It's about what?! Vocal Coach reacts to and analyses James Taylor - Fire And Rain

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Vocal Coach reacts to reaction to analyses analyzes analysis of breaks down James Taylor - Fire And Rain (BBC In Concert, 11/16/1970)
Original Video without interruption: • James Taylor - Fire An...
Check out James Taylor here: www.jamestaylor.com
James Taylor, an iconic figure in the folk-rock music scene, has captivated audiences worldwide with his soothing voice and heartfelt lyrics since the late 1960s. Known for his introspective songwriting and acoustic guitar mastery, Taylor's career boasts multiple Grammy Awards and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His timeless hits, such as "Fire and Rain," "Carolina in My Mind," and "Sweet Baby James," continue to resonate with listeners across generations, earning him a devoted fan base. Taylor's influence extends beyond his music, as he is also noted for his resilience in overcoming personal struggles, which he openly shares through his songs. As a beloved artist with enduring appeal, James Taylor remains a significant presence on streaming platforms and in concert venues around the globe, attracting fans who appreciate classic folk and soft rock.
James Taylor's classic song "Fire & Rain" has been a staple in the folk-rock genre since its release in 1970. Featured on his second album, "Sweet Baby James," the song beautifully captures Taylor's poignant reflections on his personal experiences with loss, depression, and recovery. Known for its melancholic melody and introspective lyrics, "Fire & Rain" has resonated deeply with audiences, making it one of Taylor's most enduring hits. The track not only showcases Taylor's soft, emotive vocal style but also marks a significant moment in his career as a songwriter. It continues to be celebrated in music history and is frequently included in discussions about influential songs of the 20th century. With its powerful impact on both charts and listeners, "Fire & Rain" remains a beloved classic on streaming platforms and radio stations around the world, appealing to fans of heartfelt, acoustic music.
Songwriter: James Taylor
Producers: Peter Asher
Genre: Folk pop, Soft rock
Origin: Boston, Massachusetts, U.S
Performed by James Taylor
Date and Location
11/16/1970
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#vocalcoach #jamestaylor #fireandrain #caroleking #vocalanalysis #musichistory #musicproduction #VocalMastery

[@BethRoars]

🎵 Book a Lesson with Beth email [e-mail] 📖 Get your signed copy of my album Fable here: www.bethroars.com/shop ☀ Find me on Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/1W0He1MTuQoG0Yt2ccmhyL?si=b5qm82DmSRip8L4abe2-nw 🥁 Become a Patreon Supporter: www.patreon.com/bethroars

[@chrisedwards7095]

Carole King answered the line "I could not find a friend" by writing "You've Got a Friend".

[@CabinFever52]

Love them both.

[@davidstevenson1933]

My wife did a ton of babysitting as a teenager and claims that James Taylor is the only artist with a 100% success rate at getting babies to fall asleep.

[@firedoc5]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, if I had an ounce of musical ability, I would want to be like James Taylor. This song has always made me tear and choke up thinking of different times of my life that could be relatable. Gordon Lightfoot is another singing storyteller that I love so much.

[@j-fb3158]

Totally agree with you

[@mikelistman5263]

So deep...tears, yes, at the beauty, shared sadness.

[@jondhuse1549]

Tears in my eyes now as I listen to this again...

[@mattp422]

I agree. Also, I like some of Dan Fogelberg’s lyrics ("Leader of the Band"). And, especially, Harry Chapin, the 20th century’s version of the troubadour.

[@sueparras6028]

​@@mattp422you got it! Those are two of my absolute favorites also. Great music from the best time of my life. 👍💯✌🇨🇦♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@lamusiclover2264]

When James Taylor sings, it's like a Lullabye. You feel warm, romantic, nostalgic, and safe and warm. Every time I have seen him live, you just want to be next to a loved one under a blanket. It is my understanding that he has perfect pitch. His guitar technique is unique to him, and he posted his guitar-style lessons on KZbin at one time. You can recognize his picking style right away.

[@billbabcock1833]

There are musicians who perform songs and there are musicians who are in a category of their own Taylor is just incredible.

[@jimschoeff4185]

We saw James Taylor in 1974 at a small venue and the show was magical. He can mesmerize an audience like no other performer I have ever seen. He can make you cry, make you laugh, and make you think. He can take you to any place he wants with his voice and exceptional skill on the guitar. I play rock guitar but he also influenced my playing. I learned several of his songs and I still play some of them today.

[@Marvin4521]

Operator - Jim Croce A talent lost way too soon. If he had the career length, Jim would have been Icon.

[@MattJocks]

James is such a great writer, singer and musician. His guitar is so distinctive, immediately identifiable. He has dealt with a lot and has written some very heavy stuff. But he is also, hands down no contest, the funniest person in the music biz. He could have been a comedian. He had a hysterical bit on Stephen Colbert's show, skewering this song. He said when he wrote this song, he hadn't experienced much, pretty much just fire and rain. But since then, he had experienced more, so he had updated the song. Then he and Stephen started singing lines like "I've seen shampoo with conditioner built right in" and "I've seen adult diapers, I think they're called Depends."

[@user-jo4jb9nh9n]

And for me, he have the most beautiful ‘flat’ voice of folk singers….

[@KimmieKayy]

Taylor was my late Uncle’s favorite artist. Miss him ❤

[@norpfuseman1485]

Your uncle had great taste 👍RIP

[@robertfindley921]

James Taylor is a master at lyrics, song writing, guitar and vocals. The complete package.

[@TerryYelmene]

For me, coming of age at 16, working my first job in late '74 (as a dishwasher/bus boy at a fine dining restaurant) the album 'Sweet Baby James' and most significantly, this magnificent song, 'Fire and Rain' anchored the soundtrack of my life. You see, every Saturday morning, me and all the 'junior staff' were required to spend 3-4 hours performing the primary weekly cleaning and reset. The 'management' trusted their young staffers with the most seniority to 'get the job done' without any 'adults' present, so some liberties like ample volume may have been taken when using the facility's 'sound system.' For so many Saturdays our crew replayed, and replayed the song, from the singer we just couldn't get enough of - The Great James Taylor and 'Fire and Rain'!

[@DavidSmith-dz5wv]

His sweet baby James album is one of the must haves

[@URnickel_MY2cents]

Growing up with this, it is memorable! And a BIG YES to hearing Carol King from you !!! Thanks, we needed that !

[@stevesnow315]

Another artist who wrote introspective music. The late Dan Fogleberg, a true genius.

[@martinlepper4522]

I think Jackson Browne and Don McClean (sp) are also somewhat that way.

[@ClickToPreview]

Yes, listening to this song I thought of Dan.

[@billboyd9028]

The natural response to your question about artists who do music at their own pace is Carol King - who just happens to be good, good friends with James Taylor. They share songs from each other's catalogs and they played together frequently. If you are looking to pass some relaxation time, you might find the DVD of James Taylor and Carol King together at the Troubadour where they sing together - it's a great way to pass an evening!

[@ianreed9364]

I would also suggest Kate Bush who creates no timetable but her own.

[@sparrowsnine]

I love his, “Something In The Way She Moves”

[@brucewatts8447]

I saw James Taylor sing this song live in 1971. The concert was at the HIC in Honolulu, Hawaii.

[@genny5309]

I saw James Taylor for the first time in college in the 1980s. I’ll see him for the 4th time in June… It would be the 5th but Covid took one away. One of my favorites was in 2010 with Carole King. 💞 His catalog is amazing. At his concerts, people sing along as if with an old friend. Sweet Baby James Carolina in My Mind Shower the People Something in the Way She Moves How Sweet It Is Your Smiling Face Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight . . . so many great songs.

[@gregdiffenthal2384]

Just saw him in concert here in New Zealand 2 weeks ago. 76 years old and fantastic !

[@AussieDebb]

This is a beautiful reaction to a beautiful song. I haven't heard it for a very long time. It makes me think of what I went through when my son was violently taken from us in 2002. His name meant fire and I see the rain as my tears. Carole King is another singer I loved. Thank you ❤

[@MrBobbyz24]

Sweet Baby James is another one of his songs that is just fantastically written

[@rebeccarose7405]

This song always makes me smile and cry at the same time. An artist who always took her time between records is Lucinda Williams. ❤️🎶

[@Joe67343]

Amazing song, amazing artist. I'm glad my era was the 70s, so many great songs and artists, we will never see the likes of again. Cheers!

[@romarobbins270]

The best concert I ever went to was James Taylor in Kennebunkport, Maine. The venue was beautiful, an amphitheater in a pine forest, the acoustics were amazing, and James was excellent. I will never forget that night, it was a wonderful experience!

[@UncleDansVintageVinyl]

I had the 45 when I was fourteen, back in 1971/1972. God, I loved it--and I still do . . .

[@StoneDigitalArtCanada]

This is one of my very favourite songs from this era. I can't even begin to guess how many times I've heard it, along with a mix of others that were constantly in my rotation over the years. I finally got to see James Taylor in concert a year or two ago (with Jackson Browne as his opening act!) and it's remarkable how well his voice has held up.

[@SteveReadswithSeamus]

Wonderful reflection on an iconic song in many Gen X lives.

[@Noelle0026]

I am so glad I got to see him and Jackson Browne together in concert a year ago. He is so good live!

[@canucklehead11]

The only James Taylor song i really like and this is a great performance of it, just a man and his guitar.

[@tom7471]

I have been fortunate to see JT live twenty years apart. The first was in Bangor, Maine, USA, where there was three feet of snow outside. Somehow they didn't cancel the show. He was with Carole King that night. A great concert. He is truly one of the world's best singer/songwriters/musicians. He has valued the quality of his work. Thanks for the great reaction. I loved the Simpson's skit! You are one of the very best reactors, and you can really sing! Thanks!

[@genesishep]

Taylor was a part of a new era in the music industry. The 60's and 70's birthed the era of the singer-songwriter which until artists such as Dylan, The Beetles, the Stones and yes, James Taylor, was almost never a thing. At that point in time it was most common for artists to perform songs that were written for them. The reason Taylor's songs feel so personal is because they were a part of him. Taylor's music without this is something I could never imagine. Carole King's "You've Got A Friend" was written with James in mind. There is a wonderful video of a live performance of her with James on stage. It's an cement watch, particularly if you know the story behind its making.

[@lifelover515]

Great song, great singer, great reaction, who could ask for more? Beth's typically perceptive, thoughtful and well-researched diligence are on full display here. For many, this is a truly iconic voice that helped define the 70s. Ol'JT could really belt it out when the music required it too Top-notch as always, Beth.

[@BethRoars]

Thank you!

[@Sp33gan]

I first heard of James Taylor when my eldest sister came home with this album. At first his nasal tones held no appeal to me, but I soon learned to appreciate his voice. Certainly his writing was amazing and he was one of the biggest names for a time. Writing a song about a lost loved one is so difficult and I have great respect for anyone who can hold themselves together enough to write, sing, record and, especially, perform such a personal song live. I'm one of the writers for my band and have tried to put to music about losing my little brother and simply can't get past trying to find the words. Not even just for myself. Another singer/songwriter who conveys incredible imagery in his work is Canadian legend Gordon Lightfoot. He's not the only one, though. Beth, I cannot recommend enough checking out the amazing Stan Rogers. He was another Canadian who could make you feel a part of the story in every song he wrote. From the love song to his wife, 45 Years, to the aging rancher's wife in Lies to the unfortunate soul in the sea shanty Barrett's Privateers, and so many others. Rogers is an overlooked talent. who deserves to be more known.

[@sueparras6028]

One of my favorite tunes as a teenager in the 70's. Enjoy! ✌🇨🇦♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@ClassicRollPlayer]

Didnt expect to learn so much from a reaction to a song I've listened to for years... thanks!

[@paulagardner3218]

James Taylor is the greatest singer-songwriter in the history of the universe.

[@robertcutting4007]

I'm old enough to remember when this was a new song. Beautiful

[@terrykosdrosky8130]

Ohh I've been waiting for you to do this one! A great singer in his prime.

[@twofarg0ne763]

My best friend played this song on his guitar at our wedding. It's a sad song, but it happened to be my wife's favorite song.

[@oldmanghost219]

James Taylor - Fire And Rain !!!! Fantastic .... I assume by now you know that he is singing about real life events. {"The song follows Taylor's reaction to the suicide of Suzanne Schnerr, a childhood friend, and his experiences with drug addiction and fame."} James was over seas recording his 1st album and they did not want to interrupt it so they didn't tell him until later. He was in an institution for heron addiction, and the the Flying Machine was the name of a short lived band he was in. I 1st heard this song done by Blood Sweat & Tears. before I heard the original and loved it. I have both versions.

[@petedz9772]

This is such a nice reaction to James Taylor. I had no idea that he had vocal chord surgery to at a young age. I’ve long known him a “sophisticated” singer-songwriter-the guy who created complicated guitar arrangements and then, with great talent, sung over the top of them. I’m not sure a lot of people are aware of his guitarist virtuosity.

[@MartinEB72]

I really love John Denver's cover of this song. Just by the way John sings it changes the setting and meaning in the song. John has a way to add a sadness and melancholy, where James is more upbeat and about remembering the good times. John did it again with his cover of Mr Bojangle. It is up there with Johnny Cash's Hurt cover for being so emotional.

[@SpaceNudger]

Hi Beth i hope your doing well. As always awesome Reaction

[@victordehaas9419]

Eyes closed and I can sing this song along. First time I heard this song was on the CD of Red, Hot and Country and performed by Sammy Kershaw. Both are hitting home, I've lost friends, brothers and sisters (veterans) and still see and hear about suicide in my line of work almost every day. Be open about your demons, talk to somebody, mental illness and/or addiction is a fight you don't need to fight alone. There is no shame in being vulnerable and open to somebody you want to trust. I know it's hard to do so and the steps to go and ask for help are big but they're worth every step. You are loved and you wil be missed. Never judge, show compassion and listen.

[@yrankin1]

Living legend.

[@TruthBeTold121212]

James Taylor wrote this classic in 1968. The three parts of the song refer to a childhood friend (Suzanne) who committed suicide, about JT's addiction to heroin, and the third refers to a band he started called The Flying Machine which did not succeed. As poignant as this song is, it takes me back many years, to some good memories of dear friends and family who are gone, and places that are no longer the same today. Edit: The "fire and rain" reference also alludes to the forging process of iron - the heating, melting and cooling. Life often brings us those moments of tempering that ultimately makes us stronger - like steel - and hopefully, more humble and appreciative of these experiences. JT's guitar playing style is unique - more like playing a piano. he uses both hands, all fingers in a dynamic coordination - a little bit of jazz guitar also combined with perfect finger-picking. By the way, I have attended more than a dozen JT concerts through the years and he get more refined like vintage wine!

[@franchk8372]

One of my favourite songs ... JT 💙☮

[@Shlockrock1]

A beautiful review~ Thanks Beth!

[@marksullivan7766]

Love this song

[@patrickscutella836]

“Sweet dreams and Flying machines, in pieces on a he ground” refers to his earlier band James Taylor and the Flying machine and their break up.

[@briangreen9677]

You asked if we knew any other artists that did their own thing and still made it. The first two that come to mind is "Enya" with her breakthrough album "Watermark". It was different from anything else I'd heard at the time. The second band is "Enigma" with their epic album "MCMXC a.D." and their song "Sadness (Part 1)." Those two bands did their own thing and made an impression on countless fans as a result. James Taylor was amazing to see live. I got to see him once and his voice was just as incredible as it is in this video. I'm rather typical in that I love his song, "You've Got A Friend".

[@marshallgeorge3819]

One of the best acoustic players out there. Expressive but not over the top - similar to Paul Simon. Beth - if you ever get the chance to see him - GO!

[@ricksurratt9034]

Beautiful

[@StevenMichals0812]

I forgot Carol King played piano on this. They always sounded good together.

[@dougca7086]

React to James Taylor and Carly Simon singing and dancing to Mockingbird

[@flyflorida2001]

Garth Brooks lists James Taylor as his favorite artist. His musical hero. He named his daughter Taylor.

[@regis387]

it was a wonderful time for music :)

[@RichardinNC1]

A great voice, beautiful lyrics, and wonderful guitar work. That’s all it takes for a great artist.

[@anthonybrock9435]

Wee Bethy. I dinnae ken if I can tell ye how much this reaction hear means to me. Im from Glasgow, now stateside fer the summer. Thanks so much fer this. Haste ye back, wee lass.

[@TimLeeSongs]

James Taylor was so important to me wanting to sing. I don't have the most technically brilliant voice, but when I heard how much he achieved with notes that I could actually reach, it made me feel free to express myself through song. A truly wonderful singersongwriter.

[@elliedogify]

Silar life experiences from the wonderful Beth Hart "Leave the Light On"

[@richarddaugherty8583]

I've always loved this song! You should review Steamroller Blues, for choice, the version from this particular concert. I think it was the preceding song. Don't pass up the spoken intro though! It makes stuff he does in the song even funnier!. BTW, Steamroller Blues became a concert staple that his fans loved. It's also on the Sweet Baby James album.

[@johnbonner5589]

Colin Hay's Maggie deals with the subject matter in a equally power way.

[@basildavidson4597]

Very insightful reaction to a song I’ve appreciated since it came out. I’m seventy five, dealing with cancer and it possibly resonates with me more now than ever before.

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

Having been around a good while....I first received money for singing in 1958.....I naturally have more admiration for individual skills seen in some singers more than others. The finest, simple, male storytellers of the past 75 yrs must be: James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Arlo Guthrie, and Sting.

[@steve-zk5zm]

A great deep reaction to a great deep song. Thank you. Looking forward to getting your album. Thanks for doing this channel and sharing your experience and expertise with us.

[@mattrayner5054]

Gregory Alan Isakov to me feels like one of those artists who moves at his own pace, owning a sustainable farm and making music for the love of it no matter how long that takes. It shines through in all his songs.

[@RadioactiveLobster]

If you like James Taylor, you need to react/analyze some Jim Croce. He was taken from us way too soon.

[@Carln0130]

Harry Chapin was an example of an artist and story teller musician extraordinaire who made art at his own pace. I recommend a deep dive, past just Cats In the Cradle and Taxi. Better Place To Be and Mr. Tanner are two brilliant examples of lesser known tunes by Harry that were brilliant.

[@jmolony31]

His autobiography audiobook tells the story of how and why he wrote this song. It’s really worth listening to.

[@bobpat56]

Just a man and his guitar... and he has your complete attention!

[@brianmorrow5350]

A true virtuoso on the guitar........

[@johnbennett757]

the very first 45 RPM I bought. Very very sentimental to me.

[@brianedwards9240]

Great song

[@Folpahnorin]

Fable is awesome btw. I love James Taylor I think I have most of his music.

[@jestanuthername]

Love James Taylor, thanks for sharing

[@mikelistman5263]

Thanks for the back story on this song...your research adds great value!

[@andrelimoges3654]

I would put John Denver in the same category of which you mentioned.

[@CabinFever52]

Ren comes to mind first as making art at his own pace. I know you've reacted to him several times.

[@michaelburke5907]

This was the epitome of what was derisively called " identity crisis rock" by the cynical critics of the day. I felt it was more akin to the East Coast/Upstate N.Y./Berkshire Hills school of folk/soft rock . Troubador love song about lost love and premature death. Simply brilliant.

[@michaelcooper1079]

Great reaction to one of my favorite artists from my youth.

[@Smittay-Sr.]

He is from Carrboro, close UNC College. I'm probably an hour 1/2 North. He has that Carolina voice.

[@TimLeeSongs]

I never realised the subject matter of the song, even though it's probably my joint favourite JT song (along with Close Your Eyes - another one that floors me every time). Damn, knowing this is going to make holding back the tears even harder when I hear this song!

[@MichaelW969]

I love the backstory and the additional info. Thanks!

[@dougdanielson9145]

I have always loved James Taylor, he wrote for many people besides himself, Carley Simon,(his wife) Carol King, and many more, on a side note are you aware that tomorrow the 21st is Cuddle with a ginger day, maybe you could do a react to Tara McNeil from when she was live in Copenhagen with Ireland Calling, one of my favorites is Shi la Rue

[@ThePierce5144]

I really like your analysis first and foremost. But truly love your ginger hair! I am a sucker for gingers!

[@matthewgoodA1206]

I think it’s that element of realism that adds substance to this song. He didn’t create a fictional character and story, so it’s not dismissible. I never knew the second verse was about rehab, though. My parents would know James’ life. And with being an independent artist, I’ve never tried to force inspiration. I don’t know that it can be. When it comes I take hold and go with it.

[@TheDivayenta]

He is a virtuoso guitarist as well.

[@carolmartin4413]

Sad song in 1970, sad song in every generation. James Taylor tells the story so succinctly. Love his mellow voice. Happy summer. 😊 BTW...Bob Dylan

[@efricha]

One of my favorite songs.

[@bradsouthers7476]

I don't know why, but that lightly picked bass line in the chorus really works for me. It would be lost if this was any more than a single guitar.

[@bscjake]

Been listening to JT since I was born bc he is my dads favorite singer. My favorite songs you could do a reaction would be Caroline on my Mind or Cooperline

[@marmotsongs]

That huge sweater he’s wearing was han made for him by his “old lady”, Joni Mitchell.

[@tlivsey1]

I've always said if butter had a voice it would be JT. Icon!!

[@G.H.O.S.T.254]

Jimmy Barnes and Marcia Hines did a brilliant cover of this.

[@VinE83656]

I think you’d like Dea Matrona from Belfast. The ladies are a rock band but equally amazing acoustic or electric with amazing harmonies. I’d start with original Glory Glory usually performed acoustic. There are a few good video choices, the official music video, an acoustic version and a nice live version from The Dead Rabbit when they played SXSW in Texas last year. If you’d prefer more of a rock song I’d start with Red Button official video or the live session.

[@Ocrilat]

When Elton John first was recognized, his record company signed him to a crazy contract, when he was obligated to produce two albums and go on three world tours a year (not to mention all those hits in the 70s, Elton didn't own the copyright...the record company did). He wrote a song on his autobiographical album 'Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy' a song called 'Bitter Fingers' about the music industry: It's hard to write a song with bitter fingers So much to prove, so few to tell you why Those old die-hards in Denmark Street start laughing At the keyboard player's hollow haunted eyes It seems to me a change is really, really needed I'm sick of tra-la-las and la-de-das No more long days hacking hunks of garbage Bitter fingers never swung on swinging stars And 'Tower of Babel': Junk, angel, this closet's always stacked The dealers in the basement Filling your prescription For a brand new heart attack But where were all your shoulders when we cried Were the doctors in attendance Saying how they felt so sick inside Or was it just the scalpel blade that lied It's party time for the guys in the tower of Babel Sodom meet Gomorrah, Cain meet Abel Have a ball y'all See the letches crawl With the call girls under the table Watch them dig their graves 'Cause Jesus don't save the guys In the tower of Babel

[@larrynorton3652]

Art at ones own pace - Eva Cassdy for sure Greg Brown (no comma) Lnda Ronstadt Storm Large.

[@philosophicsblog]

I've lost 2 girlfriends to overdose. This and Sarah McLachlan's Angel still keep me connected to them.