Something In The Way She Moves by James Taylor

Album: James Taylor (1968)

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Taylor told Rolling Stone that this song is about "an early girlfriend and the calm you feel in the presence of someone who knows you really well." This rules out Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon, each of whom he later dated (he was married to Simon from 1972-1983).
This is the song that inspired George Harrison to write the Beatles' 1969 hit "Something," which used "Something in the way she moves" as the first line.

Taylor signed with The Beatles' label, Apple Records, after his demo tape got the attention of Peter Asher, a longtime associate of the band (and brother of Paul McCartney's girlfriend, Jane Asher) who had recently taken a job at the label. Asher arranged for Taylor to audition for McCartney and George Harrison, where he played this song. They decided to sign Taylor to Apple and have Asher produce his first album.

Asher recorded Taylor at Trident Studios in London, where The Beatles were working on The White Album (Taylor worked there when The Beatles weren't using it). Taylor's self-titled debut album didn't sell nearly as well as expected, and he was booted from the label soon after - not because of disappointing sales but because the label fell into turmoil and began purging acts in 1969. Taylor signed with Warner Bros. and released his second album, Sweet Baby James, in 1970. That album did much better, and launched Taylor to stardom.
Taylor was thrilled when he heard that George Harrison borrowed his title for The Beatles song "Something." It's only fitting: in Taylor's song, he includes a lyric that was a 1964 Beatles song: "I Feel Fine."

And I feel fine anytime she's around me now
Taylor wrote and recorded this song in 1968 while staying in an apartment in London. The album was recorded with an ensemble of members from the London Philharmonic Orchestra, although on this track, producer Peter Asher kept it simple, with just Taylor's voice and acoustic guitar. >>
Suggestion credit:
Annabelle - Eugene, OR

Comments: 7

Stukka63 from St.augustineShe = heroin.
Monica from York, MeI heard this song , played by a local musician, at a party today. It brought back wonderful memories as one of my favorite songs. I first heard and loved it on my Tom Rush album in the late 60s. A year or two later, I heard it on my J. T. album .I prefer the Tom Rush version over the songwriter's version though I absolutely love J.T.
Graham from Edmonton, AbDid anyone ever consider that maybe you're just a little too on the nose. I get the sense that "She" is his guitar and how he feels when he plays. I'm just saying.
Douglas from Portland, OrI thought the song was about his nurse when Taylor was being treated at McLean Hospital for his depression. The lyrics certainly suggest the woman was acting in a healing capacity.
Annabelle from Eugene, OrTo Charles in Charlotte, NC, perhaps you didn't read the part where I stated, "This song is rumored to have been written about one of Taylor's girlfriends. Some say it was rumored to be written for Carly Simon". The key is, it was a rumor being spread around. That means, the truth nobody knows for sure!
Charles from Charlotte, NcThere is no way the song was inspired by Carly Simon as the pair had not even met in 1968 when the demo was first recorded. JT had many girlfriends before Carly so that is likely the inspiration.
Dave from Scottsdale, AzThis was first recorded by Tom Rush on "The Circle Game" album in 1968 (way before the Beatles released Abbey Road). That same album from 1968 featured the songs "The Circle Game" and "Urge For Going" by Joni Mitchell and "Shadow Dream Song" by Jackson Browne- the first time anyone recorded their music.

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