CARPENTERS - Top of the World

In June 1981, the Carpenters released "Made In America," which was the final studio album released during Karen's lifetime. The previous year, she had recorded her solo album, which was shelved by A&M Records. The album wouldn't be released until 1996, 13 years after her death. On August 31, 1980, she married Tom Burris. In 1981, Karen and Richard returned to the studio and recorded "MADE IN AMERICA," which was their first studio album in three years - ("A Christmas Portrait" was released in 1978). They flew to Brazil and Europe to promote the album and made television appearances in different countries. In October 1981, they appeared on the German entertainment program "Show-Express" which featured nostalgic music by various artists. The show was emceed by Michael Schanze. Karen and Richard sang "Top of the World." Karen gave an exuberant performance, but her vocals were lip-synced. She was clearly showing the effects of her anorexia and the grueling world tour. The program aired on television on October 29, 1981. The appearances in Brazil and Europe had taken their toll on Karen and she returned home exhausted. In November 1981, she formally separated from her husband. In January 1982, she went to New York to begin therapy and treatment for her anorexia. She stayed there until November 1982, when she returned home to California in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with her family. On December 17, 1982, she gave her final public performance at Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, California. It was a Christmas-themed appearance for her godchildren and their friends. On January 11, 1983, she made her final appearance on television at a gathering of Grammy winners. It was an event set up by "Entertainment Tonight" to publicize the upcoming Grammy Awards. On February 4, 1983, while staying at her parents' home, Karen died of heart failure, a result of the anorexia she had battled for so many years. _______________________ TOP OF THE WORLD (lyrics and music by John Bettis and Richard Carpenter) Such a feeling's coming over me There is wonder in most every thing I see Not a cloud in the sky, got the sun in my eyes And I won't be surprised if it's a dream Everything I want the world to be Is now coming true especially for me And the reason is clear, it's because you are here You're the nearest thing to heaven that I've seen I'm on the top of the world looking down on creation And the only explanation I can find Is the love that I've found, ever since you've been around Your love's put me at the top of the world Something in the wind has learned my name And it's telling me that things are not the same In the leaves on the trees, and the touch of the breeze There's a pleasing sense of happiness for me There is only one wish on my mind When this day is through I hope that I will find That tomorrow will be, just the same for you and me All I need will be mine if you are here I'm on the top of the world looking down on creation And the only explanation I can find Is the love that I've found, ever since you've been around Your love's put me at the top of the world I'm on the top of the world looking down on creation And the only explanation I can find Is the love that I've found, ever since you've been around Your love's put me at the top of the world