About the song
“Fire and Rain” is one of the most iconic songs by James Taylor, and this rare live TV performance from 1969 gives a special glimpse into the raw emotion that Taylor brought to the song during the early stages of his career. The song, which was released on his second album *Sweet Baby James* in 1970, is deeply personal, reflecting on Taylor’s struggles with depression, addiction, and the loss of a dear friend.
In this live performance, James Taylor’s voice carries the weight of the song’s heavy themes with a sincerity that connects directly with the audience. The lyrics of “Fire and Rain” are a poignant mixture of sorrow and hope, recounting his experiences in a psychiatric institution and the untimely death of his friend, Suzanne Schnerr. Taylor’s acoustic guitar, simple yet powerful, perfectly complements his voice, allowing the lyrics to take center stage.
What makes this 1969 performance particularly special is the intimacy of the setting. The television recording captures Taylor in a moment of vulnerability, where every note and word seems to resonate with his own life story. At this time, James Taylor was not yet the household name he would soon become, and the rawness of his performance reflects an artist who was still finding his way through the struggles that inspired the song.
“Fire and Rain” has since become a classic, often interpreted by many artists, but this early live version retains a unique charm. The song’s universal themes of loss, despair, and the search for inner peace have made it resonate with generations of listeners. Watching James Taylor perform “Fire and Rain” in 1969 is like stepping back in time to witness a young artist laying bare his soul, offering a heartfelt rendition of a song that would go on to define his career. This performance stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to express the deepest emotions and connect with audiences in a profound way.
Video
Lyrics
Just yesterday mornin’, they let me know you were gone
Suzanne, the plans they made put an end to you
I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song
I just can’t remember who to send it to
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 not find a friend
But I always thought that I’d see you again
Won’t you look down upon me, Jesus?
You’ve got to help me make a stand
You’ve just got to see me through another day
My body’s aching and my time is at hand
And I won’t make it any other way
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 not find a friend
But I always thought that I’d see you again
Been walking my mind to an easy time
My back turned towards the sun
Lord knows, when the cold wind blows
It’ll turn your head around
Well, there’s hours of time on the telephone line
To talk about 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 not find a friend
But I always thought that I’d see you, baby
One more time again, now
Thought I’d see you one more time again
There’s just a few things coming my way this time around, now
Thought I’d see you, thought I’d see you, fire and rain, now