Carly Simon’s long-awaited return to music is marked by the release of her first studio album in nearly two decades, titled *Come in Waves*. The album, which dropped earlier this month, draws from her rich personal history, including reflections on her tumultuous marriage to fellow musician James Taylor.
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The couple, who were wed from 1972 until their divorce in 1983, share two children: a daughter, Sally, and a son, Ben. Simon’s new song “Maybe I Never Loved You” appears to delve into her complex emotions regarding Taylor. The reflective lyrics invite listeners into the singer’s internal struggle about the past. Lines such as “Maybe I never loved you / But anyway, I thought I did” hint at a nuanced examination of love, regret, and nostalgia.
Simon’s lyrical journey takes a deeper turn when she reflects on her role as a mother in her song “Mother of Pearl.” In this track, she directly addresses her daughter, revealing the challenges they faced during the divorce. “Sally, oh, Sarah, another song with your name,” she sings. Her poignant words encapsulate the emotional reality of family life at a time of upheaval: “I can see you at 7, a child of divorce / How can it be that we gave you no choice?”
Although both Simon and Taylor continue to have their own individual lives and careers, their shared history remains a haunting presence. The lyrics of “Maybe I Never Loved You” suggest a lingering connection despite their separation. Simon ponders, “Maybe it’s best to bury whatever it was we had our fill of,” showcasing her awareness of the complexities inherent in their relationship. The conclusion of this introspective song resonates with ambiguity: “Maybe I never loved you / Maybe I always will.”
In a previous interview in 2015, Simon opened up about her ongoing feelings for Taylor, despite their estrangement. She expressed a desire to help him heal, indicating a profound connection that transcends their past difficulties. “I still want to heal him, I still want to make him all right,” she noted, adding that communication between them had ceased. This sense of loyalty, mixed with pain, reveals the depth of Simon’s emotional turmoil.
Simon’s candidness extends beyond her relationship with Taylor; it also encompasses her experiences as a mother. In *Boys in the Trees*, her 2015 memoir, she explored themes of love and heartbreak, and articulated a profound understanding of unreciprocated affection. “I really started to understand that I could love and not be loved,” she reflected, marking a significant moment of personal growth.
While it is evident Simon still harbours complex feelings for Taylor, the reasons behind their lack of communication remain elusive. She candidly muses on the silence that has lingered between them: “What did I do? The answer is I don’t know.” This unanswered question adds another layer to their complicated relationship, encapsulating the feelings of many who have faced similar circumstances.
At 83 years old, Simon continues to share her artistry with the world, demonstrating that vulnerability can lead to powerful storytelling through music. Her work is not just a reflection of her past, but also an exploration of emotions that many listeners can relate to. The release of *Come in Waves* serves as both a farewell to unresolved feelings and a celebration of enduring love, resonating deeply with those who have navigated the tumultuous waters of love and loss.
As Carly Simon embarks on this new chapter in her musical career, she not only revisits her memories but also confronts the complexities of love, family, and personal healing. With every note and lyric, she reminds us of the bittersweet nature of relationships and the gentle rhythms of life that continue to flow.