The song "Angels of Fenway" by James Taylor is a tribute to the Boston Red Sox baseball team and their historic ballpark, Fenway Park. The lyrics describe Taylor's personal connection to the team through his grandmother, who was a lifelong fan and passed down her love for the Red Sox to him. The song begins by referencing the passage of time, with "86 summers gone by" symbolizing the years that have passed since the Red Sox's last World Series victory in 1918. The mention of a "hex on the Bean" suggests a curse that was believed to haunt the team, possibly referring to the infamous "Curse of the Bambino" after the Red Sox traded baseball legend Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees. The lyrics highlight the fierce rivalry between the Red Sox and the Yankees, with Taylor expressing frustration at the Yankees' financial advantage and ability to sign top players. He refers to the Yankees as "damn them Yankees" and accuses them of "stealing everyone's favorite son," suggesting that they consistently recruit talented players from other teams. Despite the challenges faced by the Red Sox, Taylor emphasizes the unwavering loyalty and patience of the team's fans, known as "Red Sox Nation." He recounts fond memories of attending games with his grandmother, invoking a sense of nostalgia and the strong bond they shared through their support of the team. The narrative then shifts to important moments in Red Sox history, such as the sale of Babe Ruth and the team's triumph in the 2004 World Series. The lyrics capture the passion and excitement of the game, with Taylor recalling thrilling victories and the determination of the players to succeed against all odds. The song also touches on the collective hope and prayers of fans during critical moments in the team's history, depicted by people getting down on their knees and praying for victory. Taylor particularly mentions his grandmother watching the Red Sox's historic win in 2004 from her hospital bed, conveying the team's significance in her life. Throughout the song, Taylor portrays the Red Sox and their fans as resilient and dedicated, willing to endure both the highs and lows of the game. The lyrics evoke a sense of pride and camaraderie among Red Sox Nation, honoring the team's storied past and celebrating the enduring spirit of Fenway Park.
