The song "Snowtime" by James Taylor tells the story of a winter day in downtown Toronto, Canada. The lyrics convey the feeling of being lost in the city during this cold season. Despite it being wintertime, 'round dinnertime, the sunshine seems to evade the area. As the song progresses, Taylor describes a side street where a backbeat pulls him in, just like the moon pulls on the tide. This energetic rhythm, reminiscent of a one-note samba or la bamba, lights him up inside. It is as if the music brings warmth and joy to the cold surroundings. The lyrics then introduce a procession of fancy dancers and a band on a flatbed truck, raising a ruckus and swinging for the fences. These festivities seem to be led by exiled Mexican textile workers who work hard, sending two paychecks home. They celebrate on wheels, not knowing their destination but embracing the moment. The chorus repeats the idea of having the heat of the sun and the beat of a talking drum, along with the light of a tropical moon, creating a memorable night. The song implies that someone summons up summer and its warmth through strumming an old guitar. This music becomes the antidote to the cold and gloomy December. The lyrics mention various locations, such as Oleana, Via Del Norte, Rio Grande, Santiago de Cuba, Belo Horizonte, Cartagena, and Guaguancó, all representing different cultural references and places that contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of the song. The song continues with the image of a lifeline formed by a song that swallows Taylor up and leads him downtown. The message conveyed is the assurance that life goes on, even for those feeling frozen in their circumstances. The invitation to live again is symbolized by the light of dawn. The lyrics also mention Buckwheat and Spanky, referring to characters or individuals who are perhaps part of the festive celebration or embody a carefree spirit, adding to the lively and uplifting atmosphere of the song. Overall, "Snowtime" is a song that captures the essence of a festive winter day in Toronto, where music, cultural celebrations, and the warmth of human connection help combat the cold and bring joy to the surroundings.
