Sunday Diva/Three From The Hip: Carole King

Sunday Diva/Three From The Hip: 

Carole King

In my own, personal, big gay church, there is a wing dedicated to Those of the Heart. These are the singers, songwriters and muses who have spent a lifetime capturing various aspects of the human condition. Frequently, due to the whims of the music industry, their lives were not always their own... but they persevered... ultimately remaining true to their roles as seers of the heart. 

One such soul?

Carole King, songwriter extraordinaire. 

She spent years, toiling away in the Brill Building, writing hit after hit for others. 

Her musical history is part of the American songbook.

At the dawn of the 1970's she helped create an entire new genre - one still relevant today, the singer/songwriter. In fact, she lit the world on fire, fueling the poetic imaginations of people throughout the world - generation, after generation.

Her verve, her point of view, her appreciation of life - the tapestry she has woven throughout the years, as vibrant today as the day it was first laid down.

Along the way, she's learned so much about life... and shared her wisdom via her songs.

Beautiful? Indeed.

The gospel according to her?

Well, here are three from the hip, dropping from her lips.

The topic? Carole, In A Nutshell

"I’ve had a remarkable life. I seem to be in such good places at the right time. You know, if you were to ask me to sum my life up in one word, gratitude."

"I just sort of try to be a good person; try to write music that lifts people and makes me feel good to sing."

"When I wake up every morning, I smile and say, ‘Thank you.’ Because out of my window I can see the mountains, then go hiking with my dog and share her bounding joy in the world"

"I only wanted to be a songwriter. I never wanted to be a singer. And I never wanted to be famous."

"I’m a songwriter first…In my career, I have never felt that my being a woman was an obstacle or an advantage. I guess I’ve been oblivious…Sensitive, humbug. Everybody thinks I’m sensitive…"

"Sometimes I get a lyric, and the lyric, you know, comes off the page, and goes into my brain and comes out with a melody. Other times, I may create a melody first."

“"My creativity is an entity unto its own."

"All I needed to do was sing with conviction, speaking my truth from the heart, honestly and straightforwardly, and to offer my words, ideas and music to the audience as if it were one collective friend that I’d known for a very long time."

"Everybody understands friendship, and friendship is different than love; it’s a different kind of love. Friendship has more freedom, more latitude. You don’t expect your friend to be as you think your friend should be; you expect your friend just to love you as a friend."

"I still believe that everyone is beautiful in some way and by seeing the beauty in others we make ourselves more beautiful."

So Far Away - Carole King

Jazzman - Carole King

One - Carole King

And one last parting shot...

"Do the things you believe in, in the name of love. And know that, you aren’t alone. We all have doubts and fears."

"When I was younger, I was kind of fearless. I think it takes more courage to do things when you know more. I was completely naïve, and I was like, why can’t I do anything I want to do? You know, go for it."