About the Song
Few artists have shaped the tapestry of popular music as profoundly as Carole King. As a singer-songwriter, her 1971 album Tapestry stands as a monumental work in the canon of music history, not only for its impeccable songwriting but also for its deep emotional resonance. Among the album’s many hits, “I Feel the Earth Move” is a standout—a song that vibrates with passion, energy, and a unique sense of grounded, unrestrained feeling. Over 50 years later, “I Feel the Earth Move” remains a powerful anthem of love and attraction, still relevant and relatable to new generations.
The Song and Its Story
“I Feel the Earth Move” was one of the lead tracks on Tapestry, which launched King into the mainstream spotlight. Prior to the release of Tapestry, Carole King was known primarily as a songwriter behind the scenes. Working with lyricist Gerry Goffin, King had written numerous hits for other artists, including “The Loco-Motion” for Little Eva and “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” for The Shirelles. However, Tapestry marked a pivotal shift; it was King’s turn to perform her own compositions, and “I Feel the Earth Move” was one of the songs that put her on the map as a performing artist in her own right.
The song itself is an infectious, upbeat piece driven by piano and punctuated by King’s powerful vocals. Unlike many of her softer ballads, “I Feel the Earth Move” is bold and unapologetic. It’s the sound of a woman declaring her love, almost to the point of losing control. In this song, King describes the physical sensation of falling in love, likening it to the earth moving beneath her feet. The intensity of her passion is so overwhelming that it feels like the ground is shifting and trembling—an apt metaphor for the ecstatic, consuming feeling of new love.
A New Kind of Love Song
“I Feel the Earth Move” is, in essence, a love song. But it’s not just any love song. Unlike many love songs that focus on heartbreak or the softer, more tender side of romance, this song is about raw attraction and visceral excitement. King’s lyrics convey a sense of physicality—she’s not shy about expressing the effect love has on her body. When she sings, “I feel the earth move under my feet / I feel the sky tumbling down,” there’s an intensity that’s both physical and emotional. It’s about love as a force that can shake you to your core, a feeling so strong that it has a tangible impact.
This openness about desire and the physical sensation of love was somewhat novel for the time. In the early 1970s, female songwriters and performers were beginning to assert themselves more confidently, and King was part of a wave of women who used their music to explore themes of independence, empowerment, and self-expression. By channeling her feelings through this song, she opened doors for other artists—especially women—to be more forthright and honest in their music.
Musicality and Impact
From a musical standpoint, “I Feel the Earth Move” is an energetic, groove-driven song that reflects King’s talent as both a pianist and songwriter. The song opens with a catchy, syncopated piano riff that immediately grabs the listener’s attention. Throughout the song, the piano remains the central instrument, with King’s skilled playing giving the song a unique texture and momentum. There’s a rock influence, but the melody has a rhythm and blues foundation that makes it feel both fresh and classic.
Her voice is powerful yet controlled, capturing the passion of the lyrics without ever becoming overwrought. King’s vocal performance here is one of conviction—she’s feeling every word she sings, and that authenticity shines through. The energy of the song, combined with King’s expressive delivery, makes “I Feel the Earth Move” an unforgettable listening experience.
Over the years, the song has been covered by various artists, but none have matched the raw energy of King’s original recording. Her performance is so iconic that it has become inseparable from the song itself; to hear “I Feel the Earth Move” is to hear Carole King’s voice and feel her presence.
Cultural Resonance and Legacy
When Tapestry was released in 1971, it was an immediate commercial and critical success. The album stayed on the charts for years and has since sold over 25 million copies worldwide. “I Feel the Earth Move” became a hit, capturing the spirit of an era that was characterized by social upheaval, self-discovery, and a push for greater personal freedom. In a time when women’s voices were increasingly being heard and respected, King’s success was groundbreaking. She became a symbol of female empowerment in the music industry, paving the way for generations of female artists who followed.
“I Feel the Earth Move” and Tapestry as a whole encapsulate the cultural shift of the 1970s. This was a time when people, especially women, were beginning to redefine traditional roles and explore new ways of expressing themselves. King’s honest, earthy style resonated with listeners who were craving authenticity in their music. The song wasn’t just about love—it was about liberation, about feeling deeply and expressing those feelings without fear or shame.
The Song Today: Why It Still Matters
More than five decades later, “I Feel the Earth Move” still resonates with listeners. The themes of passion, attraction, and the overwhelming force of love are universal, transcending generations. In today’s music landscape, where many songs are polished and highly produced, the raw quality of King’s voice and piano feels refreshing and immediate. Her lyrics continue to speak to anyone who has ever felt their world shake under the force of powerful emotions.
Beyond its musical appeal, the song is a reminder of the impact one artist can have. Carole King showed that personal stories and genuine emotions could make for chart-topping songs. She proved that women could be powerful, multifaceted artists with their own voices and visions. In a world where female artists often face pressure to conform to certain standards, King’s success is a testament to the power of authenticity.
Conclusion: Feeling the Earth Move
Carole King’s “I Feel the Earth Move” is more than just a love song; it’s a celebration of feeling, of embracing the intensity of love, and letting it shake your foundations. King’s influence on music, especially for female artists, cannot be overstated. With her straightforward lyrics and soulful performance, she crafted a song that continues to resonate deeply with listeners around the world. Whether you’re a longtime fan or hearing it for the first time, “I Feel the Earth Move” is a reminder of the timeless power of music to capture the most profound human emotions. It’s a song that truly makes you feel the earth move under your feet.
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Lyrics: I Feel the Earth Move
I feel the earth move under my feet
I feel the sky tumbling down, tumbling down
I feel my heart start to trembling
Whenever you’re aroundOoh, baby, when I see your face
Mellow as the month of May
Oh, darling, I can’t stand it
When you look at me that wayI feel the earth move under my feet
I feel the sky tumbling down, tumbling down
I feel my heart start to trembling
Whenever you’re aroundOh, darling, when you’re near me
And you tenderly call my name
I know that my emotions
Are something I just can’t tame
I’ve just got to have you, babyI feel the earth move under my feet
I feel the sky tumbling down, tumbling down
I feel the earth move under my feet
I feel the sky tumbling down
I just lose control
Down to my very soul
I get a hot and cold all over
I feel the earth move under my feet
I feel the sky tumbling down,
Tumbling down, tumbling down…