Taylor and King first met - briefly - in the 60s at the Night Owl Cafรฉ in Greenwich Village. James was a shy teenager. Carole, although only in her mid-twenties, was already a legendary songwriter, but not yet a performer. She began finding her way toward being comfortable as an entertainer as part of James Taylor's band. Taylor's version of King's "You've Got a Friend" became a number one hit in the summer of 1971 and won a Grammy. In that same year, King's album 'Tapestry' reached number one and stayed there for a remarkable 15 weeks. It would eventually sell 22 million copies. Despite this success, King carried on touring with Taylor. They played L.A.'s Troubadour in the spring for a two-week co-starring run.'
At Thanksgiving in 2007, James and Carole returned to the Troubadour for a sentimental journey through their old set list, including performances of the pair's most beloved hits such as "You've Got a Friend", King's "So Far Away," "It's Too Late," and "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?", as well as Taylor's "Carolina in My Mind," "Sweet Baby James," and "Fire and Rain," to name just a few.
Smackwater Jack
James Taylor & Carole King Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He bought a shotgun
'Cause he was in the mood
For a little confrontation
He just a-let it all hang loose
He didn't think about the noose
He couldn't take no more abuse
So he shot down the congregation
You can't talk to a man
With a shotgun in his hand
(Shotgun)
Now, Big Jim the chief
Stood for law and order
He called for the guard to come
And surround the border
Now, from his bulldog mouth
As he led the posse south
Came the cry, "We got to ride
To clean up the streets
For our wives and our daughters" (oh, no no)
You can't talk to a man
When he don't wanna understand
No, no, no, no, no, no
The account of the capture
Wasn't in the papers
But you know, they hanged ol' Smack right then
Instead of later
You know, the people were quite pleased
'Cause the outlaw had been seized
And on the whole, it was a very good year
For the undertaker
You know, you know, you can't talk to a man
With a shotgun in his hand
A shotgun in his hand (Smackwater Jack, yeah)
Smackwater Jack bought a shotgun
Yeah, Smackwater Jack bought a shotgun
Oh, Smackwater Jack, yeah (Smackwater Jack, yeah)
Talkin' 'bout a Smackwater Jack, yeah
(Ooh, and his shotgun)
Talkin' 'bout a Smackwater Jack, ow
(Ooh, talkin' 'bout Jack and his shotgun)
(Talkin' 'bout Smack)
(Talkin' 'bout Jack)
(Smackwater Jack, yeah)
The lyrics of James Taylor and Carole King's "Smackwater Jack" is a story that tells about a man named Jack who, due to long-term abuse, became frustrated and decided to take his shotgun to confront the people who harass him. The story then introduces the character of Big Jim, who represents the authority and called for the law enforcement to surround the area where Jack was. The lyrics emphasize the presence of a weapon and how it can shut down any attempt at communication.
The song then reports that Jack was captured and hanged immediately, which pleased many people who saw him as an outlaw who needs to be punished. The song's story is a clear depiction of how abuse and frustration can lead somebody to snap and harm others. The song also emphasizes the importance of proper communication in resolving disputes rather than resorting to violence.
Overall, the song "Smackwater Jack" is a powerful message about the dangers of violence and how important peaceful communication is in resolving issues. It is a story that remains relevant and significant, especially in today's turbulent world.
Line by Line Meaning
Now, Smackwater Jack
Introducing the singer, the focus of the song
He bought a shotgun
Jack acquires a weapon
'Cause he was in the mood
For a little confrontation
Jack is ready for a fight
He just a-let it all hang loose
He didn't think about the noose
He couldn't take no more abuse
So he shot down the congregation
Jack snaps and shoots a group of people
You can't talk to a man
With a shotgun in his hand
(Shotgun)
It's difficult to reason with someone who is armed
Now, Big Jim the chief
Stood for law and order
He called for the guard to come
And surround the border
A government official responds to the incident
Now, from his bulldog mouth
As he led the posse south
Came the cry, "We got to ride
To clean up the streets
For our wives and our daughters" (oh, no no)
The official takes a tough stance and rallies support
You can't talk to a man
When he don't wanna understand
No, no, no, no, no, no
People who are unwilling to listen cannot be convinced
The account of the capture
Wasn't in the papers
But you know, they hanged ol' Smack right then
Instead of later
Smackwater Jack is caught and punished quickly, without a trial or legal process
You know, the people were quite pleased
'Cause the outlaw had been seized
And on the whole, it was a very good year
For the undertaker
The community is relieved that Jack is gone, and the undertaker benefits from a spike in business
You know, you know, you can't talk to a man
With a shotgun in his hand
A shotgun in his hand (Smackwater Jack, yeah)
Repeating the earlier statement about the dangers of dealing with an armed person
Smackwater Jack bought a shotgun
Yeah, Smackwater Jack bought a shotgun
Oh, Smackwater Jack, yeah (Smackwater Jack, yeah)
Talkin' 'bout a Smackwater Jack, yeah
(Ooh, and his shotgun)
Talkin' 'bout a Smackwater Jack, ow
(Ooh, talkin' 'bout Jack and his shotgun)
(Talkin' 'bout Smack)
(Talkin' 'bout Jack)
(Smackwater Jack, yeah)
Repeating the refrain and title of the song
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Carole King, Gerry Goffin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
King Chucky
If there's such a thing as "lead" and "rhythm" piano, then here we have them.
Robert O Esse
Good observation
Marty Ennes
Love this song and this rendition! Thank you! ๐
oscar cardenas
๐๐๐๐๐น๐น๐๐..What a good recording ... it gives a freshness that the studio does not have and your voice makes it more cheerful ... it is an apprehension thanks for sharing this live song of this concert๐๐ค๐ฏโ๐๐๐โ๐ท๐โค๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
TOรO ORTIX
Se disfrutaba de la mรบsica, en todos los sentidos, que tiempos.. Super.
Julian Wells
Never heard that song before. Halfway through I realized I had a smile on my face. Carol was having fun that night.
Lucio Marques
ISSO ร TรO INCRรVEL โค
MAGNATA pess lymm
Q cantora fantรกstica ๐๐๐๐
Qdo esse show foi realizado eu รฑ era nem nascido.
miriรฃ borges
Idem
Ricardo Rodriguez
And that, kids, is how you play as a listener and part of an ensemble! Lots of BIG ears up on this one