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…
ADOBE & BLOOD
Thanks to David Kneller
for bringing up the subject
and creating that phrase:
ADOBE & BLOOD
I read a lotta stories about a lotta stuff
But I tell ya folks, I'll never read enough
To block out the memories what…
This is my adaptation of a poem by Rosemarie Kempton.
"I always felt that it was fitting that you turned the poem I wrote into a poignant hymn that captured the feeling of loss of a loved one. My words sprang from my attempts to understand…
Her real name isn't Luanne and she was so drunk when this all happened (tho she has a cd with this song on it) she has no idea it's about her.
Singing this song always makes me cry...
ABOUT LUANNE capo @ 2 in Am
Am G F E repeats
Luanne…
It’s an exceptional piece... I like pieces that “bother” and flip a phrase to a point... this one intrigues me....
You must keep writing James!!! Hope to cross paths again soon...
Blu (Sharon Walker)
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…
what awesome lyrics mate!
Reminds me of good old Robert Zimmerman... but it also doubles as metaphorical mastery!
The boy represents an issue within your community... one for which you are there, and MUST help... but which the community just sits back on, not really seeing the "problem" you are attempting to fix...
Powerful stuff, mate.
Love it. Mark Brookman
GHOST TOWN
Key C Capo @ 2 or whatever works for you...
C Em F G C
I live in a Ghost Town somewhere on the edge of space
C Em F G
Everything is dusty and everything is in it's place
Am Em F G C
All the doors hang open and when it rains…
...after reading John Steinbeck's IN DUBIOUS BATTLE and watching the John Ford movie of GRAPES OF WRATH. The opening and closing statements are quotes from the Preacher in the movie.
A friend said he wanted to do a video of this track. I…
Gwyn Henry
The Stienbeck excerpt: Especially the 2nd paragraph. My Gawd! I had forgotten how that man could write!!! I had forgotten why he is an icon among American writers,. Touched by the gods. As is your song, In Dubious Battle. It is an opus. imhop. If you had never written another song, just leaving this one would earn you a place in the echelons!! (OK, I'll calm down now.) These two pieces in combination have moved me greatly for their Truth. And so totally relevant today.
FIREFLIES. capo @ 2
F walk down
We (C) spoke of them as (C/B) sweethearts
There (Am) in the Southern (F) sky
(C) Saturn, just a (G) twinkle, bold (F) Jupiter near (G) by
I (Am) guess we didn't (Am/G) notice
as they (Am/F)drifted a…
"Fireflies." has a stellar intro, and then you woot he listener in with your crooning and compelling vocals. I have always loved the topic of fireflies and your hook about chsing fireflies in the htickets of two hearts is Phenomenal. Lots of nostalgia in this one, especiually for the girl next door who played a game with me, a kiss for every firefly i caught for her. But man those bugs were elusive as hell. But when I got a few, I was enthralled by her gentle thank you on my lips. Matthew Blowers III
SKINNY GIRLS
Capo @ 3 in G
...and then he said,
I like skinny girls
Toothy girls
Flat chested girls
I like girls with Adam's apples
A mouth full of titty
And a hand full of ass...
A girl with a six pack
is my kind of...
And then…
Now "Skinny Girls.' is a riotus collection of just plain fun and some great humor, I was so dissappointed when the track just cut out. But then I unbderstood you were giving folks just a taste. I was actually starting to visualize all the descriptive bean pole girls you were listing. A great bar song for sure, and I can see all the slightly inebriated guys rethinking and checking out all the skinny girls nursing their beers. LOL Matthew Blowers III
CALIFORNIA
Capo @ 4 in C/Am
I’m (Am) going back to California
A little place in the San (E) Joaquin
(Am, stepping down A G F# F E)
Where the back pasture builds
To Sierra foothills
And Kaweah tumbles down cool and clean
I’m going back…
Matthew F. Blowers III
I am really liking your song on California, I have a special love for that state. You captured all the reaons I miss it, with your superb storytelling in lyrics and with the smooth harmonies and extremely well played music. It has a catchy beat, and I listened to the very last note.
I NEVER DREAM
I never dream of building bridges. I never dream I’ll build a dam
I never dreamed of a cathedral for the mighty God, I Am
I never dreamed of founding clinics or make donations to the cause
I don’t see my name on statues and…
So today, for some reason I decided to read the words first.. Just the words. And found it an absolutely beautiful experience. The metaphors you use to describe great and cosmic plans and intentions of great societal achievement, contrasted with the lines that begin with, "BUT I dreamed we met for breakfast".... (the switch and the contrast is very powerful) what a tiny, common human thing: meeting over the sharing of food,. Then followed by, "I dreamed I held your hand"... human touch/connection, as though those two simple things are worth more than all the highest achievements of worldly fame, and material ladders climbed! Which they are. They so are. The rest of the lyrics continue to develop & express that idea beautifully. Then I listened to the sing, and although it is good as a song, For me, the words in themselves stand strong and impactful w/o anything else. Not to contrast them and say one is "better" than the other. Just that sometimes I see lyrics that stand alone, And just saying, these words do that very well. Gwyn Henry
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…
Peggy taught me an Eagles song toward the end off our life together. I think it was NEW BOY IN TOWN. (I had no idea what she was telling me.) I took the chord progression from that song and wrote this. Peggy said that was cheating.
WATERMELON…
FOOD I MY BELLY
Capo @ 5 in Em
Em) I gotta get some food in my belly (2)
Am) My hands are shaking and I'm feeling weak
B7) I gotta get some food in my belly
I gotta get some food in my belly
I'm feeling woozy gotta get off of my feet…
IN MY ROOM
In my room there's no day and there's no night
In my room, just an incandescent light
...hanging from a wire.
In my room there's no hot and there's no cold
In my room,I'm not young. I'm not old
...hanging from a wire…
JOHNNY BROKE AN AXLE 110220
I got revved up on blueberry donut holes
and cranked this one out...
Johnny broke an axle
Broke it like a pencil
Oh, no.
We need an ambulance at turn three.
Johnny broke an axle
Broke it like a pencil…
EVER ONE I NEED TO TALK TO
Everyone I need to talk to tonight is gone
Some have gone to heaven. Some have gone to hell
Ever one I want to talk to tonight is gone
FOOD I MY BELLY
Capo @ 5 in Em
Em) I gotta get some food in my belly (2)
Am) My hands are shaking and I'm feeling weak
B7) I gotta get some food in my belly
I gotta get some food in my belly
I'm feeling woozy gotta get off of my feet…
(I Almost Washed the ) DISHES
I almost washed the dishes
I almost ran the water
Maybe tomorrow
Maybe Saturday
What does it matter to me
I almost washed the dishes..
(C) 2020 Royal T Music
Buddy Holly said he made songs out of things he'd heard his mother say all his life...
A E A D A
I'll always remember what mama said
I'll never forget what my mama said…
Matthew F. Blowers III
Hey James...superbly creative and lively tribute to Buddy Holly and his Mother. The music is catchy and well played and the lyrics are quite touching g.very well done...Write on....Right on.. righteously
When I was a kid, my dad was the preacher at the Church of Christ in Tehachapi, California. We lived in Palmdale, so we'd get up early on Sunday mornings, pile the 5 of us into our 1950 Chevy coupe and head up thru Lancaster and Mojave, over the…
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
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 too much
Consider…
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…
Comments on James Michael Taylor's stuff
Visions and emotions that I haven't felt in a long time. Thank you so much. Jere Reiser
"EXCELLENT POINTED SONG RIGHT TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER!" -Don Law
That may be the most beautiful thing I ever heard. Breathtaking. Thanks for sharing. - Janet Fawcett
It’s an exceptional piece... I like pieces that “bother” and flip a phrase to a point... this one intrigues me.... You must keep writing James!!! Hope to cross paths again soon... Blu (Sharon Walker)
what awesome lyrics mate! Reminds me of good old Robert Zimmerman... but it also doubles as metaphorical mastery! The boy represents an issue within your community... one for which you are there, and MUST help... but which the community just sits back on, not really seeing the "problem" you are attempting to fix... Powerful stuff, mate. Love it. Mark Brookman
I ❤️ that song...Kavin Me too. One of his many good ones. JS Savage
Gwyn Henry The Stienbeck excerpt: Especially the 2nd paragraph. My Gawd! I had forgotten how that man could write!!! I had forgotten why he is an icon among American writers,. Touched by the gods. As is your song, In Dubious Battle. It is an opus. imhop. If you had never written another song, just leaving this one would earn you a place in the echelons!! (OK, I'll calm down now.) These two pieces in combination have moved me greatly for their Truth. And so totally relevant today.
"Fireflies." has a stellar intro, and then you woot he listener in with your crooning and compelling vocals. I have always loved the topic of fireflies and your hook about chsing fireflies in the htickets of two hearts is Phenomenal. Lots of nostalgia in this one, especiually for the girl next door who played a game with me, a kiss for every firefly i caught for her. But man those bugs were elusive as hell. But when I got a few, I was enthralled by her gentle thank you on my lips. Matthew Blowers III
Now "Skinny Girls.' is a riotus collection of just plain fun and some great humor, I was so dissappointed when the track just cut out. But then I unbderstood you were giving folks just a taste. I was actually starting to visualize all the descriptive bean pole girls you were listing. A great bar song for sure, and I can see all the slightly inebriated guys rethinking and checking out all the skinny girls nursing their beers. LOL Matthew Blowers III
Matthew F. Blowers III I am really liking your song on California, I have a special love for that state. You captured all the reaons I miss it, with your superb storytelling in lyrics and with the smooth harmonies and extremely well played music. It has a catchy beat, and I listened to the very last note.
So today, for some reason I decided to read the words first.. Just the words. And found it an absolutely beautiful experience. The metaphors you use to describe great and cosmic plans and intentions of great societal achievement, contrasted with the lines that begin with, "BUT I dreamed we met for breakfast".... (the switch and the contrast is very powerful) what a tiny, common human thing: meeting over the sharing of food,. Then followed by, "I dreamed I held your hand"... human touch/connection, as though those two simple things are worth more than all the highest achievements of worldly fame, and material ladders climbed! Which they are. They so are. The rest of the lyrics continue to develop & express that idea beautifully. Then I listened to the sing, and although it is good as a song, For me, the words in themselves stand strong and impactful w/o anything else. Not to contrast them and say one is "better" than the other. Just that sometimes I see lyrics that stand alone, And just saying, these words do that very well. Gwyn Henry
My husband and I enjoyed that song thanks for the lyrics on Facebook.
Amazing song thank you for leaving the lyrics chords and that beautiful piano composition for us.
Glad to see that your spirit was not a victim of the virus.
short and sweet, i like it :)
Eerily simple and powerful
Good one! Sorry about Johnny. lol
Isn't that the truth, losing people every day.
Good one, I really like it!
I think we have all been there, really cute song!
Comments made by James Michael Taylor
Matthew F. Blowers III Hey James...superbly creative and lively tribute to Buddy Holly and his Mother. The music is catchy and well played and the lyrics are quite touching g.very well done...Write on....Right on.. righteously
Blaire Stroud Love the harmonica on that just beautiful!
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...