Mood to write by

First, let me say that you are my favorite artist and always will be. I haved loved your albums since the first one that I ever bought which was entitled "Carly Simon ". Since then, I've bought every one that you have made.

My question is: I once read that you write your best music when you are blue, sad, depressed, whatever--is that still true? One more thing--I think your best songs are the ones that never hit the airwaves. Thanks, Carly, for a lifetime of great music that are my most precious possessions. Willie - Centralia, Ilinois

I do write most of my songs when I'm blue. It's a natural healing time honored method. Sink more into despair to get out of it. Like Italian mourning as opposed to stiff upperlipping concealment of feelings. Thank you for your compliments. Carly Simon 6/30/01

Singer vs. Songwriter

You've been asked many a time about the creative process of your songwriting. But let's say that Carly Simon once submitted a catalogue to Elektra; that the response was madly enthusiastic for her voice, but Birds-Eye pea tepid for her compositions (we will ignore the hypothetical folly therein); and that they clamored to sign her ONLY as a singer. Is this a course you believe you COULD have taken? Do you think it conceivable that you could have had a career strictly as a vocalist, with perhaps your writing channeled in other directions? Jack - Knoxville, TN

Interesting question. I don't think I could have made it as a singer. Because the motivation would not have been there. I needed to have my thoughts and feelings heard more than my voice. The combination to ME was what was interesting.

It certainly was more than a relief to do albums where I could leave the writing to the fellas from Tin Pan Alley, but I would always have to return to penning the words and music myself. After all, writing was the only way I had of hearing mySELF. That I knew of anyway. The example of the singer-songwriters of the day was all I needed to go in that direction. And stay there. No matter what Jac Holzman thought at first. Carly Simon 6/25/01

Where do you write?

When you write music or books, do you have a special place where you like to create them? Thanks and blessings. Joan Noeldechen - Takoma Park, MD

I write mostly in my bedroom. I get used to one place and it happens to be propped up by my books and pillows with my guitar in hands. Another place is, boringly enough, at my piano. In the living room. LIterally any place is a good place. As long as I have handy a piece of paper and a pencil. I can't seem to write creatively (song-wise) on the computer. I need my long hand. Carly Simon 6/22/01

Underappreciated Songs

It's been said (at least by me) that sometimes those things I create are like my children -- I often see things in them that make them extraordinary and special to me that maybe others just haven't had the opportunity to see. Do you have any songs that you consider "underappreciated"; and what do you think others don't see in them that you see very clearly? Jeffrey Arndt - Spring,TX

One of my songs I listen to the lyrics of in my head is: "It Happens Every Day". I think that song could have been (or could be) recorded by other artists. Maybe someone in Nashville or in the country scene. I don't think it was ever particularly singled out as a special song and I'm glad now to have the opportunity of telling you that I think it is. Carly Simon 6/19/01

Project Rumors

Hi, your newly redesigned website is terrific! Years ago, The Rolling Stone Magazine Random Notes column mentioned two different items that you were working on at that time (early-to-mid 80s). The first was as a participant in a Yoko Ono produced project where you would be singing the Ono-penned song 'Men, Men, Men'. The second announcement said you were working with Daryl Hall and that he was producing you singing his song 'Foolish Pride' for your own upcoming release (pre-Spoiled Girl era, I think). I've looked for these songs for years without any luck....did either project ever come to fruition or did they not make it off the drawing board? Thanks! Bob S. - Chelmsford, MA

Funny. I do remember "Foolish Pride". What I think happened there is that Darryl and I had the same manager. That's probably how the idea was first conceived. I think it was a great song. Darryl is one of my particular favorite male singers. I would have loved to have done something with him or with him and John. As it happened, a few years later in '95 we ended up touring together. One of my best experiences on stage---ever was singing: "Every time you go away" with Hall and Oates.

The Yoko Ono project I have no memory of. Or, there is no Elephant in my memory of it. Carly Simon 6/15/01

Memorial Day

One of my favorite of your songs is also the only one that, admittedly, I find absolutely inscrutable, at least lyrically: "Memorial Day," the eight-minute-plus song that concludes "Spy." It's a terrific piece of songwriting and producing (the drum solo that ends the track, and the album, is amazing all by itself)...but I can't for the life of me figure out what the lyric is about. Can you point me in the right direction? Eric Levy - Bridgeport, CT

More or less it's about an experience I had with a drummer. I was giving him a lift back to NYC after we'd played a gig in Woodstock NY. His wife drove up as I was picking him up at his hotel (5 AM). Wife was furious. Fight ensued. Then the song. Carly Simon 6/14/01

The Three Of Us In The Dark

Big thanks for many years of inspirational music that just gets better. Our question is - we've always been intrigued by the lyrics to "The Three Of Us In The Dark". We have our own theories as to what the song is about - possibly mixed family tensions? Are you able to enlighten us anymore? Thank you so much. All our love and best wishes. Mark & Richard - Guildford, Surrey.UK

No, it's about the tensions that go on in the mind. Sort of like Scarlett O'Hara is making love to Rhett but thinking of Ashley. Leaving her alone in the dark with the three of them. Carly Simon 6/12/01

Cover Other Artists

I guess you have your favorite songs from other artists...Have you ever thought of covering those songs? Which songs would they be?

And how I have thought of covering my favorite artists songs. I think of it every day as the idea of penning a whole new album seems a far fetched idea. I'm somehow not in a gloomy enough mood to write a whole album. I think of Cat Stevens, Neil Young, Randy Newman, Livingston Taylor and others. Ben's and Sally's songs (my children) are brilliant too and those of my niece, Julia Simon (Julie). Also my sister Lucy's songs. Carly Simon 6/8/01

Grand Central Station

I really enjoy the version of "I've Got To Have You" that is on the "Live At Grand Central" video. Any thoughts on what the Grand Central performance was like for you? Patty Joyce - Limington, Maine

I loved the spontaneity of the Grand Central concert. None of the passengers knew what we were doing up there on a little platform in the middle of the station. They soon found out and some of them lined up at the phone booths to call home and say they would be late. It was a nice and informal fun time where no one expected too awfully much (Except Lifetime TV who were footing the bill!) The song: "I've Got to Have You" is one of my favorites to sing. Carly Simon 6/4/01

When Is A Song Finished?

Carly - I've always been curious to know how it is you know when a song is finished? At what point do you stop tinkering with chord progressions, lyrics etc, and say 'this song is complete'? And are there any particular songs that you wish you'd spent more (or less) time on? Is the process intuitive, or do you just stop because you've had enough? Charlie - London, UK

Mostly there is a time when I know the song is finished. It feels as if I can go no further. That I would really be littering the countryside. I like to keep it as simple as it can be which is hard for me, a natural 'complicator' by birth. However, sometimes a song takes a year or more to come to fruition. "you're so vain" being one example. Carly Simon 6/1/01