King was born to an international jazz duo, Marion Cowings and Kim Kalesti. King and her brother were always exposed to music, especially jazz and classical sounds during their childhood. "It was an amazing experience," she says. "It was very challenging. We went from the fanciest hotels one day, to the dirtiest motels the next day -- you know, just living off a musicians paycheck. Also, being around so much incredible music. We were in the jazz world so I was with Dizzy Gillespie one day to Clark Terry the next day. It was my education."
As the daughter of two singers - one Italian, one African American - who performed internationally as a Jazz duo, King has always been exposed to music, its challenges and its rewards, from an early age. She always knew she would follow in her parents' footsteps. "I had a hard time in school," she says, "because I already knew what I wanted to do, so I was like, let me just get started." At age 16, King took two giant steps: She got her GED, and she started writing songs.
The music on her J Records debut, East Side Story, reveals roots that are both deep & ambitious. Kings words are packed with references to the wide range of great artists that inspired her - the Beatles, Nas, Sarah Vaughn, Radiohead & Michael Jackson. "Every record that I’ve ever heard has been an influence on me", she says.
The very first song that she completed, "Business Man" - a commentary on heartless capitalists - is a central moment on East Side Story. "I always thought if I write a song, it's not going to be about relationships," she says. "There are so many things in this world to talk about." She quickly advanced from banging around on a guitar in her apartment to performing on the local folk club circuit at such noted venues as the Bitter End and CBGB's Gallery.
In the meantime, King had discovered hip-hop and immersed herself in a culture that would add yet another ingredient to her musical mix. She met Sony Music publisher Bill Brown who introduced her to Sony writer/producer Chucky Thompson, a member of Bad Boy Entertainment's famed Hitman studio team who had recorded smashes with the likes of the Notorious BIG and Mary J. Blige. Thompson signed her to his production company, and together they began searching for the right sound to capture King's eclectic tastes and styles. After taking her demos to various labels, they signed with J Records.
In 2012, King was awarded the Holly Prize (a tribute to the legacy of Buddy Holly) from The Songwriters Hall of Fame for recognition of the "all-in songwriter" whose work exhibits the qualities of Holly’s music.
King's second studio album, The Switch, was self-released by her own label, Making Music Records, on 26 June 2015.
She signed with the independent label ATO Records in 2017 and with them released her third studio album, Scenery, on 1 February 2019.
King released her fourth studio album, Sides, on January 17, 2020.
More information can be found at www.emilykingfans.com or www.emilykingonline.com
Good Friend
Emily King Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know I'll get it from a good friend,
If there's something I need, I don't already have
I know I'll get it from a good friend,
If there's something I need, I don't already have
I know I'll get it from a good friend,
If there's something I need, I don't already have
I know I'll get it from a good friend,
I know I'll get it from a good friend,
If there's something I need, I don't already have
I know I'll get it from a good friend,
If there's something I need, I don't already have
I know I'll get it from a good friend,
If there's something I need, I don't already have
I know I'll get it from a good friend,
I know there is a mountain
I know there is a climb
I thought about the danger
The darkness of the night
But soon as I get weary
Soon as I close my eyes
You're there to lift the burden from my mind
If there's something I need, I don't already have
I know I'll get it from a good friend,
If there's something I need, I don't already have
I know I'll get it from a good friend,
If there's something I need, I don't already have
I know I'll get it from a good friend,
If there's something I need, I don't already have
I know I'll get it from a good friend,
I know I've been impatient
I know I've been upset
I know I've felt the pressure
Lookin' for happiness
But soon as I get weary
Soon as I lose my head
You're there to lift my burden once again
If there's something I need, I don't already have
I know I'll get it from a good friend,
If there's something I need, I don't already have
I know I'll get it from a good friend,
If there's something I need, I don't already have
I know I'll get it from a good friend,
If there's something I need, I don't already have
I know I'll get it from a good friend,
If there's something I need, I don't already have
I know I'll get it from a good friend,
If there's something I need, I don't already have
I know I'll get it from a good friend,
If there's something I need, I don't already have
I know I'll get it from a good friend,
If there's something I need, I don't already have
I know I'll get it from a good friend
In "Good Friend", Emily King expresses her gratitude for the loving support she has received from her close friends. The song's chorus repeats the line "If there's something I need, I don't already have, I know I'll get it from a good friend" several times to emphasize the importance of a positive support system. In the first verse, King reiterates that she turns to her friends when she needs something because they never fail to provide her with what she needs. She relies on their unwavering support and feels safe with them. The second verse reveals that this support is especially valuable when times get tough, and King feels overwhelmed, exhausted, or lost. Her friends help her carry the emotional burden and maintain her strength.
The repetition of the song’s chorus gives it a catchy, upbeat tone, which is perfect for a reflective appreciation song to friends. The lyrics highlight the deep connection of friendship, which is not just about having fun times together, but also about supporting each other during difficult times. Emily King’s honest lyrics and warm vocals make "Good Friend" an emotional ballad that touches the heart.
Line by Line Meaning
If there's something I need, I don't already have
I have faith in my good friend to provide for me if I am in need.
I know there is a mountain
I acknowledge that there are obstacles in life.
I know there is a climb
I know that reaching my goals requires effort and hard work.
I thought about the danger
I have considered the risks involved in pursuing my goals.
The darkness of the night
Refers to the uncertain and challenging times in life.
But soon as I get weary
Whenever I feel tired or discouraged,
Soon as I close my eyes
Whenever I take a break and rest,
You're there to lift the burden from my mind
I can always count on my good friend to support and comfort me in difficult times.
I know I've been impatient
I am aware that I sometimes lack patience in achieving my goals.
I know I've been upset
I acknowledge that difficult emotions arise in the pursuit of my goals.
I know I've felt the pressure
I am aware of the stress and pressure that comes with striving for success.
Lookin' for happiness
I seek to find happiness in life through my pursuit of goals.
But soon as I get weary
Whenever I feel tired or discouraged,
Soon as I lose my head
Whenever I lose focus or become overwhelmed,
You're there to lift my burden once again
I can always count on my good friend to support and comfort me in difficult times.
Contributed by Muhammad P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
jadoo
I love your voice and music! So great
dy
so talented! I love this album!
Kimbella S
Love this song
M
Emily you & your lyrics pop into my head since I first heard this
Back here today cause ur still my cup of tea stay fab
LDGE
Loving this!!!!
Rio
This a A MOUNTAIN OF TALENT
Madame Baguette
I love your music 😄
Ethan Bryant
this song is so freakiNG CATCHYYY, jesus christ, someone please make this girl famous
Christy Harper
She's famous to me and many! Fan since East Side Story! A REAL artist!
Kimi Katiti
my heart hurts when I see so little views on this song!!!