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- Best Relationship Advice "You've Got a Friend" Carole King, 1971
Best Relationship Advice "You've Got a Friend" Carole King, 1971
by LaDena Kailing Garr, Certified Life Coach since 2011
Fun fact, find the answer at the bottom of this email.
Carole King and James Taylor both recorded this song during the same year. What famous singer sang back up vocals on both versions?

Feel-Good Relationship Advice from the Greatest Love Songs!
Ain’t it good to know you’ve got a friend
For those who appreciate your friendships
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Read time: 5 minutes
Lyrics
When you're down and troubled
And you need some lovin' care
And nothin', nothin' is goin' right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night
I love the lyrics; “close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there to brighten even your darkest night”. We all have people who can’t be with us, and this sentiment is a gift. To share kind energy with them, to feel of their love, friendship, and support, no matter what, is healing.
The song was as close to pure inspiration as I've ever experienced. The song wrote itself. It was written by something outside myself, through me.
According to author James D. Perone, the song's themes include an expression of "a universal, sisterly/brotherly, agape-type love of one human being for another, regardless of gender."
Wikipedia states the "reassuring" lyrics have long made the song popular with lonely people needing a boost of self-confidence. The song's messages of friendship having no boundaries and a friend being there when you are in need have universal appeal.
Agape; Agape is a Greek word that describes a selfless, unconditional, and sacrificial form of love, often considered the highest kind of love, demonstrated by God's love for humanity and the love Christians are called to show to others. It is characterized by an active choice to seek the well-being of another, acting with kindness, patience, and grace, rather than being a mere emotion or a response to reciprocation.
Lyrics
You just call out my name
And you know, wherever I am
I'll come runnin'
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
Wikipedia states Carole King's "You've Got a Friend" is a song about the enduring power of platonic love and unconditional friendship, offering comfort and support to anyone feeling down or alone.
Written by King as a response to James Taylor's song "Fire and Rain" and its line about lonely times without a friend, the song serves as a reassuring promise of presence and empathy through thick and thin.
American Songwriter praised the song saying,
In today’s age of online vitriol and divisions across seemingly all fronts, it’s delightful to hear a song about enduring friendship and selfless behavior.
Lyrics
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 knockin' at your door
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend
Who comes to mind as you enjoy listening to this song? Perhaps you should let them know.
Knowing what to share with our loved ones comes easily for some, and is difficult for many of us. That’s why I created a free guide called four conversation starters to strengthen your relationship to share with you. In the guide, I’ll also share more about who I am as a Life Coach and the rewarding work I’m able to do.
Let’s go deeper into expressing love in our friendships.
When we meet the needs of those we love, they are able to expand their gifts and enrich both of our lives.

Think about this…
When is the last time you let your friends know just how much you appreciate them and are willing to help them?
Key Take Aways
Self-less behavior is a beautiful form of love
When we meet the needs of those we love, they are able to expand their gifts and enrich both of our lives
Fun Fact Trivia:
Carole King and James Taylor both recorded this song on the same year. What famous singer sang back up vocals on both versions?
Answer: Joni Mitchell
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Love is the greatest adventure!
~LaDena
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