So Far Away (Carole King song)
“So Far Away” is a song written by Carole King, which appeared on her 1971 album Tapestry. The recording features James Taylor on acoustic guitar.
The lyrics express longing for a lover who is far away. But Allmusic critic Bill Janovitz notes that while the lyrics start by focusing on the physical distance between the lovers, the lyrics use that as a jumping-off point to explore emotional distance between lovers as well. Rolling Stone stated King's "warm, earnest singing" on the song brought out the song's sadness.
In addition to Taylor, and King on piano, instruments include Russ Kunkel on drums, Charles Larkey on bass guitar and Curtis Amy on flute.
Personnel
- Carole King – piano, vocals
- Curtis Amy – flute
- Russ Kunkel – drums
- Charles "Charlie" Larkey – bass guitar
- James Taylor – acoustic guitar
Notable covers
- In 1995, Rod Stewart's cover of the song was included on the tribute album . In the US, it was released as a single and peaked at #2 on the AC chart. It reached #4 on the Canadian AC chart. "So Far Away" was later included on his 1996 ballad compilation album If We Fall in Love Tonight.
- In 2015, the song was covered in musical TV series Glee in episode "Jagged Little Tapestry" and the EP Glee: The Music, Jagged Little Tapestry performed by Diana Agron and Jenna Ushkowitz as their characters Quinn Fabray and Tina Cohen-Chang.
Chart history
Weekly charts
;Carole King original| Chart | Peak position |
| Canada RPM 100 Singles | 17 |
| Canada RPM Adult Contemporary | 12 |
| U.S. Adult Contemporary | 3 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | 14 |
| U.S. Cash Box Top 100 | 10 |
;Rod Stewart cover
| Chart | Peak position |
| Canada RPM Adult Contemporary | 4 |
| Germany | 74 |
| U.S. Adult Contemporary | 2 |