Tapestry

Carole King and Gerry Goffin were two of the most prolific songwriters of the modern age. Then in 1971, Carole released her solo album, ‘Tapestry’. Set to become one of the biggest-selling albums in history, it contained a selection of near-perfect songs, all written and performed by her. It’s a hard choice to choose one, but I have always thought that Aretha Franklin’s version of ‘You Make Me feel Like A Natural Woman’ was too associated with Aretha.

So I choose Carole’s original. I much prefer this version anyway.
I played ‘Tapestry’ to death at the time. I was 19 years old.

Looking out on the morning rain
I used to feel so uninspired
And when I knew I had to face another day
Lord, it made me feel so tired
Before the day I met you, life was so unkind
But you’re the key to my peace of mind
‘Cause you make me feel
You make me feel
You make me feel like a natural woman (woman)
When my soul was in the lost and found
You came along to claim it
I didn’t know just what was wrong with me
‘Til your kiss helped me name it
Now I’m no longer doubtful, of what I’m living for
And if I make you happy I don’t need to do more
‘Cause you make me feel
You make me feel
You make me feel like a natural woman (woman)
Oh, baby, what you’ve done to me (what you’ve done to me)
You make me feel so good inside (good inside)
And I just want to be (want to be)
Close to you, you make me feel so alive
You make me feel
You make me feel
You make me feel like a natural woman (woman)
You make me feel
You make me feel
You make me feel like a natural woman (woman)
You make me feel
You make me feel
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Carole King / Gerry Goffin / Jerry Wexler
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

This is the first of an occasional series looking at some great music from my past.

Carole King is now 75 years old. She is one of the most prolific songwriters of the modern era, and even if you have never heard her name, I guarantee you will know some of the countless songs she has been responsible for. She married Gerry Goffin when she was just 17, and the pair formed one of the most successful songwriting partnerships of the 1960s. Just some of the songs they wrote at the time might jog your memory.
‘Halfway to Paradise’
‘The Locomotion’
‘It might as well rain until September’
‘Up on the roof’
‘Will you still love me tomorrow’
‘Going Back’
‘One fine day’
And many more.

Carole didn’t enjoy much success as a performer at first, despite recording some of her own compositions. But in 1971, her second album, ‘Tapestry’ caught the mood, and became a huge success. It went on to win numerous awards, and eventually sold 25,000,000 copies, making it one of the biggest-selling albums of all time. I bought my copy that same year, and I didn’t know anyone who didn’t have their own too. This is the original track listing. See how many of the songs are familiar to you now.

All songs written by Carole King except where noted.

Side 1
“I Feel the Earth Move” – 3:00
“So Far Away” – 3:55
“It’s Too Late” (lyrics by Toni Stern) – 3:54
“Home Again” – 2:29
“Beautiful” – 3:08
“Way Over Yonder” – 4:49

Side 2
“You’ve Got a Friend” – 5:09
“Where You Lead” (lyrics by Carole King and Toni Stern) – 3:20
“Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” (Gerry Goffin, King) – 4:13
“Smackwater Jack” (Goffin, King) – 3:42
“Tapestry” – 3:15
“(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” (Goffin, King, Jerry Wexler) – 3:59

I played the vinyl almost to extinction, and later bought the CD version, with its two bonus tracks. The songs delivered everything, from mournful ballads, simple love songs, and rocking piano-led beats. Carole’s voice suited her own songs in a way that all the cover versions could never capture. Her emotion came through on every track, and she sung each one right from the heart.