Embrace Me, You Child

Hi Carly!

I've been a HUGE fan ever since I heard "You're So Vain" on my Mom's favorite radio station. I quickly went out and bought "No Secrets". One of my favorite tracks on the album is "Embrace Me, You Child". It has a lovely melody and great lyrics, but I always wondered about the chorus (Embrace me you child, you're a child of mine. And I'm leaving everything I am to you.)

I'd like to know if those words are just words or if there's some kind of Dylan-esque symbolism involved?

Thank you for all your beautiful tunes over all these years! Phil Sommer - Providence, RI

It was a song I wrote in a trance. I didn't think about the words when I wrote the melody. They came to me as if through the ether. I know that sounds hokey and new age, but I guess it was a tribute to my father who I hardly knew. God and the Devil certainly had a place. The wish to believe. The fear in not believing, or the uncertainty of what is in the lullabye. The wish to believe that my father resides with God and that there is harmony between them that can translate to me and to comfort me.

Love, Carly - 7/12/05

On Being Famous

Hi Carly,

With all the hoopla surrounding the latest revelation (Mark Felt coming forward and all), I was happy to see in USA Today that you've decided to keep the identity of the person(s) concerning You're So Vain private.

I just spent a few hours reading all of your Ask Carly answers and it strikes me that your lyrics aren't the only thing that is honest about you.

This is something that I've always wondered about but never dreamt that I'd be able to get a straight answer from someone in your position. What is the best and worst thing about being famous?

With kindness and attention,
Joshua Milborn - Ottawa Canada

Dear Joshua,

Famous? I hardly ever experience it because I live in the woods. The trees know that we're all one and the same. I hate being in the City. Cement is my enemy. When I'm noticed I just hope I look sort of all right. I want to live up to what people think of me, if they think well of me.

Love, Carly - 7/3/05