Carole King: A Tapestry of Tarot in Song

Carole King: A Tapestry of Tarot in Song

Carole King. A name that conjures images of sun-drenched afternoons, heartfelt lyrics, and the comforting warmth of a familiar melody. Her music, a timeless soundtrack to life’s joys and sorrows, possesses a unique quality: it feels deeply personal yet universally relatable. Today, let’s explore the magical connection between Carole King’s music and the evocative world of Tarot.

The Soulful Symphony of Cups

Carole King’s songs are, at their core, explorations of the human heart. Her lyrics, raw and honest, delve into the intricate tapestry of emotions, relationships, and personal journeys. This resonates deeply with the Suit of Cups in Tarot, which represents emotions, love, and intuition—mirroring the very essence of King’s musical landscape.

Think of songs like “You’ve Got a Friend,” an anthem of unwavering support and emotional connection, famously recorded by her longtime friend and collaborator James Taylor. Their partnership embodies the Two of Cups—mutual respect, artistic harmony, and deep friendship. Likewise, “It’s Too Late,” a poignant reflection on the end of a relationship, explores the sorrow and acceptance reflected in the Five of Cups.

Beyond the general emotional resonance, specific Tarot archetypes seem to dance in harmony with King’s spirit. The Empress card, with her nurturing, creative, and life-affirming energy, mirrors the warmth and abundance that permeates King’s music. Her songs celebrate life’s simple pleasures and the power of love to heal and transform.

Then there’s the High Priestess, the embodiment of intuition, introspection, and hidden knowledge. Carole King’s ability to delve into the depths of her own soul and translate those experiences into universally relatable songs speaks to the High Priestess’s profound connection to the inner world. Her music invites us to look inward, to explore our own emotions, and to find meaning in our experiences.

The World and the Six of Cups: Journeys and Nostalgia

The journey of personal growth and self-discovery is a recurring theme in King’s work, aligning with the World card. This card symbolizes completion, fulfillment, and finding one’s place in the grand scheme of things. Songs like “So Far Away” and “Beautiful” reflect this theme of seeking and finding one’s path, of navigating the complexities of life and emerging stronger.

And who can forget the sweet pang of nostalgia that often accompanies King’s melodies? The Six of Cups, with its imagery of cherished memories and innocent joy, perfectly captures this feeling. Her songs often evoke a sense of warmth and familiarity, reminding us of simpler times and the enduring power of past experiences.

Her Broadway show, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, is the ultimate reflection of this full-circle journey. The production chronicles her rise from songwriter to legendary performer, much like the World card’s theme of fulfillment and recognition.

Individual Songs Through the Tarot

“Tapestry” – The World and The Empress

Themes: Life’s journey, interconnectedness, and creative fulfillment.

• The World: The album itself acts as a collection of interwoven stories, representing life’s tapestry and completion.
• The Empress: The nurturing and creative energy that permeates the album, celebrating life’s abundance.

Why it works: “Tapestry” is a complete and fulfilling work, reflecting both the journey and the nurturing spirit of these cards.

“You’ve Got a Friend” – Two of Cups and Six of Cups

Themes: Friendship, emotional support, and cherished memories.

• Two of Cups: Represents deep emotional connection and mutual support, as seen in her collaboration with James Taylor.
• Six of Cups: Evokes the feeling of comfort and nostalgia associated with true friendship.

Why it works: This song embodies the essence of true friendship and the comfort it brings, aligning with these cards.

“It’s Too Late” – Five of Cups and Ten of Swords

Themes: Heartbreak, acceptance, and painful endings.

• Five of Cups: Reflects the regret and disappointment of a relationship ending.
• Ten of Swords: Represents a painful and definitive ending.

Why it works: This song captures the sorrow and acceptance that comes with the end of a relationship, aligning with these cards of heartbreak.

“So Far Away” – Eight of Cups and The World

Themes: Longing, searching for connection, and personal journeys.

• Eight of Cups: Represents walking away from a situation to seek something more fulfilling.
• The World: Reflects the journey of finding one’s place and seeking connection.

Why it works: This song speaks to the feeling of being distant and the desire to find one’s way, aligning with these cards of searching and journeying.

“Will You Love Me Tomorrow” – The Moon and Two of Cups

Themes: Uncertainty, vulnerability, and the emotional risk of love.

• The Moon: Represents uncertainty, hidden emotions, and the unknown future of a relationship.
• Two of Cups: Reflects the emotional vulnerability and desire for connection.

Why it works: This song captures the anxiety and hope of new love, aligning with these cards of uncertainty and emotional connection.

“Beautiful” – The Star and The Empress

Themes: Self-acceptance, inner beauty, and nurturing one’s spirit.

• The Star: Represents hope, inspiration, and finding inner peace.
• The Empress: Reflects the nurturing and life-affirming energy of self-love.

Why it works: This song celebrates inner beauty and self-acceptance, a message that became central to Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

“Where You Lead” – Two of Cups and The World

Themes: Commitment, devotion, and following a path together.

• Two of Cups: Represents a deep emotional bond and commitment.
• The World: Reflects the journey of following a shared path and finding unity.

Why it works: This song speaks to unwavering devotion and a shared journey, aligning with these cards of commitment and unity.

“Home Again” – Four of Cups and Six of Cups

Themes: Returning to comfort, nostalgia, and finding peace.

• Four of Cups: A return to a place of comfort and a feeling of contentment.
• Six of Cups: The feeling of returning to a place of loving memories.

Why it works: This song is about returning to a place of comfort, aligning with the cards that reflect peace and nostalgia.

Life Reflected in a Tapestry

Carole King’s music is a profound exploration of the human heart, filled with emotional depth and relatable experiences. Through the lens of Tarot, we see the intricate connections between her songs and the archetypal energies of the cards.

Her collaborations with James Taylor reflect the deep emotional bonds seen in the Two of Cups, and her Broadway show Beautiful embodies the World card’s theme of completion and fulfillment. But more than that, her entire body of work is a tapestry—woven with threads of love, longing, resilience, and self-discovery. Like the Tarot itself, her music tells a story of transformation, reminding us that life is a rich and ever-unfolding journey.

What are your thoughts? Do you see other Tarot connections in Carole King’s music? Share your insights in the comments below!

You can find other Singers/Songwriters in this Series here.