About the song
**Introduction to “So Far Away” by Carole King**
“So Far Away” is a deeply poignant song by the legendary singer-songwriter Carole King, featured on her acclaimed 1971 album, *Tapestry*. This track stands out not only for its heartfelt lyrics but also for its rich musical arrangement. Carole King herself performs on the piano, accompanied by the renowned James Taylor on acoustic guitar. The ensemble also includes Russ Kunkel on drums, Charles Larkey on bass guitar, and Curtis Amy on flute, creating a warm and comforting sound.
The lyrics of “So Far Away” beautifully convey a sense of longing and melancholy. They tell the story of a lover who is physically distant, but the song delves deeper into the emotional separation that can exist between people who care for each other. As Bill Janovitz of Allmusic points out, the song uses the theme of physical distance as a springboard to explore the more profound feelings of emotional disconnect.
Critics have praised Carole King’s performance on this track. Rolling Stone highlighted her “warm, earnest singing,” which brings out the song’s inherent sadness. Cash Box admired the way Carole King blends soft, melodic phrasing with soothing piano accompaniment, noting the superb production by Lou Adler. Record World also commended the song as a “finely crafted cut.”
In recognition of its enduring appeal, *Paste* magazine ranked “So Far Away” as the fourth greatest Carole King song in 2017, and *American Songwriter* placed it second on their list of the top Carole King songs in 2022. The song’s emotional depth was also honored when it was performed at Amy Winehouse’s funeral, a testament to its personal significance to Winehouse, who cherished it greatly.
Overall, “So Far Away” remains a timeless ballad that resonates with anyone who has experienced the heartache of separation, whether physical or emotional.
Video
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