Maynard's first idol was trumpeter Harry James and he first received his music union card at age thirteen. He left Montreal at age eighteen with close friend and schoolmate, Oscar Peterson and secured a contract recording session work with RCA Victor's prestigious Jazz division.
He came to prominence playing in Stan Kenton's orchestra, before forming his own band in 1957. He was noted for being able to play accurately in a remarkably high register, and for his bands, which served as stepping stones for up-and-coming talent. Maynard also played a solo at the Closing Ceremony of the 1976 Summer Olympic Games at Montreal, Canada.
Fire And Rain
Maynard Ferguson Lyrics
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Suzanne the plans they made put an end to you
I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song
I just can't remember who to send it to
I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
Won't you look down upon me, Jesus
You've got to help me make a stand
You've just got to see me through another day
My body's aching and my time is at hand
I won't make it any other way
I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I'd see you again
Been walking my mind to an easy time, my back turned towards the sun
Lord knows when the cold wind blows, it'll turn your head around
Well there's hours of time on the telephone line to talk about things to come
Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground
I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I'd see you baby, one more time again, now
Thought I'd see you one more time again
There's just a few things coming my way this time around now
Thought I'd see you, thought I'd see you, fire and rain now
Na na na. Na na na na na na na na na na. Na na na na na na na na
I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I'd see you baby, one more time again, now
Thought I'd see you one more time again
There's just a few things coming my way this time around now
Thought I'd see you, thought I'd see you, fire and rain now
Maynard Ferguson's Fire and Rain is a cover of James Taylor's famous song that tells the story of his struggle with depression and substance abuse following the suicide of his friend, Suzanne. Ferguson's jazzy twist on the song makes it more upbeat and energetic, but the lyrics remain emotionally charged. The opening lines convey the despair of receiving the news of someone's passing and feeling lost about what to do next. The reference to Suzanne's plans being cut short exemplifies how death snatches away people's hopes and aspirations.
The chorus "I've seen fire and I've seen rain" is Taylor's metaphor for the highs and lows of life. It's a reflection of the times when life is amazing, and everything is going right, and when everything falls apart, and nothing seems to make sense. The second verse shows the singer seeking help amidst his struggles, and his plea to Jesus to help him find the strength to carry on another day. The third verse presents an image of the singer's memories, and the phone calls with his friend, reminiscing about the past and their future plans. In the end, the song echoes the idea that hope is still alive, and things will eventually get better.
Line by Line Meaning
Just yesterday mornin', they let me know you were gone
Yesterday morning, I received the news of your death from somebody
Suzanne the plans they made put an end to you
Your plans led to your premature death, Suzanne
I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song
This morning, I penned this very song after leaving my abode
I just can't remember who to send it to
I have forgotten who I should share this song with
I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I have witnessed both destruction and growth
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
Days of happiness that I believed could last forever
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
I have experienced solitude and had nobody to lean on
But I always thought that I'd see you again
Despite everything, I hoped to reapite my time with you
Won't you look down upon me, Jesus
Oh Jesus, lend me your watchful eye
You've got to help me make a stand
Please aid me to take a firm stance
You've just got to see me through another day
Guide me throughout another day
My body's aching and my time is at hand
My physical being is in pain, and death may be imminent
I won't make it any other way
I cannot survive without assistance from a higher power
Been walking my mind to an easy time, my back turned towards the sun
I have spent time pondering on a simpler life, avoiding challenges
Lord knows when the cold wind blows, it'll turn your head around
When the winds of adversity hit, it can be disorienting
Well there's hours of time on the telephone line to talk about things to come
There's plenty of time available to discuss the future on the phone
Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground
Dreams and aspirations ending abruptly, much like a plane crash
Thought I'd see you one more time again
I hoped I would have another chance to meet with you
There's just a few things coming my way this time around now
Few things seem to be going my way at the moment
Thought I'd see you, thought I'd see you, fire and rain now
I anticipated that I would meet you, in spite of natural disasters and emotional turmoil.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: James Taylor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind