Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

In August 1970 James Taylor released today’s song as a single from his second album, Sweet Baby James. By Halloween the track reached the #3 spot in the country. He wrote it when he was just 21 years old in response to the death of a friend & other life events. It was one of those songs where the lyrics led to rumors and conjecture.

For instance, many people believed the friend referenced in the song-Suzanne-died in a plane crash because of the line “sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground”. In reality she died by suicide and The Flying Machine was the name of Taylor’s band that broke up. I absolutely adore the eloquence and imagery of the lyrics and the title he chose. And his vocal is just the perfect mix of somber and reflective. It is just a great record.

Over the next fifty years Taylor would establish himself as one of the most popular, prolific & beloved artists of his time. But it was this track that would get him noticed as an emerging singer/songwriter in a decade where they became invaluable contributors to music’s diverse & masterful landscape.

“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“.

James Taylor’s second album released in February 1970. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

James Taylor: “Fire & Rain” (1970, written by James Taylor).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.