Gorilla
James Taylor · Gorilla [1975]
He's got hands on his feet
He's got a nose like a doughnut
He's got a tendency to over eat
He don't use tools or weapons
He don't eat meat
He likes to stick to the bushes
Tends to avoid the street
But he rides my el dorado
When he comes to town
You know he's out there somewhere
Tryin' to track you down
Look up in the sky
Mama that's the one
See the mighty profile
Block the noonday sun
He comes from the heart of darkness
A thousand miles from here
That's the land where they understand
What a woman might like to hear
You know that he loves you baby
For what you really are
His love is a burning hot
As a big old ten cent cigar
Now most of y'all
Have seen a gorilla
In a cage at the local zoo
He mostly sits around contemplating
All the things that he'd prefer to do
He dreams about the world outside
From behind those bars of steel
And no one seems to understand
About the heartache the man can feel
The people stop and stare
But nobody seems to care
It don't seem right somehow
It just don't seem fair
He's still a gorilla
Gorilla
James Taylor's 1975 album Gorilla marked a distinct shift in his musical trajectory, moving away from the soft-rock intimacy of his earlier years toward a more expansive, soulful sound. The title track serves as a bold introduction to this era, showcasing Taylor's willingness to experiment with heavier arrangements and deeper emotional resonance. Recorded during a period of significant personal and professional transition, the song reflects the artist's evolving approach to songwriting and production. While often overshadowed by the album's hit singles, Gorilla stands as a testament to Taylor's versatility and his ability to blend folk sensibilities with a richer, more textured sonic palette. The recording remains a key song in his extensive discography, illustrating his continued growth as a performer and his enduring influence on the singer-songwriter genre.