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James Taylor & Carole King – You've Got A Friend (BBC In Concert, 11/13/71)

James Taylor

23.3M views 5 years ago

Warm-up Questions

From the title, what kind of relationship do you think the song will talk about?
What do you expect the mood to be in a live BBC concert recording from 1971?
What makes a song about friendship feel believable to you?

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James Taylor & Carole King – You've Got A Friend (BBC In Concert, 11/13/71)

Intro: who wrote the song and why it’s being performed (00:00 – 00:33)

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1. Who wrote the tune, according to the speaker?

The audience wrote it
Carole wrote it
The speaker wrote it
The BBC wrote it

2. What does the speaker say he did with the tune?

He only played it live, never recorded it
He refused to record it
He changed all the lyrics
He recorded it on his most recent album

3. Why does the speaker mention it was 'pulled for a single'?

Because it was written for a movie
Because nobody liked it
Because it was too long for an album
Because many people seemed to like it

James Taylor & Carole King – You've Got A Friend (BBC In Concert, 11/13/71)

Verse 1 and chorus: calling a friend for help (00:33 – 03:15)

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1. What should you do when you’re 'down and troubled' in the song?

Wait until morning without talking to anyone
Close your eyes and think of the singer
Run away and hide
Forget about everyone

2. What does the singer promise when you call out their name?

They will leave and not return
They will write you a letter
They will come running to see you again
They will tell you to solve it yourself

3. How often will the singer be there for you?

In winter, spring, summer, or fall
Only in winter
Only in summer
Only on weekends

James Taylor & Carole King – You've Got A Friend (BBC In Concert, 11/13/71)

Verse 2 and ending: staying strong when others are cold (03:15 – 05:04)

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1. What does the song say some people can be like?

Always honest
So cold
Always kind
Never changing

2. What does the singer warn: 'They'll hurt you … and desert you'?

Some people may hurt you and leave you
Music is dangerous
Animals might bite you
You should stop traveling

3. What happens at the very end of the video?

The singer starts a different song
The audience applauds
The lights go out suddenly
A storm begins

James Taylor & Carole King – You've Got A Friend (BBC In Concert, 11/13/71)

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1. What is the main message of the song?

Seasons are more important than people
Success is the most important goal
Friendship means being there when someone needs you
You should never ask anyone for help

2. In the song, what action shows trust between friends?

Competing to be better than each other
Never talking about feelings
Keeping everything secret forever
Calling out a friend’s name when you need support

3. Which feeling best matches the tone of the lyrics?

Comforting and supportive
Sarcastic and mocking
Confusing and random
Angry and threatening

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

James Taylor & Carole King – You've Got A Friend (BBC In Concert, 11/13/71)

What kinds of situations make you want to call a friend for help or comfort?
Do you think it’s easy or hard to 'be there' for someone? Why?
What does the line 'keep your head together' mean in your own words, and when might you say it?
Can music about friendship change how you feel? Give an example from your experience.