Terrorist Attacks And Acoustic Guitars — James Taylor Sings For French President Hollande At The Request Of John Kerry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuWEkUcS0lI

The Obama administration is having some difficulty with its diplomatic response to the terrorist attack in Paris. First, the administration is still receiving criticism for failing to send a top-level official to the Paris March for Unity rally. Now Secretary of State John Kerry is being ridiculed for his musical gesture of solidarity with France via the music of singer-songwriter James Taylor.

The Huffington Post reports that Kerry said before embarking on his trip, he wanted to give a “big hug” to the French people. Before his speech at the Paris City Hall, Kerry laid wreaths of white lilies and red roses at the sites of the two terrorist attacks. One at the offices of Charlie Hebdo, and another at the kosher supermarket where the terrorists met their fate.

As reported on The Hill, Kerry spoke with French President François Hollande and expressed “the full and heartfelt condolences of the American people” in reference to the terrorist attacks on the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. Secretary Kerry praised the French for their response to the attacks.

“But the American people watch you and your team, and indeed all of the government lead with great elegance and grace in this week, during this difficult time,” he said, according to the State Department “And we watched the people of France come together with a great sense of purpose and unity. It was a great lesson to the world, I think.”

While his remarks were sincere, he decided to reinforce his pledge of condolence with a song, requesting James Taylor to join him at the podium at the Paris City Hall. Taylor then performed his well-known version of the Carole King song, “You’ve Got a Friend.”

To be clear, James Taylor was not flown in specifically for this meeting. Taylor was in Paris promoting an upcoming European tour.

The move to involve Taylor immediately drew criticism on social media, particularly from conservatives.

Doug Heye tweeted: “State Dept filled with political, diplomatic pros. Did no one say, “Having James Taylor sing will make us look pathetic?”

Noah Pollak chimed in with this tweet.

“Kerry to bring James Taylor to Iran talks, will perform medley of Sweet Baby James and Carolina on my Mind for Mohammed Javad Zarif”

The visit comes after critics admonished the White House for not sending anyone of a higher rank than the U.S. Ambassador to France for the March of Unity held last Sunday. The event was attended by several other heads of state from around the world.

The White House issued a statement stating that “it had erred” in failing to send a high-level delegate to the event. Attorney General Eric Holder was in Paris at the time but did not attend the rally.

Below are the lyrics to the song as provided by A-Z Lyrics.

“You’ve Got A Friend”

When you’re down in troubles
And you need some love and care
And nothing, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon i will be there
To brighten up even your darkest nightYou just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I’ll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you got to do is call
And I’ll be there
Yes I will
You’ve got a friendIf the sky above you
Grows dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind begins to blow
Keep your head together
And call my name out loud
Soon you’ll hear me knocking at your doorYou just call out my name
And you know wherever 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
Ain’t it good to know that you’ve got a friend

When people can be so cold
They’ll hurt you and desert you
And take your soul if you let them
Oh, but don’t you let them

You just call out my name
And you know wherever 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
You’ve got a friend

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