Copperline - James Taylor

Performed by Taylor in HD with stunning sound quality.

Copperline was released on the 1991 album "New Moon Shine". During the late 1980s, he had began touring regularly, especially on the summer amphitheater circuit. His later concerts featured songs from throughout his career.

Taylor had thoughts of retiring by the time he played the massive Rock in Rio festival in Rio de Janeiro in January 1985. He was encouraged by the nascent democracy in Brazil at the time, buoyed by the positive reception he got from the large crowd and other musicians, and musically energized by the sounds and nature of Brazilian music. Lyrics follow:

Even the old folks never knew
Why they call it like they do
I was wondering since the age of two
Down on copperline
Copper head, copper beech
Copper kettles sitting side by each
Copper coil, cup o'georgia peach
Down on copperline
Half a mile down to morgan creek
Leaning heavy on the end of the week
Hercules and a hog-nosed snake
Down on copperline
We were down on copperline.

One summer night on the copperline
Slip away past supper time
Wood smoke and moonshine
Down on copperline
One time I saw my daddy dance
Watched him moving like a man in a trance
He brought it back from the war in france
Down onto copperline
Branch water and tomato wine
Creosote and turpentine
Sour mash and new moon shine
Down on copperline
Down on copperline.

First kiss ever I took
Like a page from a romance book
The sky opened and the earth shook
Down on copperline
Down on copperline
Took a fall from a windy height
I only knew how to hold on tight
And pray for love enough to last all night
Down on copperline
Day breaks and the boys wakes up
And the dog barks and the birds sings
And the sap rises and the angels sigh, yeah.

I tried to go back, as if I could
All spec house and plywood
Tore up and tore up good
Down on copperline
It doesn't come as a surprise to me
It doesn't touch my memory
Man I'm lifting up and rising free
Down on over copperline
Half a mile down to morgan creek
I'm only living for the end of the week
Hercules and a hog-nosed snake
Down on copperline, yeah
Take me down on copperline
Oh, down on copperline
Take me down on copperline.

[jbutcher]

James Taylor should be recognized as a medication.

[rudetunes]

James's voice is so soothing...I grew up listening to him..He sounds like home.

[laxnative]

Listening to James Taylor sing is like getting up at dawn on a Sunday morning in spring in rolling hills of green. You just stand there, quiet, and admire the wonder of all.

[MSTKfan]

Such a national treasure. No auto tune, no gimmicks, just sheer talent that just gets better and better.

[stevecrawford]

I can see JT's daddy dancing after a couple cups of tomato wine, letting go of the memories of his service time in Europe. If I taught music, I would use this song as how to paint pictices with words and music - it grabs your mind and puts you smack dab in the middle of another time. another place - what a music stud.  SC

[RedRooster]

If this guy sang this acapella and never played a note, I would sit there listening. If he played guitar and never sang a lyric, I would sit there listening like a little kid at story time. James Taylor is just such an artist, and I think he really, honestly, gets better with time-

[wouldjablowmeplz]

Im 14 and this is my favorite song! Kids in my grade listen to lady gaga and justin bieber but I like James Taylor. I really like the guitar. I think Im really unique because Im not like most kids now. A lot of old men think Im cool because I like this song. Like this comment so other kids will see! :) :) :)

[MrBoston]

Some people simply stand, applaud and appreciate stand, applaud and have tears in my eyes. James Taylor is a gift from God.

[eyeDoc]

In the last week, I heard Copperline on SiriusXM two times. Each time I wanted it again. This is why I am here today listening to this song on YouTube by a national treasure, James Taylor.

[cathybuchanan]

Just James and his guitar... no lip-synching, no dancers, no flash....just damned good music.

[waxdude]

I remember dancing, holding my infant son to this song in 1996. That memory will be with me forever.

[krisone]

James Taylor's Catalog has been a part of my life. I was born in 1973. He, and Carly Simon, and Carol King 1970 Hits. They are Legends.

[nancyjb]

Doesn't get better than James Taylor, his guitar and his heart-touching songs; will always be one of my favorite artists

[GhostTownOutdoors]

Growing up in rural Appalachia, and since growing up and having a family of my own, this song has sustained me throughout the years. It IS my memory of home, it literally puts me back in the mountains, and thats way more than just a song to me. James has the rarest gift of all in a musician, he sends you back to your best memories.

[cutchmaster]

"One time I saw my daddy dance, watched him moving like a man in a trance.
He bought it back from the war in France, down onto Copperline." Teared up. Man.

[jeffreychatterton]

I was born in 86. I found James taylor while listening to my father's albums at the age of 7. For 22 years this man's music has been a part of my life. Thank the Lord for the rare talents he gifts mankind with.

[paulskavland]

I'm man enough to admit James Taylor makes me cry.

[TheDoors]

When it’s my time to go be with Jesus, I would love to hear James Taylor on my way up to heaven. 😊

[joeybenoit]

Yeah! The world loves you James Taylor! Your music will go beyond galaxies! Into other civilizations on other planets! Down on copperline!

[keithsage]

We liked him in the 70's and we still do today..