Carole King returned to the studio where she recorded her 1971 groundbreaking album Tapestry to re-record “One” off her 1977 record Simple Things. This version of the track has lyrics reflecting the upcoming United States midterm election and what she hopes to come of it.
King explained, “I was going to play a few songs at a women’s luncheon at which nine female candidates would introduce themselves. I kept thinking about the song ‘One’ for which I had written both music and lyrics in 1977. It’s a song about wondering what we can do when we see injustice, and it expresses my long-held belief that we – all of us humans – are most effective when we come together as ‘One’ and stand up for our values such as dignity, inclusivity, equality of opportunity, and caring for our most vulnerable neighbors. Drawn to the piano like pins to a magnet, I was inspired to write some new lyrics for the last chorus to reflect my feelings about the 2018 election. And then I wanted to record it.”
She also stated this about the Midterm elections: “I live in a red state. Many of my neighbors are Trump voters. I’ve noticed over the years that when someone in the community is in need, neighbors with only two dollars in their pocket will give a dollar to help out. As I watch the leader of our country dividing us with rhetoric that elicits fear and hatred and emboldens some of his supporters to commit acts of violence, I believe that most of us across party lines have the capacity for compassion. I believe that most of us care about our neighbors, and that most of us want Love to win. I see ‘One (2018)’ as an antidote to fear, hatred, and violence. I hope the song will empower everyone who hears it to know that he or she can make a difference.”
For more information, check out King’s website.
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