You Can Close Your Eyes - James Taylor

[@goodmusic37]

My "little brother" just passed away. I was praying to the Lord to help me. Later, for no reason I flipped the TV on and then there was Carole King and James Taylor singing this song as a duet. Somehow I felt God was speaking to me through this song. I look forward to that day when my little bro and I will once again "...have a good time. And I know no one's gonna take that time away." because we'll be together in the everlasting arms of Jesus Christ - forever.

[@lindacollins4190]

James taylor I have loved you for over 40 years now. Thank you for being the sound track of my life x

[@jfkearns1]

Any world without James would be a smaller world

[@williamash4224]

..today, I play this song for the love of my life...I can only tell you that you are my soulmate and without you I would have never had the love given to me as you have nor the blessed life I gained with your presents .. So, my wife, with the memory of your father that you lost on this day I thank Him for YOU! And I pray & thank GOD too 1/13/2015

[@MissDistarr]

I grew up during this incredible era of music. I loved the music back then but as I sit here and listen to the music of my youth, I realized, as much as I loved it back then, I was to young to appreciate the meaning behind the lyrics and how truly profound and heartfelt these songs were. I sit and listen to this music and it's almost as though I'm hearing it for the first time. I believe you have to have lived and experienced life as an adult before you can truly understand the depth and feel the emotion behind the music. There is a great deal of incredible music created back then that I was to young and ignorant to fully appreciate. With maturity comes the understanding and true appreciation of what it is I am now hearing. I won't get started on the absolute beauty of the music or how it so easily reaches in and touches my emotions. For me, music is a daily requirement. It's right up there with the air I breath and the food I need to sustain myself. It's one of the last beautiful things we haven't totally screwed up, but it appears were working on it.

[@JohnDoe-lw3qn]

Well said.

[@notcommunistcrapshoot3098]

Apparently you're not that mature, you used the wrong form of to, you should've used "too". I'm fairly young and I understand the sincerity of his music and have a full appreciation of his work.

[@Parrot1957]

Eathonylunchtano What petty little grammar Nazi you are. One day you'll grow up and hopefully mature and maybe realise what a puerile, self aggrandizing brat you are.

[@notcommunistcrapshoot3098]

Parrot1957 probably.

[@Catmom2004]

Parrot1957 Wow, well said, Parrot1957. I have a thread of "grammar nazi" in my head only. I realize that criticizing people's grammar is not a route to anything positive. However, I REALLY enjoyed how you worded the smackdown to Eathonylunchtano.

[@sharondoster5300]

I would have to say this is my favorite James Taylor song. Having recently said good bye to my mom, this song is a reminder of the time we'll once more be together, never again having to say good bye. I've already requested this song played at my own memorial service.

[@bobbylaff6675]

No matter how bad you feel, James Taylor's music will always make you feel better! Love ya JT !

[@steve4980]

In the early seventies, JT was awesome! But thirty years later, he proved to be an ICON! Thank you, James!

[@WonkieNJ]

My mother sang this to me as a lullaby when I was a child. She has passed from breast cancer, but this song is one of the most comforting I know. I still listen to it many nights when I need it.

[@kyosluvverdude]

when i was little and when I'd get sad or scared my mom would sing this to me. she'd sing it before bed, or one time after i fell out of a tree and wouldn't stop crying. i've now sang this to my cabin at camp when we were all 13 and a girl was really homesick, i sang to my baby niece to get her to stop crying the last time i visited her, and i've sang it to myself when i was sad and lonely at college and wanted nothing more than my mom to hold me and rock me as i had one of the biggest panic attack of my life. this song makes me feel better. it's soft and calming to me. and i had no fucking clue it was sung by james taylor till now.

[@somekcdude]

I will play this clip at my father's memorial service this Saturday. Interestingly, I purchased this DVD on a whim hours before Dad passed away last week after four years with Alzheimer's. I'd never made the connection or seen this performance until after he was gone, I've never felt so connected with Dad than when I watch this clip.

[@johnknottenbelt2502]

One of my All Time Favourite numbers from "Sweet Baby James". Thanks for the wonderful tunes & memories you have evoked in your beautiful & often sad tunes. Thanks for sweating it out for our enjoyment.

[@donell4000]

I sang this to my first born boy. To this day I make sure that I tell him that his father loves him very much.

[@conway13212]

thank you for posting the lyrics. i have been deaf for the last twenty five years and miss james taylor and carly simon and paul simon and so many others. seeing the lyrics brought back my youth again. thank you so much.

[@deijasparks3697]

He is one of my faves I never got into him till 12 yes ago and still he's a fave..

[@MissDistarr60]

I listened, I read and I cried. I found your comment to be one of the most moving I have ever read on these pages. I had a hard time typing because my hands were wiping away the tears. They just wouldn't stop. And then I tried to read your comment to my sister, who was over for a visit. I couldn't make it all the way through. I had to stop. My heart goes out to you and your family. What a loving thing you did for Dawn. You gave her 110 voices...

[@kristinthegreat5299]

Who the hell would dislike this?!!!!!!!!

[@wdchefdave56]

The original album version had Graham Nash singing back-up vocals and harmony. I sang it to my infant daughter in the middle of the night while in a rocking chair many times. She is 36 years old. Thank you Mr. Taylor!

[@gwloganpoet]

every time James sing this song, I'm force to sing along. I don't want too, but James makes me with those beautiful lyrics and that damn guitar. so beware, if you hear this song, you might find yourself singing along..

[@tomlineberger]

I used to sing and play this song for my daughters when they were babies/toddlers. Brings back so many wonderful memories!

[@robertogutierrez2897]

I remember sitting in the middle of the Baja desert on a camping trip listening to a mix tape I made for that adventure. The sun was setting as this song came on the car stereo...then the moon came up on the eastern horizon. Needless to say, it was a magical experience. So connected to the cosmos. Thanks JT!

[@jonnythunder75]

James best song by far....Ive listened to this song a 1000 times and it still evokes the same calming emotion for me.....total classic that will never date.

[@TheRozberry]

James Taylor's voice is timeless! My husband and I saw him once at a summer concert here in Milwaukee and then once for my birthday and both times we were the only black folks there (besides the "ticket-takers" lol!) but it was a "soulful" and beautiful experience!

[@courtneybrown4782]

+Roz Britton Haha! I feel ya Sis! James T. transcends colour, let people think and say what they want! I'm sure some black folk (the ticket takers) were saying "Who do those two think they are" and some white folk were saying "Is nothing sacred anymore" hahaha Kill 'em all with LOVE Roz!

[@leewesterso2151]

+julian brown Wow - you sure read a lot of racist bullshit into Ms. Britton's seemingly benign and pleasant comment. Are you PSYCHIC? ".... I'm sure some black folk (the ticket takers) were saying... and some white folk were saying..." Amazing.

[@courtneybrown4782]

+Lee Westerso Lol, Well.. Lee my brother, I'm not psychic, I guess I'm coming from my own experience with MY people. As you can see I put a "Hahaha" after my comment to soften it up! James is still AMAZING though.

[@leewesterso2151]

Well said, I read too much into stuff sometimes.

[@TheRozberry]

+Lee Westerso Julian didn't mean any harm and yes he was giving it a soft touch, but Julian and I know from whence we speak and our experiences are a little different from yours and dialogue is one of the first steps to understanding.

[@msschnuerchen]

Everytime I hear this I think "That's the most beautiful song in the world"....

[@JohnG500]

My favorite James Taylor song of all times. AMAZING!!

[@42760138]

The Master....when he was young and now aged....thanks James for all the timeless music..that only you could make.

[@raymondfaron85]

Our very own James Taylor, an American virtuoso, a prodigy and an artist. This is the America I grew up in, whatever happened to America?

[@arneon7]

It was great that my brother was able to fulfill his wife's wish for him to sing this song at her memorial, having the support of his family and friends. This song truly shows the genius of James Taylor. A simple song, but so powerful.

[@ambermurphy8695]

my father sang this song to me as a baby. When I'm feeling frustrated, upset, or home sick I listen to this song and feel right at home.

[@Jrusco8]

An absolutely beautiful song. Definitely one you would dedicate to your kids.

[@petemason3336]

40 years now I have loved his playing. Sing on james, i get it. Love is sometimes guitar. Mostly it's what you say.

[@maggievp]

Love this song! James Taylor had a special place in my childhood! My mom used to sing this to me as a lullaby and I have loved him since. Thank you for posting.

[@IronMtnSpartan]

The original JT is one of my favorite music artists of all-time. And if I had to pick just one favorite song by him, I would choose "You Can Close Your Eyes." The song's beautiful simplicity coupled with Taylor's pure and harmonious voice make it simply brilliant. I hope to listen to this song another 10,000 times...

[@lindabarbaro]

Loved this performance. He is best with a small audiance. I can only imaging in my very widest dreams what it would be like to hear him one on one.

[@MitziRoberts]

Luv this song for so many reasons. You can sing it to the one you love before bedtime, before you have to go away for awhile, at your wedding and at your funeral. It always shows just how much you love them,

[@williamash4224]

..here I am again, just hard to believe I needed to come to this song once more in such a very short time in my life..I watched you memorial service my very close good friend you were Big Dog..I ache this week for you and my much loved family of yours buddy..We will miss you sooo much daily but I am sure that you will make me smile often while your gone from us for only a short time, we will see each other sooner than we can imagine in GOD's time my friend..I promise you that I will always remember our great times and I also will keep a close eye on your family, for you know, I love and care deeply for them also .. "Till Then Roger" .. wm 3/27/2015

[@suzannealbert1642]

Possibly the most under-rated James Taylor song.

[@judykinne7534]

So beautiful - a timeless classic, imo . Love JT, for decades !

[@jlcpic2000]

Yes James Taylor really a legend

[@judykinne7534]

Jimmy Co Indeed ~ saw him live in 1971 and have never since , but that's okay . Thank God we have KZbin , I can revisit old friends anytime ! Am a big Harry Chapin fan also.

[@1eggcream]

I adore this man, more than words can say....

[@sjreed1267]

Sang this song to with my mom to my grandma well we were doing hospice care, she could remember the words right to the very end. I listen to it often now as one of my last memories of her.

[@JoshwaBurke]

So glad James Taylor exists!!!! =D His music always puts me in a good mood

[@Tudebekkie]

How come i didn't know this man until today.... I love the voice, the music, all of it! Wow, really... wow! Most find more of him ;)

[@elliebean93]

This song is still the thing I associate most with my dad--he sang me to sleep with it every day of my childhood.

[@msmithrandir561]

Yes I was 15 in 1971 and we played sweet baby james and mud slide slim to death...wore those records out.....it was a different time...what amazes me is that of all the musicians lost.(..and trust me James was considered an "animal" when it came to his addiction to drugs) he survived it.... he and looks wonderful and is wonderful and whenever I hear that voice I am transported back to a time in American Music that was truly unique...I adore him.......

[@Mattyjs100]

His gutiar work here in so perfect! I'm glad god blessed us all with a talent of that level!

[@arneon7]

My brothers wife was in the hospital 2 yrs ago (after surviving lung cancer) and asked him to sing this at her memorial; he said he'd try, but knew he couldn't do it. Her memorial was yesterday. My wife printed the lyrics and we secretly distibuted them to the guests and arranged for them to play this at the end of the service. When this song began to play, 110 voices sang along as best we could between the tears. RIP Dawn. I hope you heard us.

[@albertschepis]

I love this song so much. I first heard it when Linda Ronstadt sang it in small clubs on the west coast. Everything James sings is pure gold. He's so great and has only gotten better with age.

[@buckize68]

What a sweet, sweet and loving thing for the two of you to do for each other.

[@Mattyjs100]

he is an absolute wizard on that guitar. its just crazy how he picks with all his fingers so perfectly and his voice is that of an angel. If there is a heaven. it sounds like this

[@coopwannabee8675]

Beautiful....and timeless. Thanks, James!

[@casemagase]

My dad used to sing this to me all the time when I was a kid :)

[@fireandrain1]

I've been obsessed for 25 years...no sign of it ending

[@Pbon10]

Absolutely fantastic, timeless, classic, brilliant! James Taylor, Legend.

[@patrickmurphypjjcm]

Just the most beautiful song of all James' songs. Makes me fear for his life. Tears 'n shit.

[@annaanddill1]

My dad used to play this song to me when I was a tiny little girl who couldnt sleep. He taught himself to play guitar and sang like some sort of angel, not just because of his voice but because of the beautiful words. It always sent me to sleep, safe and secure and now invokes tears everytime i hear it x

[@09closetscribe]

I remember my dad singing this to me at night when i was a kid. Still to this day the most beautiful song I've ever heard.

[@cdonline1]

Makes me misty every time I hear this - and has for 40+ years...love it, I do...,,

[@monicamidkiff7531]

This. This is music.

[@tonym6920]

Elegant, timeless and heart-warming.

[@09closetscribe]

I think if I listen to this song one more time I'm going to start balling my eyes out.

[@oldspam]

I watched a JT special on t.v. and got to see his Guitar room . It's full of every type of rare vintage acoustics you can think of .

[@Lambieschmoo]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope this continues to bring you comfort

[@MissDistarr60]

My favorite James Taylor song is the one I'm listening to at that moment.

[@durhamy]

Amazing.

[@WhoDatNatn]

you hit it on the head...some of the greatest music comes from desperation and struggle...this man is a statue, the shit he survived and overcame...I'll be forever inspired by Mr.Taylor...

[@TruJeenyis412]

on repeat. never heard such a beautiful song

[@DanielCrawford01]

His voice is so smooth and pure.....

[@danh441]

I wouldn't associate with anyone who doesn't like this tune, either. How can you not appreciate the tune or the setting.?

[@WhoDatNatn]

That's awesome...I hope you you all find you peace...God Bless You...

[@christopherhoven3409]

James Taylor is simply awesome.

[@drkbart]

Old memories, new memories...and I still love her !

[@jackgrape]

Hey - just go to James's website and sign up for the free lessons. Nor only does it have a camera on his fingers on the strings it has one inside the guitar to look at his picking AND then you can watch it at half-speed. Best I ever seen!

[@TheNorthPrairies]

a man sang this at my dads funeral

[@coreyagraph]

i am sure she did & she was smiling.....and james was singing. because his gift becomes something in our hearts we all share.

[@living2liveagain1]

You, my friend, are a TRUE fan.

[@LowryMatchsticks]

Beautiful song and great performance. I have put in about 40 hours so far trying to play this like JT. Lots of work yet to do.....I'm not a natural, and don't read a note of music. Just looking at some KZbin lessons/chords/instructions and trying my best. More please, James!!

[@Aariyad]

My dad used to sing this to me every night as a lullaby.

[@jahnman420]

Perfection James...Thank you

[@TheScoopHere]

For My Daughter ~ And I still Love You ~ So Close Your Eyes ~ You can close your eyes, it's alright, I don't know no Love songs, but I can't sing the Blues anymore ... It won't be long before another day, we gonna have a good time ~ And no one is going to take that time away...You can stay as long as you like...Only Close Your Eyes ~ You can close your eyes ... I can sing this song and You Can Sing this Song when I am gone .... Love you.

[@douglasgomez65]

Some people say that God has Angels that communicate to us in this earth. Maybe, James Taylor was pick to be one of them.

[@JRCOLBERT67]

Wow 6 dislikes? Really? That alone in itself blows me away that 6 people just don't have good taste in music. James is an acoustic guitar legend. With this song, Fire and Rain, Something in the way she moves, Carolina in my mind, and so many others.. I find it hard for anyone to dislike this guy. Can't anyone agree on anything if we all can't agree that James Taylor is great. :)

[@spectre56j]

Legendary!

[@algreenhalgh8374]

such a heart tugger

[@subakamoo]

This cassette tape used to put me to sleep when I was a baby.

[@Indarow]

Hey now... I'm a metal head and I freakin love this song!!

[@alankcpa]

I hope fans of James will give his son Ben Taylor a look. Talk about a remarkable facsimile.

[@LeGreatReySteven]

James Taylor is amazing

[@Astrolia1]

Him performing in NYC at the 9/11 memorial yesterday brought me here, it's a very appropriate song.

[@NastyEvilB]

These kids I know sang this last night at my talent show. Wanted to cry.

[@AnotherSpecialEdMom]

I love this song. Thanks for posting.

[@Ferpinone]

James Taylor es uno de los más grandes y parece que ahora, por fin, se le está reconociendo su gran trabajo como músico.¡ ya era hora|!. Saludos para todos los seguidores. Pinone.

[@schwabacherbalo]

This is soo beautiful...

[@15andringa]

blows me away even time

[@LSMO57]

Please search for the youtube version of this that JT and Carly Simon do in what looks like a home video. Just stunning. My wife and I have seen JT 5 times together and his shows have become "our thing". This summer we will see him again and we are taking our daughters who grew up in a house where his music was played A LOT. No doubt the songs will resonate with them in a big way. For guitar geeks everywhere, and you know who you are, Olsons rule, 'specially the rosewood/cedar variety.

[@m2mo769]

The best ever!!!

[@RowanTess]

@CATAGUILAR That's beautiful. My mother would sing that to me when I was a baby as a lullaby. Now, I'm thinking about getting the words "you can close your eyes" as a tattoo.

[@spectre56j]

I have been listening to JT since the "Original Flying Machine" every year he crafts his songs better. His live performances and studio may as well be the same. He is just that good. I have never met him, nor seen him live. I hope to see him in concert before he cuts back on preforming.

[@tinysteelorchestra]

JT is one heck of an under-rated guitarist. On paper, the chords are simple, but as a guitar player myself, you try playing his parts the same, all the little inflections, the notes he picks out. It's a lot harder than you might think! Brilliant song, superb singer and guitarist :)

[@appighio]

i'm burning my laptop video!!! Perfect Rendition...absolutely...

[@Canoe571]

What a post to KZbin! Thank you! Thank you!