In an effort to repair relations with France, Secretary of State John Kerry brought musician James Taylor to sing an acoustic version of “You’ve Got A Friend” for the people of that country.
During the performance, Kerry rocked back and forth with his hands folded and his head held high.
During a news conference before his visit, Kerry asserted that he was going to France “to share a big hug with Paris.”
Indeed, he embraced French President Francois Hollande in front of the cameras just outside the presidential palace.
As for Taylor, this is not the first time he was used for acoustic diplomacy.
In 2011, the musician performed “You’ve Got A Friend” at the White House during a visit by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
“They actually specifically suggested ‘You’ve Got a Friend,'” Taylor reported as he arrived at the White House. “That’s sort of the theme of the evening.”
Here is a sample of the lyrics:
You just call out my name, and you know where ever I am
I’ll come running to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you have to do is call and I’ll be there, yeah, yeah,
you’ve got a friend.
If the sky above you should turn dark and full of clouds
and that old north wind should begin to blow,
keep your head together and call my name out loud.
Soon I will be knocking upon your door.
You just call out my name, and you know where ever I am
I’ll come running to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you have to do is call and I’ll be there.
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