Written by Carole King
Recorded by Carole King (and James Taylor)
In my previous blog about 10,000 Maniacs’ “Like the Weather,” I noted that, during the deep throes of depression, the protagonist did not have a true friend to lean on during her grayest of days, and now as a comparison, let’s discuss a more supportive version of this situation, a song about love and support among amigos. Carole King wrote and recorded “You’ve Got a Friend,” but before the vinyl could dry, her buddy James Taylor was releasing his own version. I generally stick with one version on this blog, and it’s usually the original, but in this case, both recordings are classic and deserve to be part of the same discussion. And before we jump in, it should be noted that we have previously discussed bridges written by both King and Taylor.
Lyrically, the song is very straightforward. Similar to “Like the Weather” (and countless songs and poetry throughout time), King used nature as a metaphor to describe a friend-in-need’s emotional state.
If the sky above you
Grows dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind begins to blow
Keep your head together
And call my name out loud
Soon you'll hear me knockin' at your door
This song is not only beautifully written, it’s a heartwarming sentiment rarely discussed in this way. We have no shortage of love songs, plenty of sex songs, numerous protest and political songs… songs about cars, songs about freedom, songs about rock n’ roll, and some songs are just about whatever the composer was smoking at that moment – but songs about friendship? The only ones that immediately jump to mind are “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and NRBQ’s “Me and the Boys.” (“Me and the Boys” also has a bridge, but we’ll get back to that. “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” despite its name, does not have a bridge).
Among all the great lyrics in this song, King’s ode to friendship features one of pop music’s best-known and beloved choruses. You can’t even read these lyrics without singing along.
You just call out my name
And you know, wherever I am
I'll come runnin'
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there, yes, I will
As good as this song already is, with just the verse and chorus parts, things get extra special during our bridge. Starting with the lyrics:
Now, ain't it good to know that you've got a friend
When people can be so cold?
They'll hurt you, and desert you
And take your soul if you let them
Oh, but don't you let them
Here, our protagonist talks some truth about how awful people can be and why life can be unbearable without a dependable, selfless friend. Between our own demons, and the demonics of the world around us, what hope is there without this sort of friend?
I like how the only rhyme in the bridge is internally found in the words “hurt” and “desert,” as if rhyming them makes it easier to overcome, with the help of a friend, of course – a true friend that is there when you need them, and full of helpful straight-talk. For example, if someone wants to take your soul, don’t let them!
Musically, we find a lovely, super-smooth modulation from chorus to bridge, and just as seamlessly, a quite delightful return to that mighty chorus. King’s original is driven by piano, Taylor’s by guitar. His recording was a bigger hit, but these are both classics. Personally, I prefer JT’s musical arrangement but King’s vocal – it’s so honest and vulnerable. Based on vocal performance alone, if I was in need of a friend, I’d call Carole first.
So, did I miss any good songs about friendship? Let me know and I’ll come runnin!
-MJK
Recorded by Carole King (and James Taylor)
In my previous blog about 10,000 Maniacs’ “Like the Weather,” I noted that, during the deep throes of depression, the protagonist did not have a true friend to lean on during her grayest of days, and now as a comparison, let’s discuss a more supportive version of this situation, a song about love and support among amigos. Carole King wrote and recorded “You’ve Got a Friend,” but before the vinyl could dry, her buddy James Taylor was releasing his own version. I generally stick with one version on this blog, and it’s usually the original, but in this case, both recordings are classic and deserve to be part of the same discussion. And before we jump in, it should be noted that we have previously discussed bridges written by both King and Taylor.
Lyrically, the song is very straightforward. Similar to “Like the Weather” (and countless songs and poetry throughout time), King used nature as a metaphor to describe a friend-in-need’s emotional state.
If the sky above you
Grows dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind begins to blow
Keep your head together
And call my name out loud
Soon you'll hear me knockin' at your door
This song is not only beautifully written, it’s a heartwarming sentiment rarely discussed in this way. We have no shortage of love songs, plenty of sex songs, numerous protest and political songs… songs about cars, songs about freedom, songs about rock n’ roll, and some songs are just about whatever the composer was smoking at that moment – but songs about friendship? The only ones that immediately jump to mind are “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and NRBQ’s “Me and the Boys.” (“Me and the Boys” also has a bridge, but we’ll get back to that. “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” despite its name, does not have a bridge).
Among all the great lyrics in this song, King’s ode to friendship features one of pop music’s best-known and beloved choruses. You can’t even read these lyrics without singing along.
You just call out my name
And you know, wherever I am
I'll come runnin'
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there, yes, I will
As good as this song already is, with just the verse and chorus parts, things get extra special during our bridge. Starting with the lyrics:
Now, ain't it good to know that you've got a friend
When people can be so cold?
They'll hurt you, and desert you
And take your soul if you let them
Oh, but don't you let them
Here, our protagonist talks some truth about how awful people can be and why life can be unbearable without a dependable, selfless friend. Between our own demons, and the demonics of the world around us, what hope is there without this sort of friend?
I like how the only rhyme in the bridge is internally found in the words “hurt” and “desert,” as if rhyming them makes it easier to overcome, with the help of a friend, of course – a true friend that is there when you need them, and full of helpful straight-talk. For example, if someone wants to take your soul, don’t let them!
Musically, we find a lovely, super-smooth modulation from chorus to bridge, and just as seamlessly, a quite delightful return to that mighty chorus. King’s original is driven by piano, Taylor’s by guitar. His recording was a bigger hit, but these are both classics. Personally, I prefer JT’s musical arrangement but King’s vocal – it’s so honest and vulnerable. Based on vocal performance alone, if I was in need of a friend, I’d call Carole first.
So, did I miss any good songs about friendship? Let me know and I’ll come runnin!
-MJK
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