Refuge into the imagination:
Is it crazy?
Is it survival?
Is desire to survive crazy?
THERE SHE WAS Key - G 102811
G
She'd been gone for three years now so he'd been on the road
Playing every truck stop bar and every song he…
One night after three month of no rain, as we were driving home from singing at Gringos in Grapevine a splash of water hit the windshield.
I said to myself, "Sweet Rain."
I went home and wrote the song. It's on the soundtrack of a movie called…
I never sing this song the same two times in a row.
The lyric below is pretty close to how I sing it now.
Listening again, this is an awful version of this song...
I have my recording machine working again...I must redo this.
I PLAY C…
Like most or all of your songs, there is always something really stands out and pays off big time. That last verse (or is it the last two) is absolutely, powefully emotion packed. And it is somewhat Vonnegut like in that so much is conveyed so precisely and with elegant simplicity. "... in the dream we left behind" - my God man, it's pure genius. Not the first two times I heard the song, but the first time I "listened" to it, I thought WHAT WAS THAT! And the it sunk in.
I wrote this at my dad's urging. He likes it. We sing it together. I have YouTube Video of it up.
EULOGY
He grew up in Clinton, Oklahoma
Red dirt back yard, Gramma's place
Honey suckle in a dust bowl
Life as hard as limestone lace…
I have a new love
Of course she doesn’t know
How can a work of art
Know when lovers come and go
And when the artist is the art!
My eyes are the eyes of the beholder
And my eyes are the eyes of the world…
…when the artist is the art…
OUT THERE SOMEWHERE
Her eyes were blurry. Her face was painted
Her hair was dyed black. Her purse was heavy
She said something. I asked her to repeat it
She said, “Stop the car. I thot I could trust you.”
I pulled it over and I waited…
CATTAILS AND BUTTERFLIES capo @ 4 in C
C G repeat
There was a field around the corner
And a stream flowed cross the field
There were cat tails in the summer time
And monarch butterflies
And tadpoles sprouting wings
E…
"Somewhere between the stumbling and the falling..."
SOMEWHERE
G capo @ 2 - live @ 4
Somewhere between the summer and the winter
The leaves between the tree tops and the fall
Somewhere between my heart and circled letters
Somewhere…
"Somewhere between the stumbling and the falling..."
SOMEWHERE
G capo @ 2 - live @ 4
Somewhere between the summer and the winter
The leaves between the tree tops and the fall
Somewhere between my heart and circled letters
Somewhere…
"Somewhere between the stumbling and the falling..."
SOMEWHERE
G capo @ 2 - live @ 4
Somewhere between the summer and the winter
The leaves between the tree tops and the fall
Somewhere between my heart and circled letters
Somewhere…
"Somewhere between the stumbling and the falling..."
SOMEWHERE
G capo @ 2 - live @ 4
Somewhere between the summer and the winter
The leaves between the tree tops and the fall
Somewhere between my heart and circled letters
Somewhere…
OH JIMMY
capo @ 4 or 5 live
C Am F G
On page thirty of the yearbook he found a picture sweet
A girl named Marie Angel, in school right down the street
Dm walk down G
He didn’t notice…
I was trying to figure out the backstory here, at first I thought the girl might be the mom. But she doesn't seem to be even though she's standing beside the boy's father great with child. So the mind can come up with all sorts of interesting scenarios. You're probably right not to explain it, let the listener create their own story.
One night after three month of no rain, as we were driving home from singing at Gringos in Grapevine a splash of water hit the windshield.
I said to myself, "Sweet Rain."
I went home and wrote the song. It's on the soundtrack of a movie called…
I sent that link to my bff Misty. Remember her?
This was her response: I love the juxtaposition of the absurdity of the subject to the poignancy of the underlying message. Spoken like an English teacher. Michael Soto
Capo @ 5 in C
Back in 2008 I was the recording secretary for the Fort Worth Singer/Songwriter Association. I submitted this song at our annual contests and was awarded a plaque
for BEST COMEDY SONG, which I consider a serious misunderstanding…
A fun song you could play for the right crowds and really do well, and they say you don't write happy songs. :) This is a good change of pace song for you, if you feel a set getting too serious, throw this one in as palette cleanser.
One night after our gigs, Chris Zeller at the Hilton Hotel and me at Shananagans in Midland we met in his hotel room and decided we would both write a song called THE CHANGING OF THE WAYS. I wonder what ever happened to him.
THE CHANGING OF…
This is another upbeat, happyish song that you should think about doing a little more. It carries a message people can understand and had a nice beat that works well.
Tim Tandy said, "I enjoy the "play like" aspect of the Stockyards District today, but I KNOW what was real and what wasn't. When I grew up in East Fort Worth in the 50's thru the 70's, the Stockyards were a working affair. Everyone downwind got…
capo @ 3
Am walk down...
When I was a child we'd drive 200 miles
to Grandma's in the Spring
I'd hop out of the car, run to the back yard.
Grandma had a swing
But the times have changed...
When I became a dad I took all the rope I had…
GONE - My sequester song...
Chain wrapped around the dog park gate
Weeds growing on the school yard lawn
Where has everybody gone
The chairs are stacked
And the stage is dusty
And my strings are getting rusty...
(C) Royal T Music
There is a story behind this song. I'll leave it at that for now.
_____________________________________
Moonlight shined through the trees in the woods
A barred owl called and I understood
Nocturnal presence flew silently by
I tried…
Some time back, you left me a note on a song, Kingston Recliner:Destiny . . . You know, your verse might make a nice bridge to really capture the essence of “Destiny”. I just saw it and am wondering what "Destiny" is.
capo @ 4 Am - 3/4 time (starts on A)
Am G Am G Am
Last night I said Good bye to Rose but long ago I learned.
The things that last we seldom know and think a bridge is burned.
Bb…
I wrote this song after planting and fertalizing a crop of sudan grass just to have the sun shine down with no relief on it for 100 days and no rain. We, Texas Water, were heading home one night AFTER A GIG at Gringo's in Grapevine when the…
That’s a terrific tune, James! Good lyrics, playing, and vocals. I enjoyed that. It actually helped relax me. I’m so glad you sold it! Sweet song. I always like your music. It’s good you’re making some income with it. You deserve that! - Doreen Peri
Probably anyone who plays the guitar could write this song....
Someone asked if I was actually in Spain in 2003. Actually, 2000. Working on the movie, THE STONE RAFT with George Sluizer, from a book by Jose Saramago.
Inspired by something Jenni…
LULLABY
Key D
D4 D sus D, D4 D sus D
(D) Close your eyes and tell me. Tell me what you see. In the sleepy landscape of your reverie. (G) Can you count the blossoms in the (Em) garden (A) of your (D) mind? Think about the mountains and the…
Begin to see me, worthy Sailor, navigator
Living on the ocean for days
The spirit of the sea lies below us
Above us, dark skies of gray
I just can’t let it go
The search for the grail has gone cold
But a wreck of a ship lies below us…
This is, actually, the instrumental version of I Play C and THEN comes SNAPSHOTS, which was written one morning at a campground between Comfort and Welfare, Texas called OLD NUMBER NINE Depot. It was a weekend songwriter retreat with Liza Gilkyson…
SOMETHING ABOUT THE NIGHT TIME - no Capo or Capo @ 4
(Am)Something about the (Bm)night time makes me feel alive
Makes me want to sing a song. Think about my life
(C)Maybe light a (D)candle. I like lemon grass
(Am)Something about the (Bm…
Got to be one of my may favorites you have shared!!! Love love love this one.
First the rareified topic... loving the night time, the dark, what it does for me... as i said, "...u begin right there in the pitch dark of ur room to face the blooming moon knowing...u r of the darkness... a ghost haunting your own room & u move with delight that u are a wraith an invisible scrap of shadow..."
echos your more succinct, "Something about the night that makes me feel aware,,. All my inner voices speaking loud and clear" Gwen Henry
It hit me...I know so many sides of so many arguments it's all become useless.
TOO MUCH
With Jeff Prince...
I’ve heard too much. I’ve seen too much
Don’t ask me any questions because
I know too much
I’ve read too much. I’ve written…
HOME
(Am D) or (F C)
VERSE 1.
Where the (G) windmill sings to the mocking bird
And the (CM7) prairie wind, without a word
(Am) Whispers thru tall (D) grass, I’ll be (G) home
(F C G) or (Am D)
VERSE 2.
Where the butter cups and…
HOME
(Am D) or (F C)
VERSE 1.
Where the (G) windmill sings to the mocking bird
And the (CM7) prairie wind, without a word
(Am) Whispers thru tall (D) grass, I’ll be (G) home
(F C G) or (Am D)
VERSE 2.
Where the butter cups and…
Another song for the 2021 National Solo Album Month.
What do we think of this cat? I have an urge to get proggy right now and generally that requires a level of talent that I don't posses. I'm not putting myself down when I say that, it's…
Another song for the 2021 National Solo Album Month.
What do we think of this cat? I have an urge to get proggy right now and generally that requires a level of talent that I don't posses. I'm not putting myself down when I say that, it's…
It's been a long absence from a regular daily practice of song writing. Covid and a major change in the family has distracted me for well over a year. Recently I've been lucky enough to drift back into old familiar things like wine soaked evenings…
"Destiny will find you when you think you're in control. Destiny will find you and rip you a new ass hole..." (Sorry. I couldn't stop myself...destiny, you know.)
When you C reach the Em point
When it’s F all in the rear view C mirror
And Am reflection is your G only point of C view G
You C feel it Em inside
When it F becomes so C clear
There’s Am nothing that G you can C do
F Hold on to G memories…
It's been a long absence from a regular daily practice of song writing. Covid and a major change in the family has distracted me for well over a year. Recently I've been lucky enough to drift back into old familiar things like wine soaked evenings…
Refuge into the imagination:
Is it crazy?
Is it survival?
Is desire to survive crazy?
THERE SHE WAS Key - G 102811
G
She'd been gone for three years now so he'd been on the road
Playing every truck stop bar and every song he…
"Plays out like a movie for me. Nice storytelling 👌" Vicki
Me...Yes, but does the autism show?
Vicki...Not necessarily. But the talent for music and creative expression coupled with the line voice of the narrator yearning to connect with others is pretty tell-tale imho It’s a recurrent theme. Even your social justice stance of anti-war. The outsider. The outlier. High intelligence and love of literature…
Enter
Vicki-Lee
Peaceful nature
Enter
Vicki-Lee
Vicki-Lee Cayrouse
Not many other aspies have a handle on this too good. It would come down to sensory issues really. But if it’s not autism (Asperger’s syndrome) it’s probably something neurodivergent. And that could be ADHD (not always hyperactive presentation but more a neurology and the way you think) or bipolar (creatives) or something like sound synesthesia or dyslexia etc
Comments on James Michael Taylor's stuff
Cory Michael -I listened to the song and think you should definitely sing it next week. You're a hell of a story teller, James!
Cindy Grayson James Michael Taylor beautiful song
Pamela Steuber Anderson James Michael Taylor I love this song. Thank you.
Like most or all of your songs, there is always something really stands out and pays off big time. That last verse (or is it the last two) is absolutely, powefully emotion packed. And it is somewhat Vonnegut like in that so much is conveyed so precisely and with elegant simplicity. "... in the dream we left behind" - my God man, it's pure genius. Not the first two times I heard the song, but the first time I "listened" to it, I thought WHAT WAS THAT! And the it sunk in.
heartfelt, sincere. i dig the banjo and mouthharp
That is beautiful, James. Thank you. Rachel Eastman
Honking horn was exactly how I thought you would end this song
504 Hathaway, San Luis Obispo, California. 1954
Absolutely beautiful!
Lazarus Knight Absolutely one of your best.
Kat Angel Absolutely beautiful!
Roberta Hargrove Bitter sweet! I love this!
I was trying to figure out the backstory here, at first I thought the girl might be the mom. But she doesn't seem to be even though she's standing beside the boy's father great with child. So the mind can come up with all sorts of interesting scenarios. You're probably right not to explain it, let the listener create their own story.
Such a fantastic song, and timely for many of us right now.
I sent that link to my bff Misty. Remember her? This was her response: I love the juxtaposition of the absurdity of the subject to the poignancy of the underlying message. Spoken like an English teacher. Michael Soto
A fun song you could play for the right crowds and really do well, and they say you don't write happy songs. :) This is a good change of pace song for you, if you feel a set getting too serious, throw this one in as palette cleanser.
This is another upbeat, happyish song that you should think about doing a little more. It carries a message people can understand and had a nice beat that works well.
you got a beutiful voice...u should finish writing this one.
Terry Rasor James Michael Taylor btw love that tune my friend!
Linder Bassy Wow I love the song
Comments made by James Michael Taylor
Laurie Callinan beautiful and sweet....❤ dear friend
I have a clue but still searching for answers. I hv listened to Shorts and I love it. You are a fucking genius. Joseph Brunelle
Some time back, you left me a note on a song, Kingston Recliner:Destiny . . . You know, your verse might make a nice bridge to really capture the essence of “Destiny”. I just saw it and am wondering what "Destiny" is.
Lazarus Knight James Michael Taylor I'm not altogether sure what Instagram is, but "Tonight I Said Goodbye to Rose" is my favorite from Namedropper.
That’s a terrific tune, James! Good lyrics, playing, and vocals. I enjoyed that. It actually helped relax me. I’m so glad you sold it! Sweet song. I always like your music. It’s good you’re making some income with it. You deserve that! - Doreen Peri
Love that song my friend - Chris Harper
Jere Reiser Nice meditation James
WoW! Great drone. Love the dissonance.
Welcome to this busy crossroads of music.
Theo Carracino wrote, "Beautiful. Best moments of my day. Thank you, James Michael Taylor."
Got to be one of my may favorites you have shared!!! Love love love this one. First the rareified topic... loving the night time, the dark, what it does for me... as i said, "...u begin right there in the pitch dark of ur room to face the blooming moon knowing...u r of the darkness... a ghost haunting your own room & u move with delight that u are a wraith an invisible scrap of shadow..." echos your more succinct, "Something about the night that makes me feel aware,,. All my inner voices speaking loud and clear" Gwen Henry
We've all heard too much and seen too much ... too much of many things. Theo Carracino haha ... i love that ending.
Jim Lamb Very well written, James Michael, great lyrics and story!!
Reads like a poem and sounds like a song. Jeff Prince
Rock On!!!!!
Mix your voice up at least on the level of the solo guitar...
"Destiny will find you when you think you're in control. Destiny will find you and rip you a new ass hole..." (Sorry. I couldn't stop myself...destiny, you know.)
...a song to be remembered for...
I hear ya, Buddy... but that guitar has incredible presence. (pyropool@earthlink.net)
"Plays out like a movie for me. Nice storytelling 👌" Vicki Me...Yes, but does the autism show? Vicki...Not necessarily. But the talent for music and creative expression coupled with the line voice of the narrator yearning to connect with others is pretty tell-tale imho It’s a recurrent theme. Even your social justice stance of anti-war. The outsider. The outlier. High intelligence and love of literature… Enter Vicki-Lee Peaceful nature Enter Vicki-Lee Vicki-Lee Cayrouse Not many other aspies have a handle on this too good. It would come down to sensory issues really. But if it’s not autism (Asperger’s syndrome) it’s probably something neurodivergent. And that could be ADHD (not always hyperactive presentation but more a neurology and the way you think) or bipolar (creatives) or something like sound synesthesia or dyslexia etc