Sweet Baby James Lyrics – James Taylor
Sweet Baby James Song Lyrics
[Verse 1: James Taylor]
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 he sleeps in the canyons
Waiting for summer, his pastures to change
[Verse 2: James Taylor]
And as the moon rises, he sits by his fire
Thinking about women and glasses of beer
And closing his eyes as the dogies retire
He sings out a song which is soft but it's clear
As if maybe someone could hear
[Chorus: James Taylor]
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
[Verse 3: James Taylor]
Now the first of December was covered with snow
So was the turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston
Now the Berkshires seemed dreamlike
On account of that frosting
With ten miles behind me and ten thousand more to go, whoa
[Verse 4: James Taylor]
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
[Chorus: James Taylor]
So goodnight all 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
Sweet Baby James Lyrics Explained
The lyrics of "Sweet Baby James" by James Taylor paint a vivid picture of a young cowboy living a simple life on the range, cherishing the companionship of his horse and cattle. The song reflects on the cowboy's experiences, thoughts, and dreams as he works and sleeps in the canyons, waiting for the changing seasons. The recurring theme of singing lullabies to "Sweet Baby James" suggests a comforting and soothing tone throughout the song.
[Verse 1]
In the first verse, James Taylor introduces us to the young cowboy, emphasizing his solitary life on the range with only his horse and cattle as companions. The cowboy diligently works in the saddle and finds solace in the vast canyons. The mention of waiting for summer and pastures to change suggests a cyclical, perhaps hopeful, anticipation for better times.
[Verse 2]
As the moon rises in the second verse, the cowboy sits by his fire, contemplating life. Thoughts about women and simple pleasures like glasses of beer fill his mind. The imagery of closing his eyes as the dogies (young cattle) retire adds a touch of tranquility. The cowboy expresses his emotions through a soft and clear song, creating a connection, as if hoping someone might hear his heartfelt musings.
[Chorus]
The chorus introduces the recurring refrain, bidding goodnight to "moonlight ladies" and singing a lullaby to "Sweet Baby James." The deep greens and blues symbolize the calming colors that the singer chooses to embrace. The plea to "let me go down in my dreams" suggests a desire for a peaceful and restful sleep, emphasizing the nurturing theme of the lullaby.
[Verse 3]
The third verse shifts to a winter scene in December, covering the landscape with snow. The journey from Stockbridge to Boston is described, and the Berkshires seem dreamlike due to the frosting of snow. The mention of miles traveled and many more to go suggests a sense of enduring a long journey, both physically and metaphorically.
[Verse 4]
The fourth verse introduces a song sung by those on the highway or at sea, a song about their home in the sky. While some may find solace in these beliefs, the singer expresses his preference for the simplicity of singing. The acknowledgment that singing works just fine for him suggests a personal and meaningful connection to the act of making music.
[Chorus]
The final chorus reaffirms the goodnight wishes to the moonlight ladies and the lullaby for "Sweet Baby James." The singer, surrounded by deep greens and blues, once again requests permission to enter the realm of dreams. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the soothing and comforting nature of the song, leaving the listener with a sense of warmth and serenity.
This is the end of "Sweet Baby James Song Lyrics" by James Taylor. If you discover any mistake in the song text, please send the correct lyrics by using the Contact Us form.
Official Music Video
Cast & Crew
- Album
- James Taylor (Singles)
- Artist / Band
- Producer(s)
- Peter Asher
- Writter(s)
- James Taylor
- Released On
- February 1, 1970
James Taylor (Singles) Songs
- 1.Carolina in My Mind
- 2.Fire and Rain
- 3.Handy Man
- 4.How Sweet It Is ft. Carly Simon
- 5.Mexico
- 6.Sweet Baby James
- 7.Your Smiling Face
- 8.You’ve Got a Friend
James Taylor Albums
FAQs & Knowledge
Who is the singer of "Sweet Baby James" song?
"Sweet Baby James" song is sung by James Taylor.
Who is the lyrics writer of "Sweet Baby James" song?
"Sweet Baby James" song lyrics written by James Taylor.
Who is the music producer of "Sweet Baby James" song?
"Sweet Baby James" song music composed & produced by Peter Asher.
When was "Sweet Baby James" song released?
"Sweet Baby James" song was released on February 1, 1970.