Take Me As I Am

Carly,

I wanted to ask you about what brought about your song "Take Me As I Am"?

The reason I ask, is because it has, in my opinion, one of the most brilliant turns of phrase in the history of pop music... "But for some other dreamin' driver I am that romantic stranger...Looking better than I am, more mysterious by far, etc..." The way you convey this idea that "Hey, maybe this fantasy girl is yours... but maybe I am someone ELSE'S fantasy girl" is just beyond brilliant.

Your entire Come Upstairs album just blows me away, it was so wildly experimental for you and it's one of my favorite "periods" in your musical journey. Would love to know who or what inspired this song.

Warmest Regards,

Ed Francis - Harrisburg, PA

Dear Ed,
What inspired the song, was driving around with my husband who would surreptitiously be looking out his rear view mirror, not knowing that I saw every peek he took.

I thought then that it would be more fun in some conditions to be the other woman, not the main woman (who could only be in the position of the cheated on - even in the imagination). Right?

Love, Carly - 1/13/07

Others Like Me

Hello Ms. Simon,

My name is Carly Page and I am sixteen years old and just wanted to thank you for my name. My mother and father were two young lovers that were both really inspired by your music and views. So inspired that they named their only daughter (me) after you. I have yet to meet another person with the name Carly. Which is something I love about my name considering most girl names aren't really original the same ones are used over and over. I was just wondering if you have met a lot of Carly's in your life?

Carly Page - Pittsburgh, PA

Dear Carly,

Yes, I have met a lot of Carly's, but most of them within the last couple of years. Those Carly's that I met, all seem to be very happy with their names. It's a name that has always worked for me. I think I truly look like my name. A little tom-boy-ish, a little cotquettish somewhat exotic.

Have fun with it!
Love, Carly Simon - 1/3/07