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.
Today Today Today
James Taylor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm finally on my way
Time has come to say
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
The bird is on the wing
The bell is about to ring
The big girl she's about to sing
The world will open wide
And I'm running with the tide
It's time to cut this side
And I must not miss my ride
Somehow I haven't died
And I feel the same inside
As when I caught this ride
When first I sold my pride
The way ahead is clear
My heart is free from fear
I'll plant my flag right here
Today, today, today
In James Taylor's song "Today Today Today," he sings about finally being on his way and saying goodbye to what's been holding him back. The repetition of "today" emphasizes the significance of the present moment and the urgency for change. He mentions a bird being on the wing, a bell about to ring, and a big girl about to sing, alluding to a feeling of anticipation and excitement. The world is about to open wide, and he's ready to run with the tide. This is a metaphor for the idea that opportunities are infinite, and one must seize them while they can.
The lyrics suggest that he's made a decision to move on and not let his pride hold him back anymore. He's still alive and feels the same inside as when he first caught this ride, which could refer to the feeling of perseverance and determination to make his way in life. Although he may have been afraid of what comes next, he now feels free from fear and is confident in his path. He plants his flag and declares it's his moment to make a change, and he's not going to miss his ride.
Overall, James Taylor's "Today Today Today" is a song about taking action, letting go of the past, and embracing new opportunities. It's a reminder that time is precious, and each day presents new chances to pursue one's dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Today, today, today
The singer is excited and eager for the day ahead.
I'm finally on my way
The singer is beginning a new journey or adventure.
Time has come to say Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
The singer is leaving behind something from their past and moving on to something new.
The bird is on the wing
The world is full of opportunity and freedom.
The bell is about to ring
The artist is waiting for a sign or signal to start their new journey.
The big girl she's about to sing
Something exciting or significant is about to happen.
The world will open wide
The singer's new journey will offer endless possibilities.
And I'm running with the tide
The artist is prepared to go along with the events of the day and let them guide their journey.
It's time to cut this side
The artist is leaving behind something from their past that has been holding them back.
And I must not miss my ride
The artist is determined to seize the opportunity before them and not let it pass them by.
Somehow I haven't died
The singer has been through difficult experiences in the past, but they have survived and are stronger because of it.
And I feel the same inside
Despite everything the artist has been through, they remain true to themselves inside.
As when I caught this ride
The singer has experienced similar opportunities in the past, and is ready to embark on a new one.
The way ahead is clear
The path forward for the singer is unobstructed and free of obstacles.
My heart is free from fear
The singer is unafraid of whatever the new journey may bring.
I'll plant my flag right here
The artist is staking their claim and starting a new chapter in their life.
Today, today, today
The excitement and eagerness for the day ahead is reiterated.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Skye Ryder
"Today Today Today"
Today, today, today
I'm finally on my way
The time has come to say
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
The bird is on the wing
The bell is about to ring
The big girl she's about to sing
Today, today, today
The world will open wide
And I'm running with the tide
It's time to cut this side
And I must not miss my ride
Somehow I haven't died
And I feel the same inside
As when I caught this ride
When first I sold my pride
The way ahead is clear
My heart is free from fear
I'll plant my flag right here
Today, today, today
Skye Ryder
"Today Today Today"
Today, today, today
I'm finally on my way
The time has come to say
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
The bird is on the wing
The bell is about to ring
The big girl she's about to sing
Today, today, today
The world will open wide
And I'm running with the tide
It's time to cut this side
And I must not miss my ride
Somehow I haven't died
And I feel the same inside
As when I caught this ride
When first I sold my pride
The way ahead is clear
My heart is free from fear
I'll plant my flag right here
Today, today, today
Daniel Fernholz
Dear J.T. Thank you... just a simple "Thank you" ... My life would have been poorer without your music... You wrote the songs from your heart and gave them to us... You're not alone... There are many among us who know what you're singing about :) Your song have comforted me over all these years :) Thank you :)
Richard Wilkerson
Couldn’t have said it better. Thank you, JT, enriching our lives
DMagIron
James Taylor, sem comentários!!! O melhor sempre.
Frederica Harris
I have always loved the music of James Taylor. If I'm having a bad day, or night, I can put on some J.T. and I find it to be soothing, and gives me a great deal of comfort. I had the privilege of seeing James perform in St. Louis last June. I was totally mesmerized listening to his performance. It was definitely on the top of the list of things I wanted to do. I guess you could say I checked it off of my bucket list. I'm so looking forward to the release of his new album. This sneak peak of the songs to come, confirms it even more. Thank you J.T. your music has gotten me though a lot of lonely times. Many blessings to you!
Zoltan the Texan
Great tempo, feels great!
sohgirl
A longtime fan, he's still a fabulous singer/songwriter even 46 years later, and that soothing voice - amazing.
Luther Stevens
This is golden music from JT!
So happy to hear new material from the great man.
Beautiful,crisp brilliance.
Bring on the new album 🎸
GREGORY RUSSO
OK, i have heard it a lot in the last month...what can i say but.....IT'S F-ING GREAT! J.T continues to astound all his fans. He keeps reminding us that he indeed is the best!
Mike Madden
Crazy chord progression!