Junior Rasmussen
James Taylor is one of the most beloved singer-songwriters of all time, and his songs are a popular choice for weddings. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) is a romantic ballad with an acoustic guitar and smooth vocals that can be placed anywhere in a wedding playlist, from pre-ceremony music to the first dance. The song was originally recorded by Marvin Gaye in 1965, but Taylor's version was released as the lead single from his 1975 album Gorilla. It is a straightforward love song with soulful piano riffs and a radiant pop confection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Song Title | How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) |
| Artist | James Taylor |
| Genre | Soul, R&B, soft rock |
| Mood | Relaxed, radiant, soulful, mellow |
| Lyrics | "How sweet it is to be loved by you", "I needed the shelter of someone's arms, there you were", "I want to stop and thank you, baby" |
| Album | Gorilla (1975) |
| Peak Chart Position | No. 1 on the Easy Listening chart, No. 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart |
| Personnel | James Taylor (lead vocals, guitar), Carly Simon (harmony vocals), Danny Kortchmar (guitar), David Sanborn (saxophone) |
| Other Versions | Marvin Gaye (original), Michael Bublé, Jerry Garcia Band, Kirby Shaw, Tyrone Davis, The Gaither Vocal Band |
| Notable Covers | James Taylor's version is the most successful remake of the song to date |
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What You'll Learn
- How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) as a mother-son dance song?
- Shower the People You Love With Love as a joyful couple introduction
- Fire and Rain as background music during cocktail hour
- You've Got a Friend as a slow dance for the couple or parent/child
- How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) as a song for the bride's entrance?
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) as a mother-son dance song
"How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" by James Taylor is a perfect choice for a mother-son wedding dance song. The song is a romantic ballad with a relaxed and mellow vibe, making it a versatile choice for any wedding celebration. The soulful and graceful tune, with its sweet and heartfelt lyrics, will undoubtedly bring a tear to the eyes of guests as the groom and mother-of-the-groom share this special moment.
Originally written by the Motown songwriting team of Holland-Dozier-Holland and produced by Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier, the song was first recorded by American soul singer Marvin Gaye in 1964. James Taylor released his version as the lead single from his 1975 album "Gorilla", with his then-wife Carly Simon providing harmony vocals. Taylor's rendition has been described as "a relaxed rendition", with "a radiant pop confection" that differs from Gaye's original.
The lyrics of "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" beautifully express gratitude and appreciation for that special someone in your life. The song's message of love and devotion is timeless and universal, making it a perfect fit for the loving bond between a mother and her son. The song's upbeat and joyful melody will add to the celebratory atmosphere of the wedding, making it a memorable moment for all in attendance.
The song's chorus, with its catchy and memorable lyrics, will have your guests humming along: "I want to stop and thank you, baby/I just want to stop and thank you, baby/Oh yes, how sweet it is to be loved by you". The soulful piano riff and saxophone, combined with Taylor's smooth and soothing vocals, create a warm and endearing atmosphere that is perfect for a mother-son dance.
So, if you're looking for a classic and timeless song that captures the love and joy of a wedding, "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" by James Taylor is an excellent choice for a mother-son dance. Its universal message of love and appreciation, combined with its soulful and joyful melody, will create a heartwarming and memorable moment on your special day.
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Shower the People You Love With Love as a joyful couple introduction
James Taylor is one of the most beloved singer-songwriters of all time, and his songs are a popular choice for weddings. One such song is "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)", a cover of the Marvin Gaye original. The song is a "radiant pop confection", a straightforward love song, and a relaxed rendition that makes for a perfect wedding tune.
Another excellent choice for a wedding song by James Taylor is "Shower the People You Love With Love". The upbeat melody and joyful notes of this song make it a perfect introduction for the newly married couple. The song's message of showering your loved ones with love is a beautiful sentiment for any wedding day.
The lyrics, "Oh, father and mother, sister and brother, if it feels nice, don’t think twice/Just shower the people you love with love, show them the way that you feel", are a wonderful way to celebrate the love and support of family and friends on this special day. The song continues with a celebration of the couple's love for each other, "Whenever I see your smiling face, I have to smile myself because I love you, yes, I do. And when you give me that pretty little pout, it turns me inside out/There’s something about you, baby, I don’t know".
The song is a beautiful expression of gratitude and love, and with James Taylor's smooth and mellow voice, it is sure to bring joyful smiles to the couple and their guests. "Shower the People You Love With Love" is a perfect choice for a joyful and loving introduction of the newly married couple.
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Fire and Rain as background music during cocktail hour
"Fire and Rain" is a popular song by James Taylor, released in 1970, that can be played as background music during cocktail hour at a wedding. The song is a sad one, detailing the singer's reaction to a childhood friend's suicide, his struggle with drug addiction and depression, and his journey to fame and fortune. Despite the melancholy lyrics, the song is a favourite among many, even making it to the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.
The song's slow and smooth melody, accompanied by an acoustic guitar and Taylor's soft vocals, can set a relaxed and romantic ambiance for guests to enjoy their drinks and mingle during the cocktail hour. It can also be a great choice for dinner or as the bride walks down the aisle.
If you're looking for a more upbeat song by James Taylor for cocktail hour, "I Will Follow" is a jazzy tune with an infectious chorus that will keep the mood light and cheerful. "Carolina in My Mind" is another option, with beautiful, heartfelt lyrics that can be placed anywhere in your wedding day playlist.
For a more romantic vibe, "Believe It or Not" is a soothing ballad about soulmates and the power of love, showcasing Taylor's silky voice. "Copperline," released 23 years after his first hits, demonstrates the artist's longevity and is sure to evoke all the right emotions during your cocktail hour or any other part of your wedding.
So, while "Fire and Rain" may not be the most joyous of songs, it is a classic by James Taylor that can add a touch of depth and sentiment to your wedding cocktail hour.
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You've Got a Friend as a slow dance for the couple or parent/child
"You've Got a Friend" by James Taylor is a perfect choice for a slow dance at a wedding, whether it's for the couple's first dance or a parent-child dance. This classic 70s song, written by Carole King, is an ultimate slow dance groove that will set the right tone for a heartfelt moment between the couple or a parent and their child on their wedding day.
The song's lyrics speak of comfort and support, with lines like "When you're down and troubled and you need a helping hand/And nothing, whoa, nothing is going right/Close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there/To brighten up even your darkest nights." These words beautifully convey the promise of friendship and love, making it an ideal choice for a wedding dance that celebrates the special bond between the couple or a parent and their child.
For the couple's first dance, "You've Got a Friend" can symbolize the strength and support they find in each other as they begin their married life together. The song's message of being there for each other through thick and thin can be a powerful way to express their commitment and love. It also sets a romantic tone for the rest of the evening, with its soulful melody and James Taylor's smooth vocals.
As a parent-child dance, "You've Got a Friend" takes on a different yet equally meaningful layer. It can represent the enduring love and support between a parent and their child, even as the child embarks on a new chapter of their life. The dance can be an emotional moment for both parties, and the song's lyrics can serve as a reminder that they will always have each other to lean on, no matter what life brings their way.
The versatility of "You've Got a Friend" makes it a popular choice for weddings, as it suits various special moments throughout the celebration. Whether it's the couple's first dance, a parent-child dance, or even the last dance of the night, this James Taylor classic is sure to create lasting memories for the couple, their families, and their guests.
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How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) as a song for the bride's entrance
"How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" is a song by James Taylor that can be the perfect choice for a bride's entrance at her wedding. The song, with its romantic lyrics and soulful melody, will set the tone for the celebration of love and commitment. Here are some reasons why this song can be an excellent choice for the bride's grand entrance:
- Uplifting Message: The song's lyrics speak of gratitude and appreciation for having found a loving partner. With lines like "I want to stop and thank you, baby," and "How sweet it is to be loved by you," the song conveys a message of thankfulness and joy, reflecting the happiness of the bride as she walks down the aisle.
- Soulful and Celebratory: Music critics have described James Taylor's version as "a radiant pop confection" and "a rollicking floor-shaker." The song has a soulful and celebratory feel, with a mix of guitar, saxophone, and piano. The upbeat and joyful melody will add to the excitement and happiness of the bride's entrance, creating a memorable moment for the couple and their guests.
- Versatility: "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" can be placed at various points during the wedding, including the bridal entrance. Its versatility allows for a seamless integration into the wedding's musical flow, creating a cohesive and well-thought-out experience for the guests.
- Connection to Love and Appreciation: The song's theme of love and appreciation sets the perfect tone for the wedding ceremony. As the bride makes her entrance, the lyrics "I needed the shelter of someone's arms/There you were/I needed someone to understand my ups and downs/There you were" can reflect the couple's journey and the strength of their bond.
- Timeless Appeal: James Taylor's music has entranced lovers of all ages since the 1970s. "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" is a timeless classic that can appeal to guests of all generations, creating a sense of familiarity and warmth during the ceremony.
In conclusion, "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" by James Taylor is an excellent choice for a bride's entrance song. With its uplifting message, soulful melody, and timeless appeal, it will create a joyful and romantic atmosphere, setting the tone for a memorable wedding celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
'How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)' is a song recorded and popularised by American soul singer Marvin Gaye from his fifth studio album of the same name (1965). It was written in 1964 by the Motown songwriting team of Holland–Dozier–Holland. James Taylor released his version of the song as the lead single from his 1975 album 'Gorilla'.
Other James Taylor songs that are suitable for weddings include "Shower the People You Love With Love", "Fire and Rain", "You've Got a Friend", "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight", and "Everyday".
James Taylor's 'How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)' can be incorporated into your wedding in several ways. It can be used as pre-ceremony music, during cocktail hour or dinner, or even as the first dance. The song is a celebration of love and can add a joyful and romantic atmosphere to your wedding.
