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
(James Taylor)
Back in the early 70's (late 60's) I went through a hippy stage, loving the cheesecloth long dresses and flowers in the hair, getting into folk and soft rock songs.
James Taylor, Melanie, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan were favourites alongside my harder rock of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, The Who and Cream.
Fire and Rain was a song I used to love. It bespoke of loves and friendships lost, and I had a few of them, just like most teenage girls.
This last week it is back in my top 10, seems to be on repeat as I listen to my iPod or iTunes on my computer, I even have the Birdy version recently released.
I think it is reflecting just how I am feeling, the confusion and anxiety, the loss of things loved ...
Up On The Roof is on rotation a lot as well
When this old world starts getting me down
and people are just to much for me to face
I'll climb way up to the top of the stairs and all my cares just drift right into space
On the roof, it's peaceful as can be and there the world below don't bother me, no, no
(Goffin/King)
I am unable to go Up On The Roof, but I am working from home in my space, with my music playing on speakers rather than through earbuds, the windows open filling the house with fresh air rather than the stifling air conditioning of work, enjoying my climbing rose's greenness through the window, away from other people's crap - I am seriously not very generous about some of my fellow workers selfish ways right about now and being there with them is all a little too much.
So here I am, safe from the corporate world, breathing and letting it go.
Thanks to everyone for their supportive comments, their cyber love and hugs, you all bring a smile to my face. My family have been beyond wonderful as well.
Thanks for popping by xxx
So here I am, safe from the corporate world, breathing and letting it go.
Thanks to everyone for their supportive comments, their cyber love and hugs, you all bring a smile to my face. My family have been beyond wonderful as well.
Thanks for popping by xxx
I was reading an article once on James Taylor and apparently "Fire and Rain" is about his battles with depression and the time he spent as an inpatient in a psychiatric hospital. The concept of fire and rain is to do with the shock therapy he had and the showers they gave him afterwards (obviously mental health was very different in the 60s/70s and treatment options were not as extensive as those available now). I am not sure but I think he is actually bipolar.
ReplyDeleteI found the article fascinating and it made a song that was already beautiful that little more poignant.
I didn't know that, I had always assumed it was about love. I do remember reading that James was quite troubled at one time, maybe that was a nice way of saying he had a mental illness. It certainly does add another quality to the songs. xxx
DeleteI didn't know either Kakka - I presumed it was about love and possibly some drug use! The words really made sense when I knew it was about mental illness.
DeleteSounds like you are in the very best place for you at the moment. Those old songs really speak to your heart don't they?
ReplyDeleteHi D, yes being at home is helping. By the end of yesterday I was feeling a lot lighter in my spirit. I get to work from home again today, so it hopefully will just continue on the upward path. xxx
DeleteI LOVE that picture. I've been listening to a lot of old 70's tunes lately too (found an XM station that plays only that). Hoping the fresh air and solitude brings some balance back into your life. x
ReplyDeleteHi K, I think I was hunching forward, being cross and saying don't take my photo to my Mum - but it is a good reflection of me in the early 70's. I am certainly going back and listening to a lot of that era at the moment, but there is also some pop stuff from now that is talking to me as well, must say there is no Justin Beiber and One Direction though - lol. Thanks for popping by xxx
DeleteActually I think it was a wintry day and you were feeling the cold and that is why you are hunched up. You are smiling so quite happy about having the picture taken and I am so glad I did take it as it is so cute.
DeleteI was partial to my cheescloth long dresses and shirts myself. Usually with bare feet. Those songs are familiar as well.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you are able to open your home to the cleansing fresh air and enjoy new growth in the garden.
Hugs
Normally bare feet for me as well, but I have these cute raffia plated with flower thingys that looped around your toe and tied at the back so it look like you had shoes on - bring back the 70s - life was so carefree then. xxx
DeleteDo you know I think this is one of your best ever posts. I, being 23 years older than you, don't know much about the recording artists you mention but I do know the song Up on the Roof and have always found the words are great. Thanks for ringing me yesterday to ask how I got on with the cardiologist. It is great when someone cares enough even when they have so many problems of their own. Love you. xxxx
ReplyDeleteP.S. I feel when you and your brother were listening to that music I was thankful you had earbuds (but they weren't called than then were they?) Those little thingies that used to plug into your transistor radios.
Back when it was just one earplug as nothing was in stereo - lol. Now earbuds are similar but there are 2, one for each ear and I use them with my iPod. I remember going to sleep with the transistor playing and the earplug in my ear on many a night back in my teens.
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