3 Songs Written but Not Originally Performed by Carole King

Carole King’s songwriting credits run about as long as Santa’s list. She boasts a stunning 118 songs to have appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 and 61 that appeared on the UK singles charts. And while many of those tracks were written and performed by her, many others she penned for artist friends and loved ones.

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Here below, we wanted to explore three examples of songs the artist composed for others. A trio of tracks that King passed along to those who she thought would benefit from her work. Indeed, these are three songs written but not originally performed by Carole King.

[RELATED: Top 10 Carole King Songs]

“I’ll Love You for a While” by Dusty Springfield (Single, 1965)

Released in 1965 by the British-born Dusty Springfield, this standalone single was written by Carole King and frequent writing partner (and former husband) Gerry Goffin. Sonically, it’s lively tune, rollicking thanks to big rhythmic acoustic guitars and pianos. It’s compelling and empowering. And on it the always passionate Springfield sings flirtatiously about how long her love might last for a given beau. Affection is fleeting, attentions and desires may change. But that’s her prerogative, after all. And it takes two to tango—so you best stay on your game if you want to feel the adoration. Indeed, Springfield sings,

Yeah, I will love you for a while
Just how long I cannot say
Long before love grows old
I’ll be on my way

While there’s fire in your eyes
I will hold you to my heart
Oh, but when the fire dies
We will have to part

“Sometime in the Morning” by The Monkees from More of the Monkees (1967)

Another written by King and Goffin, this tune was produced for the famous television-made band, The Monkees from Los Angeles. Featuring drummer Micky Dolenz on lead vocals, the track lyrically is about what love and intimacy can reveal to those involved. Suddenly it hits you, your mind is open to new things, to the secrets of the world. You’ve given yourself over and the reward is understanding. And on the heartfelt tune, Dolenz sings,

Sometime in the morning
A simple thought may occur to you,
And you hold her,
And tell her all the things you never told her
Your love has shown me things
I never thought I could see
I didn’t know (I didn’t know)
It could be done so easily now I know (now I know)
You’re where it is for me

“You Bet I Would” by The Ronettes (1962)

Written by King and Artie Kaplan, this single from the girl group The Ronettes was made for dancing. It’s the kind of song that gets you up out of your chair and doing the twist on the dance floor. Despite the energy of the music, the tune lyrically is about a breakup. Would the scorned lover be sad if the couple split? Well, as the lyrics go, you bet she would! On the tune, the fabulous girl group sings,

If you told me (if you told me) that we were through
And our love didn’t mean a single thing to you
Would I worry? (would I worry?)
Would I fret? (would I fret?)
Cry my eyes out with regret?
Little honey (little honey), uh huh
You bet I would
(You bet I would, you bet I would)

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