She did.
Written by Pauk Williams IIRC.
Actually, it was written by Paul Williams.
And Roger Nichols.
Who were unknown writers at the time(With A & M)
Richard heard a Bank Commercial that featured part of the song.
Called Williams up and asked Nichols/Williams if it was a full song.
They said yes. The rest is history for both the Carpenters and Nichols/Williams.
They wrote numerous hits for Richard and Karen after that.