About the song
Carole King’s “So Far Away,” released in 1971 as part of her acclaimed album *Tapestry*, is a poignant exploration of distance, both physical and emotional. This timeless ballad, with its heartfelt lyrics and soothing melody, has resonated with audiences for decades, touching upon universal themes of longing and the ache of separation.
The song begins with a gentle piano introduction, setting a melancholic tone that perfectly complements King’s emotive vocals. Her voice, filled with both vulnerability and strength, conveys a sense of profound sadness and yearning. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who feels isolated and disconnected from the world around them. King sings of being “so far away from home,” suggesting that even in familiar surroundings, she feels estranged and alone.
The chorus of “So Far Away” is particularly striking, with its repetitive refrain of “So far away, so far away from you.” This simple yet powerful phrase encapsulates the central theme of the song: the longing for companionship and connection. King’s voice rises with emotion as she expresses her desire to be reunited with the person she loves.
The bridge of the song introduces a more hopeful note, as King sings of “trying to find a way to bring you near.” This suggests that despite her feelings of loneliness, she is not giving up hope of reconnecting with the person she cares about. However, the final verse returns to the theme of separation, emphasizing the enduring nature of her longing.
“So Far Away” is a beautifully crafted song that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. Its timeless message of love, loss, and yearning has ensured its place in the musical canon. Carole King’s masterful performance and the song’s evocative melody make it a truly unforgettable piece of music.
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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