KAWEAH (says the crow)
"Kaweah, Kaweah"
There's a place on up the hill
Redwood trees are standing still
The murmur of the river will invite you
Lay your head down on a rock
You'll forget about the clock
The whisper of the sun will…
BEAVERS AND WILLOWS
Capo @ 5 in C
FCG FC FCFG
F C G F C
Like beavers and willows
Bats and mosquitos
F) Toad C) frogs and F) flies (G
DA DA - E Am G C
Algae and oil spills
Shovels and coal hills
Black holes…
I wrote this song with Lisa Aschmann. CAPO @ 3
Video - https://www.facebook.com/100001011201926/videos/1285714588695761/
HICKORY STIX
Dm Am
Billy Mac and Don McCray drive to work each dawn at six
Down the mountain to the factory, makes…
As I wrote the verses, Lisa would guide me by saying, "No, that one is another song, a song about the depletion of the hickory forest." Like that. When we finished the 4th verse Lisa declared it done and we danced around and hugged each other...but later, I said, "Nothing has happened. We have just set the scene. So I wrote the next verse...and we danced and hugged each other again. On the last verse I was stumped for a meaningful rhyme with "trucks" and she came up with "deluxe." Then I said, "We really need a refrain/chorus. The next morning Lisa sang me three notes. Said that was the chorus. Instead of humming or "oooing" the notes I did the "aaaooo" and we knew that was right, so, we danced again and hugged each other. (Maybe not.)
Well, I was up on the ladder cleaning the leaves out of the gutters and this song came to me. What could I do? I climbed down and wrote this song.
YOUR VOICE
G Gyp 4 Bar 5 Gyp 5
I hear your voice and I go…
DEAR PEGGY
Dear Peggy,I thot you'd like to know
That blue tile in our bathroom you said would have to go
I replaced with the slate that we bought at Home Depot
mmmmm mmmmm
Dear Peggy, The heat has killed the lawn
And water is so expensive…
My motto is INWARD THRU THE FOG. One day about a month ago, Laura 'Taylor' Whitfield told me I should, "write that song." Thinking back on a fog-bound night in California, I wrote it. Norman Pilcher, a friend from Texas, and I were headed north…
Paul Smith
Fun song. There seems to be at least 5 comments on Alonetone. Some from way back too. Smith Yes. I just saw that. Don't know why I didn't see them earlier...
My motto is INWARD THRU THE FOG. One day about a month ago, Laura 'Taylor' Whitfield told me I should, "write that song." Thinking back on a fog-bound night in California, I wrote it. Norman Pilcher, a friend from Texas, and I were headed north…
Loved it. I used to ride my Suzuki 750 up the Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Barbara to Big Sur/Monterey so this song brought back memories. We road all over the central coast. Once we rode out to the site of James Dean's fatal accident. Thanks for posting.
MOTHER'S EYES
I used to chide my mother
She saw the loss in every face
The cemetery. The old folks home
along the way
I used to laugh at Mother
She saw the pain in every eye
Now time has passed
and Mom is gone and here am I
And…
Jim and I both loved listening to this beautiful song. Besides enjoying the tight harmony we identified with your mother's words - our mothers also used to say "...some day you will understand."
My mom is 91 and still holding on.
The people that help her make it thru
each day have learned that there is no
sense in arguing with her about who they
are or when it is...thus the song.
MAMA HAS A TIME MACHINE key - Em
Mama has a…
My mom is 91 and still holding on.
The people that help her make it thru
each day have learned that there is no
sense in arguing with her about who they
are or when it is...thus the song.
MAMA HAS A TIME MACHINE key - Em
Mama has a…
My mom is 91 and still holding on.
The people that help her make it thru
each day have learned that there is no
sense in arguing with her about who they
are or when it is...thus the song.
MAMA HAS A TIME MACHINE key - Em
Mama has a…
BIG FAT HORSE
I wish I had a big fat horse. Corn to feed him on.
Pretty little girl to say at home. Feed him when
I’m gone. Wish I had a big fat horse...
I wish I had a mountain top to look out to the sea
I wish I had a mountain top to…
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.
This is my mom's story.
Lula Teeters got off to
a pretty rough start.
She finally turned it
all lose last November.
May she rest in peace.
SISTER SAID
Daddy was a miner. He worked himself to death
Company said he killed himself, but…
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.
My favorite song by Jane Bowers
She was still alive back when I 1st learned
this song from the Kingston Trio.
I didn't know, back then, that I could have met her.
WHEN I WAS YOUNG by Jane Bowers
When I was young and dreams were new…
LAMENT FOR WILD BILL in C - Capo @ 3
The moon shone like diamonds on mirrors in puddles shaped like horse's feet
Deadwood was quiet. The smoke had all settled. The blood was dry.
Young Jack McCall sat awake in his cell, alone and quiet…
This one is different from you usual. As we've discussed, most of your songs focus on personal experiences. This starts out as a western song and then becomes personal, I'm going to have to get the back story.
Maia was from Georgia. The Georgia that was part of the the USSR. She drew pictures of her sisters. She lived on orange juice and tea. (Horns by my brother, John.)
MEETING MAIA
Where the tram stops in front of the Van Gough Museum, I waited…
This is a well written song
LeAnna
Bravo
LeAnna
You def have the Nashville songwriters gene
LeAnna
Rather a nice mix of Neil Young meets Jim Croce meets Merle Haggard
LeAnna
With a but of nuance
VIDEO - https://www.facebook.com/100001468692811/videos/1120270078888215/
https://www.facebook.com/true.taylor.3/videos/397153049918748
GHOST TOWN capo @ 2 in C
C Em F G C
I…
There is nothing like the presence of a horse. The quiet understanding. The gentle strength.
Woodlake, California...1961. I had a horse. She was my friend.
There were times in my teens when Babe was the only being that did not judge me…
That was beautifully written and played. I mustn't forget to say that it's beautifully narrated in your song. I was there!
Bravo!
P.S. I know where your namesake got his style. - George Garner
According to John this lyric was inspired by the weird visions of a former sports reporter who now thinks the people in high political places are actually lizard men from space. :D
Lyrics: John Williams
Composed by: Andy Gupta
Vocals: George…
ULTRA VIOLET
Maybe I could fill the tank
Head on down. What do you think?
I could be there in about three hours...
You could talk and I could listen
Walk you outta Depression Prison
Turn that thunder storm into an April Shower
We…
I love this, thank you. 💜 I really appreciate you so much! I’m just getting back to reading everyone’s comments and replying to sweet messages, Happy New Year my sweet and talented friend! I hope it’s one of your best! VIOLET LEA
SAWTOOTH REQUIEM
Sawtooth Mountain. Working minimum wage
Clearing slash for a trail for the lift to the edge
Snow starts to falling the wind blowing sharp
Freezing my breath and breakin' heart
Some men's got to hunt. Some men's gotta ski…
In G Capo @ 1
Well, some folks think that Texas is just boots and belts and hat.
And Lone Star Chili's just carbohydrates, proteins and fats
I'll try to curb a snicker but I'm apt to disagree
TEXAS IS AS FAR AS I CAN SEE
Where the wind…
Lately people tell me they cry when I sing THE COUCH and YOUR VOICE. Last night, at dinner with True, he said GRAMMA'S SHAMPOO is like a stab in his heart. Maybe my grave stone will say:HIS SONGS MADE PEOPLE CRY.
THE COUCH - key - C
https://fb.watch/lIEUn31mBZ/
https://www.facebook.com/100054814402634/videos/2856132984527543/
1-C 4-F
Today we put the couch out by the road
5-G…
Roland Brown
Crying is the expression of our deepest emotions, I think. We cry when we are sad, we cry when we are deeply moved, and we cry when we are overcome with happiness. “He Made People Feel”.
Written one morning at OLD Number NINE weekend with Eliza Gilkyson.
SNAPSHOTS
Life's a million snapshots, all lined and flashing
It seem like a movie but it's the persistence of our vision
It all goes in circles, hashing and rehashing…
The lyrics of this song,
as they pertain to plot,
are my exact memory of the event.
I had spoken to the kid maybe a minute before the "action" started about how the pressure of the water was very strong. He was nestled down with his back…
David Young
I have always felt an emotional connection to your songs. “Help” was your song that first caught my attention then “Hickory Stix” and “Lisa Makes Appointments.” You have such a great talent for introducing characters and describing situations. You do it with simple but perfect lyrics and wonderful tunes. I never get tired of crying along with you!
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…
Capo @ 2 in D (E) Dropped D tuning
Actually, it was almost two years. 1965-67.
Leavenworth, Kansas U S Army prison. I played the organ at the daily Protestant chapel. Took dictation and typed letters for the Protestant chaplain. Wrote 2-page…
Bill Jones
Hey James' Little long but guess you had nothing but Time...lol' Not bad~Not bad at all. Songwriter, myself I really Listen for the stories that make up an Artist, and his music...
THE COUCH - key - C
https://fb.watch/lIEUn31mBZ/
https://www.facebook.com/100054814402634/videos/2856132984527543/
1-C 4-F
Today we put the couch out by the road
5-G…
Lazarus Knight
That was great, sir. I wasn't aware that you could tickle the keys that well. The piano suggests the melody so strongly that if you told me the instrumental came before the lyrics I could easily believe it.
Comments on James Michael Taylor's stuff
Shawnee Smith Ray James Michael Taylor Beautiful and sad at the same time.
Chris Harper Love all of the short songs! I think my favorite was The Recliner……..
These are like little audio poems which create a rich visual idea in my head when I hear them.
These are great songs.
As I wrote the verses, Lisa would guide me by saying, "No, that one is another song, a song about the depletion of the hickory forest." Like that. When we finished the 4th verse Lisa declared it done and we danced around and hugged each other...but later, I said, "Nothing has happened. We have just set the scene. So I wrote the next verse...and we danced and hugged each other again. On the last verse I was stumped for a meaningful rhyme with "trucks" and she came up with "deluxe." Then I said, "We really need a refrain/chorus. The next morning Lisa sang me three notes. Said that was the chorus. Instead of humming or "oooing" the notes I did the "aaaooo" and we knew that was right, so, we danced again and hugged each other. (Maybe not.)
Beautiful song. Theo Carracino
Belinda Stephens James, your song breaks my heart.
Paul Smith Fun song. There seems to be at least 5 comments on Alonetone. Some from way back too. Smith Yes. I just saw that. Don't know why I didn't see them earlier...
Loved it. I used to ride my Suzuki 750 up the Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Barbara to Big Sur/Monterey so this song brought back memories. We road all over the central coast. Once we rode out to the site of James Dean's fatal accident. Thanks for posting.
Jim and I both loved listening to this beautiful song. Besides enjoying the tight harmony we identified with your mother's words - our mothers also used to say "...some day you will understand."
Naad Kaur Khalsa James Michael Taylor yup super cool Like
Cool song. Karen Mason
Leslie Young James Michael Taylor I like that a lot.
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.
Leslie Young James Michael Taylor That is very pretty but sad.
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.
I'm going to bug you for chords on this one.
This one is different from you usual. As we've discussed, most of your songs focus on personal experiences. This starts out as a western song and then becomes personal, I'm going to have to get the back story.
Maia Simonia You woke up my old memories… Thank you James
Comments made by James Michael Taylor
This is a well written song LeAnna Bravo LeAnna You def have the Nashville songwriters gene LeAnna Rather a nice mix of Neil Young meets Jim Croce meets Merle Haggard LeAnna With a but of nuance
"This old house is a raincoat I put on" LOVE IT LeAnne M Christian
Nice. You write that? -LeAnne Christian
That was beautifully written and played. I mustn't forget to say that it's beautifully narrated in your song. I was there! Bravo! P.S. I know where your namesake got his style. - George Garner
Naad Kaur Khalsa - yes...true dat
Hey, it seems like years. Just want to say hi.
I love this, thank you. 💜 I really appreciate you so much! I’m just getting back to reading everyone’s comments and replying to sweet messages, Happy New Year my sweet and talented friend! I hope it’s one of your best! VIOLET LEA
Bravo! Great lyrics and beat - Rahim Quazi
Absolutly love the wind whistling the cows mooing & the Dixie Chicks back up singers. Never heard this one, a real fun song. Robert Hayden
Lately people tell me they cry when I sing THE COUCH and YOUR VOICE. Last night, at dinner with True, he said GRAMMA'S SHAMPOO is like a stab in his heart. Maybe my grave stone will say:HIS SONGS MADE PEOPLE CRY.
Roland Brown Crying is the expression of our deepest emotions, I think. We cry when we are sad, we cry when we are deeply moved, and we cry when we are overcome with happiness. “He Made People Feel”.
Lazarus Knight A powerful line - "It’s the distance from the bulb. It’s not the fading of the light."
David Young I have always felt an emotional connection to your songs. “Help” was your song that first caught my attention then “Hickory Stix” and “Lisa Makes Appointments.” You have such a great talent for introducing characters and describing situations. You do it with simple but perfect lyrics and wonderful tunes. I never get tired of crying along with you!
I like it. It's a bit genius but it does prove that you write songs that don't always make you cry. Tony Desmuke
you are a great Songwriter my friend, lost my wife of 10 years little over a year ago So it touches home, done its job... Mr Jones
Bill Jones Hey James' Little long but guess you had nothing but Time...lol' Not bad~Not bad at all. Songwriter, myself I really Listen for the stories that make up an Artist, and his music...
Good work and good works to you! - Norm Ballinger
Love it - Elizabeth Smith
Roberta Hargrove This is beautiful!!! I
Lazarus Knight That was great, sir. I wasn't aware that you could tickle the keys that well. The piano suggests the melody so strongly that if you told me the instrumental came before the lyrics I could easily believe it.