Someone — I think it was Clive — mentioned James Taylor in a comment yesterday and ever since then I’ve had a literal craving for a James Taylor song! This may not have been one of his most popular songs, but I think it’s a great one and looking back at the comments from when I last played it in 2020, others did too!
Released in June 1976, this is not one of Taylor’s most popular songs, reaching only #22 in the U.S., not even making the top 40 in Canada, and as far as I can tell it didn’t chart anywhere else. I suppose it is for that reason that I cannot find much in the way of background information about the song and its origins. I did learn something that I, the cultural throwback, did not know … James Taylor was married to Carly Simon, who did the backing vocals for the recorded version of this song, from 1972 – 1983! Who knew? Okay, yeah, probably everyone in the world but me. 🙄
It may not have been wildly popular, but I like the song, like the message …
Shower The People
James Taylor
You can play the game and you can act out the part,
Even though you know it wasn’t written for you.
Tell me, how can you stand there with
Your broken heart ashamed of playing the fool?
One thing can lead to another; it doesn’t take any sacrifice.
Oh, father and mother,
Sister and brother, if it feels nice, don’t think twice,
Just shower the people you love with
Love, show them the way that you feel.
Things are gonna work out fine if you only will do as I say, just
Shower the people you love with love, show them the way you feel.
Things are gonna be much better if you only will.
You can run but you cannot hide, this is widely known.
Tell me, what you plan to do with your
Foolish pride when you’re all by yourself, alone.
Once you tell somebody the way that you
Feel, you can feel it beginning to ease.
I think it’s true what they say about
The squeaky wheel always getting the grease.
Better to shower the people you love
With love, show them the way that you feel.
Things are gonna be just fine if you
Only will what I’d like to do to you.
Shower the people you love with love, show them the way that you feel.
Things are gonna be much better if you only will.
Shower the people you love with love, show them the way that you feel.
You’ll feel better right away.
Don’t take much to do, sell you pride.
They say in every life,
They say the rain must fall, just like pouring rain, make it rain.
Make it rain, love, love, love is sunshine, oh yes,
Make it rain, love, love, love is sunshine. Everybody, everybody.
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Taylor James V
Shower The People lyrics © Country Road Music, Country Road Music Inc
Filosofa's Word 
What a great song (and singer).
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I’m so glad you liked it!!!
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😀
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Further to Barry’s words I have never trusted anyone who says “Things are gonna work out fine if you only will do as I say”. Sounds like a televangelist with his hand out for money.
This singer never did anything for me, and my opinion got worse after Carly Simon wrote her song dedicated to him: You’re So Vain.
We all have things we just don’t mesh with. For me that is James Taylor. No idea why.
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Okay, I admit I screwed up, that song was about Warren Beatty. But that doesn’t let Taylor off the hook, he just isn’t my cup of tea.
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Carly Simon has denied that she wrote “You’re So Vain” about James Taylor. Sorry you didn’t like the song. Hold your ears, for there is more James Taylor on the docket 😉
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I think I’ll just be absent for a day or two. But “I’ll be back!”
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To each his own, my friend! It’s only for a day or two! LuL
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Sometimes silence is tge best response. LuL2. 💕
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Fully agreed! ❤
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Hmmm…
I’m somewhat uncomfortable with “Shower the people you love with love” as even MAGAs and the religious right, not to mention racists, misogynists and other haters do that. In fact it’s very easy to do. It’s what one does with/to those one doesn’t love that seems to me to be what really matters. So for me this song is kind of an insipid sentimentality. But seems that’s just my personal perspective not shared by others.
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While I do understand your point, the song was written and produced long before today’s divisiveness, long before anybody coined the phrase “maga”. Yes, there were other forms of hatred … always have been and always will be. But to me, one song doesn’t necessarily need to cover all bases. What I see in this one is a reminder … sometimes we take for granted the people who mean the most to us, so this is a reminder to “shower” them with “love”, to let them know how much we love and appreciate them. There are and will be other songs to deal with the other end of the spectrum.
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Great song! 🥰
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!!
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❤💛
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Jill, I agree it is not his best, but it nonetheless is a very fine song with a good message. We have seen James Taylor twice in concert and both were worth the effort. This song sounds even better live. Keith
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Indeed, I love both the music and the message of this one. I’m jealous of you seeing him … TWICE, in fact! I’m sure that seeing him play it makes it sound better … you get the emotion of the artist that you don’t get from a studio version. Glad you liked it!
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i PLAY A FAIR BIT OF jAMES taylor and his is my favourite song of nhis narrowly beating
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Sweet Baby James.
Cwtch
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I just finished telling Clive that I’m now in James Taylor mode, so … hmmm … you never know what might come up next. I’m glad you enjoyed it and that it’s one of your favourites!
Cwtch
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What a beautiful song, and yes, the message is clear. I think many of us can agree with what he sings… from sad experience.
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You’re so right about that! I’m happy that you enjoyed the song, though!
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I did 😊
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Yep, guilty as charged.
Absolutely beautiful song, and I’ve no idea why he generally didn’t do much better in our charts. I’ve loved his music since he started, and often still play him.
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I don’t know why, either, unless it was poor marketing. I’m really glad you liked this one, though … I think it’s a beautiful tune that carries a beautiful message. And now, I seem to be in James Taylor mode … ♫
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There are worse modes to be in 😊
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Oh I miss the good music of the 60s and 70s
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Me too, my friend.
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My all-time favorite by JT. Good job, Jill!
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Heh heh … I sort of cheated, for when I read that you had told me last time I played it that it was your favourite, that tipped the scales in favour of playing it again this time ’round! Glad you enjoyed it!
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Aw, you’re so good to me! 🥰
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Beautifulliest! 🙂 Gosh, how many song i’d missed in the past. Thanks for sharing another remarkable and so calming song, Jill! xx Michael Have you seen, the sun looking out of the cloudy sky? 😉 Spring is arriving! xx Michael
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You really liked this one, did you? I’m so glad!!! Yes, the sun was out yesterday and for most of today, but by mid-afternoon the clouds and wind had returned. Still, it was a nice break and I enjoyed the sun. Yes, spring is arriving … my crocuses aren’t popping their heads out this year, though, as they usually do. I want flowers in my yard!!! xx
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It’s great! Keep on planting flowers, Jill! The birds will love them too. xx Michael
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Heck, the birds and the squirrels dig the seeds up from the ground the day we plant them!!! xx
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Reblogged this on https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks, Michael!!!
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