If I Had M Time Again Id Do It All the Same

Angela commencement knew of Jesus equally a child but did not walk with him until she was an adult. She now hopes to share the Good News with the globe.

James Taylor performing at Tanglewood.

Paul Keleher, via Wikimedia Commons

"Fire and I've Seen Rain" Lyrics

"Just yesterday morning, they let me know you were gone.
Susanne, the plans they fabricated put an end to you lot.
I walked out this morning, and I wrote downwards this song,
I just tin'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,
Simply I ever thought that I'd see you again.

Won't y'all look down upon me, Jesus;
You've got to assist me make a stand up,;
You've just got to see me through another twenty-four hour period.
My torso's aching and my time is at hand,
And I won't brand it any other way.

Oh, I've seen burn down, and I've seen rain;
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end;
I've seen lonely times when I could non find a friend,
But I ever thought that I'd meet y'all over again.

Been walking my mind to an easy time, my back turned towards the sun;
Lord knows, when the cold current of air blows it'll plough your caput effectually.
Well, there's hours of fourth dimension on the telephone line to talk about things to come;
Sugariness dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground.

Oh, I've seen fire and I've seen rain;
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never cease;
I've seen lonely times when I could non find a friend,
Just I ever idea that I'd see y'all, baby, one more time once more, at present.

Idea I'd see you one more fourth dimension again;
At that place's just a few things coming my manner this time around, now;
Thought I'd see you, thought I'd see you burn down and rain, now."

James Taylor Lyrics Explained

James Taylor wrote and sang this song, which was inspired by a friend who died. After existence recorded, this song elevated him to a pop star at 22 when it became a hit.

Taylor stated that he wrote this song three different times throughout 1968. His writing began while auditioning in London for The Beatles' Apple Records. Then Taylor wrote more than of it while he stayed in a Manhattan Infirmary. However, he finished it at the Austin Riggs Center, where he was staying for drug rehabilitation. In 1972 Taylor stated:

"Burn down and Pelting" has three verses. The commencement verse is most my reactions to the death of a friend. The second verse is about my arrival in this country with a monkey on my dorsum, and there Jesus is an expression of my desperation in trying to get through the time when my body was agonized and the time was at hand when I had to do information technology... And the third verse of that vocal refers to my recuperation in Austin Riggs which lasted about 5 months.

Although he wrote this at but xx years old, it touches people of all ages and is nonetheless relevant xl-plus years later.

Beginning Verse Explained

"Just yesterday morning they let me know you were gone
I just tin can't remember who to send it to
Susanne the plans they made put an finish to you
I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song"

When he refers to Susanne, he is referring to Susanne Schnerr. Taylor states he used to go loftier with her and knew her quite well. He met her in New York in 1967 and hung out with her quite often when he was part of a group called The Flight Machine. The Flying Auto was the group where he became successful every bit a musician and writer.

Susanne, or who Taylor affectionately refers to every bit Suzie, committed suicide. He was living in London with mutual friends. Since his career began lifting off and his fame grew, his friends waited until later to give him the news since they knew Taylor was so excited about his upcoming tape deal. He didn't find out about her suicide until six months afterwards.

He also states in one interview that he ever felt bad well-nigh the line, "The plans they made put an end to you," because people take made assumptions about whom "they" are. He intended 'they' to be the Fates. His greatest fear was that her parents thought he blamed them. He did not.

James Taylor on stage performing at Tanglewood.

Paul Keleher, via Wikimedia Commons

2nd Poetry Explained

"Won't you lot look down upon me, Jesus
You've got to help me make a stand
Y'all've merely got to see me through some other mean solar day
My body's aching and my time is at hand
And I won't brand it whatever other way"

He wrote this poesy in 1968 after he stayed in a mental infirmary. He was battling a heroin addiction. He wrote this every bit a plea to Jesus, every bit in Jesus Christ, to help him 'brand a stand' against his drug addiction, which portrays how much of a agree the habit had on him. He makes the concur the addiction had on him when he belts out, "I won't make it whatsoever other way."

Whorl to Continue

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Although it would exist nice to say that in 1968, he finally kicked the habit, he did not kick the addiction until much later. Fortunately, unlike many like him, he was finally able to make a stand up against his addiction in 1986, when he became sober. He has been sober ever since but notwithstanding feels that he is a recovering addict.

Third Poetry Explained

"Has been walking my listen to an like shooting fish in a barrel fourth dimension my dorsum turned towards the sun
Lord knows when the cold wind blows it'll turn your head around
Well, there'southward hours of fourth dimension on the telephone line to talk about things
To come
Sweetness dreams and flight machines in pieces on the footing"

Earlier, during his senior year in high school, he had been treated at a infirmary for depression. He and a friend, Danny Kortchmar, began a band chosen the Flight Machine. It was a blessing in disguise when the group failed only a few months after starting, and he started his solo career. The terminal line refers to this band and his earlier attempts at finding success as a writer.

Fire and Rain Pregnant

Fire and Rain remains and probably ever will exist ane of my favorite songs. Information technology touches me on a deep level. Although I've never experienced depression or drug addiction, I still know how it feels to be on the bottom, hoping for a moment to arise. Life is similar a roller coaster, with many ups and downs, scary at times, exhilarating, and sometimes just evidently annoying.

Questions & Answers

Question: In the line, "But I always thought that I'd see you once more," to whom is the word "yous" referring in the poem "Fire and Rain"?

Answer: His friend Suzanne Shnerr who had committed suicide.

© 2010 Angela Michelle Schultz

Kelly Ann Christensen from Overland Park, Johnson County, Kansas on February 01, 2020:

I just love James Taylor and this song. In the days and years following my mother's expiry, it would remind me of her. I ever thought that I would see you again, but she was gone. Thanks for the enjoyable and interesting commodity.

Jean Bakula from New Bailiwick of jersey on March ten, 2017:

He has such a distinctive voice, you tin always tell it's him when he helps out a friend or even plays an instrument. He plays the banjo part on Neil Young's Old Man. I wish he stayed with Carly Simon, she loved him then much.

Nellieanna Hay from TEXAS on May 26, 2014:

I plant your hub from 1 of the "Related Hubs" on another hub I was visiting. Glad I did!

What a lovely hub! I adore James Taylor and accept since I first heard him in the 60s when my son in loftier school was following his work. Cheers for bringing out this 'history' of one of his near love songs. It gets my votes!

I tried for a skilful while to play his songs on piano. They're not very adjustable to it. One fourth dimension, though, information technology just came to me and I was able to practise a fairly skillful job of information technology. Very satisfying.

Nellieanna Hay from TEXAS on May 26, 2014:

What a lovely hub! I adore James Taylor and accept since I first heard him in the 60s. Thank y'all for bringing out this 'history' of one of his most beloved songs. Information technology gets my votes!

Angela Michelle Schultz (writer) from United States on June 02, 2012:

He actually is quite the genius, he is one of my all fourth dimension favorite singers.

Winsome from Southern California by way of Texas on June 02, 2012:

Hi A_M, give thanks you for that caption. I had no idea he wrote the verses so far apart. I but finished a song I started many years ago, and so I do understand how that happens. I read once that when he heard people say that his songs all sounded the same that he was surprised. He said he works to vary his songs and structure of the music just that he just has a narrow lens they all come out of and so it just sounds like that.

I agree with him, his songs are not as easy to play as you might think if you actually play them as he does. That's a flake of genius there. =:)

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on May 19, 2012:

It truly is a sorry story. My heart feels heavy every time I hear those words.

Eric Calderwood from U.s. on May 19, 2012:

I recollect listening to this vocal as a young child. I ever thought the whole song was about "Susan" and the line "the plans they made put an cease to you lot" referred to some conspiracy in which she was murdered. Now I know the real story. Thanks for a great hub.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from The states on September 22, 2010:

Your welcome. James Taylor is one of my all-time favorite singers. I could mind to him sing all twenty-four hours long. I think he is one of the few celebrities that I would lose all verbal operation effectually! I'd but stand up at that place in awe!

heart4theword from hub on September 21, 2010:

Have to say I've always liked the song, yet never read or new anything about the singer...or the story behind the song. Thanks for sharing!

Angela Michelle Schultz (writer) from The states on September 03, 2010:

He is one of the few musicians who has remained a powerful musical forcefulness for more than half of their lives!

TomTipton from Hollywood, CA on September 02, 2010:

Thank you for the Hub angela_michelle.

When lyrics, melody, and emotion collide, you have a classic - something that never grows old. James is in (what I would telephone call) the tertiary human activity of his career at present merely he still sings and plays with the same fervor of his early days. I still love to hear him sing

Angela Michelle Schultz (writer) from United states of america on Baronial 24, 2010:

SteveoMc, the reason behind the story really moved me the first time I heard information technology. I wish my computer had speakers, otherwise I would add together a video. I simply can't tell if the video I would add would be quality or not.

SteveoMc from Pacific NorthWest on August 24, 2010:

I dear this song and I was moved past the explanation. Thank you and then much. I want to hear information technology correct now. Likewise, rated upwards and crawly. Wonderful hub.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August 23, 2010:

Thanks so much Minnetonka twin for rating information technology up. Yeah, he seems to be one of those artists that lives a good life not just a good singer. He doesn't seem to try to hide who he is either.

Linda Rogers from Minnesota on Baronial 23, 2010:

I rated this hub Up, Awesome and Cute as information technology is very inspiring. I have e'er had a Big place in my heart for James Taylor. I followed him and his life equally he struggled with demons and followed hin every bit a great and incredible artist. I e'er idea it was absurd that someone this famous went on children's shows like Sesame Street. He definitely knows how blessed he is to be living a clean and sober life at present and it shows in how he gives back. Thanks for a really enlightening hub.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August 23, 2010:

ainehannah, honestly, I am a huge James Taylor vocal, at that place is simply a few songs of his I don't adore.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August 23, 2010:

mhuze, I love all the smashing memories that we have in our lives that are brought out by a sure song.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August 23, 2010:

Coffeesnob, i thing I detect very interesting is that many performers will say they have a normal personality, and then they have a stage personality. James Taylor really stated in an interview that he is himself in his music. He acted every bit if that was non very creative and he lacked imagination, but personally I think it'southward kind of refreshing.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from The states on August 23, 2010:

FCE tier, oh, I should meet if I can netflix it, I remember I would enjoy it.

Aine O'Connor from Dublin on Baronial 23, 2010:

Hi Angela Michelle, great to know the background to a classic such as this. Some other album of his that featured Carol King'south Up On The Roof and his own Handyman from 1979 was a big, big favourite of mine back in the twenty-four hours. Like mhuze, thanks for bringing back a skillful memory :0)

mhuze from Us on August 20, 2010:

Listened to this album on my Mom'due south onetime console stereo. Cheers for bringing back a good memory.

coffeesnob on August xx, 2010:

Nice hub...I used to be all about James Taylor..ever liked his music.. Isn't it a corking thing to be able to go a glimpse at what is behind the scenes in the mind of the artist. Most who write pour out experiences in some form..

Fleck from Cold Mountain on August 20, 2010:

I accept the DVD of JT and Carole Male monarch -- not bad!

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on Baronial xix, 2010:

Valerie, I honey when you tin can find a song that only really hits dwelling, and helps you go through some of the low moments. :)

valeriebelew from Metro Atlanta, GA, U.s. on August 19, 2010:

Loved this angela_michelle. I've experienced both depression and a drug trouble, and I'm here to say the lyrics hitting home. Wonderful hub. Voting up and awesome. (:five

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from Usa on August nineteen, 2010:

Bayoulady, you lot should definitely practise one. :) I was thinking about writing about Frederick Doublass, the ex-slave. Amazing story, it really opens your optics to the terribleness of slavery.

Angela Michelle Schultz (writer) from United States on Baronial xix, 2010:

Tonymac, I never knew anyone had e'er redone the song. I wish the speakers on my computer were working otherwise I would youtube information technology.

bayoulady from Northern Louisiana,USA on Baronial 19, 2010:

James Taylor's polish voice, oh my. Haven't thought of him for a long fourth dimension.i am enjoying all of the biographies I've been seeing lately on the hubs, think I might do one myself.Rate upwardly!

Angela Michelle Schultz (writer) from United States on August 19, 2010:

Thank you and so much Healing Touch I appreciate that!

Tony McGregor from South Africa on Baronial nineteen, 2010:

This is a very informative Hub about a song I take loved for many years. Interestingly I first heard the Joan Baez version and loved information technology, just lagter heard the a Taylor version and have been a fan ever since.

The song always intrigued me so I'm grateful for the background story.

Thank you for sharing this.

Honey and peace

Tony

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August 19, 2010:

Thanks Aunt Barb!

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from Usa on August xix, 2010:

Mentalist Acer, well, I used to have the Muppet'south Christmas on 8-track, I hope you still take your eight-track! That would be really crawly. Not quite as cool every bit having a record, only withal pretty swell.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on Baronial nineteen, 2010:

Dave Matthews, that is exactly how I feel nearly knowing the background of information technology.

Angela Michelle Schultz (writer) from United states of america on August 19, 2010:

Samsons, I'm likewise a huge fan! Obviously!

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United states on August 19, 2010:

Fred Allen, I may just have to observe one. I am surprised I didn't think about it. Of class the audio on my computer is currently broken, so I oasis't been putting videos on, because I don't know what ones are quality or not.

Angela Michelle Schultz (writer) from United States on August 19, 2010:

Dahoglund, I call up it was finding out this many years ago, is what caused me to get a large James Taylor fan.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from U.s. on August xix, 2010:

DiamondRN, It surprises me how few call on Jesus in my generation. Generations past, at the University Awards they would give thanks God, you don't hear that quite as much as you used to.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from U.s. on August xix, 2010:

Ecoggins, I take a proposition for y'all. If yous make a youtube video doing your James Taylor impression, I'll put information technology upward on ths hub! LOL> I'd honey to see it. :)

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August 19, 2010:

Pamela, I think me and you take a lot in common. We seem to like much the aforementioned things. :)

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August nineteen, 2010:

zzron, Thanks. I actually would hold with you, just there is something hypnotizing with James Taylor's vocalisation. I absolutely love to hear him sing. Typically I prefer things more upbeat.

Laura Arne from Minnetonka, MN on August 19, 2010:

I am a total James Taylor Fan. Y'all had me at Hello. I tweeted this one. Groovy hub.

Healing bear on

Barbara Badder from USA on Baronial xix, 2010:

Hmm. I always liked this song, only I never noticed he called on Jesus either. I enjoyed reading this hub. Thanks Angela.

Mentalist acer from A Voice in your Mind! on August 19, 2010:

I used to accept him on 8-track and cassette,I wore him outLol;)

Dave Mathews from NORTH YORK,ONTARIO,CANADA on August nineteen, 2010:

Angela_Michelle: I've ever enjoyed this vocal from James Taylor, and now knowing more about him I can have a deeper appreciation for the song notwithstanding.

Brother Dave.

Sam from Tennessee on August 19, 2010:

beautiful, I always liked James Taylor.

fred allen from Myrtle Embankment SC on August xix, 2010:

Wish you could accept attached a performance of the vocal. Dearest the hub! I love skillful peotry. Information technology displays the soul of the poet. It goes deeper than the words and the images they conjure. Most simply scratch the surface of what is actually being revealed. Y'all dig deep. I like that.

Don A. Hoglund from Wisconsin Rapids on August 19, 2010:

I've never really listened much to Taylor but this is an interesting story about him.

Bob Diamond RPh from Charlotte, NC United states of america on August 19, 2010:

I had never listened to all of the words earlier. I wasn't enlightened of his calling on Jesus. More than people who are in trouble should do the aforementioned. Thanks.

ecoggins from Corona, California on Baronial 19, 2010:

My favorite singer impression is to practice James Taylor. I love his songs. Thank you for sharing this hub.

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on August xix, 2010:

I enjoyed this hub and like that detail song also as, many others of James Taylor.

zzron from Houston, TX. on August 18, 2010:

This was nice, I similar a couple of his songs merely I mostly prefer faster classic stone.

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Source: https://spinditty.com/artists-bands/Ive-Seen-Fire-and-Ive-Seen-Rain

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