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.
You're the One I Love
James Taylor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you don't remember who you're talking to
Concentration slips away
Because your baby is so far away
[Chorus]
Well there's a rose in a fisted glove
And the eagle flies with the dove
Love the one you're with
You gotta love the one you're with [Repeat: x3]
Don't be angry, don't be sad
Don't sit crying talking good times you've had
Well there's a girl sitting right next to you
And she's just waiting for something to do
[Chorus]
You gotta love the one you're with
You gotta love the one you're with
Oh yea oh yea, yea
Lord, love the one you're with
You gotta love the one you're with
You gotta love the one you're with
Why don't you love?
Turn your heartache right into joy
She's a girl and you're a boy
Did you get it together and make it nice?
When you ain't gonna need anymore advice
[Chorus]
You gotta love the one you're with [Repeat: x4]
You gotta love, oh love
You gotta love, oh love
You gotta love, love the one you're with
You gotta love, love
The song “You're the One I Love” by James Taylor is a classic rock tune that urges listeners to focus on the person they're with, as opposed to someone who is not present. The song is essentially a call to action of sorts, with Taylor urging his listeners not to waste any time on thoughts or feelings that are not productive. Taylor acknowledges that there will be times when one's partner is not physically present, and the temptation to stray or spend time dwelling on the past may be strong, but it's important to focus on what's in front of them.
In the verse, Taylor sings about feeling down or confused, and not being able to concentrate because one's partner is so far away. The chorus then reminds listeners to focus on what they have, rather than what they don't. The metaphor of a rose in a fisted glove, and an eagle flying with the dove, drive home the powerful message that love can and should be experienced in any situation, regardless of the specific circumstances. The song ultimately encourages listeners to love who they're with, rather than wishing for someone who isn't present.
The lyrics of “You're the One I Love” are undeniably catchy and easy to sing along with, but they also contain a powerful message. The song speaks to the importance of appreciating those who are present in our lives, rather than longing for those who are not. By encouraging listeners to focus on the positive aspects of their current romances, Taylor delivers a message that is both relatable and inspiring.
Line by Line Meaning
If you're down and confused
If you are feeling low and unsure
And you don't remember who you're talking to
And you have lost track of the conversation
Concentration slips away
Your focus starts to fade
Because your baby is so far away
Because the person you love is not with you
Well there's a rose in a fisted glove
There is something beautiful hidden in a tough exterior
And the eagle flies with the dove
Even two opposing forces can coexist peacefully
And if you can't be with the one you love, honey
And if you cannot be with your true love
Love the one you're with
Love the person who is currently there with you
Don't be angry, don't be sad
Do not let negative emotions control you
Don't sit crying talking good times you've had
Do not dwell in the past memories
Well there's a girl sitting right next to you
There is someone with you in the present
And she's just waiting for something to do
And she is waiting for an opportunity to connect with you
You gotta love the one you're with
You need to give love and attention to the person with you now
Turn your heartache right into joy
Transform your sorrow into happiness
She's a girl and you're a boy
There is a natural attraction between men and women
Did you get it together and make it nice?
Have you figured out how to make things better?
When you ain't gonna need anymore advice
When you no longer need any guidance
You gotta love the one you're with
You have to cherish the person who is currently by your side
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Stills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind