Scar

Dear Carly,

You have been a strong light in my life since I first heard you in the '70s. Your music has been deeply entwined in the soundtrack of my life and I love you for all the wonderful memories you have given me. Your lyrics and your voice inspired me and my daughters to become singer/songwriters. We sang "backup" to your records our whole lives. Now, even better, we are inspired for your love and support of John Forte and the fight to lower mandatory sentencing. God bless you.

Some time ago, my heart was broken for you when I learned of your fight with cancer. My daughters and I added you to our prayer list and there you remain. We are so grateful for your health and that you are recording again.

Have you ever written your experience into song? A friend of mine is deeply embroiled in this very fight and I would love to know if there is anything you have written, whether in song or an article or book that I can suggest to her.

We all love you and will be looking for your DVD. Thanks for putting it out. Best regards, Trish Ansley - Charleston, West Virginia

Dear Trish,
Thank you for your letter.

My fight for John Forte and the ending of mandatory minimums is going strong. It is such a hard battle and worth the fight.

As far as my battle with breast cancer, that is also an affecting and all too human disease. There are many. Please listen to my song "Scar" and hear for yourself it's message. It's on an album called "The Bedroom Tapes" that hopefully you can get somewhere. It's out of print, but I'm going to re-release it when the time is right. Please try to get it somewhere!! Love, Carly - 3/30/04

Note: "Scar" is featured on the Anthology collection CD

I'm Really The Kind

Carly,

I grew up listening to your music. I remember finding my mom's cassette tapes when I was in second or third grade and have listened to it ever since.

What was your inspiration for the song "I'm Really the Kind"? As someone diagnosed with manic depression, the song describes the symptoms I've experienced perfectly. You described the highs, the lows and how rapidly one can go between the extremes uncannily well.

All the best, Samantha - West Lafayette, IN

Dear Samantha,

"I'm Really The Kind" is so fundamental an emotion to anyone who has any kind of mood swings either normal or diagnosed as manic depression. I have never exactly pinpointed my own rather wild graph, but at least I can record it. I'm glad that you appreciated it and sad that you have to go through it.
It's so rapid that one DOES become the pendulum. The hum of the pendulum. Because it whirrrs by so fast.

God bless you and know that you are SO not alone. Love, Carly - 3/25/04

Children at Menemsha concert

Dear Carly,

What a joy to finally have your concert at Menemsha on DVD! For years I have watched a scratchy VHS tape that I recorded when this concert first aired on HBO back in '87. As always you have created a stellar presentation for your work. The transfer to digital is pristine & the dolby soundtrack makes these performances shimmer.

I love the photographs that you include on the disc in your 'scrapbook'- many I had never seen before, like the one of you and your husband. And your interview really provided a great backdrop for this terrific concert. Has the sky ever look lovier than it did the night of taping?

And finally, of all the times I have seen your videos, television appearances and the concert you did in Chicago behind 'Letters Never Sent', I have never seen you beaming like you are during this concert's 'Coming Around Again/Itsy Bitsy Spider' when your children and nieces and nephews are performing with you. Thanks again for sharing your talent and your life.

Dale Young - Munster, IN

What a lovely letter, Dale.

I am so pleased at the efforts made to make this happen. Without them, I would still be scratchy.

Yes, there has never been so proud a moment for me as watching my children and my neices and nephews come down the ramp. The glow was for all the isty bitsy spiders who have ever worked their way BACK up after being watered down, too.

It's such a strategic song for childhood. A great lesson. A terrific spider!! Love Carly - 3/21/04

Performing for the camera

Carly,

With all the rumors and limited "live" appearances, how is it that in your music videos you are so free to express and react to your music? It looks as if these chances to express your music to the fans is for you, the best of all worlds.

You are a camera's true love and your spirit soars with each beat to the music. Are you even aware of the camera's presence? (I'm aware it can be a multi-day task, what with re-shots, camera positioning, lighting - you know, the technical stuff). Just curious about your thoughts on the video personna of Carly Simon.

Thank you as always, Steven Weisbaum - Sherman Oaks, CA

Dear Steven,

Nice to hear from you old friend. My video personna? Yes. Let's see now. Well. And..
Sure...that's right.

Somehow I guess I can't think of an answer, but to say that it's different every time, according to who is behind the camera or who is in the audience. Or sometimes if there is more than one camera and I'm wondering where the little red light is on (which camera) and if I should turn towards it or play to a different view.

I'm thrilled with Jodie's work and love that went into the new "Live From Martha's Vineyard" DVD. I think she did a superlative job and I'm glad that the track: "Back The Way" was newly used. Love to you, Carly - 3/15/04

TV shows

Hi Carly,

I am a long time listener, thank you for continuing to produce meaningful music and lyrics. I was watching The West Wing many weeks ago and they addressed mandatory sentencing. The show made a good argument as the fictional president considered and granted pardons.

As I watched, I thought of your work on behalf of John Forte. Did you see the program? Also - do you have any television shows that you enjoy, and is there any show you would do a guest shot on (as you did in Thirtysomething)?

With love, Bill Dollinger - Washington DC

The more attention to the unjustice of mandatory minimums the better. I am working constantly to make more and more people aware (most of them are anyway, but you'd be surprised, there ARE pockets...).

I mostly watch HBO's series. Love them. Also: "Family Man". Sometimes Letterman. Sometimes NYPD Blues. Love, Carly - 3/2/04