About the Song
There is a quiet, haunting beauty in The Carpenters – Now, a song that holds a special, poignant place in the hearts of fans. Recorded in April 1982, this was the last song Karen Carpenter ever laid down before her untimely passing in 1983. Released posthumously on the 1983 album Voice of the Heart, Now is more than just another track in The Carpenters’ discography; it is a tender, final expression from one of music’s most beloved voices, leaving listeners with a sense of both nostalgia and profound loss.
Karen’s performance on Now feels uniquely intimate. Her voice, always warm and expressive, carries a vulnerability that makes the song feel like a quiet reflection on life, love, and the passage of time. As she sings, “And even now, when I find that you’re not around, there’s still some way for me to be with you,” there’s a bittersweet tenderness in her tone, as though she is saying goodbye to both her audience and the music that defined her life. Her voice here feels soft and reflective, yet it retains the unmistakable clarity that made her one of the most cherished vocalists of her generation.
The arrangement, handled with Richard Carpenter’s usual sensitivity, underscores the song’s gentle melancholy. The piano, soft strings, and delicate harmonies provide a backdrop that’s both warm and serene, allowing Karen’s voice to take center stage. There’s a simplicity to the production that feels especially fitting for a final recording, highlighting the purity and emotion that Karen brought to every song. It’s as though Richard and Karen crafted Now to be a quiet farewell, a gentle reminder of her enduring spirit and talent.
The Carpenters – Now holds a unique emotional weight for fans, as it represents both the end of Karen’s musical journey and the timelessness of her legacy. Listening to this song is a moving experience, one that stirs feelings of gratitude for the beautiful music she left behind. The lyrics speak of love and presence, themes that resonate even more deeply given the context of the recording. Karen Carpenter’s voice, preserved in this final track, remains a comforting presence, allowing listeners to feel connected to her and to the music she shared with the world.
For those who cherished The Carpenters and the gentle grace of Karen’s voice, Now is a song that lingers long after the final notes fade. It serves as a reminder of the beauty Karen brought to her music and the way she touched countless lives. As the last recording of her career, Now is both a farewell and a celebration—a reminder that though she may be gone, her voice, her spirit, and her music will live on forever.
Barbara Desetto