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James Taylor – You’ve Got A Friend

PRX » Piece » You've Got a Friend - James Taylor - 1971

About the Song

James Taylor, with his soothing baritone and heartfelt lyrics, has been a beloved figure in the music industry for decades. One of his most enduring and cherished songs is the timeless ballad, “You’ve Got a Friend”. Released in 1971, this track has become an anthem of friendship, offering comfort and reassurance to listeners across generations.

The song’s simplicity is its strength. Taylor’s gentle guitar strumming and understated vocal performance create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The lyrics, co-written by Carole King, paint a vivid picture of a deep and lasting friendship. The phrase “you’ve got a friend” is repeated throughout the song, serving as a comforting mantra that resonates with anyone who has ever experienced the joy of a true connection.

“You’ve Got a Friend” explores the universal themes of loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love. The song suggests that a true friend is always there, ready to lend a listening ear or offer a helping hand. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we are never truly alone as long as we have genuine friends by our side.

The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its relatability. Many listeners have found solace in the lyrics, identifying with the sentiments expressed. “You’ve Got a Friend” has been covered by countless artists over the years, each adding their own unique interpretation to the song. However, Taylor’s original version remains a classic, capturing the essence of the song’s message.

Whether you’re reminiscing about old friends or simply looking for a comforting tune, “You’ve Got a Friend” is a timeless piece of music that will never go out of style. It’s a song that reminds us of the importance of human connection and the enduring power of friendship.James Taylor's life in photos | CNN

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Lyrics: You’ve Got A Friend

When you’re down and troubled and you need a helping hand
And nothing, whoa, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest nightsYou just call out my name, and you know wherever I am
I’ll come running, oh yeah baby, to see you again
Winter, spring, summer, or fall
All you got to do is call and I’ll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah
You’ve got a friendIf the sky… above you should turn dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind should begin to blow
Keep your head together and call my name out loud now
Soon I’ll be knocking upon your doorYou just call out my name, and you know wherever I am
I’ll come running, oh yes I will, see you again
Winter, spring, summer, or fall, yeah
All you got to do is call and I’ll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah
Hey, ain’t it good to know that you’ve got a friend?

People can be so cold
They’ll hurt you and desert you
Well, they’ll take your soul if you let them
Oh yeah, but don’t you let them

You just call out my name, and you know where ever I am
I’ll come running to see you again
Oh baby, don’t you know about
Winter, spring, summer, or fall

Hey now, all you’ve got to do is call, Lord, I’ll be there, yes I will.
You’ve got a friend. You’ve got a friend, yeah
Ain’t it good to know you’ve got a friend
Ain’t it good to know you’ve got a friend
Oh, yeah, yeah, you’ve got a friend

 

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