Ive Always Thought That Id See You Again

Angela first knew of Jesus as a child but did not walk with him until she was an adult. She now hopes to share the Skillful News with the world.

James Taylor performing at Tanglewood.

Paul Keleher, via Wikimedia Eatables

"Burn and I've Seen Rain" Lyrics

"Just yesterday forenoon, they permit me know you were gone.
Susanne, the plans they fabricated put an end to yous.
I walked out this morning, and I wrote downwards this song,
I just can't remember who to transport it to.

I've seen burn and I've seen rain;
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end;
I've seen alone times when I could non observe a friend,
But I ever thought that I'd see you again.

Won't y'all look downwardly upon me, Jesus;
You've got to help me make a stand,;
Yous've just got to run into me through another solar day.
My trunk's agonized and my time is at hand,
And I won't brand it any other way.

Oh, I've seen burn, and I've seen rain;
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end;
I've seen lonely times when I could non find a friend,
Simply I always thought that I'd come across y'all again.

Been walking my mind to an easy fourth dimension, my back turned towards the dominicus;
Lord knows, when the cold wind blows it'll turn your head effectually.
Well, there's hours of time on the telephone line to talk well-nigh things to come;
Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground.

Oh, I've seen fire and I've seen rain;
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end;
I've seen lonely times when I could non find a friend,
But I ever thought that I'd see you, babe, one more fourth dimension over again, now.

Thought I'd see you one more time once again;
In that location's simply a few things coming my way this time around, at present;
Thought I'd see you, idea I'd run across you fire and pelting, now."

James Taylor Lyrics Explained

James Taylor wrote and sang this song, which was inspired by a friend who died. After being recorded, this song elevated him to a pop star at 22 when it became a hit.

Taylor stated that he wrote this song 3 different times throughout 1968. His writing began while auditioning in London for The Beatles' Apple tree Records. Then Taylor wrote more than of it while he stayed in a Manhattan Hospital. However, he finished it at the Austin Riggs Center, where he was staying for drug rehabilitation. In 1972 Taylor stated:

"Fire and Rain" has three verses. The first verse is virtually my reactions to the death of a friend. The 2d verse is about my arrival in this country with a monkey on my back, and there Jesus is an expression of my desperation in trying to go through the time when my body was aching and the time was at hand when I had to practise it... And the third verse of that song refers to my recuperation in Austin Riggs which lasted about five months.

Although he wrote this at only 20 years old, it touches people of all ages and is however relevant forty-plus years later on.

Start Verse Explained

"But yesterday morning time they let me know yous were gone
I just can't think who to send it to
Susanne the plans they made put an cease to yous
I walked out this morning and I wrote downwards this song"

When he refers to Susanne, he is referring to Susanne Schnerr. Taylor states he used to go high with her and knew her quite well. He met her in New York in 1967 and hung out with her quite frequently when he was part of a group called The Flying Machine. The Flying Machine was the group where he became successful every bit a musician and writer.

Susanne, or who Taylor affectionately refers to as Suzie, committed suicide. He was living in London with mutual friends. Since his career began lifting off and his fame grew, his friends waited until afterward to requite him the news since they knew Taylor was and then excited almost his upcoming tape deal. He didn't notice out about her suicide until six months afterwards.

He likewise states in i interview that he always felt bad about the line, "The plans they made put an end to y'all," because people take made assumptions near whom "they" are. He intended 'they' to be the Fates. His greatest fright was that her parents thought he blamed them. He did not.

James Taylor on stage performing at Tanglewood.

Paul Keleher, via Wikimedia Commons

2nd Verse Explained

"Won't yous look downwards upon me, Jesus
You've got to assistance me make a stand
You've just got to see me through another solar day
My body'south aching and my time is at hand
And I won't brand information technology whatsoever other fashion"

He wrote this verse in 1968 after he stayed in a mental hospital. He was battling a heroin addiction. He wrote this equally a plea to Jesus, as in Jesus Christ, to help him 'make a stand' against his drug habit, which portrays how much of a hold the habit had on him. He makes the hold the addiction had on him when he belts out, "I won't make information technology any other fashion."

Roll to Continue

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Although it would be nice to say that in 1968, he finally kicked the habit, he did not kick the habit until much later. Fortunately, unlike many like him, he was finally able to make a stand against his addiction in 1986, when he became sober. He has been sober ever since merely still feels that he is a recovering addict.

Tertiary Verse Explained

"Has been walking my mind to an easy time my back turned towards the sun
Lord knows when the cold wind blows it'll plow your head effectually
Well, there's hours of time on the telephone line to talk nigh things
To come
Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground"

Earlier, during his senior year in high schoolhouse, he had been treated at a hospital for depression. He and a friend, Danny Kortchmar, began a band called the Flying Machine. It was a approval in disguise when the group failed simply a few months after starting, and he started his solo career. The last line refers to this band and his earlier attempts at finding success equally a writer.

Fire and Rain Meaning

Burn down and Rain remains and probably always will exist i of my favorite songs. Information technology touches me on a deep level. Although I've never experienced depression or drug addiction, I yet know how it feels to be on the bottom, hoping for a moment to arise. Life is like a roller coaster, with many ups and downs, scary at times, exhilarating, and sometimes just plainly annoying.

Questions & Answers

Question: In the line, "Simply I always thought that I'd see you again," to whom is the word "you lot" referring in the poem "Fire and Rain"?

Answer: His friend Suzanne Shnerr who had committed suicide.

© 2010 Angela Michelle Schultz

Kelly Ann Christensen from Overland Park, Johnson Canton, Kansas on February 01, 2020:

I merely love James Taylor and this song. In the days and years following my mother'due south decease, it would remind me of her. I always thought that I would see you once more, but she was gone. Thanks for the enjoyable and interesting article.

Jean Bakula from New Bailiwick of jersey on March 10, 2017:

He has such a distinctive voice, you can always tell it's him when he helps out a friend or even plays an musical instrument. He plays the banjo role on Neil Young'south Old Homo. I wish he stayed with Carly Simon, she loved him then much.

Nellieanna Hay from TEXAS on May 26, 2014:

I found your hub from one of the "Related Hubs" on some other hub I was visiting. Glad I did!

What a lovely hub! I admire James Taylor and have since I start heard him in the 60s when my son in high school was following his work. Thanks for bringing out this 'history' of 1 of his most beloved songs. It gets my votes!

I tried for a adept while to play his songs on piano. They're not very adaptable to it. In one case, though, it simply came to me and I was able to do a adequately good task of it. Very satisfying.

Nellieanna Hay from TEXAS on May 26, 2014:

What a lovely hub! I adore James Taylor and take since I commencement heard him in the 60s. Thanks for bringing out this 'history' of one of his most beloved songs. It gets my votes!

Angela Michelle Schultz (writer) from U.s.a. on June 02, 2012:

He really is quite the genius, he is one of my all time favorite singers.

Winsome from Southern California by manner of Texas on June 02, 2012:

Howdy A_M, thanks for that explanation. I had no thought he wrote the verses so far autonomously. I just finished a song I started many years ago, so I practise empathize how that happens. I read one time that when he heard people say that his songs all sounded the same that he was surprised. He said he works to vary his songs and construction of the music but that he only has a narrow lens they all come up out of and so it simply sounds similar that.

I hold with him, his songs are not equally easy to play as you might recollect if y'all actually play them as he does. That's a bit of genius there. =:)

Angela Michelle Schultz (writer) from United States on May xix, 2012:

Information technology truly is a sad story. My heart feels heavy every time I hear those words.

Eric Calderwood from USA on May nineteen, 2012:

I call up listening to this song every bit a immature kid. I always idea the whole vocal was about "Susan" and the line "the plans they made put an terminate to yous" referred to some conspiracy in which she was murdered. Now I know the real story. Thanks for a great hub.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on September 22, 2010:

Your welcome. James Taylor is one of my all-time favorite singers. I could mind to him sing all solar day long. I recollect he is one of the few celebrities that I would lose all verbal functioning around! I'd merely stand there in awe!

heart4theword from hub on September 21, 2010:

Take to say I've e'er liked the song, however never read or new annihilation near the vocaliser...or the story behind the song. Cheers for sharing!

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from The states on September 03, 2010:

He is one of the few musicians who has remained a powerful musical strength for more than half of their lives!

TomTipton from Hollywood, CA on September 02, 2010:

Cheers for the Hub angela_michelle.

When lyrics, melody, and emotion collide, you have a classic - something that never grows one-time. James is in (what I would call) the tertiary act of his career now but he still sings and plays with the same fervor of his early days. I however love to hear him sing

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August 24, 2010:

SteveoMc, the reason backside the story really moved me the beginning fourth dimension I heard it. I wish my computer had speakers, otherwise I would add together a video. I only tin can't tell if the video I would add would exist quality or not.

SteveoMc from Pacific NorthWest on August 24, 2010:

I love this vocal and I was moved by the caption. Cheers so much. I want to hear information technology right now. Also, rated upward and awesome. Wonderful hub.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United states of america on Baronial 23, 2010:

Thanks so much Minnetonka twin for rating it up. Yep, he seems to be one of those artists that lives a good life non just a good singer. He doesn't seem to try to hide who he is either.

Linda Rogers from Minnesota on August 23, 2010:

I rated this hub Up, Awesome and Beautiful every bit it is very inspiring. I accept e'er had a Large identify in my heart for James Taylor. I followed him and his life equally he struggled with demons and followed hin as a great and incredible artist. I always thought it was cool that someone this famous went on children's shows similar Sesame Street. He definitely knows how blest he is to be living a clean and sober life at present and it shows in how he gives back. Thanks for a actually enlightening hub.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on Baronial 23, 2010:

ainehannah, honestly, I am a huge James Taylor song, in that location is just a few songs of his I don't adore.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on Baronial 23, 2010:

mhuze, I honey all the neat memories that nosotros have in our lives that are brought out by a sure song.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from Usa on August 23, 2010:

Coffeesnob, one thing I observe very interesting is that many performers will say they have a normal personality, and then they have a stage personality. James Taylor actually stated in an interview that he is himself in his music. He acted as if that was not very artistic and he lacked imagination, but personally I recollect it's kind of refreshing.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from U.s. on August 23, 2010:

FCE tier, oh, I should see if I can netflix it, I think I would savour it.

Aine O'Connor from Dublin on August 23, 2010:

Hi Angela Michelle, not bad to know the background to a archetype such as this. Another album of his that featured Ballad King's Up On The Roof and his own Handyman from 1979 was a big, large favourite of mine back in the solar day. Like mhuze, thanks for bringing back a proficient memory :0)

mhuze from USA on August 20, 2010:

Listened to this anthology on my Mom's old console stereo. Thank you for bringing back a good memory.

coffeesnob on Baronial twenty, 2010:

Overnice hub...I used to exist all about James Taylor..ever liked his music.. Isn't it a neat thing to be able to get a glimpse at what is behind the scenes in the mind of the artist. Most who write pour out experiences in some form..

Flake from Common cold Mount on August xx, 2010:

I have the DVD of JT and Carole King -- great!

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on Baronial nineteen, 2010:

Valerie, I love when you can find a song that merely actually hits home, and helps you get through some of the low moments. :)

valeriebelew from Metro Atlanta, GA, U.s.a. on August 19, 2010:

Loved this angela_michelle. I've experienced both depression and a drug problem, and I'm here to say the lyrics hit dwelling house. Wonderful hub. Voting upward and awesome. (:v

Angela Michelle Schultz (writer) from U.s.a. on August 19, 2010:

Bayoulady, you should definitely do one. :) I was thinking about writing about Frederick Doublass, the ex-slave. Amazing story, it really opens your eyes to the terribleness of slavery.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from U.s.a. on August 19, 2010:

Tonymac, I never knew anyone had ever redone the song. I wish the speakers on my computer were working otherwise I would youtube it.

bayoulady from Northern Louisiana,United states on August 19, 2010:

James Taylor's smooth vox, oh my. Oasis't idea of him for a long fourth dimension.i am enjoying all of the biographies I've been seeing lately on the hubs, think I might do ane myself.Rate up!

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from Us on August 19, 2010:

Thank you so much Healing Touch I appreciate that!

Tony McGregor from South Africa on August 19, 2010:

This is a very informative Hub virtually a song I have loved for many years. Interestingly I first heard the Joan Baez version and loved information technology, merely lagter heard the a Taylor version and have been a fan ever since.

The song always intrigued me then I'm grateful for the background story.

Cheers for sharing this.

Dear and peace

Tony

Angela Michelle Schultz (writer) from Us on August xix, 2010:

Thanks Aunt Barb!

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August 19, 2010:

Mentalist Acer, well, I used to accept the Muppet's Christmas on eight-runway, I hope you lot nevertheless have your 8-rails! That would be really awesome. Not quite equally cool as having a record, simply however pretty nifty.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United states of america on August 19, 2010:

Dave Matthews, that is exactly how I experience about knowing the groundwork of it.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August xix, 2010:

Samsons, I'm as well a huge fan! Patently!

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August 19, 2010:

Fred Allen, I may just have to notice one. I am surprised I didn't think about it. Of class the sound on my estimator is currently cleaved, so I haven't been putting videos on, because I don't know what ones are quality or not.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from U.s. on Baronial 19, 2010:

Dahoglund, I think information technology was finding out this many years agone, is what caused me to become a big James Taylor fan.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on Baronial 19, 2010:

DiamondRN, It surprises me how few call on Jesus in my generation. Generations by, at the Academy Awards they would give thanks God, you don't hear that quite as much as you used to.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August 19, 2010:

Ecoggins, I have a proposition for you. If you brand a youtube video doing your James Taylor impression, I'll put information technology up on ths hub! LOL> I'd dearest to see it. :)

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on Baronial 19, 2010:

Pamela, I think me and y'all have a lot in common. We seem to similar much the same things. :)

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on August nineteen, 2010:

zzron, Thank you. I actually would agree with you, just there is something hypnotizing with James Taylor'southward voice. I absolutely love to hear him sing. Typically I adopt things more upbeat.

Laura Arne from Minnetonka, MN on Baronial xix, 2010:

I am a full James Taylor Fan. Yous had me at Hello. I tweeted this one. Keen hub.

Healing affect

Barbara Badder from U.s.a. on August 19, 2010:

Hmm. I always liked this vocal, merely I never noticed he chosen on Jesus either. I enjoyed reading this hub. Thanks Angela.

Mentalist acer from A Vocalization in your Heed! on August 19, 2010:

I used to have him on eight-track and cassette,I wore him outLol;)

Dave Mathews from Due north YORK,ONTARIO,CANADA on August 19, 2010:

Angela_Michelle: I've e'er enjoyed this song from James Taylor, and now knowing more about him I can have a deeper appreciation for the song still.

Brother Dave.

Sam from Tennessee on August 19, 2010:

cute, I always liked James Taylor.

fred allen from Myrtle Beach SC on August xix, 2010:

Wish y'all could have attached a performance of the vocal. Love the hub! I love good peotry. It displays the soul of the poet. It goes deeper than the words and the images they conjure. Most just scratch the surface of what is really beingness revealed. You dig deep. I similar that.

Don A. Hoglund from Wisconsin Rapids on August 19, 2010:

I've never really listened much to Taylor simply this is an interesting story nearly him.

Bob Diamond RPh from Charlotte, NC U.s.a. on August 19, 2010:

I had never listened to all of the words before. I wasn't enlightened of his calling on Jesus. More people who are in trouble should practice the same. Thanks.

ecoggins from Corona, California on August 19, 2010:

My favorite vocalizer impression is to do James Taylor. I love his songs. Thanks for sharing this hub.

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on August xix, 2010:

I enjoyed this hub and similar that particular vocal besides every bit, many others of James Taylor.

zzron from Houston, TX. on Baronial xviii, 2010:

This was prissy, I like a couple of his songs simply I mostly adopt faster classic rock.

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Source: https://spinditty.com/artists-bands/Ive-Seen-Fire-and-Ive-Seen-Rain

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