No random coverage of popular music from 1972 can leave out one of the sexiest (and most mysterious) songs from that year. It was released in December of that year and hit number one in January of '73 for three weeks.
Carly Simon has been rather coy about identifying which guy in her past was the subject of this tune.
Warren Beatty, something of a womanizer in his day and a guy who has enough ego to consider himself "the greatest living American film director", according to biographer A. Scott Berg, (Yeah--right.) has no doubt about the subject of this song:
Recently, Beatty admitted that he in fact believes he is the subject of the song, saying: "Let's be honest. That song was about me."
However, the speculation continues, with many fans considering it more of a general, rather than specific, indictment of vanity. Simon has yet to confirm Beatty's statement.
According to Wikipedia, in 1989, Ms. Simon said that the song was a composite of three men. Personally, I don't care that much. It's simply a great song.
I was a mere child, half way through my first year in High School..still not knowing exactly who I was going to be when I grew up... Who would have thought Id be where i am today... Great song!
ReplyDeleteWan't this song also connected to Mick Jagger as well as Warren Beatty Doug?...whatever..... it's a great song. It's real commercial strength other than the wonderful tune and lyrics is I think that it appeals to hetrosexual men as much as to homosexual men, which has to be a big money spinner. It also appeals to women who half love and half hate the image portrayed in it which Carly Simon pulls off with great aplomb. It will always have a half quizzical half exasperated smiling, frowning womans face in my memory banks and I think that was exactly what we were aiming for.....way back then in the mists of time. Whatever it's about I maintain til this day.... they drove us to it. Nice post Doug
ReplyDeleteThank you AA, and, yes, Jagger also is a connection as a potential former suitor of Carly Simon. He also does an uncredited background vocal at the end of the last part of this tune. Hard to believe this came out 36 years back...the mists of time indeed.
ReplyDeleteI was a mere lad of eight when I first heard this song. I liked it then and I like it now. Thank you for bringing me back to my youth (at least in my mind). Have a great day
ReplyDeleteAs AA Pointed out in an earlier post, its one of those songs that works well for different people. For me, like you, it will always be a part of my younger days,and listening to it now it seems more honest and adult than I could've imagined in 1972-3.
ReplyDeleteI was a junior in high school when this song came out. I loved it then and love it now, and it reminds me a few men I know!
ReplyDeleteYou just "had" to point that out ! Reminds me of how old I am getting.
ReplyDeleteSorry about that...
ReplyDeleteI was only 7--probably playing Barbies in the treehouse or something! I love Carly and all she has sang! She's still so pretty!
ReplyDeleteHow can I lie to myself about my age if you print stuff like that?
ReplyDeleteJust practice denial. Or...grit your teeth, close your eyes, and say "I might be older, but dnoakes is always going to be older than me."
ReplyDeleteBet you're feeling better already.
Yes it does. I may even have a hair or two maybe more than my friend Doug
ReplyDeleteThat may be true, Fred, but I make up for the lack of hair on my scalp with really hairy earlobes.
ReplyDeleteWhy is our hair migrates? My eyebrows earlobes, and nose hair seem to be increasing exponentially while my scalp is receding
ReplyDelete