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)
You Can Do Anything
Carole King Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Another lonely day
What's the use in making plans
When nothing's gonna go my way
But there's a voice down deep inside me telling me what to say
[Chorus]
Don't you know that you can do anything
Don't you know that you can do anything
And you don't have to do it alone
Searching for the girl I was
When I was sure and strong
When everything was easier
And I could do no wrong
If I could only believe in myself
I know I could find a way
[Chorus]
Sorry tears in my eyes
Got me down in confusion and doubt
Suddenly I realize
I'm no different than anyone working it out
We're all working it out
[Chorus]
The sun is shining but not on me
Another lonely day
What's the use in making plans
When nothing's gonna go my way
But there's a voice down deep inside me telling me what to say
[Chorus]
Don't you know that you can do anything
You can take anything and make it your own
Don't you know that you can do anything
And you don't have to do it alone
Searching for the girl I was
When I was sure and strong
When everything was easier
And I could do no wrong
If I could only believe in myself
I know I could find a way
[Chorus]
Sorry tears in my eyes
Got me down in confusion and doubt
Suddenly I realize
I'm no different than anyone working it out
We're all working it out
[Chorus]
The lyrics to Carole King's song "You Can Do Anything" present a message of hope and perseverance. In the first verse, the singer is feeling down and unsupported by the world around her. She questions the point of making plans, knowing that things never seem to go her way. However, she hears a voice inside her encouraging her, telling her that she has the capability to stay positive and succeed, even when things are tough.
The chorus repeats the message that anyone is capable of achieving great things and that there is no need to do it alone. The singer longs to find the strength she remembers having when she was young and optimistic, when the world seemed to present endless possibilities. If only she could believe in herself, she believes, she could accomplish anything. Despite feeling sorry for herself and being confused and doubtful about her path, she comes to the realization that everyone is facing some sort of challenge, and that by supporting each other and ourselves, we can all work it out and achieve what we aim for.
Overall, the song conveys the idea that even when we feel alone and unsupported, we are never truly alone, since we all experience similar struggles. With a little positive thinking and self-belief, we can reach our goals and make our dreams come true.
Line by Line Meaning
The sun is shining but not on me
Despite the good things happening around me, I am feeling left out and sad.
Another lonely day
I am feeling isolated and unsupported.
What's the use in making plans
When nothing's gonna go my way
I am feeling hopeless and unmotivated because I don't believe things will work out for me.
But there's a voice down deep inside me telling me what to say
I have an inner voice that is encouraging me to speak up and take action.
Don't you know that you can do anything
You can take anything and make it your own
Don't you know that you can do anything
And you don't have to do it alone
Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed. You have the power to take control of your life and you can seek support from others when you need it.
Searching for the girl I was
When I was sure and strong
When everything was easier
And I could do no wrong
If I could only believe in myself
I know I could find a way
I am trying to reclaim the confidence and strength I once had, and I know that if I can trust in myself again, I can overcome any obstacle.
Sorry tears in my eyes
Got me down in confusion and doubt
Suddenly I realize
I'm no different than anyone working it out
We're all working it out
I am feeling emotional and uncertain, but I am realizing that everyone experiences struggles and it's okay to be unsure sometimes. We are all figuring things out as we go.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KENNETH EDMONDS, CAROLE KING, CAROLE BAYER SAGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind