Ravinia 2024 Issue 1

One of my favorite James Taylor songs is one you may not instantly recognize or associate with pop music’s lanky illuminator. After almost two decades of writing, singing, and performing many of the rock era’s most beloved ballads and appealing pop songs, with his honest, post-rehab album—1985’s That’s Why I’m Here —James Taylor finally confronted in song his personal demons and accepted his artistic reality. Heused the revealing title track to recall his problematic past, seize his optimistic present, and perfectly crystallize his professional and personal purpose. The song “That’s Why I’m Here” centers on addressing the levels of varied, longtime relationships and friendships as he reminisces about doing a favor for a pal in need, mourns the untimely passing of dear friend (John Belushi), and apologizes to loved ones. And with a bolt of clarity and self-awareness, he embraces the unbreakable bond and reciprocal alliance with his loyal legion of listeners with the lyric “Some are like summer coming back every year /Got your baby, got your blanket, got your bucket of beer / I break into a grin from ear to ear /And suddenly it’s perfectly clear /That’s why I’m here.” And that’s why we’re here, too. Oh, fortune and fame’s such a curious game Perfect strangers call you by name And pay good money to hear “Fire and Rain” Again and again and again. —lyric from “That’s Why I’m Here” by James Taylor WHY WE’RE BY JAMESTURANO RAVINIA.ORG  • RAVINIAMAGAZINE 7