How James Taylor Helps Me Write

Kate Burns

I caught my husband online again. It happens every few days, actually. Whenever he's got a little private time, no one is home yet, work done... and I come home, calling out. Instead of an answer, drifting up from the basement come the strains of...

The Seventies.

Specifically, the amazing songwriting-driven performances of Simon and Garfunkel, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Dan Fogelberg and James Taylor.

As I come down the stairs to greet Dave, he is already filling my head with new facts. Did I know that James Taylor had been committed? That Fire and Rain was partially a lament for a friend, Suzanne? And so on...

I sat and listened, and it put me in mind of tonight's post. Have a look at these lyrics.


Just yesterday morning they let me know you were gone
Susanne, 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

Note the cadence. Note how each line is strictly structured to follow a music and poetry formula, how each word has been carefully chosen to either conceal or reveal exactly what James wants you to know at any particular point in the song.

Here's an exercise: Look up one of these amazing songwriters' efforts. Or, find a favourite song of yours. Read the lyrics, as a poem.

Your novel, though longer, should have all of the elements of a great songwriter's work: cadence, a sparing reveal of information, a twist (subtle or not), and above all, make every word count. When you write, tell as interesting a story as you can, in as few words as possible.

Thanks, Dave. I don't know why you don't just look at the pretty ladies on the internet like other dudes, but I am glad you find what you find.

Kate Burns