James Taylor is one of the best singer/songwriter there is. Can’t go wrong with any of his songs. “Carolina in my mind” is probably his other biggest one you’d like.

James Taylor's older brother named his son James. JT wrote this song for his nephew and namrsake.

His pronunciation of 'dogie' is correct. It's not pronounced like we would normally say dog. It's a term for a motherless stray calf in a herd of cattle.

When this song was out, it was being listened to by a generation raised on "western" movies and TV shows. The cowboy mystique was strong. The mournful cowboy verses sung in that awesome James Taylor voice was perfection. How do we explain all those dislikes of this song? Perhaps it's just a sign of the times.

The whole album this comes from is a classic.

I'm in tears. This was my lullaby for my little baby James. Not so little anymore.

Your gonna love Dan Fogelberg.

Thank you for reacting to James Taylor, a true American music icon. Whenever he plays this in concert and sings the line "singing worked out fine for me", it always gets an ovation from the audience. I highly recommend "Shower The People". One of his greatest songs and great message.

James Taylor is one of the greatest singer songwriters of all time but people always seem to forget he is an unbelievable acoustic guitar player, nobody better.

Fun fact, for much of my 20s I had a bedroom that was decorated in deep greens and blues specifically because of this song. A sweet little lullaby written for his namesake nephew, not about himself. :)

I can tell you that I used to spend summers on Martha’s Vineyard, where he spent a lot of summers. He used to come into the piano bar inOak Bluffs and start playing. He’d play a song or two and leave. Such a treat.

Helene here. Aw, man....this album brings back so many memories.....College in Boulder, Colorado.....summer rains....1969..James has such a mellow tone to his voice....very soothing.

"You've Got A Friend"

I've been listening to James Taylor most of my life and have loved his songs and his singing for over fifty years. He's older now, like me but he still sings like an angel.

Back in the day we didn't have computers to look up songs. If we heard a song on the radio we had to hope and pray the DJ would tell us who the artist was and the name of the song. For lyrics we had to buy the album and pray they were on the sleeve. How's this for a hoot till tonight always thought he was singing sweet baby Jane LoL we are legion ✌️♥️

He tells of his brother naming his son, James, and he wrote this on the way to see his namesake, who is now in his mid 40s or older. He said he felt the song should be kind of cowboylike lullabye. He mentions the roads he was traveling to visit this new baby. Love how he tells it at his concerts... You seem to have a JT quality about you and you are very insightful. Enjoyed your reaction!

A dogie is a motherless calf, not just any cow. It's an old-fashioned word that shows up in cowboy songs, e.g. "Git Along Little Dogies."

Glen Campbell - "Wichita Lineman" (Its one of my all time favorite songs and considered a classic. Written by songwriting great, Jimmy Webb.

JT has a great catalogue of songs - You Can Close Your Eyes is another one that wasn't a hit but became a concert favourite, then there's Mexico (with Crosby and Nash on backing harmony vocals), Shower the People, Carolina in My Mind - and dozens of more obscure ones worth hearing too!

A song for his nephew, "Baby James" and the song, RockaBye Baby!

You need to check out Jackson Browne. Because of your age, you might be interested in "These Days". Browne wrote this song when he was 16 years old. Unbelievable that a 16 year old could write lyrics like that.

If Daniel sings in the forest with no one around, does he actually make a sound? YES, we all hear you! Wonderful commentary on this one Daniel.

Tanglewood, Berkshires MA/JT puts on an outrageous Fourth of July outdoor Picnic concert, year in, year out, to his most loyal fans, numbering tens of thousands on the bucolic lawn~ Some pretty nice spreads, from fried chicken and beer to sushi and crystal.

I believe that Taylor was the first artist signed to Apple Records by The Beatles. I urge you to listen to JT's song "Something In The Way She Moves". It deals with JT's bipolar disorder, along with a girlfriend he had back then who had a calming effect on him (or so I've read.) George Harrison loved the title so much that he made it the first line in The Beatles' song "Something".

"carolina in my mind" and his other lullabye, "you can close your eyes."

He wrote this on his way from MA south to see his new nephew James. Gorgeous song. He often calls it a cowboy lullaby. I’ve seen James Taylor many times over the years. I went up see him at Tanglewood which is near Stockbridge & those folks up there went crazy on the line - So was the turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston - the Berkshires seem dreamlike on account of that frosting. Same thing happened when I went up to see him at Fenway Park. In the last month, James has put out remastered videos from that 1970 BBC show. (The same show from your Neil Young “Old Man” reaction video )

Daniel Check out Shower the people, Country road, Copperline, You got a friend, Fire & rain, Smiling face, Up on the roof, Carolina in my mind😊👍👌😊💐💐💐💐💐💐💐

This album came out when I was about your age and I called it my chill music. All these years later when the world gets to be to much his voice can still calm me. I have been lucky enough to see him preform a couple of times and his voice was so beautiful sitting under the stars on warm summer evening.

James Taylor's version of "Up On the Roof" always brings tears to my eyes. It really soars.

An absolute beauty of song.

Try "You got a friend", one of the most famous JT' songs. Oh, lyrics by Carole King... what a coincidence! 😁

I always loved James Taylor. Coincidentally I moved in across the street from his daughter Sally, mother Carly Simon. Boulder, Colorado, mid-nighties. I got to meet James, she hooked me up with back stage passes. Very fortunate. They were all kind and compassionate people.

Great song which I sang along with thousands of times and sang to my late wife! A beautiful tune!👍🏻❤️☮️🌈🎸

Aw, thank you!! An all time favorite! ❤️

Another great singer songwriter is DAN FOGELBERG And please react to this ethereal tune called NETHERLANDS!👍🏻❤️☮️

Back in the 70's growing up my Dad played this song and album often. I still love James. It is comfort music and when my own daughter was born 17 yrs ago I would sing her to sleep with it. One because it was a lullaby, and two it was one of only a few I could remember the words in the middle of the night to sing all the way through. Others to check out - "Country Road" "Suite for 20G" "Carolina On My Mind"(the re-recorded Best of James Taylor version is the best known rather than original Apple Records version) or "You Can Close Your Eyes"

One of the most beautiful songs ever written.

This brings back so many memories of when the album first came out and I fell in love with JTs music.

Thank you for this in the several other videos you posted today I get to spend my day having a great time watching your actions

Super impressed with this analysis and the genuine spirit in which you evaluate it.

Another great song by James. The poetry of his lyrics is so good. “Though the Berkshire seemed dreamlike on account of that frosting…” It doesn’t get much better.

I love James Taylor and I love this song!

"You Can Close Your Eyes" is my favorite Taylor song. Linda Ronstadt did a great cover of it, that I think is even better.

James T. Is a great song writer imo. I always think of this song in two different eras. The 1st as a cowboy in the 1800's and the 2nd as himself in his present day when he left Boston to hitch around the country as a young man. Funny, but I could also picture the moonlight ladies as the stars as he sang himself to sleep. He still tours some and he is very entertaining - telling stories between songs and keeping that beautiful voice all these years later. Btw, I recently found your site and truly enjoy the music and your insights. I'm 63 and much of the music takes me right back to age 14-19. You remind me of a young man with an old soul - and that's a good thing in my book.

My favorite James Taylor! Always played on road trips to Stockbridge on the weekend after Thanksgiving. The Berkshires were dreamlike, I swear.

Perfect song for easing anxiety, i need to get back to watching your music videos more because they do help alot

Wow, I was surprised and baffled to hear that there were so many dislikes on his song. If a person likes this kind of music, and watches/listens to the video, why on earth would they give it a dislike, when James is one of the finest singer/songwriter’s around? Also “ouch” on James’ brother’s critique of the song. Maybe a little brotherly jealousy? I mean come on, it was written for his brother’s son. Lighten up bro Alex haha. I had the privilege to hear him sing this in person, along with all of his other masterpieces. Not only is he a masterful artist, but he is so engaging with an audience with his sly humor, interspersed stories and gentle spirit. When he was young he was married to singer/songwriter Carly Simon (“You’re so Vain“) and they were a real “power couple.“ Although it didn’t last, they are friends to this day, and she is one artist on my bucket list but I have not had a chance to here in person, and probably won’t at this. As she rarely does live performances anymore. They seem like they would be the perfect couple, but they were also young and both traveling on their own tours and such, As well as being under the scrutiny of the public eye so it’s understandable how things might not work out after a while. I’m not sure if you have reacted to any of Dan Fogelberg‘s music, but I am certain you would enjoy him too, as he is also one of the finest singer/songwriters, who also has a completely unique timber to his voice, so when you hear one of his songs you always know it’s him. He and James have so many things in common in regards to their gentle spirit and even their appearance. He was a contemporary of James, as he was only three years younger than him so they were both performing at the same time, but I’m not sure if they knew each other, but I can’t imagine that they didn’t. Unfortunately Dan is no longer with us, but I also had the privilege of hearing him in concert. He died back in 2007, at the young age of 56, from prostate cancer. If you would like to react to him, I would recommend the song “Leader of the Band“, which he wrote for and about his father. Here is a link to him performing the song live, with a brief filmed introduction by him, talking about the song and the reaction from both his fans and from his father, who he respected and loved so much. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oqpyrNlordWlqZs.html He has a great body of work, all very individual songs, and the one that you are guaranteed to hear every year around New Year’s is his poignant story song about running into an old lover in a grocery store over the holidays. It’s called “Same Auld Lang Syne”. At the very end of the song you hear an intermediate soprano saxophone solo that is playing the instrumental part of the original Scottish poem of 1788, written by the famous Scottish poet and lyricist Robert Burns, “Auld Lang Syne“ (hence the unusual spelling of the name of the song). The original Scottish lyrics begin with “Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? … (In the poem, “old“ is spelled “auld” with the English translation being “old“. So it’s a reflective song about people who may no longer be in your life. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/odOKZbl5uNG6iY0.html Well, it’s late/early so I had better hit the hay. Pleasant dreams. ☮️ ... Steve in Dallas

James Taylor at the time was considered the quintessential Folk Rock singer songwriters which impressed many fans of Carole King and eventually King herself and they became fast friends.

As he has related many times about this song, he is a native North Carolinian. As has been previously mentioned, his brother helped bring a child into the world and they named the baby after him. The song is a lullaby. Intended to be presented to his namesake. Invoking images of the Wild West and Cowboys. The second verse describes his car ride from his relocated home in Western Massachusetts, in the Berkshire Mts. while riding the Mass Pike heading to Boston and then south. It’s a classic and the perfect lullaby for anyone’s baby.

thank you for doing this one, Daniel. my favorite James Taylor song!

Thankyou for reacting to James Taylor. Classic.💖

Great song. He wrote this for his Nephew. His brother named his son James after him. ♥️🎼🎶

First heard this song, I think in 1970, dashed out and bought the album then his next album, Mud Slide Slim. Great albums that stand the test of time!!😁😁🇬🇧

Up on the Roof a Carole King sing by James Taylor you should review.

please do his version of Steamroller -- just a bit of blues and a little raucus but i love it -- in fact he is a favorite no matter what he sings -- there are some duos with carole king doing live performances that are really good

Hey Daniel, JT was definitely easy to listen to. Good song, it harkens back to a long vanished time. Always like the song facts, watching when I'm able, busy day's lately. Have a Happy Thanksgiving, best, C.

Shower the People is nice. Carolina in My Mind is great. Mexico is an upbeat change of pace for him. I appreciate you sharing your story. We all want to be heard. We all want to be known; not famous, just known.

You’re hearing a steel pedal guitar. This song is very much in the old folk- country tradition - very reminiscent of “ Good Night Irene” , a classic by the Weavers. We grew up with singing cowboys on TV like Gene Autry and Roy and Dale Rogers. “ Home in the sky” makes me think of “ Big Sky Country” in Montana. “Moonlight ladies” makes me think of the very popular barn dances in rural areas.

James Taylor wrote this song about his nephew (also named James), as a lullaby for him.

Had a copy of this album in the 70’s one of my favorite song from it.

Beautiful song. My favorite by him

Awesome reaction Kiddo.... I use that it the utmost respect... Campfire yes!

Love his cover duet with Carly Simon "Mockingbird" and he did a song not long ago with Mark O'Connor, Irish ballad I believe "Johnny has Gone for a Soldier"

My favorite James Taylor song is "Sunny Skies"🌞

Daniel you are reviewing some great singer songwriters tonight. I saw James Taylor 2 years ago. He is a great finger picker.Oh yea I play guitar

Sweet lullaby for his new nephew - James. Great album too.

I have a great idea if you want to go in a slightly different direction. It is Frank Sinatra, arguably the most famous and best singer of all time (ask your father). This was the crooner era where songwriters wrote songs and singers sung them. One good one is "My Way," written by Paul Anka, where Sinatra looks back at how he's run his career. The arrangement, orchestration and vocal performance is unforgettable. Another possibility is "I've Got You Under My Skin" written by Cole Porter, one of the most famous songwriters ever. He was known for his sophisticated, sexy lyrics. The lyrics aren't as powerful as "My Way", but Sinatra aficionados rate this as their #1 favorite vocal performance. The trombone solo in the Nelson Riddle arrangement makes it so memorable.

A lullaby for his little nephew and namesake.

Daniel. his writing is so good, you can just feel and see what he was talking about. Wait to you hear the album ' Mud Slide Slim'. You'll love that one even more.

THATTTT IS THE ALBUM TO DO IF YOU WERE GONNA DO IT DANIEL. ( SWEET BABY JAMES ) :) COUNTRY ROADS AND STEAMROLLER BLUES ARE DEFINITELYYYY 2 GOOD 1'S TO DO!

If you get a chance, do Michael Murphy - "Wildfire". He's also known as Michael Martin Murphy in later albums but he just went by Michael Murphy when that song was released.

so much of the time it seems like I'm waiting for summer. Summer's are great, of course too short but I don't dream of winter, so all those longings associated with a seasonal wistfulness, are about summer mostly. I know if there weren't the seasons and it was all summer, it would just be, but still, it's a nice daydream in the icy cold days to come.

First, this is not a reaction request. I really enjoy learning about the back-story of songs like this one and as big James has said how it wrote this lullaby for his new little nephew, baby James, or as he called him the little "buckaroo". If you like back-stories, a great performance/video for that is this live one by Dan Fogelberg called Leader of the Band. I had been familiar with this song for years, but it became much more meaningful after hearing the story of its inspiration. It also happens to be a great performance and story telling. Here's that video. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oqpyrNlordWlqZs.html If you choose to listen, enjoy.

Love it! So sad 2600 people have lost their minds...

His siblings Alex, Kate, and Livingston, all have that unique quality in their vocals that runs in the family of many great singers.

"Country Road" without a doubt. At least in my small 61 year old mind.

'Shower the People' .....is another ( of MANY ) wonderful JT songs. I've seen him a couple of times in concert, but it's been a few decades. At one time, he was married to one of my favorite female singer/songwriters....Carly Simon. They collaborated on a bunch tunes.

John Denver -- Sunshine on My Shoulders

Consider “Leader of the Band” by Dan Fogelberg please.

So many great James Taylor songs. If your interested in hearing a more blues/rock James Taylor u could try “Steamroller” There’s a really amazing live version from his 1979 concert tour on KZfaq

James Taylor, Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight...

Beautiful song. Not too many pop songs with a 3/4 tempo. Nice to hear this old classic on my day off. Hot coffee in hand, fresh snow on the ground and a joint in hand. You've said how much this channel has made you like Rush, Jethro Tull and Yes. All favourites of mine. Have you checked out Supertramp yet? Also would still love it if you checked out Canadian rock icons The Tragically Hip. Cheers from the great white north

OH NO, RIGHT ON DANIEL! LOL :) SOME J.T, SO CLASSICCCC. THE VOICE AND THAT UNIQUE GUITAR, LIKE NEIL YOUNG, YOU'LL BE TRYING TO PLAY HIS SONGS I'M SURE AND I'LL ENJOY WATCHING AND LISTENING OF COURSE! STAY WELL!

He still lives in the scenic Berkshires.

React to his brother Livingston Taylor who also sings folk music

One of the great songs from the period. Along with Joni Mitchell and Carol King, James was a big influence on music of that time.

nice pick again, check out on his other hits: Handy Man, Wandering, etc..as mentioned in the comments🙂 yes I too have a mood that i would jz like to listen to mellower music and James Taylor is one of them😇

Grew up hearing this song on a mixtape that was made for me as a kid.

Listening to your comments made me think about the peacefulness of solitude and sitting with your thoughts. It can be very beneficial. When this album came out just about everyone was searching for the meaning of life. Vietnam was a terrible everyday constant in our lives. I still rue how our young soldiers were treated when they came home. There is so much mental stimulation now that people’s minds don’t have a chance to think and reflect. Don’t have much of a chance to think about “what if” or “why” without someone else interjecting their answers into their brain. Way to much indoctrination today. Listening to James Taylor and several others CSNY Joni Mitchell Carole King John Denver and many others, brings the quieter side of great music. Ok, i’ll stop now. Just something I wanted to put out there since us seasoned listeners know what i’m saying. Just trying to get the younger generations to appreciate something different.

Fun fact: they singed this in DC Legends of tomorrow at the end of season 4 🌠

Love this song and album! He is so mellow, and can transport you to other places

Fogelberg love song: Longer Fogelberg magnum opus: Ghosts Fogelberg wistful ballad: The Sand And The Foam Fogelberg story song: Tucson, Arizona (Gazette) DF is a rabbit hole for sure, and from what I see, virgin territory for reactors...hope that isn't only because they get blocked, though...

A LEGEND 🎵

Nice reaction as usual, Daniel! I'd like to echo the request for Carolina In My Mind. Thanks 💞🎶

Daniel, you've listened to James Taylor(great voice) and Mark Knopfler(great songwriter and guitarist) formerly of Dire Straits. Sometime you must listen to Knopfler's Sailing to Philadelphia(the title cut from his 2000 album), a duet with Taylor that tells the story of the Mason-Dixon Line in Colonial America. This factual song about the line between the North and the South(Pennsylvania and Maryland border) that played a big part in the Civil War and US history highlights Knopfler's writing. The contrasts of their voices adds to this tale that is a mini history lesson, like much of Knopfler's recent solo work.

I used to do the very same thing. I always thought I was unique in that regard, but apparently not. It's comforting to share that commonality.

I really really like Carole King especially her tapestry album you should consider that as well one day

Copperline is by far my favorite JT song. ❤

Great song! first. Anyway, the message is you're on your own with your own choices. Remember the past and look to your future.

So it's a lullaby written for his infant nephew, also named James. There is a certain melancholy sense to it,