“Fire and Rain” takes me back to my childhood, riding in the back seat of my mother’s car. After all these years, it’s still one of my favorite songs and his most popular, best-selling song as well.
“Fire and Rain” released in February 1970. There were multiple sad events and incidents in James Taylor’s life—all which are reflected in this song. He struggled with drug addiction and had to overcome the suicide of his friend, Suzanne Schnerr.
Lyrics:
Just yesterday morning, they let me know you were gone.
Suzanne, 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.
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.
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.
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, but I always thought that I’d see you again.
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.
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,
but I always thought that I’d see you baby, one more time again, now.
Thought I’d see you one more time again.
There’s just a few things coming my way this time around, now.
Thought I’d see you, thought I’d see you, fire and rain, now.
Album: Sweet Baby James
Thanks for checking out Music Monday. What are you listening to lately? Have a wonderful week.
❤️ Mischenko
Oh, I love James Taylor. Fire and Rain is a great choice. He has an amazing ability of weaving stories and music.
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Me too, Mae. Enjoy your week. ❤️
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Great choice! Thanks for reminding me of this song 💚
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Thanks, Cathy. 🥰
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Oh, one of my all time favorites💜 It’s one of those songs that with the first chords you know exactly what it is and memories flood my brain. Wonderful choice, Mischenko!
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Exactly, Jo! Thank you ❤️
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That’s a great song, even though it’s sad – part of the music that frames my childhood. Thanks for sharing these lyrics – I haven’t read them in a long time.
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Thanks, Barbara. We we literally commenting on each other’s posts at the same time. 😆 Enjoy your week.
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Haha – I noticed that too! Great minds 🙂
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A beautiful choice and a beautiful voice. I’m taking a Zeppelin break today. Thanks for sharing and a great week to you too!
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It’s good that you enjoy this one too. Enjoy your Zeppelin! I may tune in at dinner tonight. You inspired me again. 😉
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Bon appétit!
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“Fire and Rain” is one of those “I remember where I was when…” songs for me. I stopped what I was doing, and listened with tears in my eyes.
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Thank you for sharing that, Mitch. Music can evoke some emotional memories. I’ve found just over the last few years that I have an increased recollection of my past. It’s like a switch came on. This song is a strong one.
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I’ve heard this song, but I guess I never really listened to the lyrics – so sad, but still a great song.
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I love James Taylor. He’s very popular here in NC because of his song Carolina in my Mind. Excellent Monday choice ❤️
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This song definitely takes me back to my childhood and teen years. It was a favorite sing along when I was at camp too! And I just always love hearing James Taylor sing it, and love the whole Sweet Baby James album. Thanks for sharing and providing such a great flashback moment for me!
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I’m glad you love James Taylor too, Lisa. It seems like many people feel connected to this song. Thank you for sharing! 💜
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thanks for sharing this fun post – “fire and rain” will always remind me of 1992 – where I worked and this song used to play on a six hour loop – so fun
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Thanks for sharing the inspiration behind this one, M. Gosh, it’s a good one. I love his Carolina in my Mind. It’s a beautiful tribute to his home here and a love for my undergrad university. Tears me up every time I hear it.
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Thanks, Jennifer! I watched a video about the song that morning. I never knew the meaning behind it or that it was connected to NC. Thank you for sharing and checking out the post. ❤️
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This was my song when my sister passed. I was at work when I got the call. I love what the lyrics have to say. ❤️
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Really? 😢 I didn’t even know that. Ugh. Thanks for sharing.
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Yeah. Fit the situation to a tee at the time.
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A great choice, Jenn. One of those songs I remember fondly.
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