A MESSAGE THAT KAREN WANTED TO LEAVE FOR US? First Time Hearing Carpenters - A Song For You Reaction

🎤 About the Carpenters:
The Carpenters were an American vocal and instrumental duo, consisting of siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter. Renowned for their distinctive soft musical style and Karen's smooth vocals, they created some of the most memorable ballads of the 1970s. "A Song For You," written by Leon Russell, is one of their beautifully crafted covers, showcasing deep emotional delivery and intricate musical arrangement.
Join us as we listen to "A Song For You" by the Carpenters for the first time! This track is celebrated not only for its heartfelt lyrics but also for Karen's expressive and touching vocal performance. Watch our reaction to discover the depth of the message Karen might have wanted to leave for us through this poignant song.
🎵 What to Expect in This Video:
First Impressions: Our immediate reactions to the song’s emotional weight and Karen Carpenter’s iconic voice.
Musical Elements: Analysis of the song's arrangement and how the Carpenters' version differs from other renditions.
Lyric Deep Dive: Exploring the themes of love and regret that resonate through the lyrics.
Legacy of the Song: Discussing how "A Song For You" fits into the broader catalog of the Carpenters and its impact on their legacy.
🤜🤛 Who We Are:
We’re a couple who loves exploring the stories behind timeless music, delving into the lyrics, and appreciating the artistry of legendary musicians. Join us as we explore classic tracks that continue to resonate with listeners around the world.
👍 Like and Subscribe:
If you were moved by our reaction to the Carpenters' "A Song For You," please like, subscribe, and click the bell. We love sharing our musical discoveries and discussing the powerful messages conveyed through music.
💬 Join the Conversation:
What does "A Song For You" mean to you? How do you interpret Karen Carpenter’s delivery of this song? Let us know in the comments below, and suggest other songs by the Carpenters or similar artists for us to react to!
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You can find Carpenters - A Song For You - KZbin at the link below:
• A Song For You
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You can find Carpenters - A Song For You on Spotify and Apple Music at the links below:
/ a-song-for-you
open.spotify.com/album/1nA6Ex...
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#carpenters #firsttimereaction #thecarpenters

[@sharoninglima1217]

Dionne Warwick says nobody sounds like Karen and you know her gorgeous voice immediately! ♥️♥️

[@MikeB-in1nd]

I’m sure Leon Russell approved the way she sang his song I sure do!

[@willfromyadkinville]

Leon was a dude! but Karen made magic!

[@roncypert8255]

I’m sure he did!

[@gerib4234]

Best female singer of all time. No one will ever compare. Also you could never talk too long about Karen. We get it. And pleased that you get it too😊

[@rockymountainjazzfan1822]

Karen Carpenter was a great singer, but not the best. Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and numerous others have her beat.

[@willarth9186]

Karen's voice is, as always incredible, but it's the lyrics! The LYRICS and the arrangement that makes this song so special! Kudos to Richard for those...

[@MosaicRose99]

It's always a "To each his own" type of thing. Everyone has their own personal opinion of who and what they like and there is no wrong or right answers, just different ones. I fully agree with you about Karen. She will always be my personal favorite.

[@Kaddywompous]

@@rockymountainjazzfan1822We could use some Ms. Vaughn on this channel. Angelic.

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

@@rockymountainjazzfan1822 Actually, Karen's Top 3, along with Barbra Streisand and Jackie Evancho.

[@clydeb7713]

This song was written by the legend Leon Russell!

[@BarbButler]

💙💙💙💙💙

[@ChuckHackney]

Goosebumps, tears and yet, a feeling of gratefulness and joy. Yes, some 50 years later she still has that power. And for all time. Thank you for keeping her memory....and voice....alive here in 2024. We need it so, so much.

[@truckrboat]

Leon Russell wrote this song as A slow, pained plea for forgiveness and understanding from an estranged lover, the tune is one of Russell's best-known compositions. Russell sang, played piano, and played tenor horn on the recording. It has been performed and recorded by over 200 artists,

[@Uncle-Charlie]

Her voice is melancholy and strong at the same time!

[@davidpugh5982]

Leon Russell was one of Richard and Karen's favorite songwriters. You should listen to their cover of Leon's masterpiece "This Masquerade".

[@daleb1279]

It was a mutual admiration, Leon said that there was no one else he ever wanted to hear sing his songs than Karen.

[@Skeeter123]

Yes!

[@BarbButler]

💙💙💙💙💙

[@williamthornton609]

Her story will bring you to tears.😢 What an angelic voice. RIP Karen

[@bonester50]

Just last month on sirius/xm satellite radio 70's on 7 Karen was voted #1 female VOICE on that channel. Just simply amazing 41 years after her passing away.

[@queenslanddiva]

A bottom register to die for - one of the finest singers, male or female of her or any generation. This wonderful song was written by the late great Leon Russell.

[@daveburns3886]

No female singer had such a perfectly beautiful low register as Karen!

[@samueltabo3390]

As great a singer that Karen was, her brother Richard was the arranger, producer, writer that knew how to pick songs just right for Karen's voice

[@kirksmith2051]

He's an excellent pianist as well.

[@mustangbill65]

Two of her best so9ngs are Solitaire and Masquerade..But !!! Karen's last recording NOW will bring tears to your eyes...because you know it is her very last recording...

[@lilamuzik3385]

mustangbill66 I totally agree. Solitaire shows off her beautiful contralto tone.

[@penelopehornswaggle102]

This one is my favorite by Karen❤Makes me think of how she saved me from the anorexia path I was on when she died. I was 18 yrs old when she died and only 99 lbs. I thought, maybe that's what I'm doing, and I better stop doing that to myself.❤She's an Angel 😇

[@carriekoehler1986]

I was just 82 pounds in 86, I got to 116 when I had my first child, went right back down the next week. It wasn't until 95 when my second child was born that I was okay in my weight. Had 3 miscarriages in between the two. Today I'm eating, but losing weight fast. Have an appointment with the doctor next month to discuss it. I don't own a scale because I'm afraid I'll not survive next time

[@baz1106]

I've read that Karen had a three octave, perfect pitch voice. For me, the best female voice ever.

[@tomschmitz-dj1fg]

THE Ray Coleman biography of the Carpenters stated she had a 4 octave range?...

[@bigb6046]

Karen's voice was a gift from god.

[@baz1106]

@@tomschmitz-dj1fg ..wether three or four, it was unique.

[@tomschmitz-dj1fg]

@@baz1106 true. Also, it's not necessarily how many octaves a singer has but what they DO with the octaves they do have. More than a few singers (who are NOT vocalist, and their is a difference!) have many octaves but sound pure caterwalling and screaming....

[@ChuckHackney]

I describe her voice in this way: think of when you were a small child, you were scared and your mother came to you to comfort you. To help you to sleep, she reads gently and emotionally from an amazing fairy tale. Your fears were calmed. You were enveloped in the greatest warmth and feeling of safety. And you gently and peacefully fell to sleep with a small smile on your face. Now picture all that done in song. And that is how I would describe Karen's angelic voice. Comforting. Soothing. Protecting. and wondrously beautiful.

[@andrewcole3736]

Written by Leon Russell. 🕊❤️🎼

[@MichaelAndrews-uy1gl]

Bob Messenger on the tenor sax...it really enhanced the song, along with her splendid vocal performance...they really worked well together.

[@steverakes6182]

I would suggest ''Solitaire'' next. There is no song in her entire catalog that shows off her amazing voice like ''Solitaire''.

[@stevetournay6103]

And Karen did not even like that song. Hit it out of the park anyway...

[@Perfect_Blend]

Not only Karen's vocal, but the irony of the lyrics when she sings them always give me goosebumps. There are women who sound SIMILAR to Karen, but no, never exactly like her.

[@santellanr]

This song has been performed by many artists from Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, to Michael Buble. But Karen's version is the only one that brings me to tears.

[@metalmark1214]

Karen's voice and the saxophone. What a great song.

[@joecollie4314]

We never knew how much we love and miss someone until they are gone

[@misacastillo282]

Karen voice is so so special...hundreds of covers and this is the only version that breaks my insides, especially when it says" I love you in a place Where there's no space or time...

[@kangaroojack7678]

Karen is the greatest singer of all time

[@nancyelliott839]

'Solitaire'! My favorite Karen solo. A strange silence and sorrow came over me when I heard of her death on the radio.

[@Ctkare4k9]

Breaks my heart that her mother treated her so badly and always made it clear that Richard was her favorite child. And after Karen died,her mother and brother shut down any negative questions about the way they had handled the situation. I get angry just writing about it and I can’t listen to her beautiful voice without shedding tears.

[@Bobby-LeeChanning]

Shes not gone yknow , noone is ever really gone , its just made that way

[@sarahholland2600]

Have you watched the Carpenter documentary Goodbye to Love? The last line says it all, "Her mothers love, like her career, belonged to Richard". They both talked her out of putting out the solo album she did (& paid for herself) when Richard was in rehab. She wanted to be a solo artist.

[@garyarnett1220]

Another wonderful tune by the late Leon Russell. Richard must've been a fan of his, Carpenters covered at LEAST three of his songs (Superstar, Masquerade, and this one).

[@cliffordlowerre1381]

Leon Russell's wonderful and heartwarming lyrics, with Karen's beautiful and heartbreaking voice, is a combination that can not be beat! " I love you in a place where there's no space or time ". What a great line. " I love you for my life, you are a friend of mine ". Fighting back the tears, only to lose it on the next line. " And when my life is over, " Forget about it! 50 years later and it still brings a tear to my eye! RIP BEAUTIFUL GIRL! Really enjoyed your reaction. You guys did a wonderful job. Keep up the good work!

[@Bernie429]

She has such a beautiful and rich voice. Another great Carpenter’s song is “Goodbye to Love”. It’s a really beautiful song and a little different instrumentally…in a good way!!! I think you would both really enjoy it ❤

[@secr202484]

I came back from break to my dorm room at Arizona State University. During the road trip, she had died. I sat back with my headphones on, alone, and listened to this song. It was very moving, and it seemed as though it was for every single person who listened to it.

[@gretamckenzie4245]

💜💜💗💗one in a million... a lovely human....

[@ChrisLegner-qp1yh]

Imitation is flattery. Whenever there is something uniquely great, it always seems to inspire others trying to replicate the style. You hit on the key point. Over a half century later, she still occupies a musical platform all on her own.

[@jeffmorton9220]

If Karen wanted to leave Richard with a song that conveyed her brotherly love for him, A Song For You was it.

[@kurtv4946]

Saxophone by the incredible Bob Messenger. He also played the flute on their rendition of This Masquerade. Another Leon Russel tune.

[@Mare_bear738]

I love Karen's rendition of this song. Karen's voice is everything. She always makes me feel. Simply beautiful❣️

[@chrisalldis3375]

No more words can be said about Karen definitely the No 1 voice of all time!!

[@user-lo1zc7gr1d]

Loved this my favorite Carpenters song

[@hongfang2348]

They do a great job with this Leon Russell song.

[@willfromyadkinville]

Karen gets a 10 everytime! i really miss her! she was so special!

[@jamesrobbison]

You guys would really love the movie "The Karen Carpenter Story" available on KZbin for free, really shows the Carpenters' humble beginnings and rise to fame, and covers her life to the point of her tragic and untimely death. RIP Karen, we are all so grateful for the joy that you gave us with your beautiful voice in the time that you were here!

[@markhodge7]

Maybe 40 years since I listened to this whole amazing album, thus 40 years since I heard this amazing song. Thanks C. The 70s weren't the 70s without The Carpenters.

[@michaelmartin2855]

Goodbye to love and yesterday once more are two great songs you need to react to.

[@johnandrews3151]

Written by the late, great Leon Russell/Tight Rope

[@willarth9186]

Karen's voice is, as always incredible, but it's the lyrics! The LYRICS and the arrangement that makes this song so special! Kudos to Richard for those...

[@craigmarkowski7156]

A million people have covered this song and her version is Absolutely Amazing !But Ray Charles also covered this song and his version will bring you to your knees in tears !

[@charlottedixon6628]

Coming from a Angel😇 Beautiful song🎶 RIP Karen💖

[@oakleysmithmusic]

A wonderful song, awesome voice, One of the best voices you can hear.

[@milesoffshoresportfishing746]

Beautiful tune, Karen is in my regular rotation for sure!

[@gregyaklin5980]

First time for me hearing this song! Amazing song! Not only was Karen an awesome singer, but what a drummer too! Before the Carpenters made it, they were a jazz band before they changed their style to more contemporary music. Karen never wanted to be a singer, she just wanted to play drums. Karen's mother favored her brother. 😞 And she never really found love in her life, that she so longed for. 😞

[@kc718201]

There's been many covers to this song. But when a song is this great, it dosen't matter whose singing it.

[@tommythompson9565]

Well said, guys, and true. No one has ever sounded like Karen Carpenter. To describe her voice as both haunting and powerful is spot on. Great reaction again. Keep on r'actin .

[@lorilindsay9966]

What an amazing voice she had.❤

[@mikelesley2803]

This classic song has been recorded by many artists including Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, the Temptations and other singers. Truly a memorable love song.

[@Lakeshore14]

The voice of an angel. I remember really crying when I heard she passed away. We knew she was not well but her death came as a shock to most of us. Thankful we have her music to listen to. And yes Richard was a key to their success as well. Thanks so much for the great reaction. 💔🙏🥰👏👏

[@markanderson9059]

During this time her nickname was first take. She was known for nailing the song on the first try and yes she played drums on most of them. Santa

[@brucecsnell]

This was written by Leon Russell and I like his version better (although, I'll admit that might be just because it's the one I heard first). Either way it's a great song.

[@pompanomark2024]

Goosebumps....

[@susanbrynt]

There is one female singer who has a voice like Karen Carpenter. She sings Carpenters songs. It is Tori Holub. She is young and yet to make a name for herself. She is just starting to write her own music. It is someone to keep an eye on.

[@jbs256]

Yes! I made a request with link. Thank you for supporting Tori. Joe

[@stevetournay6103]

Beautiful Leon Russell song. (Carpenters also covered his Superstar and This Masquerade.) This track is from the 1972 Carpenters album of the same name, which also featured the first power ballad, Goodbye To Love. The last song on the album is a melancholy touring anthem called Road Ode, which fades out as a reprise of the chorus of A Song For You fades back in. It would have been haunting even in 1972. After February 4, 1983, it became wrenching and chilling...check it out, guys...

[@beverly.alford]

So bittersweet 💔

[@kelleebowers8525]

Love Leon Russell’s version

[@miccfischer4795]

What a gr8 song, over 200 singers have covered Leon Russels song

[@joemachine4714]

"Top of The World" for an upbeat 'n' cheerful hit 🌈 🌎

[@zigman8550]

I'm glad you picked the long version with the saxophone solo.

[@jackielouise7538]

A great reaction, thanks guys 😊 Karen is my favourite female singer and, in my opinion, she has the best female singing voice EVER. The way she has such a rich tone when she goes into that lower register, is just wonderful ❤

[@juniordenney9892]

Nothing but perfection 😊

[@gregyaklin5980]

This song brought a tear to my eye. 😞 I listened to this song several times in a row.

[@stephenbeecher7545]

Hard to pick a favorite Carpenters song; so many great hits. "Close to You" and "Top of the World" come to mind. Also, "Merry Christmas, Darling".

[@lifesabeachli]

I love The Carpenters, and I love your reactions. May I suggest you react to two songs that are not very well-known...."Let Me Be the One" and "Someday".

[@ronnihagemann8242]

she so great 1 of kind 🥰

[@gene2049]

Love this song. You guys appreciate this song so perfectly. Great job 👏 love the carpenters so much.

[@garymccandless465]

Saw Leon Russell a while back before he passed. Great songwriter,musician and singer.

[@MrRizzo1961]

You guys should do a shout out to Karen's Brother Richard. He does all the arrangements and tech post production mixing. R I.P. Karen Carpenter ✌️❤️🙏🙏🙏

[@stevetournay6103]

Check out When Time Was All We Had from RC's 1987 solo CD Time...

[@michaelwelsh7362]

Don’t think this one can be topped because of the personal message as well as the performance. Song was written by Leon Russell, covered often, but this is the best version I believe🎶🎶🎶

[@miltonslocum8957]

Love everything about the Carpenters! And as you mentioned, Karen's voice is amazing and beautifully unique. This song is a classic that has been covered by many artists. I'd also like to recommend you react to Donny Hathaway's cover the song. His voice is also unique and his arrangement is hauntingly beautiful. And like Karen, he too met a tragic end at a young age due to mental illness. I truly believe you'll love his version as well. Great reaction and comments guys!

[@nicholasriviezzo5925]

Outstanding - perfection!!!!

[@thomastimlin1724]

A lot of these songs are so are so familiar to us boomers, the young have no clue how classic they are. And how heartbreaking it is to listen to this song, that her life was cut so short. I don't think she knew how much we loved her. She gave us love and calm in a sea of sceaming noise and crap. When sou were down, Karen would get you through it and lift your face up off of the floor of defeat. [All background harmony vocala on the records are just Karen and Richard!!!]

[@thielmangary]

Beautiful. Leon wrote a great song. Christina Aguilera with Herbie Hancock also did a fantastic rendition about 20 years ago.

[@francismedina4547]

Next one to react to This Masquerade. Amazing piano solo and flute in addition to of course Karen's voice

[@gordonpatterson8615]

nice reaction guys! You should look at Goodbye To Love next with its excellent guitar work!

[@markroulette3419]

Thanks for the reaction. I get those same feelings when I hear this song. Another great song to react to, happens to be the very last song Karen recorded before her death. It’s called Now. Another very haunting song which really talks about her finding love, even though in real life she never did find it. Give it a listen.

[@user-yl9wz7uc3u]

IVE SAID IT BEFORE ILL SAY IT AGAIN AN ANGEL ON LOAN FROM GOD!!!!

[@kensommers1646]

Your next Carpenters reaction should be their live version of " I need to be in love", there is an awesome version of it on youtube

[@masabuu88]

Originally, Leon Russell’s song. You shoud check Russell’s version.

[@RabbiSteve1]

Agreed. This version is awesome. And so is his as the songwriter. Has a different more personal feel. But both are great.

[@1calvinfunny1]

Some other Carpenters songs, that are kind of under the radar but great... Bless the Beasts and Children, Don't Cry for Me Argentina, Solitaire, This Masquerade, Make Believe It's Your First Time...

[@user-iw2dl1ko3w]

Only 100 more to go. Karen is the best

[@destination22ful]

Great song. My favorite cover is by Donny Hathaway however Karen Carpenter sings this song like an angel. RIP Leon. RIP Karen.

[@brentabbott3954]

God bless Loen Russell for this song

[@kirkhall2099]

I feel " This Masquerade" is another great song of theirs. If you haven't played it . Please do.

[@chrispavlich9656]

Bless the Beasts and The Children.

[@steve-pm9nf]

song written by leon russell

[@christopheryochum3602]

Great job picking the audio version. So many reactors play a video from a TV show that totally cuts out the amazing Bob Messenger sax solo. Kudos! :)

[@douglasstrayer-ng5ql]

There are 2 ladies I can think of that come very close, they are Tori Halub, and Harriet ! Give them both a listen !

[@jamesodle697]

Try This Masquerade next. It's similar in style.

[@Laniefj]

Watch the live version by Leon Russell.

[@1chound1]

Another great Carpenters song, not so well known for radio play, is Sometimes..........live on BBC.

[@jamesrobertson2361]

Effortless, It just flows out .

[@corralescoyote]

Lots of love from NM USA - you two are delightful! ❤ I always like your reactions.

[@richardwhite2344]

Karen had many imitators, People who tried to sing like her, But, In reality,if they do so, they will fall far short of the Voice of Karen Carpenter. As people with voices like Karen come along once and nly once. I know that many people say that this singer sounds like Karen or That singer. But, they don't, Not even a little bit. I have heard them and they sing beautiful, but nobody will ever even come close to the Genius of Karen Anne Carpenter. That is impossible. Nobody else will ever have the voice of Perfction, and when Karen sings you feel 20 emotions, Every other singer in the world you feel some emotion, but not 20. And the Chills down my spine every time I hear that voice. Richard and Karen were absolutely "Genius" in what they did and making it seem super easy.