About the song
James Taylor and J.D. Souther’s “Her Town Too”: A Ballad of Shared Memories and Enduring Love
In the realm of singer-songwriters, few names resonate with the same heartfelt authenticity as James Taylor. His music, characterized by its introspective lyrics and delicate melodies, has captivated audiences for decades, earning him a place among the most celebrated artists of all time. One of Taylor’s most poignant and enduring duets is “Her Town Too,” a collaboration with fellow singer-songwriter J.D. Souther, released in 1981.
A Tapestry of Memories
“Her Town Too” unfolds as a poignant ballad, weaving a tapestry of shared memories and lingering emotions in the aftermath of a love that has run its course. The song’s opening lines, sung in Taylor’s signature tenor, paint a vivid picture of a couple reminiscing about their time together:
“I saw her on the street today,
Walking down the avenue,
And it took my breath away,
I didn’t know what to do.”
As the song progresses, the narrative shifts to Souther’s perspective, revealing the complexities of their relationship and the lingering pain of their separation. The lyrics capture the bittersweet nostalgia of a love that still holds a place in their hearts, despite the inevitable passage of time:
“Her town too, it used to be our town, It used to be my town too. You’ll never know till it all falls down, But somebody loves you, somebody loves you.”
A Symphony of Two Voices
The beauty of “Her Town Too” lies not only in its poignant lyrics but also in the harmonious blend of Taylor and Souther’s voices. Their distinct vocal styles intertwine seamlessly, creating a tapestry of emotions that resonates deeply with listeners. Taylor’s gentle tenor provides a sense of tenderness and vulnerability, while Souther’s grainy voice adds a layer of world-weariness and regret.
The song’s instrumentation, characterized by its delicate acoustic guitar and subtle percussion, perfectly complements the understated vocals. The arrangement creates a sense of intimacy and introspection, allowing the lyrics to take center stage and evoke a profound emotional response.
A Timeless Classic
“Her Town Too” stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to capture the complexities of human emotion. With its heartfelt lyrics, harmonious vocals, and understated instrumentation, the song has become a timeless classic, resonating with listeners across generations. It is a song that lingers long after the final note has faded, reminding us of the indelible mark that love, even in its bittersweet form, leaves on our lives.
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Lyrics
“Her Town Too”
She’s been afraid to go out. She’s afraid of the knock on her door.
There’s always a shade of a doubt. She can never be sure.
Who comes to call? Maybe the friend of a friend of a friend, anyone at all.
Anything but nothing again.It used to be her town, it used to be her town, too.
It used to be her town, it used to be her town, too.Seems like even her old girlfriends might be talking her down.
She’s got her name on the grapevine running up and down the telephone line.
Talking about someone said, someone said something about,
something else someone might have said about her.
She always figured that they were her friends but maybe they can live without her.It used to be her town, it used to be her town, too.
It used to be her town, it used to be her town, too.Well, people got used to seeing them both together.
But now he’s gone and life goes on, nothing lasts forever, oh no.
She gets the house and the garden, he gets the boys in the band.
Some of them his friends, some of them her friends, some of them understand.
Lord knows that this is just a small town city, yes, and everyone can see you fall.
It’s got nothing to do with pity, I just wanted to give you a call.It used to be your town, it used to be my town, too.
You never know till it all falls down, somebody loves you, somebody loves you.
Darling, somebody still loves you.
I can still remember her when it used to be her town, too.
It used to be your town, it used to be my town, too…