King's major success began in the 1960s when she and her first husband, Gerry Goffin, wrote more than two dozen chart hits, many of which have become standards, for numerous artists. She has continued writing for other artists since then. King's success as a performer in her own right did not come until the 1970s, when she sang her own songs, accompanying herself on the piano, in a series of albums and concerts. After experiencing commercial disappointment with her debut album Writer, King scored her breakthrough with the album Tapestry, which topped the U.S. album chart for 15 weeks in 1971 and remained on the charts for more than six years.
King has made 25 solo albums, the most successful being Tapestry, which held the record for most weeks at No. 1 by a female artist for more than 20 years. Her record sales were estimated at more than 75 million copies worldwide. She has won four Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. She has been inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a performer and songwriter. She is the recipient of the 2013 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, the first woman to be so honored. She is also a 2015 Kennedy Center Honoree.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carole_King
Studio albums
Writer (1970)
Tapestry (1971)
Music (1971)
Rhymes & Reasons (1972)
Fantasy (1973)
Wrap Around Joy (1974)
Thoroughbred (1976)
Simple Things (1977)
Welcome Home (1978)
Touch the Sky (1979)
Pearls: Songs of Goffin and King (1980)
One to One (1982)
Speeding Time (1983)
City Streets (1989)
Colour of Your Dreams (1993)
Love Makes the World (2001)
A Holiday Carole (2011)
One
Carole King Lyrics
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Whenever I find injustice being done
And I wonder, what am I gonna do?
What am I gonna do?
What can one do except be one?
Talking to two, touching three
Growing to four million
I go through phases when I realize
It wouldn't be wise to try and bring it down
And I wonder, what am I gonna do? (What am I gonna do?)
What am I gonna do? (Ah-ah-ah-ah)
What should one do except just be around?
Staying alive, putting out love
Growing to five billion
Each of us is one, all of us are one
Open your heart and let the love come shining through
And you will do what you need to do
To know just where the other you is coming from
He is one
She is one
A tree is one
The earth is one
The universe is one
I am one
We are one
It just amazes me that I can be
Part of the energy it takes to serve each other
And I wonder, what am I gonna do?
What am I gonna do?
What can one do except be one?
Each of us is one
All of us are one
We are one
What am I gonna do?
What am I gonna do?
Be one
In Carole King's song "One," she speaks about the injustice in the world and how she wonders what she can do to make a difference. She acknowledges that each person may feel small and insignificant, but they can still make a difference by standing together as one. She speaks to the power of unity and the importance of each person taking action to contribute to the greater good. King emphasizes that we are all connected, as individuals and as a collective, and that by opening our hearts and embracing love, we can make a positive impact in the world.
The repetition of the phrase "Each of us is one - all of us are one" emphasizes the message that we are all equally valuable and important in creating change. The progression from "talking to two, touching three" to "growing to five billion" shows the exponential impact that each person can have as they come together. Overall, the song encourages unity and collective action as a way to address the problems in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Poetic phrases come to mind
When I observe injustice, poetic phrases come to my mind.
Whenever I find injustice being done
Whenever I observe injustice.
And I wonder, what am I gonna do
I question myself on what I can do to help.
What can one do except to be one
The only thing I can do is be myself.
Talking to two, touching three
Communicating with a few people and connecting with a larger community.
Growing to four million
Expanding the community to millions of people.
Each of us is one-all of us are one
Each person is unique but we all share a connection with one another.
I go through phases when I realize
I have moments when I understand.
It wouldn't be wise to try and bring it down
It is not practical to try and solve everything.
What should one do except just be around
All one can do is just be present.
Staying alive, putting out love
Stay positive and spread love to others.
Growing to five billion
Spreading love to the entire world population.
Open your heart and let the love come shining through
Allow yourself to be vulnerable and share love.
And you will do what you need to do
You will naturally do what is right.
To know just where the other you is coming from
To understand others' perspectives and experiences.
He is one-she is one
We are all individuals.
A tree is one-the earth is one-the universe is one
Everything is connected and part of a bigger picture.
I am one-we are one
I am unique but we are all part of a greater community.
It just amazes me that I can be
It is incredible that I am able to contribute.
Part of the energy it takes to serve each other
Part of the force that allows us to help each other.
What can one do
What is the course of action that is feasible?
Except be one
Except for being yourself and contributing to the community.
We are one
We are all connected as people.
Be one
Be yourself and contribute to the community.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Carole King
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind