About the song
“Fire and Rain” by James Taylor is an iconic folk-rock ballad that has touched the hearts of listeners since its release in 1970. It is featured on Taylor’s second album, “Sweet Baby James.” This introspective song delves into themes of loss, struggle, and redemption, resonating deeply with audiences through its soulful melody and poignant lyrics.
Written solely by James Taylor, “Fire and Rain” is a deeply personal reflection on Taylor’s own experiences, including his struggles with addiction and the loss of a close friend. Its raw emotion and honesty make it a powerful testament to the human condition, striking a chord with listeners of all ages.
Upon its release, “Fire and Rain” became a critical and commercial success, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its impact was further solidified by its inclusion on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, cementing its status as a classic in the folk-rock genre.
Beyond its initial success, “Fire and Rain” has endured as one of James Taylor’s most beloved songs, inspiring countless covers and interpretations by other artists. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, from sadness to hope, making it a timeless favorite for fans of Taylor’s music and folk-rock enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re a longtime admirer of James Taylor’s music or discovering “Fire and Rain” for the first time, this song remains a poignant reminder of the power of music to heal, inspire, and connect us all.
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Lyrics
Just yesterday mornin’, they let me know you were gone
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
But I always thought that I’d see you again
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
And I won’t make it any other way
Oh, 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
Oh, 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