Well, Rosie's like a lot of folks She's just trying to stay afloat But she's got a broken boat She's a going down And Rosie's got her problems, friends She just tries to do her best Who's gonna do the rest She's a going down If god had longer arms, you know He'd reach on down to Rosie Reach on down to Rosie Reach on down (2) Etc...

This came out of a story in the Star Telegram about a guy that lived under one of the bridges near Trinity Park. I was angry at a reporter who did a story about him and it got him removed.

Talking about listening to "criticism:" A producer who lives down toward Houston called me one evening after he listened to , MY NEW SHORTS and he gave me advise on how I could and should "go ahead and finish," those songs. He had detailed suggestions for every one of them. I listened and thanked him for taking the time to listen and respond. Everything he said was sound advice about how to expand each of the short clips...one thing though, he missed the point of what I was doing. One GETS IT or one DOESN'T GET IT.

Another citizen of Lancaster street?

This is amazing. The vocals and instrumentation serve the song perfectly.

This Jack Hardy song is about one of Kerrvill's favorites. Gone now. Had a weekly song circle and spigetti feast at his apartment in New York for years. I nail his voice at a place or two. I also step a bit across the worshipful attitude line everyone had for him. He and I had an immediate connection. One night I was singing in some east Texas town and he was there, so, he got to hear my song before we lost him. Maybe the fact I was older than him allowed me a certain playfulness.

I kneel down on a calloused knee Hold my children close to me And I pray The Rich Man's Prayer It's not one that Jesus spoke That one turned into a joke So I pray The Rich Man's Prayer Not the prayer that Jesus said Not, "This day our daily bread." No, no, I pray The Rich Man's Prayer God only answers The Rich Man's Prayer I kneel down on a calloused knee Hold my children close to me And I pray The Rich Man's Prayer (C) 2011 Royal T Music

I had to go look up Jack Hardy, he's one I've missed somehow.

Okay, I need words and chords for this one, I like it. It sounds like something I've heard before, but I know I haven't, which is a good thing.

What's the twanging in the background? Upbeat song about pretty depressing topic.

The Great Depression is such fertile ground for songs, such great imagery that never seems to go out of style.

Such a great classic

Nola Lloyd Griffiths Wolley A story in a song - loved this ❤️

My next JMT song to learn. Then Ghost Town

Great to hear Barbara's voice again. I'm playing this for some colleagues.

Roland Brown That is beautifully done, Jim! Seriously vivid storytelling it with genuine pathos. ❤️ I’m sharing.

Linda Linder I really enjoyed this song. A story song. They are the best. You played and sang it Very nicely. Thank you.

Marion Flowering-Sun Great old couch tribute…old years of memories

Ken McIntyre Love this

Naad Kaur Khalsa OMG...you are way to cute! That was just so adorable and real....laughter and tears all at once

Tony Desmuke I just listened to the title cut. All I can say is WOW. You have an exceptional way with words. The music was really nice too. Loved the banjo in the last verse.

Deanie Hamilton Berry That was beautiful James, and the harmony was a very nice touch.

Maia Simonia You woke up my old memories… Thank you James

Maia...not really… but partly..

Cool song. We all have someone like this.

"I listened to that song and loved it." Scott Grace

James Michael Taylor Roland Brown Thank you for listening and commenting, Roland. Especially, Room @ the end of the hall. You are the 1st to mention that one. I debated putting that one on the list. Like Reply3h Roland Brown James Michael Taylor That is , IMHO, a powerful mind journey. I was enthralled by it. Like

Roland Brown I sort of slowed down a bit weekend before last and listened to and enjoyed “My New Shorts”. On first listen I was particularly struck by Room at the End of the Hall (love that one!), Fireflies (thoughtful), Cattails and Butterflies, Broken Cookies and Day Old Bread, and Everyone I Need to Talk To. Well done!

Gerald Ray Lovely my friend

Timeless! This needs to be re-activated.

Naad Kaur Khalsa Well that was just gorgeous...beautiful poetry in its own right...all the way through, lovley lyric, lovley playing polished and easy tonkick bk to despite the ghostly disappearing act...which actually I quite enjoyed Like ReplyHide2h Active James Michael Taylor Naad Kaur Khalsa Thank you for listening and commenting... Like Reply1h Active Naad Kaur Khalsa James Michael Taylor my absolute pleasure...was really fun...you're in TX right? What town? Your whole vibe is so there...it just has me grinning from ear to ear ....so much of the American I love...from my uniquely un-American vantage point

thank you James for sharing that with me. Hope you don't mind if I share it further. Judith

Lane Beauvais Caught me by surprise!

Laurie L. Ward James, loved it…interesting where you chose to end it…but somehow…just perfect.

Brian Gagnon You do a great job blending stories and music. People should listen.

Kat Angel I love the last line... 🤣

David Young This one is really nice! I downloaded it so I can listen a lot more. The guitar part fits perfectly. Your voice is so distinctive -- Leslie was playing the song on her phone and I recognized your voice instantly. (I think it was the first note you sang that gave it away!) You are amazingly talented and I continue to be impressed by your knack for writing thoughtful lyrics and for your incredible output of great songs.

Robert White Hey James Michael Taylor! Excellent Song and a beautiful Story! "There She Was" That is probably one of the longest songs and the story was so sad! You are a Singer and a Poet! Beautiful Voice! Thanks for Sharing! 🤗

I know where you are coming from...

...like the intensity and the imagery.