About the song
“You Belong to Me” is a song that holds a cherished place in the annals of pop music, showcasing the collaborative genius of American singer-songwriters Carly Simon and Michael McDonald. Originally penned and recorded by McDonald’s rock group, The Doobie Brothers, for their seventh studio album, *Livin’ on the Fault Line* in 1977, the track gained widespread acclaim and popularity when Carly Simon recorded it for her seventh studio album, *Boys in the Trees*, released in 1978.
The Doobie Brothers’ original rendition of “You Belong to Me” featured their signature rock sound, yet it was Carly Simon’s version that truly brought the song to the forefront of the music charts. As the lead single from *Boys in the Trees*, Simon’s version reached an impressive peak at number 6 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart, remaining on the chart for an enduring 18 weeks. The song also achieved considerable success on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, climbing to number 4 and staying there for 19 weeks. This track not only highlighted Simon’s exceptional vocal talents but also earned her a nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 21st Annual Grammy Awards in 1979.
Critics and fans alike praised “You Belong to Me” for its unique blend of Simon’s evocative style and The Doobie Brothers’ rock influences. Cash Box particularly lauded the lead and backing vocals and the “lilting sax solo” that punctuated the track. Similarly, Record World commended the song’s “sultry, rather dream-like” quality, further enhanced by the fitting saxophone work.
As one of Carly Simon’s biggest hits, “You Belong to Me” has been featured on numerous compilations of her work, including the three-disc box set *Clouds in My Coffee* (1995), the UK import *The Very Best of Carly Simon: Nobody Does It Better* (1998), the two-disc retrospective *Anthology* (2002), and the single-disc *Reflections: Carly Simon’s Greatest Hits* (2004). The song’s enduring appeal also led to its inclusion in Simon’s 1987 HBO concert special *Live from Martha’s Vineyard* and the accompanying album *Greatest Hits Live* (1988).
Moreover, “You Belong to Me” has made its mark in popular culture, featuring in romantic comedy films such as *Desperately Seeking Susan* (1985) and *Little Black Book* (2004). Its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with audiences, securing its place as a beloved classic in Carly Simon’s illustrious career.
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Lyrics
Why’d you tell me this
Were you looking for my reaction
What do you need to know
Don’t you know I’ll always be your girl
You don’t have to prove to me
You’re beautiful to strangers
I’ve got loving eyes
Of my own
You belong to me
Tell her, tell her you were fooling
You belong to me
You don’t even know her
You belong to me
Tell her that I love you
You belong to me
You belong to me
Can it be, honey
You’re not sure
You belong to me
Thought we’d closed the book
Locked the door
You don’t have to prove to me
That you’re beautiful to strangers
I’ve got loving eyes of my own, of my own
And I can tell
I can tell darling
You belong to me
You belong to me
You belong to me
Baby, I really love you
You belong to me
Tell her, tell her
Tell her she don’t know you
You belong to me
You belong to me
You belong to me
You belong to me
Cause you belong to me