About the song
Carly Simon’s “Haven’t Got Time for the Pain,” released in 1974, is a poignant anthem that encapsulates the essence of resilience and emotional strength. This song is one of the standout tracks from her fifth studio album, *Hotcakes*, which was a significant commercial success and helped to further establish Simon’s reputation as a leading figure in the singer-songwriter genre of the 1970s.
“Haven’t Got Time for the Pain” was co-written by Carly Simon and her frequent collaborator Jacob Brackman. The song’s lyrical content speaks to the idea of overcoming life’s challenges and heartbreaks with a determined spirit. Its message is one of empowerment, encouraging listeners to rise above their struggles and focus on the positives in life. This theme resonated deeply with audiences, and the song quickly became one of Simon’s signature hits.
*Hotcakes* itself was a major success, reaching number 3 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album features a blend of introspective ballads and upbeat tracks, showcasing Simon’s versatility as an artist. Alongside “Haven’t Got Time for the Pain,” the album includes other notable songs such as “Mockingbird,” a duet with James Taylor, which also enjoyed significant chart success.
When “Haven’t Got Time for the Pain” was released as a single, it climbed to number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This achievement highlighted Carly Simon’s continued popularity and her ability to connect with a broad audience. The song’s success further cemented her status as one of the era’s preeminent singer-songwriters, known for her heartfelt lyrics and distinctive voice.
The musical arrangement of “Haven’t Got Time for the Pain” is both elegant and powerful. The song features a lush orchestration that complements Simon’s emotive vocal delivery. Her voice, imbued with both strength and vulnerability, captures the song’s message of finding inner strength amidst adversity. This combination of lyrical depth and musical sophistication has ensured the song’s enduring appeal.
Carly Simon’s career is marked by a series of influential and beloved songs, and “Haven’t Got Time for the Pain” is undoubtedly one of her most memorable. It reflects her ability to articulate universal emotions and experiences through her music, creating a timeless connection with her listeners. For those revisiting this classic or encountering it for the first time, “Haven’t Got Time for the Pain” remains a testament to Simon’s enduring artistry and the powerful impact of her music.
Video
Lyrics
All those crazy nights when I cried myself to sleep .
Now melodrama never makes me weep anymore
’cause I haven’t got time for the pain
I haven’t got room for the pain
I haven’t the need for the pain
Not since I’ve known you
You showed me how, how to leave myself behind
How to turn down the noise in my mind
Now I haven’t got time for the pain
I haven’t got room for the pain
I haven’t the need for the pain
Not since I’ve known you
I haven’t got time for the pain (the pain)
I haven’t got room for the pain (the pain)
I haven’t the need for the pain
Suffering was the only thing
that made me feel I was alive
Thought that’s just how much it cost
to survive in this world
’til you showed me how,
how to fill my heart with love
How to open up and drink
in all that white light
Pouring down from the heaven
Haven’t got time for the pain (the pain)
I haven’t got room for the pain (the pain)
I haven’t the need for the pain
Not since I’ve known you
I haven’t got time for the pain
I haven’t got room or the need for the pain
No I haven’t the need for the pain
No, I haven’t got time
No I haven’t got time for the pain
I haven’t got room for the pain No, No, No
I haven’t got need for the pain No, No, No
I haven’t got time for the pain
I haven’t got room for the pain
The time for the pain is over