Clear Channel Memo Songs: Fire and Rain

Tweet

My body is adjusting to the “regular” meals that I’ve missed for two weeks. I’ll give you some more recap later today, because I haven’t covered everything yet. But first, music! Here’s another song that was on the Clear Channel Memorandum list of songs to consider NOT playing in the aftermath of 9/11. I sort of understand this one, too. Fire and Rain - James Taylor This is one of the most depressing songs that’s ever been a hit. And why not? Taylor wrote it at the downest of down points in his life. It was a three-fold attack of depression: he was dealing with drug addiction, he was upset over the demise of his band the Flying Machine (if you’ve ever heard that album you can understand why they didn’t last…no offense, James, but….), and Taylor receiving news of a childhood friend’s suicide six months after the fact. So Taylor ended up in treatment for his drug abuse and his depression. While there, he wrote this song. Between the title, the general tone of pain, and lines like “they let me know you were gone” and “I always thought that I’d see you again,” Clear Channel thought this wouldn’t be too cheerful after 9/11. It’s funny, isn’t it…they didn’t want “depressing” songs like this on the radio, and at the same time they didn’t want happy songs like “Dancing in the Street.” What’s a music lover to do. Fire and Rain Written by James Taylor Recorded by James Taylor From Sweet Baby James, 1970 I’ve seen sunny days: