Top Ten Songs by Carly Simon

Last year I was fortunate enough to see Carly Simon in Concert here in Connecticut. The experience of seeing her live was something that could never be forgotten. From old standards like “Anticipation” to the inevitable “You’re So Vain,” to remakes of Tony Bennett and Sinatra classics, Carly Simon has always been at the top of her game.

So here is a list of the Top Ten Songs by Carly Simon, the musical genius!

1.”That’s the Way I Always Heard it Should Be.” Now you are probably wondering, why not “You’re so Vain?” Here’s the answer: this was the song that started it all. It came from her “Carly Simon” album in 1971. The song put Carly on the map, and she’s never looked back. The song was introspective and took a
hard look at the role of women in society. The chorus:

But you say it’s time we moved in together
And raised a family of our own, you and me
Well, that’s the way I’ve always heard it should be
You want to marry me, we’ll marry

2.”You’re So Vain.” Alright, you guessed it. It’s one of the biggest kept secrets of the century. Who was this song written about? Cat Stevens? Mick Jagger? James Taylor? Warren Beatty? Will we ever know? There is certainly one person who does: Dick Ebersol, he shelled out $50,000 to get that secret! Simon, while on the Donahue show in the early 1990’s played with the audience when a woman asked the question: Audience Member:Was You’re So Vain about Warren Beatty? And did Mick Jagger sing vocals on that? Carly: I’ve never, ever told who You’re So Vain is about. But I will tell you since you’re so very pretty in that pink sweater….it’s about the young Oprah Winfrey(courtesy of Carlysimon.com)

3.”The Right Thing to Do” This song seems a little bit more playful than some of the others. It was off her “No Secrets” album of 1972-and was about her ex-husband James Taylor. Rumor has it that Carly saw him perform at Carnegie Hall, went backstage to say hello, and ended up having a date that same night. The rest, both the marriages ups and downs are a part of rock history.
Hold me in your hands like a bunch of flowers
Set me movin’ to your sweetest song
And I know what I think I’ve known all along
Lovin’ you’s the right thing to do
Lovin’ you’s the right thing
Lovin’ you’s the right thing to do
Is the right thing to do

4.”Anticipation.” Off of the 1971 album with the same name, there was more to this song than just a ketchup commercial in later years. The song was “dedicated” to Cat Stevens, as she waited for the singer-songwriter to pick her up for their first date.

Anticipation, Anticipation
Is making me late
Is keeping me waiting.

5.”Touched by the Sun” Off of the Letters Never Sent Album, this song wasn’t the big commercial hit of songs past, but packed just as much of a punch. It was intuitive, encouraging and uplifting. A great tune from 1994 which even the best Carly Simon fans seem to forget.
If you want to be brave
And reach for the top of the sky
And the farthest point on the horizon
Do you know who you’ll meet there
Great soldiers and seafarers
Artists and dreamers
Who need to be close, close to the light
They need to be in danger of burning by fire
And I, I want to get there
I, I want to be one
One who is touched by the sun
One who is touched by the sun

6.”Let the River Run” Her Oscar-winning song from Working Girl is one of the best songs written for a movie to date.
Let the river run
Let all the dreamers
Wake the nation
Come, the New Jerusalem

7.”The Stuff that Dreams are Made of” A great little song, which Carly said once was about getting through her marriage.
It’s the stuff that dreams are made of
It’s the slow and steady fire
It’s the stuff that dreams are made of
It’s your heart and soul’s desire
It’s the stuff that dreams are made of

8.”Coming Around Again” From the 1987 album of the same name.
I know nothing stays the same
But if you’re willing to play the game
It’s coming around again
So don’t mind if I fall apart
There’s more room in a broken heart

9.” Haven’t Got Time for the Pain” Off of the 1974 Hotcakes album. This still is one of the top requested songs on those “Love Songs at Night” type programs. It’s held it’s playing power for decades now.
You showed me how
How to leave myself behind
How to turn down the noise in my mind

Now I haven’t got time for the pain
I haven’t got room for the pain
I haven’t the need for the pain
Not since I’ve known you

10. “Scar” Off the 2000 release “The Bedroom Tapes.” This is another well crafted pure Carly song. It deals with her struggle with herself and friends who had betrayed-while she was fighting breast cancer.
Cause the night is warm and all full of stars
There�´s a wise woman
She�´s moved right into my heart
She says: Look for the signs
You won�´t have to look far
Lead with your spirit and follow
Follow
Follow your scar.