and others of the era. But one thing I notice about this and other performances of the time... the audience was listening. The artist wasn't simply background noise for people on the make.
Boy, no lie. I despise these loud, selfish, hopped-up selfie warriors.
This analysis hits it right on the head of a nail. James Taylor was a great story teller and it moved up up a notch with his feelings behind his soulful lyrics.
As I've said before that's why yer the man Fil. Always with the fair, nonjudgmental opinion and respect for music . J T great player.
Thanks Mitch!
@@wingsofpegasus hey Fil what's your preferred method on daily finger exercises. Like scales and such?
Always over the edge and up on the roof. Sweet and sincere and scorching.
Gordon Lightfoot:
ruclips.net/video/DK--A-IaZnA/видео.html
Leonard
ruclips.net/video/oIpF-RPw0pw/видео.html
There's always so much to learn from you, Fil- historically, musically, artistically. Thanks for analyzing these gems for the soul.
I always love your analysis of songs I've listened to for 50 years. As I've said you bring it to life even more for me. Great work Fil!!❤
I've always loved James Taylor. I'm impressed by how much you know about him.He did a great performance with Zac Brown with Colder Weather. Thank you for another very good video...
Oh my dear Fil . . .
This ripped my heart out .
Didn't know the story behind this song. A whole new and deeper appreciation of James Taylor and Fire and Rain thanks to you Fil. Just goin to keep thanking you over and over. Keepin the faith.
Big Hugs, Jo-Anna 💜 🙋
Thanks, Fil for this great analysis of James Taylor's "Fire and Rain." At 19, a freshman in college, I focused a lot onJames Taylor tgrough my love of songwriting, and I played his records frequently!
50 years ago!!! Can't believe it -- even though I was alive then, and listened to JT all the time! Love his music still. 💖 Thank you for telling the story behind it. All these years, and I never knew about the tragedy that inspired it. His pain is so evident.
Great analysis and reaction, Fil! Yes, Taylor is such a great guitarist, and what a voice...
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voodoo_Chile
Wow! Thank you for another great video. I now understand this song after hearing it hundreds of times. Thumbs way up. 👍👍
No problem!
I grew up with this song and have always had a deep connection with James Tayler. As usual though, you brought the master class.
James Taylor. Truly one of the greatest poet singer-songwriters of all time. Thank you for featuring these great artists. Your knowledge and research and enthusiasm is a breath of fresh air.
Thanks!
Hey Fil, In a sea of music videos on RUclips, it's amazing to me how you're finding so many of these videos that have been my favorites for years!
This one is great, and the most amazing thing is how great the sound quality is of his voice and guitar. It's like studio quality! And for the time, with no fancy vocal processors or high tech transducers, is just astounding to me.
Yeah it's a great recording!
I’ve been a fan from the beginning, I learned to play fire and rain, and it took a while, James has a unique but beautiful style.... I’ve been fortunate enough to see him live a couple of times, once with Carol King, his live performances are amazing, thanks for posting this!
Yeah...James Taylor..this man is fantastic! Really enjoy his lay back sense of musical brilliance! Bittersweet love songs...a class act! Great analysis Fil!🙂🤘🤘
James is amazing in so many ways..... Great songwriter and guitarist. Plus he is a great story teller. Brilliant!
You are wonderful. Such insight and appreciation is rare today.
I didn't know about James's first band. For me, "Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground" seemed to be about the loss of hopes and potential - when a young person dies, especially by their own hand. Even knowing the real story behind those particular words, it still speaks to me about that loss.
Crowded House have a song, in the comeback album Time On Earth, made after the suicide of Paul Hester, called Nobody Wants To. It contains the line "broken pieces on the ground" which still tears me up.
I was searching all your videos just yesterday to see if you've ever reacted to James Taylor. I guess it's just a coincidence. He's one of my all time favorites
Such a good song writer. Timeless.
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James Taylor...just have to say this man's songs healed my heart many times.
Sweet Baby James, Shower The People you Love with Love, Mexico, so many great songs....love his voice.
Fire and Rsin is an iconic, classic 70s tune. This song put James on the popular AM radio map, then hit after hit after hit followed. Thank you, JT. This song is definitely part of the songbook of my life, along with Carolina In My Mind!
Brilliant analysis of the performance and of the profound lyrics and story... one of your very best IMO .So glad that you chose to feature this particular performance of my favourite James Taylor song, 'Fire and Rain', that always gives me the chills ! I remember during this particular gig that James also played a really cool instrumental that was almost like a jazzy/ folk treatment of 'Greensleeves / What Child is This ?' but I don't know the title that James may have given to that piece.
This song brought to us the danger and the heart break of our times. Hit us at the heart level. I remember so vividly the exact time and place I was at when I first heard the haunting vibrations and receptivity of his vocal style.
Great video Fil. You are a fine teacher my friend. So knowledgeable and natural. James has always been amazing. Right out of the gate. Thanks....Paul.
Thanks Paul!
Fantastic analysis Fil. He's just a man with his guitar, but the song and the singer are a gift that keeps on giving, even 50yrs later. Great songwriting is timeless. He exposed his soul for all of us to see; his sort of " call out" was universal , I think that's why the song is still relevant. And the guitar playing, well, you said it all Fil... ☮️
Awesome breakdown as usual.... Great work Fil.. oh 😬 James too ☮️✊🏼
Thanks Steve!
The original recording says, 'Suzanne the plans THEY made put an end to you'. Reportedly that referred to her parents. He changed it up to 'we' made to avoid pointing the finger at anyone else.
Genious!
One of the best players and storytellers ever!