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 Can Close Your Eyes
James Taylor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But the moon is slowly rising
And this old world must still be spinning 'round
And I still love you
So close your eyes
You can close your eyes, it's all right
I don't know no love songs
But I can sing this song
And you can sing this song
When I'm gone
Well it won't be long before another day
We're gonna have a good time
And no one's gonna take that time away
You can stay as long as you like
So close your eyes
You can close your eyes, it's all right
I don't know no love songs
And I can't sing the blues anymore
But I can sing this song
And you can sing this song
When I'm gone
So close your eyes
You can close your eyes, it's all right
I don't know no love songs
And I can't sing the blues anymore
But I can sing this song
And you can sing this song
When I'm gone
The lyrics of James Taylor and Carole King's "You Can Close Your Eyes" tell a story of an individual in love with someone else who they care deeply for. They are facing the reality of time and the changes that come with it, but the love between the two still remains. The first verse describes the sunset as the moon slowly rises, suggesting the passage of time. Despite the earth continuing to spin and time moving on, the love between the two persists. This love is made clear by the chorus, where the singer encourages their loved one to close their eyes and not worry about the changes in the world because they still love each other.
In the second verse, the singer mentions that they are going to have a good time soon and that no one can take away that time they will share. This is another testimony to the strength of their love. The lyrics are quite simple, yet they convey a depth of feeling and commitment. The song's poignancy comes from the recognition of time's passage, which is necessary for the beauty of the moment. The song speaks to the idea that even when things change, there are some things that will always remain constant.
Line by Line Meaning
Well the sun is surely sinking down
The day is coming to an end
But the moon is slowly rising
The night is about to begin
And this old world must still be spinning 'round
Life goes on, despite our momentary feelings and emotions
And I still love you
Despite everything that's happened, my love for you remains the same
So close your eyes
Take a moment to rest and relax
You can close your eyes, it's all right
I'm here with you, there's nothing to worry about
I don't know no love songs
I'm not a great singer or songwriter
And I can't sing the blues anymore
I can't express my feelings through sad songs like I used to
But I can sing this song
'You Can Close Your Eyes' is the best song I can offer you right now
And you can sing this song
You can share this moment with me, and together we can find comfort in this song
When I'm gone
Even when I'm not here, this song will remain with you as a reminder of our love
Well it won't be long before another day
The morning will come before we know it
We're gonna have a good time
Let's enjoy ourselves while we can
And no one's gonna take that time away
Let's not worry about what others might do or say, let's just enjoy our time together
You can stay as long as you like
You don't have to leave anytime soon, I'm here for you
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: James Taylor, James V Taylor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@weirdmood8102
My first concern was James Taylor with Keb Mo opening up for him at Oak Mountain Amphitheater in Pelham, AL in 1991. I was around 7 years old. My father took my brother(11) and me to see him.
We are now 37/41 and going to see him again tonight at Oak Mountain.
We have made it a yearly outing to go see him on tour, and this year, we're going back where it all started for me.
I've always loved his music and his books he's written. His music spoke to me as a child and it became even clearer ass I struggled with addiction and depression growing up. He's an awesome dude, and I'm so grateful each year when he announces dates and I know we get to see him one more time.
I'll be bummed the day comes when there's no announcement, but he's sure given us a lot. I'm stoked to see him goof off and it looks like he's just playing all his old hits/favorites this year. He's closing every show with ' close your eyes'.... I'm wondering if there is a reason for it...
Either way, tonight is going to be another awesome night hanging out with the coolest paw-paw on the planet!
@spookyvegan1402
My mom was a big fan of him I grew up listening to his music
It was a concert we planned to see together
Sadly she died in 2015..
I planned on going to see him last year
Then the pandemic
- rescheduled for this July
God willing I make it there
My mom will be with me in spirit
๐๐๐๐๐ถ๐๐๐
@63korte
My sister recently passed from cancer.
Her husband of 45 years had this song playing when she passed.
I thanked James on Facebook for helping my sister move on.
He actually responded with condolences.
What a great guy.
@kentclark6420
I'm so sorry for your loss. It brought tears to my eyes. When my mom passed away people told me that she was in a better place. I hope that thought helps! Good luck.
@danfromcanada151
James Taylor fans know this song however not played very often it is a shame it is beautiful ๐
@user-ld6ih9nq7g
One man, one guitar, one voice, that's enough.
@marialiglesias1699
Closing my eyes, listening to this song, brings back memories of my younger days enjoying James Taylor's songs..and I can't help but cry. Those were great times of great music. Thank you so much, Mr. JAMES TAYLOR!!!
@marionsiempre7417
Gorgeous man. Then and now. Always knows how to touch our hearts. JT : youโre a gift to this world. ๐
@rpiner4009
Very well said ๐
@gipsy6051
Ohhh yees.. My heart โฅ fly out
@zamiadams4343
spot on
@joeyricci3796
Marion Sempre - I agree.... James Taylor is a gift ๐ to this world ๐. He's my top favorite artist of all time. I first heard his music in 1968-69, when I was very young. He was so distinctively different than any other performer's, or bands I've heard. I loved his music, and never tired of it ever. The man is humble, and a great example of humanity. He's still a legendary performer to this very day! ๐๐๐ป