About the song
Carole King’s “So Far Away,” a cornerstone of her iconic 1971 album Tapestry, is a poignant exploration of distance, both physical and emotional. The song, featuring the soulful accompaniment of James Taylor on acoustic guitar, paints a vivid picture of longing and separation.
King’s lyrics delve into the universal experience of missing someone dearly. The opening lines, “I’m so far away from you, it’s like a thousand miles,” immediately set the stage for a tale of separation. However, the song transcends mere geographical distance, delving into the emotional chasm that can grow between two people.
As Allmusic critic Bill Janovitz observes, the lyrics use the physical distance as a metaphor for the emotional detachment that can occur in a relationship. King’s words evoke a sense of isolation and loneliness, as she yearns for the comfort and connection that only a loved one can provide.
The song’s emotional impact is further enhanced by King’s warm and earnest vocals. Her voice, filled with both longing and resignation, conveys the depth of her feelings. The gentle strumming of Taylor’s guitar provides a melancholic backdrop, complementing the song’s introspective mood.
“So Far Away” is a timeless piece that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release. It serves as a poignant reminder of the pain of separation and the enduring power of love.
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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