Cover version of the month #118
James Taylor covers Carole King
This exceptional song was written by the legendary Carole King after hearing James Taylor's Fire and Rain in which he sings I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend .
King recorded it for her Tapestry album with Taylor simultaneously recording (with the same musicians) for his Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon album. Both were released in 1971, with King's original coming out first. Taylor also released his version as a single and the song hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Carole King's Tapestry album is, in my humble opinion, one of the best of all-time. It's heart on the sleeve stuff, full of empathy and emotion. And You've Got A Friend is bursting with a pure and heartfelt message of unwavering support and friendship. Simple, soulful, sincere and a sense of solidarity.
When you're down and troubled, and you need some lovin' care, and nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me, and soon I will be there, to brighten up even your darkest night
Ooft - isn't that gorgeous? Sometimes I appreciate lyrics more when I write them down/type them up. Same goes for the structure. The way the lyrics flow is incredible. King's use of and to begin the second, third and fifth lines works so well.
Tapesty is a beautifully warm and inviting album, listening back during cold and dark winter nights, it's like a warm blanket with a hot water bottle thrown in for good measure.
You've Got A Friend is as good as songwriting gets - heartfelt lyrics, glorious melodies, uplifting chorus, stunning arrangement, warm production and outstanding performance - goosebumps and spine tingling stuff! Life-affirming ... as I like to say about the best songs.
Listen to that chorus;
You just call out my name, and you know wherever I am, I'll coming running, to see you again
Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, all you have to do is call, and I'll be there, you got a friend
King's personal message has a timeless quality that. The universal themes of loyalty, friendship, and support in times of need will always be relatable, they will always tug on heart strings.
You've Got A Friend won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for Carole King and the Grammy Award for Song of the Year for its writer. Critically applauded, the song was also a commercial smash, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
If King's original has an urgency to the message (title) like she is trying to gee someone up - hey, you've got a friend, don't forget that, James Taylor's version is more gentle. His voice is soothing and the whole feel of the song is calming. Taylor's voice, acoustic guitars, considered percussion and backing vocals - his version is an arm round the shoulder, the same message as King, but in a different way.
King's original and Taylor's cover of You've Got A Friend are added to my Everything Flows Cool Cover Versions playlist on Spotify which also features all of the songs listed below. Search for the title or CLICK HERE
Previous covers of the month blogs
40. Jumpin' Jack Flash
44. Witchi Tai To
45. Our Lips Are Sealed
46. Sunshine Of Your Love
47. Here Comes The Sun
48. I Think We're Alone Now
49. Don't Let Me Down
50. It's Oh So Quiet
51. Alcoholiday
52. Summer Holiday
53. Who Do You Think You Are?
54. Head On
55. Nothing Compares 2 U
