This song takes me back to the early 2000’s when I was living in Mornington, South – East of Melbourne. I lived in a gorgeous cottage cabin surrounded by paddocks where horses grazed. Hearing Never Die Young was the most in keeping with the ambience, and my cabin overflowed with these sounds during my time there. Never Die Young is the title track from James Taylor’s 12th studio album released in 1988, the title track, which peaked at No. 80 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the only charting single from the album.
We were ring-around-the-rosy children
They were circles around the sun
Never give up
Never slow down
Never grow old, never ever die young
Synchronized with the rising moon
Even with the evening star
They were true love written in stone
They were never alone
They were never that far apart
And we who couldn’t bear
To believe they might make it
We got to close our eyes
Cut up our losses into doable doses
Ration our tears and sighs
Cash Box said of the title track that the “lyrics are, as always, a dazzling string of pearls that mesmerize your heart while the musical feel covers you like a warm breeze.” I couldn’t agree more with this description. I haven’t heard Never Die Young on the airwaves or in any commercial setting, and for that reason I feel it resonates with me more. It’s like a best – kept secret and feels timeless. I never tire of listening to it. I am by no means a connoisseur of James Taylor’s music, but this is my favourite song I’ve heard. Obviously, Fire and Rain gives it stiff competition.
References:
1. Never Die Young – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
Can never go wrong with a song by the great James Taylor.
Yeh, I adore this one.
Lovely song; lovely video Matt. In fact I found it quite spell-binding.
I’m normally reticent of sending a music video over the audio version unless it suits the ambience. Taylor’s demeanor is spot – on. I’m delighted you liked it so much Bruce.
Good song Matt…he has one of those distinct voices that you know who is singing without being told.
Literally some 15 minutes ago, I thought I should write to Max about the soccer final Inter Milan – Nasville. Watching it now.
This song is almost hypnotic. It has been a blanket of comfort in dark times. Thanks for your comment.
My co-worker told me about that! It’s a cool song by a great artist.