You've Got a Friend

Carole King

About You've Got a Friend

"You've Got a Friend" is a 1971 song written by Carole King. It was first recorded by King, and included in her album Tapestry. Another well-known version is by James Taylor from his album Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon. His was released as a single in 1971 reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 4 on the UK Singles Chart. The two versions were recorded simultaneously in 1971 with shared musicians. "You've Got a Friend" won Grammy Awards both for Taylor (Best Male Pop Vocal Performance) and King (Song of the Year). Dozens of other artists have recorded the song over the years, including Dusty Springfield, Michael Jackson, Anne Murray and Donny Hathaway. 


Year:
1971
5:09
1,104 
#3

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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 you head together
And call my name out loud
Soon you'll hear me knocking at you 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, you've got a friend
Yeah baby, you've got a friend
Oh yeah, you've got a friend

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Carole King

Carole King (born February 9, 1942) is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. King and her former husband Gerry Goffin wrote more than two dozen chart hits for numerous artists during the 1960s, many of which have become standards. As a singer, her Tapestry album topped the U.S. album chart for 15 weeks in 1971, and remained on the charts for more than six years. more »

5 fans

Written by: Carole King

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


6 facts about this song

Song Composition and Release
"You've Got a Friend" is a 1971 hit song written by the legendary songwriter Carole King. - The song was included in King's album "Tapestry", which was released in 1971. - "You've Got a Friend" was released as the lead single from the album in the United States and was King's first #1 single.
Famous Covers
James Taylor covered this song in the same year, which became a major hit worldwide. His version won the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. - Michael Jackson recorded his cover for his 1972 album, "Ben". His take on the song was well-received and peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. - Anne Murray covered the song in 1971 on her album "Talk It Over in the Morning", giving it a country spin. The song reached #1 on the "RPM" Top Singles chart in Canada. - Dusty Springfield added her own interpretation of "You've Got a Friend" to the album "Faithful" in 1971. - American musician Donny Hathaway also covered the song for his 1971 album "Donny Hathaway".
Meaning and Reception
"You've Got a Friend" is considered by many to be one of the greatest pop songs of all time, with its uplifting and comforting lyrics advocating support and friendship. - Rolling Stone magazine placed the song at number 205 on its list of 'The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time'.
Chart Performance
Carole King's version of the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971, and James Taylor's version reached the same top position later in the same year. - Michael Jackson's version became another top ten hit for him when he was still a solo artist.
Live Performances
Dusty Springfield performed her rendition of the song on the BBC, further increasing its popularity. - James Taylor has performed "You've Got a Friend" at nearly every one of his concerts since recording his cover. It remains one of his most popular songs to date.
Modern Recognition
In 2001, the song "You've Got a Friend" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, recognizing its historical significance and impact. - It continues to be covered by various artists across the globe, demonstrating its timeless appeal and universal message of friendship.

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