Back in the early 80’s, I was your typical college student.  I went to school, had a job at the local sandwich shop (Joe’s Deli) and had a LOT of fun with my friends.  Every now and then, I would get “in a mood” and have to sing Carole King’s “Natural Woman”—made famous by the one and only Aretha Franklin.  I was usually with my best buds, Stacy and Guidi, when I belted out those lyrics while standing on top of a bar or coffee table.  Thankfully, my makeshift microphone was a flashlight or remote control and not real one!  It wasn’t always at bars when I acted out; I sang it once at a retirement community where I worked part-time—hopping from one person’s wheel chair to the next.  You can’t help but feel beautiful and empowered when you’re singing that song.

Fast forward 20 plus years, my husband and I were lucky enough to score tickets to the James Taylor-Carole King Troubadour Reunion Tour.  I have always loved JT, but for me, Carole stole the show.  She got a standing ovation for her rendition of “Natural Woman” which I must admit was a wee bit better than mine.  It sure brought back a lot of great memories.

Carole’s passion equals her amazing talent—at 68 years old she rocked the show. You heard me—68!   All the women in the restroom during the intermission could not stop talking about what an inspiration she is to all women.  Amazingly talented yet extremely grounded.  Her energy alone would make a twenty year old jealous!

Her lyrics are inspirational and real.  As I was listening to the concert, I felt like Carole and James were giving us some wonderful life lessons—ones we can all learn from.  Feel free to sing as you read:

Lesson # 1:

You’ve got to get up every morning with a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You’re gonna find, yes you will
That you’re beautiful as you feel

(from “Beautiful—a song we should wake up listening to every day)

Lesson # 2

Shower the people you love with love—show them the way that you feel

 (from “Shower the People” written by James Taylor)

Lesson #3

When you’re down and troubled
And you need some loving care
And nothing, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I’ll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.
You’ve got a friend

(from “You’ve Got a Friend” which was made famous by JT but written by Carole)

Lesson #4

Always remember and embrace that you are a natural woman!  And, don’t be afraid to sing it OUT LOUD whenever the mood hits you!
 

Wake up every morning with a smile and show the world all the love in your heart.  Shower the people you love with love.  Remind your loved ones that you will always be there for them.  And always be a natural woman.

What do you want to be doing when you’re 68 years old?  Feeling sad because time is passing you by so quickly or standing on a coffee table belting out your favorite song?

I think I know where I’ll be.  Anyone want to join me?

Molly