Sweet Baby James
Sweet Baby James

James Taylor - Sweet Baby James Lyrics

Singer/Songwriter
Nov 1, 1976
48
Sweet Baby James Music Video

Sweet Baby James Lyrics

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 sleeps in the canyons
Waiting for summer, his pastures to change
And as the moon rises he sits by his fire
Thinking about women and glasses of beer
And closing his eyes as the doggies retire
He sings out a song which is soft but it's clear
As if maybe someone could hear

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

Now the first of December was covered with snow
So was the turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston
The Berkshires seemed dream-like on account of that frosting
With ten miles behind me and ten thousand more to go

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

So 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

Writer(s): James Taylor
Copyright(s): Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who is 'Sweet Baby James' named after?

    'Sweet Baby James' is named after James Taylor's nephew, James Richmond Taylor. The song was written for him when he was a newborn.

  2. What inspired James Taylor to write 'Sweet Baby James'?

    James Taylor wrote 'Sweet Baby James' while driving through Carolina to meet his infant nephew for the first time. He wanted to create a cross between a cowboy song and a lullaby.

  3. Did 'Sweet Baby James' achieve commercial success upon its release?

    'Sweet Baby James' did not chart as a single, but it has become one of James Taylor's best-known and most enduring songs. It remains popular in his live performances.

  4. What musical style is 'Sweet Baby James' composed in?

    'Sweet Baby James' is composed as a waltz in 3/4 time. This gives the song its smooth and calming lullaby feel.

  5. How does the song reference geographical locations?

    'Sweet Baby James' mentions several places in Massachusetts, including the turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston and The Berkshires. These references often elicit strong reactions from audiences familiar with these locations.

  6. Has 'Sweet Baby James' been covered by other artists?

    'Sweet Baby James' has been covered by various artists, including Tom Rush, The Seldom Scene, and Highway 101. Each artist brings their unique interpretation to this classic song.

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