About the song
James Taylor – Carolina In My Mind (BBC In Concert, 11/16/1970)
There’s a particular magic to live performances captured for posterity. They offer a glimpse into a specific moment in time, freezing the artist and the audience in a shared experience. And when that artist is James Taylor, performing in his early prime, that magic becomes something truly special.
This recording of “Carolina In My Mind” transports us back to a 1970 BBC concert. Picture it: a young James Taylor, acoustic guitar in hand, his voice clear as a bell, captivating the audience with his heartfelt lyrics and gentle melodies. This wasn’t just any song in his repertoire; “Carolina In My Mind” was a breakthrough hit from his self-titled debut album, released just two years prior. It’s a song infused with longing, a wistful yearning for a place that represents home, comfort, and escape.
In this intimate setting, Taylor’s performance is stripped down to its essence. There are no elaborate studio productions, no backing vocals, just the raw talent of a singer-songwriter pouring his soul into every note. His fingerpicking style is intricate yet understated, providing the perfect foundation for his evocative vocals. Listen closely, and you’ll hear the subtle nuances in his voice, the slight vibrato that adds a touch of melancholy to the lyrics.
What truly elevates this performance is its authenticity. You can sense Taylor’s connection to the song, the way he inhabits the lyrics and delivers them with genuine emotion. It’s as if he’s inviting the audience to share in his yearning for Carolina, to feel the sunshine and the moonshine, to experience the bittersweet nostalgia that permeates the song.
This 1970 BBC recording of “Carolina In My Mind” is a testament to James Taylor’s enduring artistry. It’s a reminder of his ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level, to transport them to another place and time through the power of his music. So settle in, close your eyes, and let the soothing sounds of James Taylor wash over you.
Video
Lyrics
In my mind I’m going to Carolina. Can’t you see the sunshine, can’t you just feel the moonshine?
Ain’t it just like a friend of mine to hit me from behind? Yes, I’m going to Carolina in my mind.Karen she’s the silver sun, you best walk her way and watch it shine,
watch her watch the morning come.
A silver tear appearing now I’m crying, ain’t I? I’m going to Carolina in my mind.There ain’t no doubt in no ones mind that loves the finest thing around,
whisper something soft and kind.
And hey, babe, the sky’s on fire, I’m dying, ain’t I? I’m going to Carolina in my mind.In my mind I’m going to Carolina. Can’t you see the sunshine, can’t you just feel the moonshine?
Ain’t it just like a friend of mine to hit me from behind? Yes, I’m going to Carolina in my mind.Dark and silent late last night, I think I might have heard the highway calling.
Geese in flight and dogs that bite.
And signs that might be omens say I’m going, going I’m gone to Carolina in my mind.Now with a holy host of others standing round me, still I’m on the dark side of the moon.
And it seems like it goes on like this forever, you must forgive me
if I’m up and gone to Carolina in my mind.In my mind I’m going to Carolina. Can’t you see the sunshine, can’t you just feel the moonshine?
Ain’t it just like a friend of mine to hit me from behind? Yes, I’m gone to Carolina in my mind.
Gotta make it back home again soon, gotta make it back on home again soon,
gotta make it back to Carolina soon, can’t hang around, no babe, gotta make it back home again,
gotta make it back to Carolina soon…
