Taylor and King first met - briefly - in the 60s at the Night Owl Café in Greenwich Village. James was a shy teenager. Carole, although only in her mid-twenties, was already a legendary songwriter, but not yet a performer. She began finding her way toward being comfortable as an entertainer as part of James Taylor's band. Taylor's version of King's "You've Got a Friend" became a number one hit in the summer of 1971 and won a Grammy. In that same year, King's album 'Tapestry' reached number one and stayed there for a remarkable 15 weeks. It would eventually sell 22 million copies. Despite this success, King carried on touring with Taylor. They played L.A.'s Troubadour in the spring for a two-week co-starring run.'
At Thanksgiving in 2007, James and Carole returned to the Troubadour for a sentimental journey through their old set list, including performances of the pair's most beloved hits such as "You've Got a Friend", King's "So Far Away," "It's Too Late," and "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?", as well as Taylor's "Carolina in My Mind," "Sweet Baby James," and "Fire and Rain," to name just a few.
Carolina In My Mind
James Taylor & Carole King Lyrics
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Can't you see the sunshine?
Can't you just feel the moonshine?
Ain't it just like a friend of mine
To hit me from behind?
Yes, I'm gone to Carolina in my mind
Karin, she's a silver sun
And watch her watch the morning come
A silver tear appearing now
I'm cryin', ain't I?
Gone to Carolina in my mind
There ain't no doubt in no ones mind
That love's the finest thing around
Whisper something soft and kind
And hey babe, the sky's on fire
I'm dying, ain't I?
Gone to Carolina in my mind
In my mind I'm gone to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine?
Can't you just feel the moonshine?
And, ain't it just like a friend of mine
To hit me from behind?
Yes, I'm gone to Carolina in my mind
Dark and silent, late last night,
I think I might have heard the highway call
And geese in flight and dogs that bite
The signs that might be omens say
I'm goin', I'm goin'
I'm gone to Carolina in my mind
With a holy host of others standin' around me
Still I'm on the dark side of the moon
And it seems like it goes on like this forever
You must forgive me, if I'm up and gone to
Carolina in my mind
In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine?
Can't you just feel the moonshine?
Ain't is just like a friend of mine
To hit me from behind
Yes, I'm gone to Carolina in my mind
Gone to Carolina in my mind
And I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind
Goin' to Carolina in my mind
Gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
Say nice things about me 'cause I'm gone south now
Got to carry on without me, I'm gone
The lyrics to "Carolina in My Mind" by James Taylor & Carole King paint a vivid picture of the singer's longing for the place where he feels most at home, in the southern state of Carolina. The first verse refers to the familiar feeling of the sunshine and moonshine, and the sense of being hit from behind, as if he is being recalled to Carolina even against his own will. In the second verse, he speaks of a woman named Karin, who is described as a "silver sun" that shines brightly in the morning.
The chorus repeats the main theme of the song, that the singer is "gone to Carolina in my mind" and is preoccupied with the sights and sounds of the state. The bridge section conveys a sense of restlessness, with the singer hearing the call of the highway and the sounds of geese and dogs. He feels as though he is on the "dark side of the moon" and must keep moving forward towards his destination of Carolina.
Overall, the lyrics of "Carolina in My Mind" capture a feeling of nostalgia and longing for a place that holds a special meaning in the singer's heart. The images of sunshine, moonshine, and a silver sun shining in the morning all convey a sense of warmth and comfort, while the restlessness and feelings of being on the dark side of the moon evoke a sense of unease and dissatisfaction with the present.
Line by Line Meaning
In my mind I'm gone to Carolina
The singer is physically present elsewhere, but mentally has escaped to the peaceful state of mind associated with Carolina.
Can't you see the sunshine?
The singer is suggesting that Carolina is a place of natural beauty where the sun shines prominently.
Can't you just feel the moonshine?
The singer is suggesting that Carolina is a place of natural beauty where the night sky is lit up by the moon.
Ain't it just like a friend of mine
To hit me from behind?
The artist is remarking that sometimes in life, surprises come along (like a friend tapping one's back) when he least expects them.
Yes, I'm gone to Carolina in my mind
The artist has escaped to the peaceful state of mind associated with Carolina.
Karin, she's a silver sun
You best walk her way and watch it shine
And watch her watch the morning come
A silver tear appearing now
I'm cryin', ain't I?
The singer is describing someone named Karin, who has a lustrous appearance in the sunlight. The singer is also emotional while describing her.
There ain't no doubt in no ones mind
That love's the finest thing around
The singer is emphasizing the point that everyone knows that love is the best feeling one can experience.
Whisper something soft and kind
And hey babe, the sky's on fire
I'm dying, ain't I?
The artist asks to be whispered to gently, then pictures the sky as a burning entity. The artist also feels overwhelmed emotionally.
Gone to Carolina in my mind
The artist has escaped to the peaceful state of mind associated with Carolina.
Dark and silent, late last night,
I think I might have heard the highway call
And geese in flight and dogs that bite
The signs that might be omens say
I'm goin', I'm goin'
I'm gone to Carolina in my mind
The artist is describing a moment when he is trying to fall asleep, but hears sounds of the highway, birds, and dogs barking which could mean that Carolina is calling to him. He thinks it might be an omen, and therefore decides to leave for Carolina.
With a holy host of others standin' around me
Still I'm on the dark side of the moon
And it seems like it goes on like this forever
You must forgive me, if I'm up and gone to
Carolina in my mind
The singer describes a situation where although there are many people around him, he feels like he is alone and sad. He also feels like the situation will go on forever unless he leaves for Carolina. He apologizes for abandoning the situation and leaving for the peaceful state of mind associated with Carolina.
Gone to Carolina in my mind
The artist has escaped to the peaceful state of mind associated with Carolina.
And I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind
The singer has decided to leave and go to Carolina.
Gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
Say nice things about me 'cause I'm gone south now
Got to carry on without me, I'm gone
The singer reiterates that he has left and gone south to Carolina. He asks for people to say good things about him in his absence and wishes those left behind to carry on.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: James Taylor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@KrisPeter
This is how magic sounds. Absolutely perfect.