About the song
Carly Simon’s “Anticipation,” released in 1971, stands as a timeless reflection of the era’s introspective and emotionally rich singer-songwriter tradition. This song, which also serves as the title track of her second studio album, showcases Simon’s distinctive voice and her ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet evocative lyrics.
“Anticipation” was written by Simon in a mere 15 minutes while she was waiting for her then-boyfriend, Cat Stevens, to arrive for a date. The song captures the essence of that anxious excitement and the myriad feelings that accompany waiting and wondering about what the future holds. It’s this universal theme that has allowed “Anticipation” to resonate with listeners for decades.
The album *Anticipation* itself was a significant success, cementing Simon’s place in the music industry as a formidable talent. The song “Anticipation” peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating its wide appeal and Simon’s growing popularity. The album also achieved Gold status, reflecting its strong sales and enduring impact.
Simon’s performance of “Anticipation” is marked by her clear, emotive voice and her ability to bring a personal, almost conversational tone to her music. The song’s acoustic guitar accompaniment complements her vocals perfectly, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy that draws listeners in. This combination of relatable lyrics and heartfelt delivery is what makes “Anticipation” such a memorable and enduring piece of music.
In the broader context of Simon’s career, “Anticipation” is often remembered not just for its chart success, but for its role in establishing her as a key voice of the early 1970s singer-songwriter movement. Following this release, Simon continued to produce a series of hits, including “You’re So Vain” and “Nobody Does It Better,” solidifying her legacy as one of the defining artists of her generation.
Listening to “Anticipation” today, one can still feel the freshness and relevance of its themes. It’s a song that captures a specific moment in time, yet remains timeless in its exploration of human emotions and experiences. Whether revisiting this classic or hearing it for the first time, “Anticipation” offers a glimpse into the artistry of Carly Simon and the rich musical landscape of the early 1970s.
Video
Lyrics
Take a look around now .
Change the direction
Adjust the tuning
Try a new translation
Don’t look at your man in the same old way
Take a new picture
Just because you don’t see shooting stars
Doesn’t mean it isn’t perfect
Can’t you see
It’s the stuff that dreams are made of
It’s the slow and steady fire
It’s the stuff that dreams are made of
It’s your heart and soul’s desire
It’s the stuff that dreams are made of
So what’s this about your best friend?
She’s got a brand new shiny boy
And they’re moving out to Malibu
To play with all his pretty toys
And you feel closed in by the same four walls
The same old conversation
With the same old guy you’ve know for years
But use your imagination
And you will see
It’s the stuff that dreams are made of
It’s the slow and steady fire
It’s the stuff that dreams are made of
It’s your heart and soul’s desire
It’s the stuff that dreams are made of
What if the Prince on the horse in your fairytale
Is right here in disguise
And what if the stars you’ve been reaching so high for
Are shining in his eyes
Don’t look at yourself in the same old way
Take another picture
Shoot the stars off in your own backyard
Don’t look any further
And you will see
It’s the stuff that dreams are made of
It’s the slow and steady fire
It’s the stuff that dreams are made of
It’s your heart and soul’s desire
It’s the stuff that dreams are made of