Taylor achieved his breakthrough in 1970 with the No. 3 single "Fire and Rain" and had his first No. 1 hit the following year with "You've Got a Friend", a recording of Carole King's classic song. His 1976 Greatest Hits album was certified Diamond and has sold 12 million US copies. Following his 1977 album, JT, he has retained a large audience over the decades. Every album that he released from 1977 to 2007 sold over 1 million copies. He enjoyed a resurgence in chart performance during the late 1990s and 2000s, when he recorded some of his most-awarded work (including Hourglass, October Road, and Covers). He achieved his first number-one album in the US in 2015 with his recording Before This World.
He is known for his popular covers of other people's songs, such as "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" and the aforementioned "You've Got A Friend", as well as originals such as "Fire and Rain".
Taylor's four siblings (Alex, Livingston, Hugh, and Kate) have also been musicians with recorded albums. Livingston is still an active musician; Kate was active in the 1970s but did not record another album until 2003; Hugh operates a bed-and-breakfast with his wife, The Outermost Inn in Aquinnah on Martha's Vineyard; and Alex died in 1993 on James's birthday.
After his divorce from Carly Simon in 1983, Taylor married actress Kathryn Walker on December 14, 1985 at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. She had helped him get off heroin, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1996.
On February 18, 2001, at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Boston, Taylor wed for the third time, marrying Caroline ("Kim") Smedvig, the director of public relations and marketing for the Boston Symphony Orchestra.[81] They had begun dating in 1995, when they met as he appeared with John Williams and the Boston Pops Orchestra. Part of their relationship was worked into the album October Road, on the song "On the 4th of July". The couple reside in the town of Washington, Massachusetts, with their twin boys, Rufus and Henry, born in April 2001. Henry shares James' intrest and talents.
Sally and Ben, his children with Carly Simon, have also embarked on musical careers. After they were born, Taylor moved with his family to Lenox, Massachusetts.
Don
James Taylor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You have ev’ry right to stay away
There is someone out there who will love you for you
You don’t have to do a thing that you don’t wanna do
You don’t have to go where you’re alone
A place where they hurt you shouldn’t be a place called home
Now is not the time to sit and stay
You don’t have to hurt this holiday
You don’t have to listen to the hurtful things they say
No one has a right to bring you down
Know that if they hurt you, you don’t have to stick around
Holidays are meant for joy and cheer
You don’t have to go a place you fear
Bringing others down is not okay
You don’t have to hurt this holiday
You don’t have to hurt this holiday
Putting all your feelings on display
You have nothing you should have to hide
No one should be asking for you to take a side
You don‘t have to walk into a fight
If staying out will keep you safe, you have ev’ry right
You don’t have a thing to repay
You don’t have to hurt this holiday
The lyrics in "Don't Hurt This Holiday" by James Taylor deliver a powerful message to anyone struggling with the pressure to conform to societal norms or place themselves in harmful environments during the holiday season. The song encourages listeners to prioritize their emotional and physical well-being, reminding them that they don't have to engage in activities or relationships that cause them pain. Taylor suggests that those who find themselves alone or afraid should seek out those who will love and support them for who they are, rather than subjecting themselves to hurtful situations.
The lyrics further advise listeners that they do not have to defend themselves or take sides in conflicts that they are not comfortable with. They can choose to avoid confrontations that may put them in physical danger, and they have the right to walk away from stressful situations without feeling guilty or needing to repay someone. Taylor also centralizes the idea that the holidays are supposed to bring happiness and celebration, not sadness and despair.
Overall, James Taylor's "Don't Hurt This Holiday" is a stunning and emotionally impactful song that supports listeners to prioritize their happiness and prioritize their safety during the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
You don’t have to hurt this holiday
You don't have to endure pain or suffering during the holiday season.
You have ev’ry right to stay away
It is your right to avoid people or situations that cause you discomfort or distress during the holidays.
There is someone out there who will love you for you
You are worthy of love and acceptance for who you are, and there are people who will appreciate and respect you.
You don’t have to do a thing that you don’t wanna do
You should not feel obliged to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or unhappy during the holidays.
You don’t have to go where you’re alone
It is not necessary to spend the holidays in isolation or in a place where you feel lonely or unsupported.
A place where they hurt you shouldn’t be a place called home
A home or environment where you are mistreated or harmed is not truly a welcoming or safe place.
Now is not the time to sit and stay
The holiday season should be an active time of positive experiences and connections, rather than a period of isolation or inactivity.
You don’t have to listen to the hurtful things they say
It is your choice to disregard and reject negative or harmful words that others may direct towards you during the holiday season.
No one has a right to bring you down
Other people should not have the power to diminish or undermine your feelings or self-worth, especially during the holidays.
Know that if they hurt you, you don’t have to stick around
It is completely acceptable to remove yourself from situations or relationships where you are being hurt or mistreated during the holidays.
Holidays are meant for joy and cheer
The purpose of the holiday season is to celebrate joy, love and positivity with others.
You don’t have to go a place you fear
You should avoid going to places or engaging in activities that make you scared or uncomfortable during the holidays.
Bringing others down is not okay
It is never acceptable or appropriate to intentionally hurt or negatively affect others during the holiday season.
Putting all your feelings on display
Sharing your emotions and vulnerabilities with others is helpful and healthy during the holidays.
You have nothing you should have to hide
Your feelings and experiences during the holiday season are valid and justified, and you should not feel ashamed or ashamed of them.
No one should be asking for you to take a side
Other people should not pressure or force you to choose between opposing positions or people during the holiday season.
You don‘t have to walk into a fight
It is not necessary or advisable to engage in conflicts or disputes during the holiday season.
If staying out will keep you safe, you have ev’ry right
It is crucial for your own wellbeing and safety to avoid situations that may be harmful or dangerous during the holidays, and you have the right to do so.
You don’t have a thing to repay
You are not obligated or indebted to anyone during the holiday season, and should not feel pressured or compelled to repay any perceived debts or favors.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: James Taylor, Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@missayawk
James T is probably the ONLY musician that can make me smile and cry at the same time.His voice, the lyrics and presence are so powerful.
@michaelkoltonow3828
Powerful & masterfully crafted and performed. An American Master rivaling any balladeer from any time. Thankyou James, Sincerely
@janebrewster9618
This is my favorite James song! Such a beautiful song.
@user-zt9kq6em4h
His clear voice and relatable lyrics give me chills. I need someone to hold me tight tonight.
@glennschlegel7160
Who hasn't felt this way before. JT captures every emotion with his voice. The loneliness, the defiance and resignation. A masterpiece.
@susanford4606
Do me wrong, do me right! Save your goodbyes for the morning light! I don't want to be lonely tonight! No one could else but James Taylor could compose these lyrics and sing them with such grace!
@clicks59
Every piece of the band plays their part so elegantly understated
@lindalyte7307
Simply Beautiful.💫🍃...Love this song and Mr.James Taylor's mellow vocals😔
@scottburton9701
Outstanding song!
@guitarheros7204
Amazing live vocals!