James Taylor - Shower The People (One Man Band, July 2007)
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Published 2022-01-07
“It’s a strange reality of the modern popular song that the first time it’s played is when it’s recorded. Sometimes a song will be finished for deadline in the studio the day the thing is cast in stone forever. I know that songs and arrangements evolve and develop over time; that somewhere around the twentieth time it’s played for a live audience, a song finally completes itself. That, among other things, is what makes a good live recording unique. I’ve often thought that live performance means being well prepared and then waiting for the inevitable, unexpected thing to happen. We come onstage, well rehearsed and in good shape, and repeat what we have done before as best we can. But the real goal is to be in the present moment and on the surface of ourselves; open and trusting. Nobody wants to be perfect: that’s frozen, dead…It’s “be here now”, I guess…
Of course, @larrygoldings does more than just accompany me. His growing presence in the world of jazz is well acknowledged, both for his own recordings and live performances and as a member of a good number of team efforts. I tend to form musical (and personal) relationships with other players and then stick with them for years. @Arnold McCuller and David Lasley have worked with me since the mid-‘70s and others nearly as long (Jimmy Johnson, Steve Gadd, Mike Landau, Kate Markowitz, Valerie Carter…)
After my great friend, producer and pianist Don Grolnick died in ’96, I performed with a number of excellent keyboard players. It was during the recording of my October Road album in ’02 that I worked with Larry. Russ Titelman had booked him to play on “Mean Old Man” along with Steve Gadd on drums, Jimmy Johnson on bass, Clifford Carter on synth, and the fine seven-string jazz guitarist, @John Pizzarelli . This was an incredible band, and after hearing Larry Goldings’ solo on that song, first time through, he pinned it. That was our introduction and he’s been my first call ever since.
Then there’s the bus factor. You see, someone’s playing may be great, but what’s it going to be like spending 10 hours a day riding to the next gig with them for a couple of months? Larry’s Bus Factor is not a factor for he is a bus riding fool, for a fact.
Part of his talent is his ability to “split his hands.” Though not as painful as it sounds, it does require great focus and skill to play a melody/accompaniment with his right hand and, with his left hand, (often on another keyboard) play a distinct bass pattern. This Larry can do with effortless grace, and he has made this One Man Band show possible. He is a committed father, brother, and son, and I am in his debt. Larry Goldings is my One Man Band.” – James Taylor
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LYRICS
Shower The People by James Taylor
You can play the game
You can act out the part
Though you know it wasn’t written for you
Tell me how do you stand there
With your broken heart
All ashamed of playing the fool
But one thing can lead to another
It doesn’t take any sacrifice
Oh, father and mother and 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 turn out fine
If we only will
If we only will
Just shower the people
Show them the way that you feel
Things are gonna be much better
If you only will
You can run but you cannot hide
This is widely known
Yes, and 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
Rascal’s always getting the grease
Better to shower the people you love with love
Show them the way that you feel
Things are gonna turn out right
If we only will
If we only will
Oh, just 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
Show them the way that you feel
They say in every life
They say that the rain must fall
Just like pouring down rain, pouring down rain, make it rain
Make it rain
Make it rain
Make it rain
Love, love, love is sunshine
Shower the people you love with love
Show them the way that you feel
Things are gonna be much better
If you only will "
#JamesTaylor #JT #ShowerThePeople #OneManBand
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All Comments (21)
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Wish I could give this hundreds of “thumbs up”! This is a message we need to hear every week (in church), and everyday personally. Showing love to others is the only way out of our country’s polarization and conflicts. Love means respect and tolerance for the rights, decisions and boundaries of people, as well as sharing excesses with those of lesser means. But, love starts at home, in the home, and must be learned by example! Thanks for the reminder, James!
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I'm an old guy who recently learned how to use a smart phone, mostly to assemble a good song list for my funeral when the time comes. This was one of the first I picked... I hope that doesn't sound morbid... You know, just that it's so beautiful. Right up there with Into the Mystic & Kermit the Frog 😀❤️✌️🎵
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This song always makes me cry. Years since it was written and still it is valid. Love, easy to sing, but difficult to live by. Unfortunately we see through kind eyes, see color, religion, politics, financial status and education to select who we love. If we all could listen to JT and ingrain his soulful music into our hearts and lives.
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Tears of joy fall from these old eyes after hearing this version of one of THE VERY BEST SONGS EVER WRITTEN. Thank you, baby James.
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This more than a song, it's a prayer, delivered beautifully. A message that's more timely than ever . . . .
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James has had his difficult times we know for sure .... instead of becoming bitter and resentful he reminds us of a better way through pain ....more than just a song .thanks James!!
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This song will be played at my funeral one day.❤️
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Like a fine wine, he just gets better with age. Great rendition of a beautiful song.
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How can there be one dry eye in that theatre after that song, wow.
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Le canzoni di James Taylor sono tutte meravigliose e scegliendone una su tutte si rischia di fare peccato...Ma se proprio fossi costretto, sceglierei Shower The People!😊
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Tears streaming down my face. I love James Taylor and this is truly one of his best songs. 😘❤️ Love you James, always will. I know someone else who does also. 🎶
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Beautiful then, beautiful now. ❤
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Just what I needed to lift me up today. Blessings and love to you, James Taylor and friends everywhere. 🕯
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Anthem for our world and generations to come. Thank you James! God Bless You!
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Love this man over 40 years✨♥️🧡💛
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Shower the people you love with love! Love everyone! Thanks James. I'm glad you're here!
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I always have to listen to this song twice, first time to cry, second time to sing along. I love JT
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I'm so glad my parents introduced me to JT. I'm 27 and I'm glad I was shown all types of wonderful music by them. R.I.P. mom and dad. I love you guys. 🙂
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Love and peace for the whole world.❤
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quote, William Shakespeare "love all, trust a few, do harm to none" imho this is a musical version to remind us to. I.always loved this song. Thank you, James. You were in very fine voice here.
