The Secret Song Cycle: 9 Carly Simon Songs That Are Definitely About James Taylor (Beyond 'You're So Vain')

For decades, the mystery of who Carly Simon’s iconic hit “You’re So Vain” is about has captivated music fans, but the real story is far more complex and involves a deep, dramatic song cycle dedicated to one man: James Taylor. As of December 13, 2025, while the world still debates the subject of that one famous song, the true emotional vault of Simon's discography reveals a raw, candid, and often devastating musical memoir of her 11-year marriage to the legendary folk singer.

Their union created one of the most iconic power couples of the 1970s, and their tumultuous relationship became the primary inspiration for both artists. While the focus often remains on the one song Simon partially confirmed is about three men, the deeper, more revealing tracks—spanning multiple albums—tell a complete, chronological story of their intense love, creative partnership, and painful separation, offering an unparalleled look into the private life of two musical giants.

Carly Simon & James Taylor: A Biographical Profile of a Music Marriage

The relationship between Carly Simon and James Taylor was a cultural phenomenon, uniting two of the most introspective and successful singer-songwriters of the decade. Their story is a crucial chapter in 1970s music history.

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• Carly Simon (Born: June 25, 1945): A New York native, she rose to fame with her self-titled 1971 album. Known for her deeply personal and confessional songwriting style.
• James Taylor (Born: March 12, 1948): A Massachusetts native, a pioneer of the singer-songwriter movement with hits like “Fire and Rain” and “Carolina in My Mind.”
• First Meeting: They met in 1970 after a concert at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, immediately bonding over their shared experiences and musical styles.
• Marriage Date: November 3, 1972, in a small ceremony at Simon’s apartment in Murray Hill, Manhattan.
• Children: The couple had two children, Sarah Maria "Sally" Taylor (born 1974) and Benjamin "Ben" Taylor (born 1977), both of whom became musicians.
• Divorce: They officially separated in 1981 and divorced in 1983, largely due to Taylor’s struggles with drug addiction and infidelity.

The Definitive Song Cycle: 9 Carly Simon Songs About James Taylor

While Carly Simon has been famously cryptic about the identity of the subject in "You're So Vain" (she confirmed the second verse is about Warren Beatty, but the song is about three different men), she has been far more open about the other songs that chronicle her life with James Taylor. These tracks form a complete narrative of their love.

1. "That's The Way I Always Heard It Should Be" (1971)

This early hit, released before she married Taylor, is an introspective look at the fear of commitment, a theme that would later define their complex relationship. The song expresses skepticism about the traditional marriage model, which was a premonition of their own struggles.

2. "The Right Thing to Do" (1972)

Featured on the landmark album *No Secrets*, this song is the sound of falling in love with James Taylor. It’s a pure, joyous declaration of commitment. The lyrics, “I want to be your woman, I want to be your friend,” capture the early, heady days of their romance just before their 1972 marriage.

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3. "We Have No Secrets" (1972)

Also from the *No Secrets* album, this track is one of the most revealing. It’s a direct reference to the intense, yet ultimately fragile, honesty in their relationship. The lyrics discuss the pain of knowing all of a partner’s affairs and secrets, a clear nod to the challenges they faced due to Taylor's personal struggles.

4. "Embrace Me, You Child" (1972)

A tender, almost pleading track from *No Secrets*, this song is widely interpreted as Simon's attempt to comfort Taylor through his anxieties and struggles. It’s a snapshot of the nurturing role she often took on during their marriage.

5. "Mockingbird" (1974)

This cover, a major hit single from Simon’s *Hotcakes* album, is a duet with James Taylor himself. While a cover, their rendition is deeply personal and became a symbol of their musical and romantic partnership at its peak. The performance is a joyful, public display of their unity.

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6. "Haven’t Got Time for the Pain" (1974)

The lead single from *Hotcakes*, this song reflects Simon's attempt to move past emotional hurt and focus on the positive aspects of her life, including her marriage and the birth of her first child, Sally Taylor. It's about choosing happiness and the future over dwelling on past or current difficulties.

7. "The Sweetest Thing" (1976)

This song, from the album *Another Passenger*, is a direct tribute to her daughter, Sally, but its underlying theme of finding pure, unconditional love during a time of marital strain makes it a crucial part of the narrative. It represents the joy and anchor the children provided amidst the "rocky love story" of the parents.

8. "Coming Around Again" (1986)

Released years after their 1983 divorce, this song is a retrospective and healing track. While not exclusively about Taylor, the themes of cyclical love, life lessons, and moving on are clearly informed by the end of her most significant relationship. It’s the sound of post-divorce acceptance.

9. "James" (1981)

This is arguably the most devastating and direct song on the list. Released on the album *Torch* just as their marriage was collapsing, the song is a heartbreaking plea to her husband. Simon’s meek and vulnerable vocal delivery makes it clear this is a final, desperate attempt to communicate the pain of the separation to the man she is losing, giving him a voice in the song’s very title.

The Lasting Legacy of Their Musical Intertwining

The songs Carly Simon wrote about James Taylor offer a unique level of lyrical intimacy that few artists have matched. Unlike the playful mystery of "You're So Vain," the tracks from albums like *No Secrets* and *Hotcakes* serve as a raw, emotional diary, chronicling the journey from blissful union to heartbreaking dissolution.

The impact of their relationship extended beyond her solo work. Taylor's songs, such as "Sweet Baby James," "Copperline," and "Shower the People," are also widely believed to contain lyrical references to Simon, creating a powerful, dual-sided musical conversation that continues to fascinate fans and critics. Their combined discography remains a timeless testament to the joys and struggles of love, creativity, and fame in the 1970s.

Ultimately, the "secret" to Carly Simon’s songwriting is not in the identity of one subject, but in her willingness to lay bare the complex truth of her most significant relationship across a body of work. By examining the full song cycle, fans gain a much deeper appreciation for the vulnerability and genius of this legendary artist.