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…
One night after three month of no rain, as we were driving home from singing at Gringos in Grapevine a splash of water hit the windshield.
I said to myself, "Sweet Rain."
I went home and wrote the song. It's on the soundtrack of a movie called…
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…
Like most or all of your songs, there is always something really stands out and pays off big time. That last verse (or is it the last two) is absolutely, powefully emotion packed. And it is somewhat Vonnegut like in that so much is conveyed so precisely and with elegant simplicity. "... in the dream we left behind" - my God man, it's pure genius. Not the first two times I heard the song, but the first time I "listened" to it, I thought WHAT WAS THAT! And the it sunk in.
I wrote this at my dad's urging. He likes it. We sing it together. I have YouTube Video of it up.
EULOGY
He grew up in Clinton, Oklahoma
Red dirt back yard, Gramma's place
Honey suckle in a dust bowl
Life as hard as limestone lace…
I have a new love
Of course she doesn’t know
How can a work of art
Know when lovers come and go
And when the artist is the art!
My eyes are the eyes of the beholder
And my eyes are the eyes of the world…
…when the artist is the art…
OUT THERE SOMEWHERE
Her eyes were blurry. Her face was painted
Her hair was dyed black. Her purse was heavy
She said something. I asked her to repeat it
She said, “Stop the car. I thot I could trust you.”
I pulled it over and I waited…
CATTAILS AND BUTTERFLIES capo @ 4 in C
C G repeat
There was a field around the corner
And a stream flowed cross the field
There were cat tails in the summer time
And monarch butterflies
And tadpoles sprouting wings
E…
"Somewhere between the stumbling and the falling..."
SOMEWHERE
G capo @ 2 - live @ 4
Somewhere between the summer and the winter
The leaves between the tree tops and the fall
Somewhere between my heart and circled letters
Somewhere…
"Somewhere between the stumbling and the falling..."
SOMEWHERE
G capo @ 2 - live @ 4
Somewhere between the summer and the winter
The leaves between the tree tops and the fall
Somewhere between my heart and circled letters
Somewhere…
"Somewhere between the stumbling and the falling..."
SOMEWHERE
G capo @ 2 - live @ 4
Somewhere between the summer and the winter
The leaves between the tree tops and the fall
Somewhere between my heart and circled letters
Somewhere…
"Somewhere between the stumbling and the falling..."
SOMEWHERE
G capo @ 2 - live @ 4
Somewhere between the summer and the winter
The leaves between the tree tops and the fall
Somewhere between my heart and circled letters
Somewhere…
OH JIMMY
capo @ 4 or 5 live
C Am F G
On page thirty of the yearbook he found a picture sweet
A girl named Marie Angel, in school right down the street
Dm walk down G
He didn’t notice…
I was trying to figure out the backstory here, at first I thought the girl might be the mom. But she doesn't seem to be even though she's standing beside the boy's father great with child. So the mind can come up with all sorts of interesting scenarios. You're probably right not to explain it, let the listener create their own story.
One night after three month of no rain, as we were driving home from singing at Gringos in Grapevine a splash of water hit the windshield.
I said to myself, "Sweet Rain."
I went home and wrote the song. It's on the soundtrack of a movie called…
I sent that link to my bff Misty. Remember her?
This was her response: I love the juxtaposition of the absurdity of the subject to the poignancy of the underlying message. Spoken like an English teacher. Michael Soto
Capo @ 5 in C
Back in 2008 I was the recording secretary for the Fort Worth Singer/Songwriter Association. I submitted this song at our annual contests and was awarded a plaque
for BEST COMEDY SONG, which I consider a serious misunderstanding…
A fun song you could play for the right crowds and really do well, and they say you don't write happy songs. :) This is a good change of pace song for you, if you feel a set getting too serious, throw this one in as palette cleanser.
One night after our gigs, Chris Zeller at the Hilton Hotel and me at Shananagans in Midland we met in his hotel room and decided we would both write a song called THE CHANGING OF THE WAYS. I wonder what ever happened to him.
THE CHANGING OF…
This is another upbeat, happyish song that you should think about doing a little more. It carries a message people can understand and had a nice beat that works well.
Yeah, there's an "Indian" graveyard somewhere out there at the Stock Yards.
COWTOWN Key Em
Em C D Em
In a courtyard down the alley there’s a graveyard…
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…
James Michael Taylor
I remember that we walked and talked and walked and talked like...how many miles. One of my favorite conversation, ever...and how upset the waitress was when she found we only had enough money for appetizers. Then, when we finally got back to your apartment, we had orang juice and you showed me your paintings...
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…
Maia wrote, February of 2024 - From Spain, "Stone Borani" (J. According to Saramago) from the shooting he went to Amsterdam and then went to Texas.
James' friend asked me to guide him around Amsterdam.
We met at the Van Gogh museum. We talk more than we meet...
It was a long, honest and interesting conversation...
Like everyone else, I've experienced highlights from other days that I'll never forget and probably worth saying.
James Michael Taylor later dedicated a song to this single but unforgettable encounter or conversation...
James Michael Taylor was a great pleasure having nice, honest and interesting chat. Still remember.
3:08
MEETING MAIA 061011 - COUNTER
This is all me...
VOICES
There is something deep inside that wants to laugh and cry
Something that would like to tell it's story
There is something deep inside that wants to dance and wants to fly
Maybe you would guess it's called the…
LISA MAKES APPOINTMENTS
Capo @ 3 in C
C stepping down G
Lisa makes appointments for her friends to come and cry
She’s got a comfy shoulder and an empathetic sigh
Am. F. Am. F
Lisa’s…
BEAVERS AND WILLOWS
Capo @ 5 in C
C) Like beavers and willows (G
Bats and mosquitos
F) Toad C) frogs and G) flies (C
Algae and oil spills
Shovels and coal hills
Black holes and light
(C) 2020 Royal T Music
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…
CATFISH FISHIN'
a song by my buddie,
Guthrie Kennard
Three days of rain
Mud between my toes
First day of sun
Cut me a cain pole
I’m goin’ catfish fishin’
I’m goin’ catfish fishin
Catfish I’m fishin
Catfish fish fishin’
Lilly…
Ashley and I had been talking...
I recorded this with Pete Thompson out at Texas Central. Pete did the drums, percussion and bass. I'm not happy with my guitar and vocals but too excited getting it off the page to wait. I'll update it when…
Lazarus Knight
It has a nice bounce. It is original but with a slight "Lost in Margaritaville" vine. I like the arrangement! How many harmony parts was that?
FOR A PENNY
From the moment Toy saw the light
he was the center of attention.
In a room full of sunlight and 'Welcome,"
he was a new dimension.
Tiny traveler, arriving wet
Peggy hardly breaking a sweat
Toy was born in the middle of the…
FOR A PENNY
From the moment Toy saw the light
he was the center of attention.
In a room full of sunlight and 'Welcome,"
he was a new dimension.
Tiny traveler, arriving wet
Peggy hardly breaking a sweat
Toy was born in the middle of the…
ROCKING CHAIR
Well, I got one on the porch and I got one in the den
And just enough umph for the condition I'm in
I sit myself down and close my tired eyes
And I lean back. Go for a ride. "Rocking chair."
I rock off to sleep and I dream…
ROCKING CHAIR
Well, I got one on the porch and I got one in the den
And just enough umph for the condition I'm in
I sit myself down and close my tired eyes
And I lean back. Go for a ride. "Rocking chair."
I rock off to sleep and I dream…
Just thinking about Happiness. Thinking about how she said she was leaving because she wanted to be happy.
HAPPY Key - C walking down...
Happy is the anvil as the hammer strikes the blade
A fleeting spark that fades as the memory is made…
Just thinking about Happiness. Thinking about how she said she was leaving because she wanted to be happy.
HAPPY Key - C walking down...
Happy is the anvil as the hammer strikes the blade
A fleeting spark that fades as the memory is made…
KAMP KERR
Well, I ain't no hero. I'm just trying to survive
Me and Cindy, we just staying alive
We got a hurt in our heart and a tear in our eye
But, we ain't heroes
There's a small-town constable, he likes to play cop
So he bought a…
NO NEW LOVE
Ain't no new love like an old love in this town
Ain't no new love like an old love to take and turn my heart around
Stop it on a dime when you said that you'd be mine
Ain't no new love like an old love in my heart
Ain't no…
Robert Hayden wrote:My God is there no end to your creative ability. Musician, story teller, actor to name a few. No new love is a masterpiece. Part whimsey, part art, part time machine. A wonderful work my friend.
This song is akin to REMEMBERING BABE. Another night to Keren's. Almost got caught by the cops. Saw 'em coming so Babe and I hid in the olive orchard until they turned off the spot light and left. THEN, I did what came to be called my Night Ride…
This song is akin to REMEMBERING BABE. Another night to Keren's. Almost got caught by the cops. Saw 'em coming so Babe and I hid in the olive orchard until they turned off the spot light and left. THEN, I did what came to be called my Night Ride thru Woodlake. Dad suspected it was me. Galloping down one street off Main at 3 AM got the attention of a few.
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…
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
Comments on James Michael Taylor's stuff
Cory Michael -I listened to the song and think you should definitely sing it next week. You're a hell of a story teller, James!
Cindy Grayson James Michael Taylor beautiful song
Pamela Steuber Anderson James Michael Taylor I love this song. Thank you.
Like most or all of your songs, there is always something really stands out and pays off big time. That last verse (or is it the last two) is absolutely, powefully emotion packed. And it is somewhat Vonnegut like in that so much is conveyed so precisely and with elegant simplicity. "... in the dream we left behind" - my God man, it's pure genius. Not the first two times I heard the song, but the first time I "listened" to it, I thought WHAT WAS THAT! And the it sunk in.
heartfelt, sincere. i dig the banjo and mouthharp
That is beautiful, James. Thank you. Rachel Eastman
Honking horn was exactly how I thought you would end this song
504 Hathaway, San Luis Obispo, California. 1954
Absolutely beautiful!
Lazarus Knight Absolutely one of your best.
Kat Angel Absolutely beautiful!
Roberta Hargrove Bitter sweet! I love this!
I was trying to figure out the backstory here, at first I thought the girl might be the mom. But she doesn't seem to be even though she's standing beside the boy's father great with child. So the mind can come up with all sorts of interesting scenarios. You're probably right not to explain it, let the listener create their own story.
Such a fantastic song, and timely for many of us right now.
I sent that link to my bff Misty. Remember her? This was her response: I love the juxtaposition of the absurdity of the subject to the poignancy of the underlying message. Spoken like an English teacher. Michael Soto
A fun song you could play for the right crowds and really do well, and they say you don't write happy songs. :) This is a good change of pace song for you, if you feel a set getting too serious, throw this one in as palette cleanser.
This is another upbeat, happyish song that you should think about doing a little more. It carries a message people can understand and had a nice beat that works well.
you got a beutiful voice...u should finish writing this one.
Terry Rasor James Michael Taylor btw love that tune my friend!
Linder Bassy Wow I love the song
Comments made by James Michael Taylor
James Michael Taylor I remember that we walked and talked and walked and talked like...how many miles. One of my favorite conversation, ever...and how upset the waitress was when she found we only had enough money for appetizers. Then, when we finally got back to your apartment, we had orang juice and you showed me your paintings...
Maia wrote, February of 2024 - From Spain, "Stone Borani" (J. According to Saramago) from the shooting he went to Amsterdam and then went to Texas. James' friend asked me to guide him around Amsterdam. We met at the Van Gogh museum. We talk more than we meet... It was a long, honest and interesting conversation... Like everyone else, I've experienced highlights from other days that I'll never forget and probably worth saying. James Michael Taylor later dedicated a song to this single but unforgettable encounter or conversation... James Michael Taylor was a great pleasure having nice, honest and interesting chat. Still remember. 3:08 MEETING MAIA 061011 - COUNTER
Carlene Lloyd - WoW!
"A song I should be singing." Laz, "Absolutely."
LeeAnne m Christian -I listened 2 all of Shorts- really like!
Leanne M Christian - Aah, nice flow.
That was cool -Denise Albright
Lazarus Knight It has a nice bounce. It is original but with a slight "Lost in Margaritaville" vine. I like the arrangement! How many harmony parts was that?
Just listened. Such a beauty of a song and son. You both are Truly Blessed. Thanks - Connie Ramsey
Connie Ramsey - Such a beauty of a song and son.
Candy Davis What a soothing, tender, poignant song! I love it. ❤
Leslie Young - I like that a lot.
Wow. Phil Hennen
Words come from you like an underground spring , constantly flowing . Karen Lee
"Wow!" Phillip Hennen
Robert Hayden wrote:My God is there no end to your creative ability. Musician, story teller, actor to name a few. No new love is a masterpiece. Part whimsey, part art, part time machine. A wonderful work my friend.
This song is akin to REMEMBERING BABE. Another night to Keren's. Almost got caught by the cops. Saw 'em coming so Babe and I hid in the olive orchard until they turned off the spot light and left. THEN, I did what came to be called my Night Ride thru Woodlake. Dad suspected it was me. Galloping down one street off Main at 3 AM got the attention of a few.
Love. Love. Thank you for sharing. I'm sharing it. - LeAnne M Christian
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