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.
Here Comes The Sun
James Taylor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
here comes the sun and I say
it's alright
little darling
it's been a long cold, lonely winter
little darling
it's been like years since it's been here
here comes the sun
it's alright
little darling
the smiles are returning to their faces
little darling
it seems like years since it's been here
here comes the sun
here comes the sun and I say
it's alright
sun, sun, sun, sun,
here it comes
sun, sun, sun, sun,
here it comes
oh sun, sun, sun, sun,
here it comes
mmmm (here it comes)
little darling
I feel the ice is slowly melting
little darling
it seems like years since it's been clear
here comes the sun
here comes the sun and I say
it's alright
it's alright
it's alright
end
James Taylor's cover of "Here Comes The Sun" originally composed by George Harrison evokes a sense of joy, euphoria, and relief. The song is about the return of happiness and the end of a long, cold winter. Taylor's soft, gentle voice creates a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere, which complements the lyrics and Harrison's original upbeat tempo. The song's message is loud and clear: with the arrival of the sun, everything becomes brighter, and life feels much better. The singer assures the listener that it is all right and that happiness is within reach. The repetition of the phrase "here comes the sun" suggests a sense of anticipation, and when the sun does come, it is like a release of stress and a source of warmth.
The song has become a classic and a favorite of many fans. It remains as relevant and uplifting as it was when first released over fifty years ago. James Taylor's cover has brought new life to the song, and his unique style has reached a broader audience that appreciates the warmth and joy conveyed in the lyrics. "Here Comes The Sun" is undoubtedly one of the most iconic songs in music history.
Line by Line Meaning
here comes the sun
The sun, which symbolizes hope and happiness, is finally appearing.
here comes the sun and I say
The singer is expressing his relief and anticipation for the sun's arrival.
it's alright
Everything will be okay now that the sun has returned.
little darling
An affectionate term for someone who has been suffering in the winter without the sun.
it's been a long cold, lonely winter
The singer is describing the bleakness and isolation experienced during the winter months without the sun's warmth and light.
it's been like years since it's been here
The lack of sunshine has made time feel like it's slowing down or standing still.
the smiles are returning to their faces
With the sun's return, people are becoming happier and more optimistic.
here it comes
The sun is approaching and about to emerge.
oh sun, sun, sun, sun
The repetition of the word 'sun' emphasizes the singer's excitement and relief for its arrival.
little darling
Reinforces the affectionate term as the singer thinks of someone he cares about being affected by the winter.
I feel the ice is slowly melting
As the sun's warmth increases, the ice from winter is slowly starting to melt away and make way for spring.
it seems like years since it's been clear
The singer emphasizes the length of time without sun and clear skies, while reinforcing how the sun can contribute to better weather.
it's alright
Still reassuring listeners that everything is going to be alright.
end
The song concludes with a sense of hope and optimism for a better future now that the sun has returned.
Contributed by Alyssa J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@knarf_on_a_bike
Today was the most stressful day I've had in a long, long time. While listening to this I can feel the tension purged from my body. I feel peace, joy and gratitude. I am privileged to listen to these two masters. Thank you Yo-Yo and James; you made my day.
@elizabethdevries8028
<3
@manuelnuman
James Taylor singing a George Harrison song sounds as sweet and delightful as Carole King singing a James Taylor song. What a beautiful performance by Yo-Yo-Ma and James Taylor. It melts one emotionally...โฅ
@user-fp4ss7vv3y
So touch!
@ChefMimsy
Mr Ma is one of my musical heroes, right up there with Bernstein, who shaped my love of music when I was young. His ability and his love for all music are inspirational. James Taylor provided the "background music" of a special time in my life. I can't help but sing along when I hear that music. It brings back many fond memories and smiles.
Another great Ma collab!
@barbarawarren9443
I'm crying too hard to sing - even if I had the voice to sing. โค
@barbarawarren9443
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I needed this more than I knew. โค
@alhambralions5985
๐ I feel that these two dear, talented souls would be delighted to know how much joy they have spread by sharing this with all of us.
@aTwistedSista
The collab I didnโt know I needed until now ๐
@Moonbeamchild8
When yo yo won the Kennedy Center Honor award, Taylor and several other amazing artists included this song in their tribute to him. It was incredible! I think you can find it on here somewhere.