This week Helen Espinosa has chosen Singer/Songwriter as Song Lyric Sunday’s theme. The name that immediately came to my mind was Carole King. (Click the link to read about her life and many ground-breaking awards and honors.)
She was 18 in 1960, when she began writing songs that were hits for groups like The Shirelles, Bobby Vee, The Drifters, The Monkees, and Aretha Franklin.
Her first big success as a singer came in 1971, with her album Tapestry. My choice, “Beautiful”, is on that album. The original recording is linked in the song title. As a bonus, here’s a more recent concert video, in what sounds like a minor key — interesting, maybe punches up the message, but I prefer the original. 🙂
As yet another bonus, here’s a video of her surprise 2016 appearance with the cast of the Broadway hit show Beautiful, a tribute to Carole and her music. She’s still going strong at 74.
by Carole King
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You’re gonna find, yes, you will
That you’re beautiful as you feelWaiting at the station with a workday wind a-blowing
I’ve got nothing to do but watch the passers-by
Mirrored in their faces I see frustration growing
And they don’t see it showing, why do I?You’ve got to get up every morning with a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You’re gonna find, yes, you will
That you’re beautiful as you feelI have often asked myself the reason for sadness
In a world where tears are just a lullaby
If there’s any answer, maybe love can end the madness
Maybe not, oh, but we can only try
You’ve got to get up every morning with a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You’re gonna find, yes, you will
That you’re beautiful as you feel

I’m going to a Carole King concert in a couple of weeks. I’m so excited about that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just realized that it probably isn’t Carole King that I will be hearing. It is a musical about her life. That never occurred to me, but I’m still excited to hear her music and learn more about her. Her music was important to me in my young adult years.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve heard it’s an excellent show. Carole King endorsed it after seeing it, so I’m sure it’s great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad to hear that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lucky you! I’m sure you’ll have a very satisfying time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s great that she’s still going strong at 74. I had a quick look and found that Carole King has a pretty cool website too. She seems to have a lot going on in her career. I guess if you’re doing something you love, there’s never any real reason to stop. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen to that! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Ben. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My favorite! I recently took all of my record albums to share with our 35-year-old son. This was one of his favorites, too. Thanks, Sue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Jennie. I love the way some songs stay with you for life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Carole King is a classic. Just an FYI – your link goes to “I feel the Earth Move” and not Beautiful, but I looked up Beautiful and listened to that. I’m sure you couldn’t have gone wrong with anything by Carole King though. “If there’s any answer, maybe love can end the madness” is such a brilliant lyric. Thank you so much for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Helen! I listened to so many Carole King songs last night I’m not surprised I used the wrong link. I’m glad you caught it! I spent hours looking for a good video of her playing and singing. I actually got to page 17 of the Google hits and found nothing I liked but the slide show that’s linked now. And in looking for that just now, I found the recent concert version I’ve added as a bonus! So thanks again for your link check! You are the perfect hostess. I bow down to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh geez, don’t bow! I feel so awkward now! 😂
I’m always happy to help. Thanks again for participating. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome, and thanks again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a nice way to start my day! Thank you Sue!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Kim!
LikeLike
Such a great selection by a wonderful powerhouse, Sue!
LikeLiked by 1 person
She is amazing, isn’t she. When she first hit the big time as a singer, I always thought of her as a healthy version of Janis Joplin. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
She’s truly incomparable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Still “beautiful” after all these years. One of my favorites as well. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re from the right era, aren’t we, Marcia? And the message is maybe even more timely now.
LikeLike
still a favorite of mine. I saw the show and it was astounding!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lucky you! Now I have Show Envy. I was fortunate to see the Broadway touring production of Lion King last Thursday, but it was the third time I’ve seen it since it premiered 9 years ago. It was as impressive as ever, but to see a new show…!
LikeLike
Beautiful! Have a Happy Sunday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And the same to you, Hugh!
LikeLike