The lyrics express longing for a lover who is far away.[3] But Allmusic critic Bill Janovitz notes that while the lyrics start by focusing on the physical distance between the lovers, the lyrics use that as a jumping-off point to explore emotional distance between lovers as well.[4]Rolling Stone stated King's "warm, earnest singing" on the song brought out the song's sadness.[5]Cash Box said of it that "Carole weaves a magnificent ballad spun of soft, melodic phrasing and soothing piano accompaniment topped off with the superb Lou Adler production touch."[6]Record World called it a "finely crafted cut".[7] In 2017, Paste ranked the song number four on their list of the 12 greatest Carole King songs,[8] and in 2022, American Songwriter ranked the song number two on their list of the 10 greatest Carole King songs.[9] It was performed at Amy Winehouse's funeral by friends and family as it was one of Winehouses's favorite songs.[10][11][12][13]
