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.
NOBODY BUT YOU
James Taylor Lyrics
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Talking about my problems, bringing other people down.
Well this may be so, but not long ago, I was sitting on the top of the world.
Sure is strange how things can turn themselves around.
When I'm in need of a little bit of consultation, used to call on my Uncle John.
Took a trip down to West Virginia, found him dead and gone.
And as some sort of silly little consolation, they gave me a ticket back.
You can talk about bands of angels,
And they think you come with your soul in your hands to set their children free.
But you talk about little bit of understanding, things that happen day to day.
Some of you folks sure enough have been good to me.
You come on talking about angel bands,
And they think you come with your soul in your hands just to set their children free.
But you talk about little bit of understanding, things that happen day to day.
Someone has been good to me.
Nobody but you, nobody but you, nobody but you, nobody but you.
Nobody but you, nobody but you, nobody but you, nobody but you.
Nobody but you, say nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody but you.
James Taylor's song Nobody But You appears on his 1974 album Walking Man. The lyrics are about Taylor's past struggles with fame and life before the music industry, and the people he has met along the way. The first verse is an admission of Taylor's tendency to vent his problems to others and bring them down, but reflects on how his life has changed dramatically since he first became famous. The lyrics show an introspective side to Taylor, and the realization that life can turn around suddenly.
The second verse is a reflection on the death of Taylor's Uncle John. He had been a consistent source for Taylor to consult about his problems, but after discovering he had died, Taylor was left to deal with his struggles alone. Despite the lack of support, Taylor reflects on how the small acts of kindness from strangers have helped him through tough times. The song finishes with the repetition of "nobody but you", reinforcing the importance of the people who have been there for Taylor throughout his journey.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody knows that I'm just a Joe that likes to hang around,
Most people perceive me as a common man who spends time aimlessly.
Talking about my problems, bringing other people down.
I tend to discuss my troubles with others, which leads them to feel low as well.
Well this may be so, but not long ago, I was sitting on the top of the world.
Although that is true to some extent, I was once quite successful and happy.
Sure is strange how things can turn themselves around.
It is peculiar how life can take an unexpected turn.
When I'm in need of a little bit of consultation, used to call on my Uncle John.
Earlier, I used to seek advice from my Uncle John.
Took a trip down to West Virginia, found him dead and gone.
However, when I recently went to West Virginia, I discovered that he had passed away.
And as some sort of silly little consolation, they gave me a ticket back.
As an insignificant attempt to comfort me, they provided me with a return ticket.
What you gonna do with folks like that?
What can one do about situations like these?
You can talk about bands of angels,
People often discuss spiritual entities.
And they think you come with your soul in your hands to set their children free.
They might believe that you are capable of healing or saving others.
But you talk about little bit of understanding, things that happen day to day.
However, when you speak about practical day-to-day happenings, it is relatable and appreciated.
Some of you folks sure enough have been good to me.
Some individuals have undoubtedly been kind to me.
Nobody but you, nobody but you, nobody but you, nobody but you.
Among all the people I know, only you stand out.
Nobody but you, say nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody but you.
I cannot think of anyone other than you.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAMES TAYLOR, JAMES V TAYLOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind