About the song
Carole King’s “So Far Away,” a poignant ballad from her 1971 album “Tapestry,” delves into the depths of emotional isolation and longing. This timeless track, with its heartfelt lyrics and King’s soulful vocals, continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release.
The song opens with a gentle piano melody that immediately sets a contemplative mood. King’s voice, filled with both vulnerability and strength, conveys the profound sadness and loneliness experienced by the narrator. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person yearning for connection and companionship, feeling adrift in a world that seems distant and unfamiliar.
The chorus, with its repetitive refrain of “So far away,” emphasizes the narrator’s sense of detachment and isolation. King’s vocals reach a crescendo during these moments, conveying the intensity of the emotions being expressed. The song’s bridge offers a glimmer of hope, as the narrator contemplates the possibility of finding love and connection in the future.
“So Far Away” is a masterclass in songwriting, with King’s ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful lyrics. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal themes of loneliness, longing, and the search for meaning in life. It remains a testament to King’s talent as a songwriter and her ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level.
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Lyrics
So far away
Doesn’t anybody stay in one place anymore?
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
Doesn’t help to know you’re just time away
Long ago, I reached for you and there you stood
Holding you again could only do me good
How I wish I could, but you’re so far away
One more song about movin’ along the highway
Can’t say much of anything that’s new
If I could only work this life out my way
I’d rather spend it bein’ close to you
But you’re so far away
Doesn’t anybody stay in one place anymore?
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
Doesn’t help to know you’re so far away
Yeah, you’re so far away
Traveling around sure gets me down and lonely
Nothing else to do but close my mind
I sure hope the road don’t come to own me
There’s so many dreams I’ve yet to find
But you’re so far away
Doesn’t anybody stay in one place anymore?
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
It doesn’t help to know you’re so far away
Yeah, you’re so far away
Hey, you’re so far away
Thank you, you were very kind