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.
The Christmas Song
James Taylor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Everybody knows some holly and some mistletoe
Well, they help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies in his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to one hundred-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas, yeah, Merry Christmas to you
James Taylor's version of "The Christmas Song" is a classic tune that evokes the holiday spirit. In the first verse, it paints a picture of a cozy Christmas setting with chestnuts being roasted on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, and a choir singing yuletide carols. The second line emphasizes the cold winter weather by mentioning that Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, which adds a layer of coziness to the scene. The third line introduces folks dressed like Eskimos, which creates a fun and festive image.
In the second verse, the lyrics mention the two classic Christmas symbols - holly and mistletoe - that help make the season bright. The fourth line emphasizes the excitement of Christmas through the eyes of children, who find it hard to sleep on the night before such a magical day. The fifth line reinforces the excitement felt by children by mentioning that they know that Santa is on his way with lots of toys and goodies for them. The sixth line includes a sense of childlike wonder by mentioning that every mother's child is going to try to spy to see if reindeer really know how to fly.
The last verse is a simple and timeless message from James Taylor. He offers the phrase "Merry Christmas" to kids from one to 92, although it has been said many times and in many ways. This final line is a wholesome reminder of what Christmas is all about - joy, love, and good tidings.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Imagine a cozy scene where chestnuts are being heated to perfection on an open flame.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Picture the chill of winter nipping at your nose, making it cold and red
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
Hear the joyous sounds of festive carols being sung by a group of talented singers.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
See people bundled up in lots of warm layers, looking like they could be living in the Arctic.
Everybody knows some holly and some mistletoe
These classic holiday plants are so well-known that almost everyone recognizes them.
Well, they help to make the season bright
These plants are important for adding a festive touch and brightening up the atmosphere.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Kids get very excited during the holiday season and their eyes sparkle with wonder and anticipation.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
The excitement of Christmas Eve makes it difficult for children to wind down and fall asleep.
They know that Santa's on his way
Children believe that Santa Claus is coming to bring them gifts and treats.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies in his sleigh
Santa has a huge amount of presents, toys and sweets that he will deliver on this special night.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
All the kids will try to catch a glimpse of Santa arriving with his reindeer.
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
Kids imagine that Santa's reindeer can fly, and they want to confirm this for themselves.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
In this song, I want to share with you a simple message that captures the spirit of the season.
To kids from one to ninety-two
This message is for everyone, from the youngest children to the oldest adults.
Although it's been said many times, many ways
This is a classic holiday message that has been repeated in different ways over many years.
Merry Christmas to you
Finally, I wish you all a happy and joyful Christmas season!
To kids from one to one hundred-two
This message transcends age and is perfect for anyone young or old.
Merry Christmas, yeah, Merry Christmas to you
Once again, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season!
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind