The meaning and story of James Taylor's song "Only For Me" revolve around the theme of redemption and finding hope in unexpected places. The lyrics depict a scene in a bar where a man, lost in his own troubles, is approached by the narrator who is looking for a seat. The man, whose mind is consumed by whiskey and who seems beyond repair, takes notice of the narrator. He then decides to stand up, indicating that he wants to share his story. The older man, addressing the narrator as a "young man," sees a resemblance in their shared struggles. He sees the narrator as someone who may be new to this dark and unfamiliar place. Inviting the narrator to sit with him, he begins to tell his story. The old man reminisces about a time in his life when he had a family, specifically a father and son. However, circumstances led him to make a difficult decision to leave them behind, which fills him with regret. This decision seems to haunt him, as he refers to it as something he "just couldn't say no" to. The song suggests that the old man's story resonates with the narrator, who, like him, has experienced being lost and searching for something greater. The lyrics convey a sense of longing for redemption and a light that can shine through the darkness. Despite the hardships depicted in the song, a glimmer of hope emerges. The chorus describes a wonderful sight that has occurred, not just for the narrator but also for others. This light, metaphorically representing hope and redemption, shines through and brings a sense of being found, just like the narrator and the old man. The lyrics also touch upon the power of human compassion. The line "We have seen it before in times of great sorrow, that human compassion will flow from a well that has long run dry" highlights the belief that even in dark times, kindness and empathy can still be found. Overall, "Only For Me" tells a story of lost souls seeking redemption and finding hope in unexpected encounters. It conveys the universal longing for connection and understanding, reminding listeners that even in the darkest of places, there is always the possibility of finding light and being redeemed.
