Over 1 million people and many prominent world leaders marched in anti-terrorism protests in Paris last Sunday, but the United States government notably failed to send either President Obama or any other high-level official. The next day, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said that this was a mistake, and that someone with a higher profile should have been sent.

This Friday, however, Secretary of State John Kerry attempted to apologize to France in his own unique way — by having legendary singer-songwriter James Taylor perform "You've Got a Friend" at a Paris press conference. Watch below:

"When you're down and troubled and you need some loving care, and nothing, oh, nothing is going right," Taylor sang as Kerry and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo stood onstage. "Just close your eyes and think of me / yes and soon I will be there / to brighten up even your darkest nights." At the end of the song, the audience applauded.