Carly Simon’s You’re So Vain

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Carly Simon’s You’re So Vain

Carly Simon's You're So Vain

Soft Rock Music

The big question regarding this song has always been (and remains), which ex-boyfriend was Carly singing about? Despite the name of Simon’s 1972 album No Secrets on which this song was released, the person is still a secret. Over the years, there has been speculation that it was Warren Beatty, Kris Kristofferson, Cat Stevens, or Mick — all of whom were special friends to Carly. However, in interview after interview, Simon says that lyrics are a composite of different sources; it’s not about one particular person.

In 2003, Simon had an auction on Martha’s Vineyard for a charitable cause, and offered to tell the highest bidder, the person behind the song. Dick Ebersol, president of NBC Sports, won for $50,000. He signed a confidentiality agreement, and she told him. However, it’s still a mystery for the rest of us.

The line “clouds in my coffee” was inspired during a cross-country flight when she looked down at the clouds reflected in her cup of coffee. It made her think of the confusion we have between life and love; sometimes it’s a mirage.

The single was released late in 1972, and by 1973 it rose to #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, U.S. Billboard Easy Listening chart, in Australia, in Canada, In New Zealand. It was #3 in the U.K. and #4 in Ireland and South Africa. The No Secrets album was certified platinum in the U.S and gold in the U.K.

Simon originally had Harry Nilsson doing the background vocals. Mick Jagger joined during the recording session. Nilsson felt that they blended better and graciously bowed out.

Carly Simon has continued to write, record, tour, and perform for many decades.

Here are the lyrics to “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon:

You walked into the party
Like you were walking onto a yacht
Your hat strategically dipped below one eye
Your scarf, it was apricot
You had one eye in the mirror
As watched yourself gavotte
And all the girls dreamed that they’d be your partner
They’d be your partner, and

You’re so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You’re so vain,
I’ll bet you think this song is about you
Don’t you?
Don’t you?

Oh, you had me several years ago
When I was still quite naive
Well, you said that we made such a pretty pair
And that you would never leave
But you gave away the things you loved
And one of them was me
I had some dreams, they were clouds in my coffee
Clouds in my coffee, and

You’re so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You’re so vain, you’re so vain
I’ll bet you think this song is about you
Don’t you?
Don’t you?

Don’t you?

I had some dreams, they were clouds in my coffee
Clouds in my coffee, and

You’re so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You’re so vain, you’re so vain
I’ll bet you think this song is about you

Don’t you?
Don’t you

Well I hear you went to Saratoga
And your horse, naturally, won
Then you flew your Learjet up to Nova Scotia
To see the total eclipse of the sun
Well, you’re where you should be all the time
And when you’re not, you’re with some underworld spy
Or the wife of a close friend,
Wife of a close friend, and

You’re so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You’re so vain, you’re so vain
I’ll bet you think this song is about you
Don’t you?
Don’t you?

Don’t you?

You’re so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You’re so vain
You probably think this song is about you

For another song by Carly Simon: “Nobody Does it Better.”

For More 70s Tunes

The System has daily featured music from all sorts of genres of 1970s music. You’re welcome to listen to any of the 40+ selections in The System. Thank you for stopping by. Hope you enjoyed “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon.

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