You just call out my name/
And you know wherever I am/
I’ll come running.

Carole King and James Taylor’s “You’ve Got A Friend” both produced huge successes.  King and Taylor were lovers, and released their songs around the same time. Their versions sound very similar. If there is anything negative against Taylor’s version, it is that he does not deviate at all from King’s original—though I do not see many obvious opportunities for variation.

Of course, Taylor plays the guitar and King’s version is on the piano; and Taylor is a male voice and King is female, so perhaps that is more than enough to make two satisfyingly unique versions.

The meaning of “You’ve Got a Friend” is simple, but often those are the ones that become timeless. Interestingly Taylor sings backup on Kings version. I believe they were an item at the time. King released this on her Tapestry album. If you are a fan of female singer-songwriters, you must check out that album. It might be the best of all-time!

You’ve Got a Friend Lyrics

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, you’ve got a friend
Yeah baby, you’ve got a friend
Oh yeah, you’ve got a friend

Songwriters: Carole King