Is That The Way You Look?

James Taylor · Flag [1979]

(Excuse me? Excuse me, yes?)

Is that the way you look?

Is that the way you look?

Is that the way you look?

Is that really the way that you look now?

Oh darling, darling

Is that the way you look?

Is that really your eyes?

Is that really your hair?

Is that really the way you walk on by?

Are those the clothes you wear?

Oh darling, darling

Is that the way you look?

Woh Baby, oh baby

Woh Baby, baby, baby

I got the question for you

Woh baby, oh baby

Woh Baby, baby, baby

Tell me now is it true?

Is that the way you look?

No, no I mean is that the way you really look?

Is that the way you look?

Is that the way you look?

Baby, maybe I'm dreaming

But I'll be bound

Whoever wakes me up

I'm going to knock him down

Oh darling, darling

Is that the way you look?

Well I rubbed my eyes

And I pinched my leg

And I asked my friend

And I shook my head

But baby, Is that the way you look?

Is That The Way You Look?

James Taylor's 'Is That The Way You Look?' appears on her 1979 album Flag, marking a significant shift in her sound toward a more polished, pop-oriented style compared to her earlier folk roots. The track exemplifies her ability to blend intimate personal reflection with broader social commentary, a hallmark of her work during this transitional period. Released during a time when Taylor was navigating the complexities of her career and personal life, the song captures the tension between public perception and private reality. Its production reflects the evolving landscape of 1970s recording, moving away from raw acoustic textures toward a richer, more layered arrangement that allowed her to explore new sonic territories while maintaining her signature lyrical clarity and emotional depth.