May 18, 2018 (Friday)
This week I have produced four blogs about friendship. This one is the fourth. Each one includes a song. Today’s blog is no exception. The weekend blogs will follow the theme.
In 1971, Carole King wrote, “You’ve Got A Friend,” and put in on an album. Before the album was published, as an act of friendship, she gave recording permission to James Taylor, whose recording was so successful it assured the success of his musical career. Carole’s album was also very successful. Others have recorded the song.
The song expresses the highest type of the love of human beings for each other. Carole felt a type of inspiration in writing she had not known in other songs. It was almost as if someone else was in charge.
This song offers help to the lonely and encouragement to those who need a spiritual lift.
It is a song about friendship in the deepest sense.
Carole King
1971
When you’re down and troubled
And you need some love and care
And nothing, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I’ll come running
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer, or fall
All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there
You’ve got a friend
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 knocking at your door
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I’ll come running, running, yeah, yeah
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer, or fall
All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there, yes I will
Now ain’t it good to know that you’ve got a friend
When people can be so cold?
They’ll hurt you, yes and desert you
And take your soul if you let them
Oh, but don’t you let them
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I’ll come running, running, yeah, yeah
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer, or fall
All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there, yes I will
You’ve got a friend
You’ve got a friend
Ain’t it good to know you’ve got a friend
Ain’t it good to know
Ain’t it good to know
Ain’t it good to know
You’ve got a friend
Oh yeah, now
Well you’ve got a friend, yeah baby
Well you’ve got a friend, oh yeah
You’ve got a friend.