Spinner

Carly Simon Reveals Subject of 'You're So Vain'?

Lynn Goldsmith

It's one of pop's great mystery-laden lyrics. Who, exactly, is so vain that he probably thinks this song is about him? And, if he thinks the song is about him, and it is actually about him, does that make him vain, or just perceptive? While we're at it, how exactly does one walk into a party as though walking onto a yacht? Carefully? Moreover, is it ever acceptable to rhyme "Saratoga" with "Nova Scotia"?

At least one of these burning questions has apparently been answered. For 38 years, the finger pointed toward various ex-suitors of singer Carly Simon as the titular bighead. Warren Beatty (certainly vain, family in Novia Scotia), Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger (probably owned an apricot scarf) and Simon's ex-husband James Taylor have all been rumoured to be the self-obsessed subject. But now, in a suitably cryptic manner, the true gavotte-dancing, Learjet-flying egotist has seemingly been revealed -- and it may not necessarily be a former lover of Simon at all.



'You're So Vain' (New Version)


Backwards "David" Clip


Can you find other hidden
names in the song?
Simon told Uncut Magazine, "The answer is on the new version of 'You're So Vain,' on my new record, 'Never Been Gone.' There's a little whisper and it's the answer to the puzzle." When played backward, the new recording includes a voice that seems to say "David," which some have taken to mean Simon's former Elektra boss, David Geffen. Supposedly, the singer resented the record exec for the attention he lavished on labelmate Joni Mitchell.

Approached for comment, Simon's camp told Spinner, "It's just a clue. There are many Davids."

So, there you go. Although we suppose the only way of really knowing if the riddle of 'You're So Vain' has been solved is if somewhere David Geffen is reading this and thinking, "Well, obviously."

As previously reported, Spinner has teamed up with Simon to allow fans the chance to direct the official video to this legendary hit.

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Greg

I hate to break the news .. but, she wrote that song about me.. hahahaha I was 13 years old and in love with Carly ...

July 02 2010 at 3:50 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ohyeah

She was singing about Jon Peters the hairdresser featured in Shampoo. I thought everyone knew this.

April 14 2010 at 12:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
deecee

"You're so LAME. You prob'ly think this post is about you..."

April 08 2010 at 12:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
david

It's Richard Nixon

April 08 2010 at 11:34 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
george

the article header says that the subject will be revealed...did I miss something as I still don't know!

April 04 2010 at 9:39 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Amy

I grew up in the 70's and used to see C. and James T @ The
Vineyard. Neither one seemed vain and I say it is Mick J, as that is what I always heard. Anyway I still say it is the best sing along song ever and after forcing my 18 year old and his friends to listen to the old version they now beg me to sing it. So maybe her new version will teach todays kids what good music is.

March 06 2010 at 1:25 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jim

Maybe its just a song and its fill in the blank. Everyone has someone that comes to mind at some point in thier life. Maybe its not so profound but just a song.

March 01 2010 at 1:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Theory

I think this song is her perfect revenge. All these years she has been taunting whomever this song is about and any other lovers she had that were vain. They can't claim it is them because it would be proof of their vanity. Bringing it back into the spotlight would be away to taunt them further. I believe it really is a genius form of revenge.

March 01 2010 at 11:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
carol cares

I also grew up listening to all Carly's music. She is absolutely unique. As for who is so vain... well we have all looked into this and tried to figure it out one time or another. I believe she wrote and recorded this song about her father.He was rich, famous and very wealthy. Her mother was good friends with Jackie kennedy O. Not to mention the bond movie actors. Relating to the under world spy. The entire thing is intriguing and fun. Hope someday to know the answer

March 01 2010 at 9:25 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Marc

And after all these years I thought it was Hugh Heffner!

March 01 2010 at 8:48 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply