Classic Tune of the Week 7

For this week’s classic song I have chosen “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon. The song was written by Simon and released in December of 1972. The song was an instant hit and became Simon’s first #1 single. “You’re So Vain” stayed atop Billboard’s Hot 100 for three weeks in early 1973. The song is listed at #72 on Billboard’s Greatest Songs of All Time.

“You’re So Vain” is a great song but part of it’s staying power is the ongoing mystery as to just who it is about. It is one of the great musical mysteries of its era and Carly Simon has been very coy as to the identity of the subject. This could be due to her very private nature, a desire to keep the mystery alive and, thus, keep interest in the song high, or a combination of both. While she has dropped cryptic hints from time to time, to my knowledge, she has never come out and acknowledged the name of this narcissistic gentleman. Popular guesses include Mick Jagger (who sings uncredited background vocals on the song), Cat Stevens, Kris Kristofferson, William Donaldson (Simon’s unfaithful ex-fiance), ex-husband James Taylor, and, most famously, Warren Beatty.

I have always liked “You’re So Vain”. Even as a kid I enjoyed listening to it though I never did understand the “clouds in my coffee” line. I get a chuckle these days whenever I hear the song played. You see, “You're So Vain” is one of two songs I had, very publicly, dedicated to me on a radio program while I was in college. I will save the title of the other song for another time. There are some pretty good stories behind each of these “loving” dedications. Needless to say, those two relationships didn’t work out. I just can’t imagine why anyone would dedicate “You’re So Vain” to me ☺.

Hit the video showing Simon at her piano leaning into her microphone at an outdoor concert (filmed at Martha's Vineyard, I believe) to hear the song. While there are several videos to choose from, this is my favorite as it is a very strong live performance. Who knows, maybe you will figure out who the song is about.

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Missing In Action

A couple of folks have asked me why I haven't posted much lately. Basically, the answer can be summed up in two words : football season. This is easily the busiest time of the year for me. I practice my kids on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. We play our games on Tuesday nights. I scout for the high school on Friday nights or go see my oldest daughter play saxophone in her high school band. On Saturday mornings after I scout, I present my scouting reports to the high school coaches. Sunday mornings I am in church and Sunday afternoons are reserved for yard work and naps (yes, I now take naps).

As you can see, my schedule is pretty full. However, relief is in sight. Football season is over in four weeks. I do coach basketball but that season is far less intense than football season. I should be able to pick up the pace at that point.

So, until football is over I will likely only be able to post the occasional song of the week. Hopefully, you guys won't forget all about me during this time of hiatus.

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