Fire And Rain
James S. Taylor Lyrics


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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

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

Overall Meaning

James S. Taylor's "Fire and Rain" is a heartbreaking expression of the singer's grief over the loss of a dear friend. The opening lines of the song declare bluntly that the singer had only recently learned of his friend's death. The reference to Susanne's plans being cut short is a reference to her having previously made plans with the singer to perform together. The singer further expresses his sorrow through his desire to reach out to his friend, despite her being gone. He expresses his pain through powerful comparisons to difficult and trying times in his life, such as seeing "fire and rain" and feeling loneliness when he could not find a friend. The song culminates in the singer's desire to see his friend one last time, even if it's only in his dreams. Overall, Fire and Rain is a poignant expression of grief and loss, written with sensitivity and powerful emotion.


Line by Line Meaning

Just yesterday morning they let me know you were gone
Yesterday morning, someone informed me of your departure.


Susanne the plans they made put an end to you
Your death was caused by the plans made by someone named Susanne.


I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song
This morning, I went out and created this song.


I just can't remember who to send it to
I don't recall who the intended recipient of this song is.


I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've experienced both destruction and renewal.


I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
There were times that I was optimistic about the outcome.


I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
During times of loneliness, I had no one to turn to.


But I always thought that I'd see you again
Despite the hardships, I thought I would see you once more.


Won't you look down upon me, jesus
I plead with Jesus to give me strength.


You've got to help me make a stand
I need assistance to take a firm position.


You've just got to see me through another day
I ask for the ability to face another day.


My body's aching and my time is at hand
I'm in physical pain and my time is running out.


And I won't make it any other way
I refuse to give up.


Been walking my mind to an easy time my back turned towards the sun
I've been imagining better times, trying to stay positive.


Lord knows when the cold wind blows it'll turn your head around
The future is uncertain and unpredictable.


Well, there's hours of time on the telephone line to talk about things
There's plenty of time to talk about a variety of topics over the phone.


To come Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground
The future holds both good things and damage and destruction.


Thought I'd see you one more time again
I hoped to see you at least one more time.


There's just a few things coming my way this time around, now
Currently, I am only anticipating a few things.


Thought I'd see you, thought I'd see you fire and rain, now
I thought I would see you through both difficult times and hope.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@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!!!



All comments from YouTube:

@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

6 More Replies...

@ethanmiles-keay6439

Whos listening to this absolute classic in 2024

@cindyduran4236

😊

@Creolequeenj

Feb 22😊

@phyllischristensen9145

Feb 23, 2024

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