About the song
James Taylor and “Shower the People”
“Shower the People” is the opening track on James Taylor’s 1976 album In the Pocket. It was released as the album’s second single, following “Mexico”. The song reached number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number 14 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
The song is a plea for peace and love. Taylor sings about the need to come together and show compassion for one another. He urges listeners to “shower the people” with love and understanding. “Shower the People” is a hopeful and uplifting song that has become a classic of Taylor’s repertoire.
The song’s message is as relevant today as it was when it was first released. In a world that is often divided by conflict and hatred, “Shower the People” is a reminder of the importance of love and compassion. Taylor’s lyrics are simple but powerful, and his gentle delivery is both soothing and inspiring. The song is a beautiful reminder that we are all connected and that we have the power to make the world a better place.
Background and Inspiration
James Taylor wrote “Shower the People” in 1975. He was inspired to write the song after attending a benefit concert for the American Indian Movement. Taylor was moved by the sense of community and compassion that he witnessed at the concert. He wanted to write a song that would capture that feeling and inspire others to come together and make a difference in the world.
Themes and Meaning
“Shower the People” is a song about love, compassion, and hope. Taylor sings about the need to come together and show compassion for one another. He urges listeners to “shower the people” with love and understanding. The song is a hopeful and uplifting message that is as relevant today as it was when it was first released.
Critical Reception
“Shower the People” was a critical and commercial success. The song reached number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number 14 on the Adult Contemporary chart. It has been praised by critics for its beautiful melody, Taylor’s gentle delivery, and its message of love and hope.
Legacy
“Shower the People” has become a classic of James Taylor’s repertoire. It is a beloved song that has been covered by many artists, including Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, and Bette Midler. The song’s message of love, compassion, and hope is as relevant today as it was when it was first released. “Shower the People” is a beautiful reminder that we are all connected and that we have the power to make the world a better place.
Other Information
- “Shower the People” was featured in the 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption.
- The song was also used in a 2004 commercial for the Apple iPod.
- In 2007, Taylor performed “Shower the People” at the Live Earth concert in London.
Video
Lyrics
“Shower The People”
You can play the game and you can act out the part,even though you know it wasn’t written for you.Tell me, how can you stand there with your broken heart ashamed of playing the fool?One thing can lead to another; it doesn’t take any sacrifice.Oh, father and mother, 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 work out fine if you only will do as I say, justshower the people you love with love, show them the way you feel.Things are gonna be much better if you only will.You can run but you cannot hide, this is widely known.
Tell me, 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 always getting the grease.
Better to shower the people you love with love, show them the way that you feel.
Things are gonna be just fine if you only will what I’d like to do to you.
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.
You’ll feel better right away.
Don’t take much to do, sell you pride.
They say in every life, they say the rain must fall, just like pouring rain, make it rain.
Make it rain, love, love, love is sunshine, oh yes,
Make it rain, love, love, love is sunshine. Everybody, everybody.