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)
Snow Queen
Carole King Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From her throne she looks down at the clowns
Who think youth can be found in a fountain
High on the wings of her rhythms
She will smile at the guys who come on with their eyes
But she'll never dance with them
A legend is built around
The Snow Queen
You may believe you're a winner
But with her you will soon bite the dust
And discover you're just a beginner
You may not think you're a loser
But in mid-air you'll be hung while you trip on your tongue
And it'll only amuse her
In the morning air you are frozen there
Caught in the icy stare of
The Snow Queen
No, my friend, she doesn't want what you're selling
My friend, there must be a place you can hide
And into the night you'll fade, knowing you lost the game
And just how she got her name of
The Snow Queen
Carole King's song "Snow Queen" speaks about a mysterious and unattainable woman who sits on a throne at the top of a snowy mountain. From her lofty perch, she watches the foolish men below who believe that youth and happiness can be found in a fountain. They come to her with their eyes, hoping to dance with her, but she will not indulge them. The Snow Queen exists on a different plane; she is high on the wings of her own rhythms, and she is a legend built around smoke-filled rooms of electric sound.
King's lyrics paint a picture of a woman who will lead men to their downfall, whether they are winners or losers. You may think you are a winner, but once you encounter the Snow Queen, you will soon bite the dust and realize you are just a beginner. Even if you don't consider yourself a loser, you'll be caught in her icy stare, and she will amuse herself with your failure. The Snow Queen doesn't want what you're selling; she exists outside of the normal rules of society.
Overall, "Snow Queen" is a warning to those who believe they can conquer anything, especially women. The Snow Queen exists to remind us that some things are beyond our reach and that the pursuit of them can lead to our downfall. With its rock-fueled beat and memorable lyrics, "Snow Queen" is a timeless classic that reminds us that even the most beautiful things can be dangerous.
Line by Line Meaning
High on a snow-covered mountain
The Snow Queen resides on a mountain covered in snow
From her throne she looks down at the clowns
The Snow Queen observes those who foolishly believe that youth is eternal
Who think youth can be found in a fountain
Those who believe that they can stay young forever are misguided
High on the wings of her rhythms
The Snow Queen enjoys her own music and feels a sense of superiority
She will smile at the guys who come on with their eyes
Men who try to woo her with their looks will receive a polite response
But she'll never dance with them
She has no interest in engaging with these men on a deeper level
And in smoke-filled rooms of electric sound
The Snow Queen is often found in clubs filled with loud music and smoke
A legend is built around
People love to talk about her, building an aura of mystery and intrigue
The Snow Queen
This is her nickname, earned through her cold demeanor and icy stare
You may believe you're a winner
Some people think that they can win her over, but this is usually misguided
But with her you will soon bite the dust
Those who try to compete with her will quickly fail and be humiliated
And discover you're just a beginner
It's easy to feel confident, but she will quickly make you realize your own limitations
You may not think you're a loser
Some people are overconfident and believe they cannot lose in her presence
But in mid-air you'll be hung while you trip on your tongue
Her words can cut deep, leaving people feeling embarrassed and foolish
And it'll only amuse her
She takes pleasure in seeing people squirm and struggle
In the morning air you are frozen there
After a night with her, people often feel emotionally frozen and disconnected
Caught in the icy stare of
Her intense gaze can leave people feeling uncomfortable or exposed
The Snow Queen
This nickname reflects her cold, unapproachable demeanor
No, my friend, she doesn't want what you're selling
Don't be fooled into thinking that you have anything to offer her
My friend, there must be a place you can hide
It's better to avoid her altogether, rather than subjecting yourself to her judgment
And into the night you'll fade, knowing you lost the game
After failing to impress her, you'll be left feeling ashamed and defeated
And just how she got her name of
People are curious about how she earned her nickname
The Snow Queen
This name reflects her cold, distant nature and the power she holds over others
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CAROLE KING, GERRY GOFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@globalboy65
Jazz roots in this Carole´s theme. Lovely voice, she moves you to another landscape.
@dougryan581
It's magic to enjoy this performed by the creator. BST with their horn ensemble has a unique rendition of this same classic.
@peterldelong
i vaguely remember this piece getting airplay in the early 80’s on WMMS 100.7 in Cleveland even though it was released over a decade earlier. Thanks for sharing.
@jefflanaghan6327
Going on 50 years since I first heard this song done by B,S,&T....knew from the album credits that it was her tune but I never heard another version, until now. Thanks so much for posting.
@trfesok
She originally recorded this in 1968 on a album called "Now That Everything's Been Said". Blood, Sweat & Tears covered it. I put all 3 versions in my BST playlist. Thanks for the upload!
@trfesok
Also released as singles by The Association, Roger Nichols and The Tokens. So, I put those three, this and The City's original in my Association playlist.
@lourdescabrera2544
GOD BLESS YOU CAROLE
@egeo03
"The City" album is so good, so many layers.
@randyadams3542
Jim Gordan on drums. Swinging it. He was a great drummer
@jamespeyton7312
On The City album. Gordon passed away before this version was made. The drummer is Steve Meador who has played with just about everyone as well. Personally I like City album version a bit better-less polished and King is a bit more reserved vocally.