James Taylor Love Songs For Your Wedding (and Avoid)
As a James Taylor fan, you have many love song choices for your wedding playlist. He has entranced lovers of all ages since he released his first album in the Seventies.
As a versatile artist, Taylor has also released a few heartbreak songs and tunes celebrating being single, which are listed below as ones to avoid.
Know what James Taylor love songs to play or not at your wedding.
Spotify James Taylor Playlist
James Taylor Love Songs List
Ananas
Released in 1997 on the album Hourglass
This James Taylor love song mixes romantic Spanish phrases with English words of longing and passion. It is a perfect tune for all lovers to dance to and admit their hearts do not belong to them, anymore.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Got your river running in my blood, got your fire burning in my heart.
You got me falling like a shooting star, just like some tragic work of art.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Released in 2006 on the album James Taylor at Christmas
This classic romantic song literally begs to be played at your wedding. How can you listen to Mr. Taylor imploring his lady friend to stay, and not want to snuggle up warmly with your partner?
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
You’ve really been grand
Your eyes are like starlight now
But don’t you see
How can you do this thing to me
Believe It Or Not
Released in 2000 on the album Dad Loves His Work
Add this to your reception playlist to remind your guests of the loves of their lives. He talks of waiting for the love of his life to come through, just as yours has done for you.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Believe it or not, I’ve been waiting for you to come through, love of my life.
And though the hour grew later and later, I would hold on for one more heartbeat.
Next, read a Neil Diamond wedding songs playlist.
Brighten Your Night With My Day
Released in 1968 on the album James Taylor
Another song where Taylor begs the woman he loves to “Come Home” to him, offers a glimpse of how true love only wants what is best for another. Lyrics including, “You can count on me, watch those shadows fade away” showcases only wanting the best for your lover.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
When you can come home to me,
Yes, I’m happy to hear
What you’ve got to say to me, baby, all the way.
Only One
Released in 1985 on the album That’s Why I’m Here
Describing how much he appreciates his woman, James Taylor sings this song apologizing for taking her for granted. Everyone needs to hear how important they are to their loved ones, and this song helps to enforce that.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
And you are my only one, you are my only one
Don’t be leaving me now, now you’re my only one
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
Released in 1972 on the album One Man Dog
Though this song may be classified in the “unrequited love” genre, it still has the romantic quality of Taylor imploring a woman to stay with him. He talks of not caring if she lies, as long as she gives him the night with her.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
But don’t let me be lonely tonight
Say good-bye and say hello
Sure enough good to see you
Everyday
Released in 1985 on the album That’s Why I’m Here
Even the non-dancers on your guest list will have a hard time not tapping their toes along to this choice. It offers a perfect balance of hopeful romantic lyrics and a rollicking tune to liven up your wedding reception.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Yes a love like yours would surely
Come my way, everyday
Check out a Norah Jones wedding songs playlist.
Woman’s Gotta Have It
Released in 1976 on the album In The Pocket
Another dance number, these lyrics enforce the old saying “Happy Wife, Happy Life” in a way that all couples can appreciate. Mix it in with the slower James Taylor wedding love songs to keep your party going all night long.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
When you kiss her
You got to make her feel it every day, boy
She’s got to know that she’s not walking on shaky ground
It’s Growing
Released in 2008 on the album Covers
How can you not include a song proclaiming how your love grows more and more every day you’re together? Even when you have to be apart from one another, this tune will comfort you knowing it only makes the heart grow stronger.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Everyday it grows a little more than it was the day before.
My love for you just grows and grows.
If I Keep My Heart Out Of Sight
Released in 1977 on the album JT
Another tale of unrequited love, it makes the cut for romantic songs to play at your wedding because of its sweet longing for his true love to notice him. “If I present it to you with a flower in the moonlight” is just one of the lyrics that will make everyone sigh with twinkles in their eyes.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
If I play my role just right, tonight could be my lucky night and you could be mine.
If I present it to you with a flower in the moonlight, shiny and new,
Well, you couldn’t say no tonight, if I keep my heart out of sight.
Something in the Way She Moves
Released in 1968 on the album James Taylor
This is a perfect song for the bride and groom to dance to at your reception. It’ll give you two a chance to have a few moments of fun together, in between making your rounds to all of the guests.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
And I feel fine anytime she’s around me now
She’s around me now
Almost all the time
There We Are
Released in 1977 on the album JT
If the groom is the silent type, this song is a must to be played on your wedding night. It talks about how much Taylor loves his lady, even when he doesn’t say it often enough.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Here we are
Sparks in the darkness
Speaking of our love
Burning down forever and forever
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
Released in 1975 on the album Gorilla
This has to be one of the most recognized additions to the perfect James Taylor wedding love songs playlist. It showcases how true love can be your shelter in bad times and be the subject of your best memories.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I close my eyes at night
Wondering where would I be without you in my life
James Taylor Tracks To Avoid At Weddings
No matter how much of a fan you are, these songs do not belong anywhere on your reception playlist.
(I’m a) Road Runner
Released in 2008 on the album Covers
A classic “player” song, long before the term “player” was even coined. This song should never be found on a wedding playlist. Road Runner needs to be axed from the soundtrack for the day, with lyrics including “You look for me and I’ll be gone” and “Don’t want no woman to tie me down. Gotta be a free baby to roam around.”
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I’m a road runner baby
You look for me and I’ll be gone
Listen to an Elton John wedding playlist for your big day.
(I’ve Got To) Stop Thinkin’ ‘Bout That
Released in 1991 on the album (I’ve Got To) Stop Thinkin’ ‘Bout That
This heart-wrenching tale of a past love has no place in your music lineup. Of course, if it has meaning to you as a couple, such as a groom singing it to the bride in the past to get her back after a breakup, then there is always an exception to every rule. (Especially, if you’re a Lucy about to get married.)
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Oh now Lucy, God have mercy
I’ve got to stop thinkin’ ’bout you
Nothing Like A Hundred Miles
Released in 1976 on the album In The Pocket
Another one of James Taylor’s heartbreak songs. This laments how he cannot forget the love he left back home. She found someone new, and he needs to move on. None of these words have a place on your soundtrack to celebrate your nuptials.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
To save my heart from being broken in two by you
Baby I’m moving through
I Was Only Telling a Lie
Released in 1977 on the album JT
This song is nothing but an admission of being a dog, with lyrics explaining he was lying about telling her he loved her, and “I’ll be long gone come the crack of dawn.” This is one choice that should be shot down if suggested for any wedding song.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Now baby when I told you that
I love you
I was only telling a lie
I Was A Fool To Care
Released in 1975 on the album Gorilla
This song is nothing but sadness, talking about how she did him so wrong and he was blinded by love. True love does not hurt, and this tale of pain has no place on your reception playlist.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
And had I listened to the grapevine
I might have had my doubts
But I did my level best
Just to block them out
Any James Taylor love songs you choose to celebrate your special day will add another layer of romance. Choose tunes that mean something to you and your life partner. All the guests will feel the romance between the two of you.
James Taylor Highest-Ranking Singles
- #1 You’ve Got a Friend, 1971
- #1 How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You), 1975
- #1 Shower the People, 1976
- #1 Handy Man, 1977
- #1 (What a) Wonderful World (with Paul Simon), 1978
- #1 Back in the High Life Again (with Steve Winwood), 1986
- #2 Devoted to You (with Carly Simon), 1978
- #3 Fire and Rain, 1970
- #3 Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight, 1972
- #3 Everyday, 1985
- #3 Never Die Young, 1988
- #3 Little More Time with You, 1997
- #4 Long Ago and Far Away, 1971
- #5 Mexico, 1975
- #5 Her Town Too (with J.D. Souther), 1981
Have a favorite James Taylor song to play at weddings? Please share your song below in the comments!
