Fire and Rain
James Taylor Lyrics
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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 gotta 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
Whoa, I've seen fire and I've seen rain
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
Whoa, 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
James Taylor's song "Fire and Rain" is a poignant and heartbreaking reflection on the singer's personal struggles, specifically the loss of a close friend. The first verse details the moment when Taylor received news of his friend's death, and how he coped with the news by writing a song but ultimately feeling lost about who to send it to. The chorus speaks to the ups and downs of life, as Taylor describes experiencing both the good and bad times, including moments of great loneliness when he could not find a friend. The second verse calls upon Jesus to help him get through a difficult time, and the song ends with a bittersweet plea to see his friend one more time.
The chorus of "Fire and Rain" is often misinterpreted as a reference to drug use, but Taylor has stated that the lines are actually about his experiences with mental illness and being admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Additionally, the lines "Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground" are a reference to his then-girlfriend's suicide attempt and the aftermath of the attempted flight.
Line by Line Meaning
Just yesterday morning, they let me know you were gone
Yesterday, someone informed me that you had passed away.
Suzanne, the plans they made put an end to you
Suzanne, the decisions that were made resulted in your death.
I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song
This very morning, I left my home and composed this song.
I just can't remember who to send it to
I have no idea who to share this song with.
I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I have experienced both destruction (fire) and rejuvenation (rain).
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I have witnessed happy times that seemed like they would last forever.
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
I have encountered moments of isolation and had no companionship.
But I always thought that I'd see you again
Despite the ups and downs, I remained hopeful that we would reunite.
Won't you look down upon me, Jesus
Jesus, please lend me your guidance and support.
You gotta help me make a stand
You need to help me become stronger and more resilient.
You've just got to see me through another day
Please help me overcome the obstacles of each day.
My body's aching and my time is at hand
My physical and mental states are strained, and I feel like time is running out.
And I won't make it any other way
I cannot sustain myself through my own efforts.
Been walking my mind to an easy time, my back turned towards the sun
I retreated inwards to find inner peace and contentment, avoiding the harshness of reality.
Lord knows when the cold wind blows it'll turn your head around
Bad times will take you by surprise and shake you up.
Well, there's hours of time on the telephone line to talk about things to come
There are many opportunities to discuss the future through phone conversations.
Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground
My dreams and aspirations may not come to fruition, crashing down like a broken aircraft.
Thought I'd see you one more time again
I hoped that we would cross paths once more.
There's just a few things coming my way this time around, now
Presently, I only anticipate a few developments in my life.
Thought I'd see you, thought I'd see you, fire and rain, now
I wished for a reunion with you, through trials and triumphs alike.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: James Taylor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@magic5596
Did you ever look up his inspiration? “The first verse is about my reactions to the death of a friend,” Taylor explained. Suzanne Schnerr was a young woman who had befriended Taylor during his Flying Machine days. Later, at a mental-health facility, she committed suicide after being assigned an isolation cell. "Suzanne, the plans they made put an end to you"
He continues, “The second verse is about my arrival [back] in this country with a monkey on my back.” Here he implores Jesus to give him the strength he needs to survive his potentially lethal heroin addiction. "My body’s aching and my time is at hand"
In conclusion, Taylor candidly offers, “The third verse of that song refers to my recuperation in Austin Riggs [a psychiatric hospital in Stockbridge, Massachusetts], which lasted about five months.” Here he faced the reality of the demise of his youthful, idealistic goals. "Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground"
@RIDETHESUNSHINE
@@jbevan4411 Hello:
Dear Good Soul:
When you have a chance, Google:
"Being Sensitive Is a Superpower"
and,
"Being Sensitive Is a Superpower — Here Are 5 Ways to Use It"
You, and or yours, are not alone!
.
I had a N.D.E. during emergency surgery July of 1990. The Book "Proof" by Dr. Eban Alexander, written about his own N.D.E. describes near word for word my experience. The good Dr took a more secular route, but the message is clear; "it doesn't all end here"! Plus, never mistake mankind's religion of control, using fear and shame, for our Creator's original design, total harmony and growth for all of creation.
I am one of the most Blessed beings on this planet! I have Angels in both worlds!!!
I often reflect on; “we are tested every day, not by God for Heaven, but for our own hearts to examine.” When we find forgiveness for ourselves, we are remembering that place of goodness within us. If we work at doing better; I would have to believe, Heaven / Greater Powers will weigh our intentions against our sins...
My mother an Ex Minister told me as a child that; "Angels have no need of memory for rights and wrongs done to them, because they have total acceptance of what is, born of a perfect faith. "
Given the futility of this life, higher powers gave mankind 3 gifts for our spiritual sustenance.
1.) The folly to dream above the circumstance of our realities;
2.) the boldness to seek an enduring love, and
3.) the audacity of “hope”, that in spite that there is no evidence that mankind was ever intended to be happy, with colossal odds against us, we little flickers of light rage against the darkness of eternal night and continue to try and make these lives worth living.
One of my greatest self-revelations is, I understand why I really love the Stars.
It is because their message continues to be brighter than the darkness which surrounds them!
We all have the essence of those stars within us.
Love, and Forgiveness are the two Miracles Heaven gives us every opportunity to perform. The Miracles comes in that, acts of love and forgiveness reward all who are involved, and these positive energies will ripple through all eternity.
To selflessly love is our greatest life affirming act, and to unconditionally forgive, is our most divine...
And like that old song, in Heaven, love does come first....
Please Stay Strong in the positive Power of Faith, Hope, Love, and Forgiveness.... Will
PS. If you need me, you know how to find me....
@RIDETHESUNSHINE
@@jbevan4411 “Some things have to be believed to be seen.”
Ralph Hodgson
.
I am the last in the line of countless generations sailors, and fishermen. There are no atheists in a boat taking water. God loves his fishermen, and shepherds, for their patience in the madness of those vacuous hours in the dark, when it is only you with all your fears, tears, and bitter regrets, trying to bargain for our Creator's forgiveness, and mercy.
.
My Greatest gift in this life is my ability to see our "Higher Power's" Hand" working on my behalf, every day.
I may have started my journey to be a fisherman, but, I wasn't allowed to die those years ago, so I can be a shepherd.
.
You showing up, for me to cheer you on, was one of the reasons I still breath....
Did you see I posted that quote just a day ago?
Your Angels were listening to your heart call out....
They have plans for you! Never forget that...
That quote has hit you, and will stir others.
Be Happy, and know how loved you are!!! Will
PS. I only caught one kind of fish.... "Lucky ones!"
My fish all went back, hopefully with a lesson learned!!!
@ChannelJeffrey
I am at the end of my life now..Wow, what a ride. This song just reminds me of how much time has passed and how quickly it goes. If you are young, Im not preaching and your life is yours to live as you choose, but trust me--The days are long but the years are short.
@jakerian6931
May your days be easy. May you always have a smile on your face
@khug3719
Yes I wish that too. 🩵🦋🙏🩷
@AJ-id2qf
Well said!
@alanmoore3892
Big respect 💯
@mrsm222
These days are long but the years are short. Yup
@ethanmiles-keay6439
Whos listening to this absolute classic in 2024
@cindyduran4236
😊
@Creolequeenj
Feb 22😊
@phyllischristensen9145
Feb 23, 2024