Youve Got a Friend was written by Carole King and it is part of her album Tapestry, released in 1971. James Taylor also recorded a version of the song in the same year, which became a huge hit. The song talks about the unwavering friendship and support that true friends provide each other, especially through hard times.
Key: G
Introduction:
G/C
C
D
G4
G
F#m7
B7
Em
B7
Em
B7
Em7
When you're down and troubled and you need a helping hand,
Am7
D7(4)
G
G4
G
and nothing, oh, nothing is going right,
F#m7
B7
Em
B7
Em
Em7
close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there
Am7
Bm7
D7(4)
D7
D2
D7
to brighten up even your darkest night.
G
G7M
C
Am7
You just call out my name, and you know wherever I am,
G
G7M
D7(4)
D7
D2
D7
I'll come running to see you again.
G
G7M
C
Em
Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you got to do is call
C
Bm7
Am7
D7(4)
and I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.
D7(4)
G/C
C
G4
G
F#m7
B7
You've got a friend.
B7
Em
B7
Em
B7
Em7
If the sky above you should turn dark and full of clouds,
Am7
D7(4)
G
G4
G
and that old north wind should begin to blow,
F#m7
B7
Em
B7
Em7
keep your head together and call my name out loud.
Am7
Bm7
D7(4)
D7
D2
D7
Soon I'll be knocking upon your door.
G
G7M
C
Am7
You just call out my name, and you know wherever I am,
G
G7M
D7(4)
D7
D2
D7
I'll come running to see you again.
G
G7M
C
Em
Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you got to do is call
C
Bm7
Am7
D7(4)
and I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.
F
C
Hey ain't it good to know that you've got a friend when
G
G7M
C
F7M
people can be so cold. They'll hurt you and desert you.
Em
A7
they'll take your soul if you let them.
D7(4)
D7
Oh yeah, but don't you let them.
G
G7M
C7M
Am7
You just call out my name, and you know wherever I am,
G
G7M
D7(4)
D7
D2
D7
I'll come running to see you again.
G
G7M
C
Em
Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you got to do is call