Never Die Young
James Taylor · Never Die Young [1988]
They were circles around the sun
Never give up, never slow down
Never grow old, never ever die young
Synchronized with the rising moon
Even with the evening star
They were true love written in stone
They were never alone, they were never that far apart
And we who couldn't bear to believe they might make it
We got to close our eyes
Cut up our losses into doable doses
Ration our tears and sighs
You could see them on the street on a Saturday night
Everyone used to run them down
They're a little too sweet, they're a little too tight
They're not enough tough for this tough town
We couldn't touch them with a ten-foot pole
Oh No, it didn't seem to rattle at all
They were fused together body and soul
That much more with their backs up against the wall
Oh, hold them up, hold them up
Never do let them fall
Prey to the dust and the rust and the ruin
That names us and claims us and shames us all
I guess it had to happen someday soon
There wasn't nothing to hold them down
They would rise from among us like a big balloon
Take the sky, and forsake the ground
Oh, yes, other hearts were broken
And I know other dreams ran dry
But our golden ones sail on and on
To another land beneath another sky
oh
Let other hearts be broken
Let other dreams run dry
Just let us own golden one sail and on
To another land beneath another sky
Beneath another sky
Hold them on
Never Die Young
James Taylor's 1988 single 'Never Die Young' stands as a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the resilience of the human spirit. Recorded for her album of the same name, the track exemplifies Taylor's signature blend of acoustic intimacy and lyrical depth, characteristic of her mature period. The song's melodic structure and reflective tone invite listeners to contemplate life's fleeting nature, a theme that resonates throughout her extensive discography. Released during a time when Taylor continued to explore personal and philosophical subjects, the recording maintains her reputation for crafting emotionally resonant music that bridges folk traditions with contemporary sensibilities. It remains a staple in her catalog, often cited for its ability to evoke quiet contemplation without relying on overt drama.

