About the song
“Fire and Rain” by James Taylor is a poignant and introspective ballad that has left an indelible mark on the music landscape since its release in 1970. With its soulful melody and deeply personal lyrics, this song resonates with listeners on a profound level, addressing themes of loss, struggle, and redemption.
Written solely by James Taylor, “Fire and Rain” is featured on his second album, “Sweet Baby James,” which was released in 1970. The song quickly became one of Taylor’s most iconic works, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.
Upon its release, “Fire and Rain” climbed to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying Taylor’s status as a prominent singer-songwriter of the era. It also reached number 2 on the Easy Listening chart, further showcasing its broad appeal.
The song’s haunting melody and Taylor’s emotive vocals captivate listeners from the first note, drawing them into the raw emotion and vulnerability of the lyrics. Taylor’s introspective exploration of personal struggles, including the death of a close friend and his own battle with depression, adds depth and resonance to the song.
“Fire and Rain” remains a staple of James Taylor’s repertoire and continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest songs of its time. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Taylor’s unparalleled talent as a songwriter and performer, as well as his ability to connect with audiences on a profound emotional level. Whether you’re revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, “Fire and Rain” is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Lyrics
Just yesterday mornin’, 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