Sweet Baby James

James Taylor

About Sweet Baby James

"Sweet Baby James" is a song written and recorded by James Taylor that serves as the opening and title track from his 1970 breakthrough album Sweet Baby James. It was released as the first single from the album but did not chart. Nonetheless, it is one of his best-known and most popular tunes, considered a classic. Taylor considers it his best song.


Year:
1970
2:48
2,934 
#9

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There is a young cowboy, he lives on the range
His horse and his cattle are his only companions
He works in the saddle and sleeps in the canyons
Waiting for summer, his pastures to change
And as the moon rises he sits by his fire
Thinking about women and glasses of beer
And closing his eyes as the doggies retire
He sings out a song which is soft but it's clear
As if maybe someone could hear

Goodnight you moonlight ladies
Rockabye sweet baby James
Deep greens and blues are the colors I choose
Won't you let me go down in my dreams
And rockabye sweet baby James

Now the first of December was covered with snow
So was the turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston
The Berkshires seemed dream-like on account of that frosting
With ten miles behind me and ten thousand more to go

There's a song that they sing when they take to the highway
A song that they sing when they take to the sea
A song that they sing of their home in the sky
Maybe you can believe it if it helps you to sleep
But singing works just fine for me

So goodnight you moonlight ladies
Rockabye sweet baby James
Deep greens and blues are the colors I choose
Won't you let me go down in my dreams
And rockabye sweet baby James

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James Taylor

James Vernon Taylor (born March 12, 1948) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. A five-time Grammy Award winner, Taylor was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. more »

11 fans

Written by: JAMES TAYLOR, JAMES V TAYLOR

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Origin Story
"Sweet Baby James" was written by James Taylor as a cowboy lullaby for his baby nephew James, who was also named after him.
Album Success
The song was initially released as part of James Taylor's second album, also titled "Sweet Baby James,'' which topped the Billboard 200 chart in 1970.
Cultural Impact
The song is considered a classic and has been covered by numerous artists. It's one of James Taylor's most popular and enduring tunes.
Inspirations
Besides using a traditional lullaby structure, the song also drew heavily from American country and folk music, which was quite distinct from Taylor's usual pop-rock style.
Not a Single
Despite its popularity, "Sweet Baby James" was never released as a single. However, it helped to establish James Taylor as one of the leading singer-songwriters of his generation.
Lyrical Profundity
The lyrics of "Sweet Baby James" are renowned for their depth and poignant storytelling. The song beautifully paints the picture of a cowboy's life in winter.
Awards
The album "Sweet Baby James" was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Male Pop Vocal category.
Prominent Performance
Despite not being a single, "Sweet Baby James" has been performed frequently in Taylor's concert tours.
All-Star Tribute
In 2010, an all-star tribute to James Taylor at the Kennedy Center included a performance of "Sweet Baby James" by Kris Kristofferson, Darius Rucker, and Sheryl Crow.
Listed in Rolling Stone
In 2012, Rolling Stone magazine ranked the album "Sweet Baby James" at number 103 on its list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
Relationship to Fire and Rain
"Oh, Susannah," the lead-off track from the album, references the song "Fire and Rain," another hit song from James Taylor. But interestingly, "Sweet Baby James" was written before "Fire and Rain."

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