So far we've looked at two tragic pieces of music, Alone Again (Naturally), and The Beggining of the End. Both have their own merits and qualites, and both plumb different depths of human sadness.
To further our understanding of pain and how various artists approach it, I thought we'd look at James Taylor's Fire and Rain. I first heard this song back in December and have been appreciating it since.
Before we look at the actual song, remember that Taylor is in general a very happy singer. In fact, many of his works are too happy for me to appreciate them. There isn't enough passion in pure happiness.
Fire and Rain is his saddest, angriest work. And still, even in it he uses his "happy" terminology. But also contained in it is his pain and desperation.
It starts out with a guitar and piano lead in, establishing the major chorus theme. Then he explains what exactly the song is about.
Just yesterday morning they let me know you were gone Susanne the plans they made put an end to you I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song I just can’t remember who to send it to
Yesterday his girlfriend Susanne died. He goes out and writes this song, but all of a sudden it occurs to him: Why is he creating this work? What's it for?
He can't remember who it is he's creating for.
Then we hit the chorus.
I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend But I always thought that I’d see you again
He's seen happiness. He's seen lonliness without a friend (the idea of a friend is essential to Taylor). But throughout it all, the thought of Susanne kept him going.
Now he shifts his focus elswhere.
Won’t you look down upon me, jesus You’ve got to help me make a stand You’ve just got to see me through another day My body’s aching and my time is at hand And I won’t make it any other way
He is now talking about his addiction problem. Denying drugs, refusing to take them, hurts him like hell. He has to take it day by day, but his will is faltering. On top of it all, Susanne has died.
All he has left is Jesus. And to him he appeals, begging for the ability to "make a stand" and resist.
The idea of making a stand is very, very deep. When I hear this line I think of Custer's Last Stand, of Stalingrad, of The Battle of Britian.
Been walking my mind to an easy time my back turned towards the sun Lord knows when the cold wind blows it’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
He had been living life, enjoying himself. Now the "cold wind" has blown. It forces him to turn his head around, so that he won't take the "cold wind" on directly. Think of it like this: You're walking home in a blizzard. You can't look straight ahead, the wind is too harsh.
That's what Taylor is talking about, but on a metaphorical, emotional level. Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground is talking about his old band, now failed.
This song approachs his suffering with the same mindframe that he does all his other songs. Though he has gone through a lot, his world view has not changed. If anything, it has become firmer. He continues to trust in the idea of "a friend" and God.
Alone Again (Naturally) is different. The character there turns against God, asking how could He let such pain happen to him. The character is on the verge of suicide; his tragedy shattered his entire life.
The Beggining of the End approachs pain directly, not even using words, just simply creating the emotion through strange but beautiful music.
[ June 13, 2004, 02:06 AM: Message edited by: Phanto ]
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
You know, I will now always associate James Taylor with Sluggy Freelance. It's hard to explain why unless you're already a fan, though. Posted by Jalapenoman (Member # 6575) on :
You've only been familiar with James Taylor's work for six months? What a deprived life! The man is one of our greatest artists and poets.
While many people consider Jim Morrison of the Doors to hold the position of Poet Laurette for music of the 60's/70's, I would take James Taylor any day.
I think I'll grab one of my Taylor cassettes and put it in my car for listening the next trip. Thanks for the reminder.
P.S. If you liked James Taylor, then introduce yourself to some Jim Croce. Forget the puff pieces like Leroy Brown and Don/t Mess Around With Jim and listen to his good stuff. While not as deep as Taylor, it is very good.
Posted by Phanto (Member # 5897) on :
Thing is, most of his work ain't my style. Only this song attracts me for its beauty and simplicity.
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