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…
Tesla...maybe the smartest man that ever lived.
TESLA
Who invented remote control? TESLA
Who invented the fluorescent light? TESLA
Who invented the radio? TESLA
And who died alone and forgotten in 1943? TESLA
So, you say now, “Don’t…
Sometimes it might be best not to even think about what terrible things might happen. It might be part of setting those very terrible things in motion. How can one know?
HAPPY
Happy is the anvil as the hammer strikes the blade
A fleeting spark that fades out as the memory is made
Happy is the spark when the hammer strikes the steel
Before the spit has sizzled into a vapor trail
And happy is the planner…
I learned a chord my teacher told me was called THE GYPSY CHORD. So I wrote a song using nothing but that chord. Initially I had a girl named ....... in it but she didn't like that so I changed her name to, what was it, Emily.
After reading the book: The Immortal Life of Henryetta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. Google HeLa cells and you'll get the whole story. The most famous cell line EVER.
RUN HeLa RUN
Her name was Henryetta Lacks but she never knew
Her family finally…
I love the way you have made this true story into a song.
Straight to the point lyrics with tremendous backing vocals.
It's a very strong and determined sounding track.
After reading the book: The Immortal Life of Henryetta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. Google HeLa cells and you'll get the whole story. The most famous cell line EVER.
RUN HeLa RUN
Her name was Henryetta Lacks but she never knew
Her family finally…
HAPPY
Happy is the anvil as the hammer strikes the blade
A fleeting spark that fades out as the memory is made
Happy is the spark when the hammer strikes the steel
Before the spit has sizzled into a vapor trail
And happy is the planner…
HAPPY
Happy is the anvil as the hammer strikes the blade
A fleeting spark that fades out as the memory is made
Happy is the spark when the hammer strikes the steel
Before the spit has sizzled into a vapor trail
And happy is the planner…
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…
So in 1951 you lived in the desert just around the corner from where I grew up , except I wasn't there until 1953 at the ripe and smelly age of 1.I think I was considering buying a house out in the same patch of desert you grew up in. Your Dad might of known a Bob Dollins, he worked at Northrop for a short while . What year did you depart?
In 1951 I was eight years old but it's all like yesterday. The tumbleweeds and the horny toads. Flying kites so far into the desert air that I couldn't see them.
Palmdale, California, 1951
Pretty yellow chickens hating in the sun
Fertilizer…
Small world indeed. In 1953 I was 1 and we lived on the base. In old pics the housing were those Quansot Huts. Hell, if you lived out there at 8 years no wonder you got that dreamy like recollection. It be like living on the Moon, had barren can it get, and the bright sun beating down cooking that desert, sonic booms rattleing windows. I know, I don't know when they stop doing it but I remember as far back as 1964 of our classrooms windows rattling and that 's in Palmdale. They test artilliary as well out at EAB. Fortunately I was only 1 year old back then and i was shielded from the sun by my moma's breast and taken out there before I could develope a memory.Funny thing in early '54 my folks moved just off the south end of 15th. I still live close to it. There is no hope for Peace on Earth as long as militaries stand armed and ready.
You captured the mood! Good integration of song voice and guitar. It was warm & tender despite the hard cold reality the song spoke of. Imaginitive lyrics that mixed well with the sweet simplicity of the music.
In 1951 I was eight years old but it's all like yesterday. The tumbleweeds and the horny toads. Flying kites so far into the desert air that I couldn't see them.
Palmdale, California, 1951
Pretty yellow chickens hating in the sun
Fertilizer…
Another Palmdale resident. The horny toads you don't see to much anymore but he tumbleweeds and the wind are still here so kite flying is still around. Hey ,you forgot the rattlesnakes. I don't remember it being so dreamy though. Your song is different and somewhat interesting but I wouldn't vote for it to be the official Palmdale song. I arrived in Palmdale in 1953, maybe that's what it is.
The Cindy I mention in this song is Cindy Sheehan. This was before out trip to Crawford. The rest is pretty self-explained.
HEROS
No, I ain't no hero, I'm just trying to survive
Me and Cindy, just staying alive.
Got a hurt in our heart and…
The Cindy I mention in this song is Cindy Sheehan. This was before out trip to Crawford. The rest is pretty self-explained.
HEROS
No, I ain't no hero, I'm just trying to survive
Me and Cindy, just staying alive.
Got a hurt in our heart and…
SLAUGHTER MOUNTAIN
My mom’s dad was a coal miner. Her mother died of TB when she was a kid. When she was twelve, her dad, dying of black lung, slit his throat with a butcher knife. That left her with a cripple little brother to take care of…
Larry Spann
I miss him, too. When he gave me that album he told me I had to check you out. He said Townes van Zandt is a great writer, but he didn’t like everything Townes wrote. He liked EVERYTHING you wrote!
SLAUGHTER MOUNTAIN
My mom’s dad was a coal miner. Her mother died of TB when she was a kid. When she was twelve, her dad, dying of black lung, slit his throat with a butcher knife. That left her with a cripple little brother to take care of…
LANCASTER STREET - Em
James Michael Taylor
Midnight in COWTOWN. 90 degrees
Too hot for a blanket. Too hot for a sheet
The trash on the sidewalk is trying to sleep
Breathing the bus fumes on Lancaster Street...
Sunshine brings tacos…
Rose Jeffus
You have such a unique way with words James. Love your song. I will have to share it with my son in law. He is a volunteer twice a week at the homeless shelter. He is about to have surgery on his left arm this morning so he will have to miss a bit.
LANCASTER STREET - Em
James Michael Taylor
Midnight in COWTOWN. 90 degrees
Too hot for a blanket. Too hot for a sheet
The trash on the sidewalk is trying to sleep
Breathing the bus fumes on Lancaster Street...
Sunshine brings tacos…
THE GIFT - key C
An architect in Bakersfield gave him a gift of wine
Napa Valley, California, famous for the vine
When the grape is coupled with the peach, the promise is divine
But he would never pull the cork as he alone would dine…
THE ANGELS CRIED NO - capo @ 4 in Am
Am Em - He lived high up on the mountain top
He lived there with his love
He tumbled to the valley deep
F - When she gave him a shove
And, when he hit the valley deep
It must have broke his heart…
"Like a cat" is an original song I made after losing my lovely rescue cat named FatBoy. He died after a short illness that could not be cured. He died too young. On my YouTube channel it features a clip of when I just had him. Making music is…
You had me from the 1st chord. What an apt simile. Great vocal. Here's my CAT SONG:
https://alonetone.com/jamesmichaeltaylor/tracks/just-a-cat---121511---counter%3Cclockwise
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…
The Winnowing Wind
I feel the wind blow thru me
Oh, please don't let it undo me
Let it level and true me
The Wind. The Winnowing Wind
And here I stand, alone, against the wind,
And, who am I to think that I
Can stand alone against the…
THE ONLY THINGS
Any road that leads to somewhere
Any thought that comes to mind
Any sight on the horizon
Any friend that's left behind
Any meal that's ever eaten
Any quilt that's ever lined
Any concert that is set thru
Any document that…
Robert Hayden
Like the concept, great job recognizing those unduspected little flash backs
2h2 hours ago
Reply
Hide
Lazarus Knight
Great! It's like telling her that there's never a moment when she is not the center of focus.
THE ANGELS CRIED NO - capo @ 4 in Am
Am Em - He lived high up on the mountain top
He lived there with his love
He tumbled to the valley deep
F - When she gave him a shove
And, when he hit the valley deep
It must have broke his heart…
Absolutely powerfully beautiful and genius! Love the layered vocals and the lyrical flow
LeAnna
Thank you for letting me hear that!
LeAnna
LeAnna M Christian
You are awesome all-around!
THE ANGELS CRIED NO - capo @ 4 in Am
Am Em - He lived high up on the mountain top
He lived there with his love
He tumbled to the valley deep
F - When she gave him a shove
And, when he hit the valley deep
It must have broke his heart…
ANGLES CRIED "NO!" About Peggy kicking me to the gutter/valley deep. How, even the angles in heaven, were horrified.
8:30 PM
Lee
Lee Snaples
Okay, I did not get that vibe but that makes sense.
THE BURDEN OF SANITY - capo @ 5 in An
Am F
As I turned on to Calhoun I could hear the music from the street
Dm E
A dog pissed on a speaker as I found myself a seat
Now, Buster is a caveman all hunched over his bones
Hair matted like a…
The Brighter Candle
The brighter candle knows the truth
In golden glow of brightest sun
And knows there’s no eternal youth
The brighter candle
So many, walking, go nowhere
On bikes and skates with silver hair
It’s like a dream she once…
This song is on the soundtrack of
River Phoenix's last movie, DARK BLOOD,
(filmed in 1993 and finally completed in 2012)
now making the festival rounds.
Video at Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mazlk2rM6_0
STRICKEN - Capo…
This song is on the soundtrack of
River Phoenix's last movie, DARK BLOOD,
(filmed in 1993 and finally completed in 2012)
now making the festival rounds.
Video at Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mazlk2rM6_0
STRICKEN - Capo…
This song is on the soundtrack of
River Phoenix's last movie, DARK BLOOD,
(filmed in 1993 and finally completed in 2012)
now making the festival rounds.
Video at Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mazlk2rM6_0
STRICKEN - Capo…
This song is on the soundtrack of
River Phoenix's last movie, DARK BLOOD,
(filmed in 1993 and finally completed in 2012)
now making the festival rounds.
Video at Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mazlk2rM6_0
STRICKEN - Capo…
Comments on James Michael Taylor's stuff
I am very sorry to hear about Brook.
Maybe he needed a better PR firm? Perhaps he should have considered late night info-mercials? Excellent concept!
Very Pretty story telling. I've been to Deadwood. What a place to spend eternity.
Excellent!
Another very clever one!
This one is one of my favourites of your tracks. The chorus is especially poignant.
I love this! The music is really driving!
You performed this so well. A very interesting story, perfectly done. Good luck, "Emily". Yeah, nice chord!
I love the way you have made this true story into a song. Straight to the point lyrics with tremendous backing vocals. It's a very strong and determined sounding track.
Oh JM, it is very loud! Come on, don't be like that, you can think of something.
Wow, JM! Grrreat harmonies, and a master class in lyrics.
nice job... its a snapshot in a snapshot.
So in 1951 you lived in the desert just around the corner from where I grew up , except I wasn't there until 1953 at the ripe and smelly age of 1.I think I was considering buying a house out in the same patch of desert you grew up in. Your Dad might of known a Bob Dollins, he worked at Northrop for a short while . What year did you depart?
These songs with the choir are cool. Are these friends , sounds like you got a regular choir doing back up
Small world indeed. In 1953 I was 1 and we lived on the base. In old pics the housing were those Quansot Huts. Hell, if you lived out there at 8 years no wonder you got that dreamy like recollection. It be like living on the Moon, had barren can it get, and the bright sun beating down cooking that desert, sonic booms rattleing windows. I know, I don't know when they stop doing it but I remember as far back as 1964 of our classrooms windows rattling and that 's in Palmdale. They test artilliary as well out at EAB. Fortunately I was only 1 year old back then and i was shielded from the sun by my moma's breast and taken out there before I could develope a memory.Funny thing in early '54 my folks moved just off the south end of 15th. I still live close to it. There is no hope for Peace on Earth as long as militaries stand armed and ready.
You captured the mood! Good integration of song voice and guitar. It was warm & tender despite the hard cold reality the song spoke of. Imaginitive lyrics that mixed well with the sweet simplicity of the music.
Another Palmdale resident. The horny toads you don't see to much anymore but he tumbleweeds and the wind are still here so kite flying is still around. Hey ,you forgot the rattlesnakes. I don't remember it being so dreamy though. Your song is different and somewhat interesting but I wouldn't vote for it to be the official Palmdale song. I arrived in Palmdale in 1953, maybe that's what it is.
Nice percussion. Strong message!
Most excellent lyrics! I admire those who will stand up and be counted! Great song!
LOL as they say
Comments made by James Michael Taylor
Larry Spann I miss him, too. When he gave me that album he told me I had to check you out. He said Townes van Zandt is a great writer, but he didn’t like everything Townes wrote. He liked EVERYTHING you wrote!
Larry Spann Great album! My first of yours. John DeFoore gave it to me about 15 years ago.
Rose Jeffus You have such a unique way with words James. Love your song. I will have to share it with my son in law. He is a volunteer twice a week at the homeless shelter. He is about to have surgery on his left arm this morning so he will have to miss a bit.
Leslie Young Beautiful but sad. Lee Snaples Such a great song, so poignant
"Wow!" laz
Jonathan Ashley White Oh I can totally hear that! Thats such a fun song. The time change at the “the angles said no” part was cool surprise!
What a tease!
You had me from the 1st chord. What an apt simile. Great vocal. Here's my CAT SONG: https://alonetone.com/jamesmichaeltaylor/tracks/just-a-cat---121511---counter%3Cclockwise
https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/imalwaysinlove?__eep__=6%2F
Belinda Stephens Sad and beautiful too
Linda Linder That was lovely . What a wonderful sound of voices in harmony . I forgot how much I enjoy listening to a choir ! Thank you for sharing !!
Robert Hayden Like the concept, great job recognizing those unduspected little flash backs 2h2 hours ago Reply Hide Lazarus Knight Great! It's like telling her that there's never a moment when she is not the center of focus.
Absolutely powerfully beautiful and genius! Love the layered vocals and the lyrical flow LeAnna Thank you for letting me hear that! LeAnna LeAnna M Christian You are awesome all-around!
ANGLES CRIED "NO!" About Peggy kicking me to the gutter/valley deep. How, even the angles in heaven, were horrified. 8:30 PM Lee Lee Snaples Okay, I did not get that vibe but that makes sense.
Leslie Young That one made me cry.
Leslie Young Wow. Beautiful but sad Me: It's about my brother, Joe. Died in an air plane crash, July 4, 1986. He was the pilot.
Robert White Excellent Song James Michael Taylor! Was that a song done for someone or relative that recently passed Away? Beautiful! 🤗
Belinda Stephens I love the live version, James. Beautiful.
Leslie Young Very nice.
Violet Lea Love you