About the song
“You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon stands as an iconic anthem of the 1970s, a sharply observed critique wrapped in a catchy melody that catapulted Simon to international fame. Released in November 1972, the song quickly became a cultural phenomenon, reaching number 1 on charts in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand by early 1973. Its success was not just fleeting; decades later, it continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest songs of all time.
Carly Simon’s sharp wit and keen observational skills are on full display in “You’re So Vain,” where she skewers a self-absorbed lover with the cutting refrain, “You’re so vain, you probably think this song is about you.” This line became instantly iconic, capturing the attention of listeners who were drawn to both its cleverness and the mystery surrounding the identity of the song’s subject. Simon famously hinted that the song refers to three men, with actor Warren Beatty being the only one publicly named.
Musically, “You’re So Vain” is distinguished by its memorable bass guitar intro, played by Klaus Voormann, and the lush string arrangements orchestrated by Paul Buckmaster. Carly Simon herself played piano on the track, contributing to its sophisticated sound that blends pop sensibilities with orchestral grandeur. Critics hailed it as Simon’s most commercially successful song yet, praising its brilliant lyrics and infectious melody.
At the 16th Annual Grammy Awards, “You’re So Vain” received nominations for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, underscoring its critical acclaim and enduring popularity. Billboard magazine recognized its lasting impact by ranking it 72nd on their 50th anniversary all-time chart in 1994, and Rolling Stone placed it at 495th on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2021. The UK’s Official Charts Company also crowned it the ultimate song of the 1970s in August 2014.
In the United Kingdom, “You’re So Vain” initially peaked at number 3 upon its release in 1973, marking Carly Simon’s breakthrough in the British music scene. Its timeless appeal led to a re-release in 1991, coinciding with its use in a commercial for Dunlop Tyres, where it charted again, reaching number 41.
Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” remains a pinnacle of songwriting prowess and cultural impact, continuing to resonate with audiences as a sharp and memorable commentary on vanity and relationships.
Video
Lyrics
Son of a gun
You walked into the party like you were walking onto a yacht
Your hat strategically dipped below one eye
Your scarf it was apricot
You had one eye in the mirror, as you watched yourself gavotte
And all the girls dreamed that they’d be your partner
They’d be your partner and
You’re so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You’re so vain (you’re so vain)
I bet you think this song is about you
Don’t you, don’t you?
You had me several years ago when I was still quite naive
Well you said that we made such a pretty pair and that you would never leave
But you gave away the things you loved
And one of them was me
I had some dreams they were clouds in my coffee, clouds in my coffee and
You’re so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You’re so vain, you’re so vain
I bet you think this song is about you
Don’t you don’t you, don’t you?
I had some dreams they were clouds in my coffee, clouds in my coffee and
You’re so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You’re so vain (you’re so vain)
I bet you think this song is about you
Don’t you don’t you
Well I hear you went up to Saratoga
And your horse naturally won
Then you flew your lear jet up to Nova Scotia
To see the total eclipse of the sun
Well you’re where you should be all the time
And when you’re not, you’re with some underworld spy
Or the wife of a close friend, wife of a close friend and
You’re so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You’re so vain (so vain)
I bet you think this song is about you
Don’t you don’t you, don’t you, don’t you now
You’re so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You’re so vain
Probably think this song about you
You’re so vain