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
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
You are so right!!!! She is incredibly inspiring. Such a seemingly happy healthy and loving woman – a truly Natural Woman, as we all are and should recognize in ourselves.
I’ll join you on that table any time!
I have witnessed one of the performances with Guidi and Stacy that you referred to. Everyone in the room had a big ole grin on their face. This is a memory that I have tucked away for a rainy day. Thank you for making so many people smile because we all know it is good for the soul.
Thanks Mama! I love you!
Have table ….will dance!!!!!!
Anyone who knows you, knows this to be true! Have fun!
You GO Girl! You are the “queen” of natural women! JT and Carole King are 2 of my favorite artists. Fun story I’d like to share: In the early 90’s, I was on the road presenting instructor training workshops worldwide. One of my gigs was in Daytona Beach, FL. The buzz of the day was that JT was in town to perform but would stop by the health club to workout that afternoon. While I was teaching the master class at the end of an 8 hour workshop, the door openned behind me. Suddenly the workshop participants shrieked with excitement. It was JT himself! I ran after him and invited him and his “body guard” to join us for the class. They did. Even when I dished out syncopated and somewhat complicated moves, JT stayed right in step with me- He can MOVE! The thrill continued as Victor and I were invited to his concert that evening!
What a GREAT story Lynn! Thanks for sharing!
Just reading this makes me smile — on the outside and the inside. Good ol’ Molly. I can see you sliding across the floor, jumping from a chair to a couch and back again. I can’t hear that song, ever, without thinking of you. So, thank you for all the joy you’ve brought to my life, whether you’re with me or somewhere else!
Thanks for this Guidi…love you!
Have table, will dance!