Do It Again - James Taylor

March 17, 2022 Post a Comment

Angela offset knew of Jesus every bit a kid just did non walk with him until she was an developed. She now hopes to share the Good News with the globe.

James Taylor performing at Tanglewood.

Paul Keleher, via Wikimedia Commons

"Burn down and I've Seen Pelting" Lyrics

"Just yesterday morning, they let me know you lot were gone.
Susanne, the plans they fabricated put an stop to y'all.
I walked out this morning, and I wrote down this song,
I just tin't remember who to send it to.

I've seen fire and I've seen pelting;
I've seen sunny days that I idea would never end;
I've seen lonely times when I could not observe a friend,
But I ever thought that I'd encounter you again.

Won't you look down upon me, Jesus;
You've got to help me make a stand,;
You lot've just got to see me through another day.
My trunk's agonized and my fourth dimension is at hand,
And I won't make it whatsoever other way.

Oh, 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 notice a friend,
Just I always thought that I'd meet yous again.

Been walking my mind to an piece of cake time, my back turned towards the sun;
Lord knows, when the cold wind blows information technology'll turn your head around.
Well, there's hours of time on the telephone line to talk about things to come;
Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground.

Oh, 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,
Only I always thought that I'd encounter you, baby, one more than time once more, now.

Thought I'd meet you i more than fourth dimension again;
In that location's just a few things coming my way this time effectually, at present;
Thought I'd see you, thought I'd see you burn and pelting, now."

James Taylor Lyrics Explained

James Taylor wrote and sang this song, which was inspired by a friend of his who died. After being recorded, this song elevated him to a popular star at 22 when information technology became a striking.

Taylor stated that he wrote this vocal three different times throughout 1968. His writing began while he was auditioning in London for The Beatles' Apple tree Records. So Taylor wrote more of information technology while he stayed in a Manhattan Hospital. Notwithstanding, he finished it when he was at the Austin Riggs Center, where he was staying for drug rehabilitation. In 1972 Taylor stated:

"Fire and Rain" has 3 verses. The first poetry is about my reactions to the death of a friend. The second verse is about my arrival in this state 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 mitt when I had to do it... And the 3rd poesy of that song refers to my recuperation in Austin Riggs which lasted virtually v months.

Although he wrote this at simply 20 years quondam, it touches people of all ages and is still relevant twoscore-plus years later on.

First Verse Explained

"Just yesterday morn they let me know you were gone
I but can't remember who to send it to
Susanne the plans they made put an terminate to you
I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song"

When he refers to Susanne, he is referring to Susanne Schnerr. Taylor states he used to get high with her and knew her quite well. He met her in New York in 1967 and hung out with her quite oft when he was function of a grouping chosen The Flight Machine. The Flying Machine was the group where he began to become successful as a musician and author.

Susanne, or who Taylor affectionately refers to every bit Suzie, committed suicide. He was living in London with mutual friends. Since his career began lifting off and his fame grew, his friends waited until subsequently to requite him the news since they knew Taylor was so excited nigh his upcoming record deal. He didn't find out about her suicide until six months later.

He also states in ane interview that he e'er felt bad most the line, "The plans they made put an end to yous," considering people take fabricated assumptions to whom "they" are. He intended 'they' to be the Fates. His greatest fear was that her parents thought he blamed them. He did non.

James Taylor on stage performing at Tanglewood.

Paul Keleher, via Wikimedia Eatables

Second Verse Explained

"Won't y'all look down upon me, Jesus
Y'all've got to assist me make a stand
You lot've just got to encounter me through another twenty-four hour period
My body's agonized and my time is at hand
And I won't make it any other way"

This poetry was written in 1968 after he stayed in a mental hospital. He was battling a heroin addiction. He wrote this as a plea to Jesus, as in Jesus Christ, to aid him 'make a stand up' against his drug addiction, which portrays how much of a agree the addiction had on him. He makes the concord the addiction had on him when he belts out, "I won't brand information technology any other manner."

Ringlet to Continue

Third Verse Explained

"Has been walking my mind to an easy time my dorsum turned towards the lord's day
Lord knows when the cold wind blows information technology'll turn your head around
Well, there's hours of time on the telephone line to talk about things
To come
Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the footing"

Earlier, during his senior twelvemonth in high school, he had been treated at a hospital for depression. He and a friend, Danny Kortchmar, began a band called the Flying Machine. It was a blessing in disguise when the grouping failed only a few months after it started, and he started his solo career. The last line refers to this band and his earlier attempts at finding success as a writer.

Fire and Rain Meaning

Burn down and Pelting remains and probably always will be 1 of my favorite songs. It touches me on a deep level. Although I've never experienced depression or drug addiction, I still know how information technology feels to be on the bottom, hoping for a moment to arise. Life is similar a roller coaster, with many ups and downs, scary at times, exhilarating, and sometimes just manifestly abrasive.

Questions & Answers

Question: In the line, "But I ever thought that I'd come across you once again," to whom is the word "you lot" referring in the verse form "Fire and Pelting"?

Answer: His friend Suzanne Shnerr who had committed suicide.

Kelly Ann Christensen from Overland Park, Johnson Canton, Kansas on February 01, 2020:

I just beloved James Taylor and this song. In the days and years following my mother's death, it would remind me of her. I always thought that I would see you once more, just she was gone. Thanks for the enjoyable and interesting commodity.

Jean Bakula from New Jersey on March x, 2017:

He has such a distinctive voice, you can always tell it's him when he helps out a friend or even plays an instrument. He plays the banjo part on Neil Young's Sometime Human being. I wish he stayed with Carly Simon, she loved him and so much.

Nellieanna Hay from TEXAS on May 26, 2014:

I found your hub from one of the "Related Hubs" on another hub I was visiting. Glad I did!

What a lovely hub! I adore James Taylor and accept since I first heard him in the 60s when my son in high school was following his work. Cheers for bringing out this 'history' of 1 of his virtually beloved songs. Information technology gets my votes!

I tried for a good while to play his songs on pianoforte. They're not very adaptable to information technology. One fourth dimension, though, it but came to me and I was able to exercise a fairly practiced job of it. Very satisfying.

Nellieanna Hay from TEXAS on May 26, 2014:

What a lovely hub! I adore James Taylor and have since I first heard him in the 60s. Thank you for bringing out this 'history' of one of his most honey songs. It gets my votes!

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on June 02, 2012:

He really is quite the genius, he is i of my all time favorite singers.

Winsome from Southern California by way of Texas on June 02, 2012:

Hullo A_M, thank y'all for that explanation. I had no idea he wrote the verses so far apart. I just finished a song I started many years ago, and so I do sympathize how that happens. I read one time that when he heard people say that his songs all sounded the same that he was surprised. He said he works to vary his songs and structure of the music but that he just has a narrow lens they all come out of and so it just sounds similar that.

I agree with him, his songs are not as like shooting fish in a barrel to play as you might think if you lot actually play them as he does. That'due south a chip of genius there. =:)

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on May 19, 2012:

It truly is a sad story. My heart feels heavy every fourth dimension I hear those words.

Eric Calderwood from USA on May 19, 2012:

I remember listening to this song every bit a immature kid. I always thought the whole song was about "Susan" and the line "the plans they made put an end to you" referred to some conspiracy in which she was murdered. Now I know the existent story. Cheers for a great hub.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from U.s. on September 22, 2010:

Your welcome. James Taylor is i of my all-time favorite singers. I could listen to him sing all mean solar day long. I think he is 1 of the few celebrities that I would lose all verbal performance around! I'd merely stand up there in awe!

heart4theword from hub on September 21, 2010:

Have to say I've ever liked the song, yet never read or new anything well-nigh the singer...or the story behind the song. Thanks for sharing!

Angela Michelle Schultz (writer) from United States on September 03, 2010:

He is one of the few musicians who has remained a powerful musical forcefulness for more than one-half of their lives!

TomTipton from Hollywood, CA on September 02, 2010:

Thanks for the Hub angela_michelle.

When lyrics, melody, and emotion collide, you take a classic - something that never grows old. James is in (what I would telephone call) the tertiary act of his career now but he even so sings and plays with the aforementioned fervor of his early days. I even so love to hear him sing

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from Usa on Baronial 24, 2010:

SteveoMc, the reason behind the story really moved me the first fourth dimension I heard it. I wish my computer had speakers, otherwise I would add a video. I just can't tell if the video I would add would exist quality or non.

SteveoMc from Pacific NorthWest on Baronial 24, 2010:

I love this song and I was moved by the explanation. Cheers and so much. I want to hear it right now. Also, rated up and awesome. Wonderful hub.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August 23, 2010:

Thanks so much Minnetonka twin for rating it up. Yes, he seems to be one of those artists that lives a good life not just a good vocaliser. He doesn't seem to try to hibernate who he is either.

Linda Rogers from Minnesota on August 23, 2010:

I rated this hub Upwards, Awesome and Beautiful as it is very inspiring. I have e'er had a Big place in my heart for James Taylor. I followed him and his life as he struggled with demons and followed hin every bit a great and incredible creative person. I ever thought it was absurd that someone this famous went on children's shows like Sesame Street. He definitely knows how blessed he is to be living a clean and sober life now and it shows in how he gives back. Thanks for a really enlightening hub.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on Baronial 23, 2010:

ainehannah, honestly, I am a huge James Taylor song, there is only a few songs of his I don't adore.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August 23, 2010:

mhuze, I love all the great memories that we accept in our lives that are brought out by a certain song.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from U.s.a. on August 23, 2010:

Coffeesnob, ane matter I find very interesting is that many performers volition say they have a normal personality, and so they have a phase personality. James Taylor actually stated in an interview that he is himself in his music. He acted as if that was not very artistic and he lacked imagination, but personally I think information technology's kind of refreshing.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from The states on August 23, 2010:

FCE tier, oh, I should see if I tin can netflix it, I retrieve I would relish it.

Aine O'Connor from Dublin on Baronial 23, 2010:

Hi Angela Michelle, great to know the background to a classic such as this. Another album of his that featured Carol Rex's Upwardly On The Roof and his own Handyman from 1979 was a big, large favourite of mine back in the solar day. Similar mhuze, cheers for bringing back a adept retention :0)

mhuze from USA on August 20, 2010:

Listened to this anthology on my Mom's old console stereo. Thanks for bringing back a good retention.

coffeesnob on August 20, 2010:

Prissy hub...I used to be all most James Taylor..e'er liked his music.. Isn't information technology a bully thing to be able to get a glimpse at what is behind the scenes in the mind of the creative person. Well-nigh who write pour out experiences in some form..

Flake from Cold Mountain on August 20, 2010:

I have the DVD of JT and Carole King -- great!

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August 19, 2010:

Valerie, I love when you tin can find a song that merely actually hits home, and helps you become through some of the low moments. :)

valeriebelew from Metro Atlanta, GA, United states of america on August 19, 2010:

Loved this angela_michelle. I've experienced both depression and a drug problem, and I'k hither to say the lyrics striking home. Wonderful hub. Voting up and awesome. (:v

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from U.s.a. on August 19, 2010:

Bayoulady, you should definitely exercise one. :) I was thinking about writing about Frederick Doublass, the ex-slave. Amazing story, it actually opens your eyes to the terribleness of slavery.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from U.s.a. on Baronial 19, 2010:

Tonymac, I never knew anyone had always redone the song. I wish the speakers on my reckoner were working otherwise I would youtube it.

bayoulady from Northern Louisiana,The states on August 19, 2010:

James Taylor's smooth voice, oh my. Haven't thought of him for a long time.i am enjoying all of the biographies I've been seeing lately on the hubs, call up I might do ane myself.Charge per unit up!

Angela Michelle Schultz (writer) from United States on August xix, 2010:

Thank you so much Healing Touch I capeesh that!

Tony McGregor from Southward Africa on August 19, 2010:

This is a very informative Hub about a song I accept loved for many years. Interestingly I start heard the Joan Baez version and loved it, only lagter heard the a Taylor version and have been a fan ever since.

The song always intrigued me so I'm grateful for the groundwork story.

Cheers for sharing this.

Love and peace

Tony

Angela Michelle Schultz (writer) from Us on August 19, 2010:

Thank you Aunt Affront!

Angela Michelle Schultz (writer) from Usa on August 19, 2010:

Mentalist Acer, well, I used to accept the Muppet's Christmas on viii-track, I promise you all the same have your 8-runway! That would exist really awesome. Not quite as cool every bit having a tape, but still pretty neat.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August xix, 2010:

Dave Matthews, that is exactly how I experience about knowing the groundwork of it.

Angela Michelle Schultz (writer) from Usa on August nineteen, 2010:

Samsons, I'm also a huge fan! Obviously!

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from The states on August nineteen, 2010:

Fred Allen, I may just take to find one. I am surprised I didn't think about it. Of class the sound on my reckoner is currently broken, and then I oasis't been putting videos on, because I don't know what ones are quality or not.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from U.s.a. on Baronial 19, 2010:

Dahoglund, I retrieve it was finding out this many years agone, is what acquired me to become a big James Taylor fan.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August 19, 2010:

DiamondRN, Information technology surprises me how few call on Jesus in my generation. Generations past, at the Academy Awards they would thank God, you don't hear that quite every bit much as you used to.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from U.s. on August 19, 2010:

Ecoggins, I take a proffer for yous. If you make a youtube video doing your James Taylor impression, I'll put information technology upwardly on ths hub! LOL> I'd honey to see it. :)

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August 19, 2010:

Pamela, I think me and you have a lot in common. We seem to like much the aforementioned things. :)

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August 19, 2010:

zzron, Thanks. I actually would hold with you, but there is something hypnotizing with James Taylor's voice. I admittedly love to hear him sing. Typically I prefer things more upbeat.

Laura Arne from Minnetonka, MN on Baronial 19, 2010:

I am a total James Taylor Fan. You had me at Hi. I tweeted this one. Great hub.

Healing impact

Barbara Badder from USA on August 19, 2010:

Hmm. I always liked this vocal, simply I never noticed he chosen on Jesus either. I enjoyed reading this hub. Thank you Angela.

Mentalist acer from A Vox in your Mind! on August xix, 2010:

I used to have him on 8-track and cassette,I wore him outLol;)

Dave Mathews from NORTH YORK,ONTARIO,CANADA on Baronial 19, 2010:

Angela_Michelle: I've always enjoyed this song from James Taylor, and now knowing more almost him I can accept a deeper appreciation for the song still.

Brother Dave.

Sam from Tennessee on August 19, 2010:

beautiful, I ever liked James Taylor.

fred allen from Myrtle Beach SC on August 19, 2010:

Wish you could take attached a performance of the vocal. Dearest the hub! I honey good peotry. Information technology displays the soul of the poet. Information technology goes deeper than the words and the images they conjure. Most just scratch the surface of what is really existence revealed. Yous dig deep. I like that.

Don A. Hoglund from Wisconsin Rapids on August 19, 2010:

I've never actually listened much to Taylor but this is an interesting story nearly him.

Bob Diamond RPh from Charlotte, NC Usa on August xix, 2010:

I had never listened to all of the words before. I wasn't aware of his calling on Jesus. More people who are in trouble should practice the same. Thanks.

ecoggins from Corona, California on Baronial 19, 2010:

My favorite singer impression is to practise James Taylor. I love his songs. Thanks for sharing this hub.

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on Baronial 19, 2010:

I enjoyed this hub and similar that item song too equally, many others of James Taylor.

zzron from Houston, TX. on August xviii, 2010:

This was overnice, I like a couple of his songs merely I more often than not adopt faster classic rock.

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