About the song
“Nobody Does It Better” stands as a timeless classic in the realm of James Bond theme songs, catapulting Carly Simon into the pantheon of Bond music legends. Composed by Marvin Hamlisch with lyrics penned by Carole Bayer Sager, this power ballad served as the iconic theme for the 1977 Bond film “The Spy Who Loved Me.” Produced by Richard Perry and delivered with Carly Simon’s signature style, the song marked a departure from tradition by not sharing its title with the film, a rarity since “Dr. No” in 1962, though the film’s title phrase is cleverly woven into its lyrics.
Released as a single from the film’s soundtrack album, “Nobody Does It Better” became an international sensation, earning acclaim for its lush orchestration, sophisticated lyrics, and Simon’s emotive delivery. It quickly soared to the top of charts worldwide, solidifying its status as one of Simon’s most iconic hits. Notably, it remains Simon’s longest-charting song, surpassing even her self-written chart-topper “You’re So Vain” in longevity and commercial success.
Billboard hailed “Nobody Does It Better” as a “typically inventive and bombastic” addition to the Bond canon, noting Simon’s interpretation that imbued the song with an aura of James Bond’s superhuman charm and allure. Cash Box echoed this sentiment, praising its star quality and asserting that its melody was strong enough to stand independently of its Bond association.
The song’s enduring popularity led to its title being adopted for Simon’s 1998 greatest hits compilation, “The Very Best of Carly Simon: Nobody Does It Better,” a testament to its lasting impact on both the music and film industries. Over the years, it has been celebrated for its ability to encapsulate the essence of Bond themes—mystery, romance, and adventure—while showcasing Carly Simon’s vocal prowess and the songwriting finesse of Hamlisch and Sager.
“Nobody Does It Better” remains a definitive highlight in Carly Simon’s illustrious career, embodying the allure and sophistication synonymous with the James Bond franchise, and continuing to captivate audiences with its timeless appeal and evocative lyrics.
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Lyrics
Nobody does it better
Makes me feel sad for the rest
Nobody does it half as good as you
Baby, you’re the best
I wasn’t lookin’ but somehow you found me
I tried to hide from your love light
But like heaven above me
The spy who loved me
Is keepin’ all my secrets safe tonight
And nobody does it better
Though sometimes I wish someone could
Nobody does it quite the way you do
Why’d you have to be so good?
The way that you hold me
Whenever you hold me
There’s some kind of magic inside you
That keeps me from runnin’
But just keep it comin’
How’d you learn to do the things you do?
And nobody does it better
Makes me feel sad for the rest
Nobody does it half as good as you
Baby, baby
Darlin’, you’re the best
Baby, you’re the best
Baby, you’re the best
Sweet baby, you’re the best
Darlin’, you’re the best
Darlin’, you’re the best
Sweet baby, you’re the best
Baby, you’re the best
Sweet baby