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.
So 50/90 is an unnatural forcing of a crap ton of songs in a relatively short period of time. We're half way though and I've learned one thing. I've learned how easy it is to repeat something you've already done. This one sounds a LOT like…
An old one remastered. Thought I'd be posh and call it that !!!! Didn't realize I wrote this 7 years ago, it is a bit of a rant, quietly !!! I apologise in advance if any one is offended by the Lyrics, just my opinion !!!!
This was written in 1983. Used as backing music for a dance project in Ft Collins, CO. There is now a lyric and a melody. This version is a serious jam.
Like anyone who happens to look, I see the signs of a failing economy all over the Country. This song is a effort to encourage folks to struggle for a more open and equitable system for the financial benefit of all of us.
This was written in 1983. Used as backing music for a dance project in Ft Collins, CO. There is now a lyric and a melody. This version is a serious jam.
Your music has a very interesting over all sound. The way you put it all together. There is a smoothness to it. Gentle. Harmonies, very sweet. What kind of program are you using.
A bit of nonsense maybe ?? Started off as an instrumental then these words popped out. Call me lazy if you must, but couldn't think of more !!!
C'est la vie !!!!
When we sat down to work the demo on this tune, Matt already had the guitar layering and arrangement worked out--including the wicked long intro. The lyrics are based around something my wife and I did when I was away on business. When I called…
A song about taking the time to raise our kids instead of letting them do what ever they want. I know, I know...shut up old man. Go ahead, you can say it. It's a rocker that we had a ton of fun producing. It's the only track that Matt says anything…
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
I like this. Reminds me of Steven Stills. But you need to bring your voices out in the mix. As loud as the guitar, at least, when you are singing.
Puts my back in the 50s. Recognized Bethan's sweet voice instantly.
Love the guitar sound. "There will be people you wish you'd never met." Great big sound. Great production.
Great groove. Very nice...
Time to add more songs, Bruce.
Really like the voice. Such a sad song.
Yeah. Great guitar work. Production really rocks.
Very nice. Like a continuation of CITY OF NEW ORLEANS
Is that you on electric guitar?
really!!!
Your music has a very interesting over all sound. The way you put it all together. There is a smoothness to it. Gentle. Harmonies, very sweet. What kind of program are you using.
Beautifully done.
Great guitar sound and mix. So clean. What are recording with...program? (pyropool@earthlink.net)
Your playing is so clean and bright. Are you mic-ing your guitar? So wistful.
Soooo pretty with a touch of sad.
So bright and sunny. Makes me see happy lovers playing on the beach. Children playing in a park.
Nice sentiment. Unity thru common vision.
You guys really have that ZZ tightness... My son is too good to play with me.
What a happy tune with just one little cloud. A great little sing along, "blue sky, clouds go by..."
Owie! No beating around the bush here.