Tapestry

Carole King's 'Tapestry' is a poetic and introspective song that uses the metaphor of a tapestry to represent the complexity and richness of life. The lyrics describe life as a 'tapestry of rich and royal hue,' suggesting that it is filled with vibrant and diverse experiences. The 'everlasting vision of the ever-changing view' highlights the constant evolution and unpredictability of life. The imagery of 'bits of blue and gold' woven into the tapestry evokes a sense of beauty and wonder, yet the line 'impossible to hold' suggests the elusive and transient nature of these experiences.

The song introduces a 'man of fortune,' a drifter who appears amid 'soft silver sadness in the sky.' This character, with his 'torn and tattered cloth' and 'coat of many colors,' symbolizes the unpredictable and often challenging encounters we face. His uncertainty and failed attempt to grasp something 'golden hanging from a tree' reflect the human struggle to find meaning and achieve goals. The transformation of the man into a toad after sitting on a river rock suggests a fall from grace or a consequence of a 'wicked spell,' evoking themes of misfortune and the impact of external forces on one's life.

In the final verses, a 'gray and ghostly' figure with a 'flowing beard' appears, representing a harbinger of death or a guide to the afterlife. The unraveling of the tapestry signifies the end of life, as the figure 'comes to take me back.' This poignant conclusion underscores the inevitability of death and the cyclical nature of existence. Carole King's 'Tapestry' is a deeply reflective piece that explores the beauty, sorrow, and ultimate impermanence of life through rich, metaphorical language and vivid imagery.