James Taylor - Line 'Em Up (Later With Jools Holland, 5/17/1997)

"Later... with Jools Holland" is a contemporary British music television show hosted by bandleader, pianist, singer, @JoolsHolland. A spin-off of the @BBC's "The Late Show," it has been running since 1992 as part of BBC Two’s late night TV line-up. James has performed on "Later…with Jools Holland" many times since 1992.

On May 17, 1997 the Later show included guest appearances by artists such as @stevewinwoodvideos, @CountingCrowsOfficial and @rycooder482 with the Buena Vista Social Club. James’s segment included this interview with Jools at the piano. The TV appearance was part of the 1997 album, "Hourglass," promotional tour; the 1997 album was released just 3 days after this TV show aired.

In this segment from the show, James performs his song "Line 'Em Up" which was released for the first time on "Hourglass" just a few days after this performance.

LYRICS - Line ‘Em Up

Oh, I remember Richard Nixon back in ’74
And the final scene at the White House door
And the staff lined up just to say good-bye
Tiny tear in his shifty little eye

He said nobody knows me
Nobody understands
Little people were good to me
Oh, I’m gonna shake some hands

Somebody line ’em up, line ’em all up
Oh, line ’em up, line ’em all up
Help me line ’em up, line ’em all up
Yeah, line ’em up, line ’em all up

Oh, at that time my heart was all broke
I looked like ashes and smelled like smoke
And I turned away from my loving kind
Tried to leave my body and live in my mind

But it’s much too much emotion
To hold in your hand
They got waves out on the ocean
They’re gonna wear away the land

I say line ’em up, line ’em all up
Oh, line ’em up, line ’em all up
Can’t you line ’em up, line ’em all up
Yeah, line ’em up, line ’em all up

I’ve seen corn in Kansas
And I’ve seen picket fences
And perfect cowboy dances
I’ve been lining up for shows
I’ve been safely placed in rows
Sure, I know how this goes

Yet another day goes by
Little time machine
I’m breaking my brain over what it might mean
Just to claim the time and to turn away
Just to make today today

Who waits for you
Lonely, tired, old toad
It’s your life laid out before you
Like the broken white line
Down the center of the road

Line ’em up, line ’em all up
Oh, line ’em up, line ’em all up
Help me line ’em up, line ’em all up
So, line ’em up, line ’em all up

Ah, big Moon landing
People all standing up
Smiles for the loved one
We go walking on down the aisle ♪

Each reengages
Stepping into the sun
I watch them turn like pages
One by one by one

Oh, line ’em up, line ’em all up
Line ’em up, line ’em all up
Can’t you line ’em up, line ’em all up
Yeah, line ’em up, line ’em all up
Come on, line ’em, help me line ’em all up
We’ve got to line ’em up, just to line ’em up
It works when you line ’em up, line ’em all up
Oh, line ’em up, line ’em all up

#JamesTaylor #JT # LaterWithJoolsHolland

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[MJWaller]

Can’t get over how good this sounds..👌🏻👏🏻 A voice that will last forever..😎💛

[mutsukomoore]

Hi! I am a big fan of you since I was a teenager in a small town in Japan.40 years ago when I was 21, I met the Unification Church and so moved by the teaching of the Divine Principal.1989 I joined the line with my American husband and other couples of more than 1200.January 12 was our Blessing anniversary.Today I was checking your instagram and I found this video. Thank you very very much.

[mike]

When Hourglass was released I remember listening to it all the way thru for the first time. After I heard all the songs, I came back to Line Em Up and Enough To Be On Your Way and played them over and over, thinking how they stood out to me as the masterpieces of the album. I'll never forget that moment. Awesome songs, James, I don't know how you come up with these melodies and lyrical stories. I hope you will tour again after this pandemic is over. It sure would be great to celebrate life at a James Taylor concert again after all we've been thru recently!

[NotMarkKnopfler]

This performance was my introduction to James Taylor. Went out the next day and bought the album. He's been with me ever since.

[morethanwords]

How sensitively and beautifully JT sings as he tells a story of past public and personal events. Mesmerising.

[Ceeby]

Great song! Thank you Sweet baby James!! 🎶🎶 Loved your music since a teenager, I'm 67 now!!

[uneedtherapy]

Hourglass is a masterpiece. HIs best work ever.

[hughhunter]

The clarity of the vocal and the beautiful simplicity of the arrangement come together to create a sublimely flawless live performance of one of my favourite James Taylor songs. Bravo, sir.

[stephaniejensen]

James Taylor this has nothing to do with this video but it's the only way I can get a comment to you thank you for the things you've given me in my life songs that you sang to me I love you thank you I am 43 I knew better part of my life since the day I was born

[msavp]

How gratifying to know how many people your music has touched. Thank you for ALL of the beautiful sounds you have bestowed upon us. We’re not worthy but we drink it in. Peace.

[charlespatt]

Wow. Happy to hear this. My wife and I were in that 1982 wedding by Rev. Moon (we were actually married in a separate ceremony in my hometown in '79.) It represented international unity (many mixed race marriages).
Now, with three kids and two grandchildren later we are sill glad to have been in that ceremony.

[thomasgallipoli]

There is simply no one else like James Taylor. No autotune, No gimmicks, just sheet talent.

[peterdavis]

A fantastic song from a superb album still play it regularly 👍

[lawrencet.mcguilicutty]

What an era we grew up in! Just keeps getting more and more interesting, don’t it?

[ultimatebasses]

So many reasons why James Taylor is one of the best singer songwriters. You've just enjoyed listening to one.

[niceferrante]

Great singer and songwriter!!! Congrats from São Paulo, Brasil!!! GOD bless you, your family and the WHOLE WORLD!!!
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[marymcdonald]

What a poignantly beautiful song. Thank you for (almost) always making me think.

[YenneyRossi]

🌷 Ti faccio i miei complimenti di cuore caro James Taylor per aver condiviso questo bellissimo brano stupendamente interpretato 👍🎻🎶 Straordinario videoclip 💞✨🎻🎶 Complimenti e un grande applauso 👏✳️ Buon weekend!!🤗🌷

[carolynledford]

Had almost forgotten this song. Richard Nixon had the “niceness” to appreciate” all the little people. Something some people would not have done. Got to give him credit for that, right? I grew up in the era of the Vietnam War and the Nixon Year’s as well. It just goes to show you the more things change ; the more they stay the same. Love the song by the way!! Great work James!!!

[marylieberman]

This is Wonderful James Taylor. One of my Favorites as are you!👏💯❤