When you're down and troubled
And you need a helping hand
And nothing, oh, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me
Written by Carole King, “You’ve Got a Friend” became the biggest and most popular hit for James Taylor, who was only twenty-three years old then. It was released as the first single off his 1971 album Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon, and it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart - making it his only No. 1 in America.
Lyrics:
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest nights
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running, oh, yeah, baby
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you've got to do is call
And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah
You've got a friend
If the sky above you
Should turn dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind should begin to blow
Keep your head together
And call my name out loud now
Soon I'll be knocking upon your door
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running, oh, yes, I will
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall, yeah
All you've got to do is call
And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah
Hey, ain't it good to know that you've got a friend?
When people can be so cold
They'll hurt you and desert you
Well, they'll take your soul if you let them
Oh, yeah, but don't you let them
You just call out my name
And, you know, wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Oh, baby don't you know 'bout
Winter, spring, summer or fall
Hey, now, all you've got to do is call
Lord, I'll be there, yes, I will
You've got a friend
You've got a friend, yeah
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend?
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend?
Oh, yeah, yeah, you've got a friend