Randy Brown and I did a little co-write this evening and this is what we came up with...
I MISTOOK IT FOR THE MOON Capo @ 2 Key D (Play in C positions)
I was coasting across West Texas/Had my top down, it was late at night
I caught a coyote…
Dad wanted me to write him some funeral music. This is it. He's still alive at 91 and sings this song to himself and tears come to his eyes. I have a video of Dad and me singing a duet of this song.
EULOGY
He grew up in Clinton, Oklahoma…
After Brook drowned.
Ra Byn did everything but rhythm guitar.
He must have been about 12.
Open 9th tuning...
Well, you say that you're lonely
I see that you are
Tell me, where have you been
Life ain't no lay pen
Yeah, you call it a…
Gwyn Henry
Meet Me at the Club-- darker than its exterior. I love it. Barbara and Peggy sound great! What a lot of pain must have been wrapped in those sassy harmonies. This song has a Bopcat feel,. musically--- apples that fell from the same tree, and didn't roll too far from ea other. Your vocals especially good in this.
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…
TWO POUNDS - (Diethylstilbestrol Daughters)
"DES, which was once prescribed to prevent miscarriages, caused obesity, rare vaginal tumors, infertility, and testicular growths among those exposed in utero." http://www.motherjones.com/environment…
CHILDREN OF THE NIGHT Key G (open G tuning GGDGBD)
Also, called THE BUG SONG
On Feathers in the Wind album
They’re flying in from miles around - C
They circle and they settle down – Bm
They sit and feel the world go round with you – Am…
About "If I'd Been A Lutheran *"
Dodie told me not to use her real name.
C Csus C Csus
C Csus C
If I had been a Lutheran I might have married
Csus
Dodie Harris…
...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…
DOOR MAT
Key - A
A) My daddy treated Mama like a door mat
D) Me and little brother didn't like that
We E) never understood what was going A) down
My daddy was the guy to fix your tv
And he could fix a Fender or a Peavey
(But) Daddy…
DOOR MAT
Key - A
A) My daddy treated Mama like a door mat
D) Me and little brother didn't like that
We E) never understood what was going A) down
My daddy was the guy to fix your tv
And he could fix a Fender or a Peavey
(But) Daddy…
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…
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…
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.
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 live - Capo @ 4
https://fb.watch/lIEUn31mBZ/
https://www.facebook.com/100054814402634/videos/2856132984527543/
1-C 4-F
Today we put the couch out by the…
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 live - Capo @ 4
https://fb.watch/lIEUn31mBZ/
https://www.facebook.com/100054814402634/videos/2856132984527543/
1-C 4-F
Today we put the couch out by the…
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.
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…
Comments on James Michael Taylor's stuff
Martha Es I love it!! That's an amazing song! It's emotional, but also mystical magical. I like how you put the lyrics with the song.
Is that the melody from East Virginia Blues? It fits very well with your words.
Gwyn Henry Meet Me at the Club-- darker than its exterior. I love it. Barbara and Peggy sound great! What a lot of pain must have been wrapped in those sassy harmonies. This song has a Bopcat feel,. musically--- apples that fell from the same tree, and didn't roll too far from ea other. Your vocals especially good in this.
Bruce Balmer I listened to “My New Shorts.” Brilliant use of time. Like mini-oreos or something. Interesting production, nice vocals.
Holy cow. What a song. Michael Rehahn
Enjoyed that one, I think I've actually heard you do that live once.
A great song about how conditions early in life shape our future and how some great potential just disappears.
No doubt you my friend are genius. Ghost dance.
Gwyn Henry Thanks for writing this, Jim.
"Powerful stuff." Ray Russell
I like coming back to listen to this one in particular sometimes. Sweet tune!
That's some sweet guitar playing. Ray Russell
'Very good capture." Gwyn Henry
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.
Comments made by James Michael Taylor
"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.
Roberta Hargrove This is beautiful!!! I