James Taylor

Not to be confused with JTT (Johnathon Taylor Thomas)

At the age of 17 James Taylor committed himself to the McLean Mental Institution in Massachusetts to undergo treatment for his severe depression. During his nine-month stay he was treated with electroconvulsive therapy. For Taylor the electrocutions became “fire” while the cold showers which followed were “rain.” His stay in the mental institution laid down the frame work for the lyrics to “Fire and Rain” which recaps three major aspects to James’s life.

The first part is about Taylor's friend Suzanne Schnerr who he meet while institutionalized. Suzanna took her own life while Taylor was in London working on his first album after being signed to Apple Records. His friends at home kept the tragic news from him, concerned that it might distract Taylor from his big break. He found out upon his return. The lyric “I thought I’d see you one more time again” reflects his surprise and sadness.

The second part details Taylor's struggle to overcome his heroin addiction and depression.

The third part deals with coming to grips with fame and fortune, looking back at the road that got him there. It includes a reference to James Taylor and The Flying Machine, a band he briefly worked with before his big break with Paul McCartney, Peter Asher, and Apple Records.