'You're So Vain'
--Carly Simon (1972)
Did she mean Mick Jagger, who sang backup? Simon, who has otherwise remained cagey about this mystery, suggests no. Cat Stevens or Kris Kristofferson, both of whom she dated? Says here the odds-on favorite is ex-flame Warren Beatty, who undoubtedly, in those years, had one eye in the mirror as he watched himself gavotte.









Reader Comments(1 of 2)
David Blandingat 1-29-2008
James Taylor deserves this song
stevenat 1-30-2008
I agree. James treats her very badly, to this day.
JLat 1-30-2008
the Song is about BEATTY. It's perfect for him.
PAPA175at 1-30-2008
David and Steven,
Very good on all,but In my eyes Mr Taylor was cheating way before Carly was. You have too listen to all sides before you can judge! As for me I don't belieave In judging,but that what goes around comes around AGAIN they will meet again. Might even be homies? I love them both!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Thanks Carly and James for all the great songs,LOL papa
Melat 1-30-2008
Come on guys; all us oldies know this one! Its no secret-Carly was singing about James Taylor. "You're So Vain" is all about him
Nickat 2-13-2008
JT all the way
Nickat 2-13-2008
Not to mention the reference to Nova Scotia. Hmmn? I wonder if our New England boy, JT, frequented Nova Scotia. Probably could have even taken the ferry from Cape Cod.
a fanat 2-13-2008
Even when I was a little kid, I knew that this song was about James Taylor. It wasn't a "big secret". We figured this one out over 30 years ago.
SCOTTat 2-13-2008
Sorry folks, but this song is about Jesse Ventura. The ex Gov and wrester.
Rxat 2-13-2008
I heard this song was about Wayne Newton. The main reference is from Saratoga.
Carlaat 2-13-2008
Faster Pussycat has a smokin' hot remake of this song. Of course their version could have been about anyone.
David Blandingat 2-14-2008
Trish, I don't know Carly or James, but what you said leads to point to James. I'm spikevenue@aol.com. Are you there?
rolojoat 2-14-2008
Sorry folks, but this song came out in 1972, the year Carly MARRIED James. I don't know who its about, but it ain't JT
pinner30at 2-14-2008
The song's kinda dumb. The tag-line is, "You probably think this song is about you," and, well, it is about him. Whomever it may be.
welovesnhat 2-18-2008
Pinner... sorry but you completely missed the point of this song.