Simon's career began with a short-lived music group with her sister Lucy as The Simon Sisters. They had a minor hit in 1964 called "Winkin', Blinkin', and Nod", and made three albums together before Lucy left to get married and start a family. Later, Carly Simon collaborated with eclectic New York rockers Elephant's Memory for about six months. She also appeared in the 1971 Milos Forman movie Taking Off, playing an auditioning singer, and sang "Long Term Physical Effects", which was included in Taking Off, the 1971 soundtrack for the movie.
Simon's major breakthrough was 1972's No Secrets. The album spawned several successful singles, including Simon's biggest hit, "You're So Vain". Simon continued to produce successful albums through the 1970s and early 1980s, moving into film scores after she was dropped by her record label in 1985. She performed the main title song for the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me - "Nobody Does It Better" which was a worldwide hit in 1977.
Boys In The Trees
Carly Simon Lyrics
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Where I grew tall and my feet hung over the end
The low beam room with the window looking out
On the soft summer garden
Where the boys grew in the trees
Here I grew guilty
And no one was at fault
And the silent understanding passing down
From daughter to daughter
Let the boys grow in the trees
Do you go to them or do you let them come to you
Do you stand in back afraid that you'll intrude
Deny yourself and hope someone will see
And live like a flower
While the boys grew in the trees
Last night I slept in sheets the colour of fire
Tonight I lie alone again and curse my own desires
Sentenced first to burn and then to freeze
And watch by the window
Where the boys grew in the trees
The lyrics of "Boys In The Trees" depict a reflective and melancholic tone. Carly Simon reminisces about her childhood bedroom, where she grew guilty and was frightened by the power of her thoughts, and the silent understanding passed from daughter to daughter. The garden outside her window served as a safe haven, where the boys grew in the trees. Simon ponders whether to approach them or let them come to her and how to live in a world that oppresses women. She compares herself to a flower, as she watches from the window where the boys grew in the trees.
The lyrics reveal a sense of nostalgia and introspection. Simon portrays her younger self as innocent yet conflicted, trying to navigate her way in a patriarchal society's complexities. The "boys in the trees" represent the danger and allure of forbidden fruit. Simon expresses her desire to be a part of that world but understands the risks of defying societal norms. In the end, she succumbs to her desires, which result in a painful loneliness that resonates throughout the song.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm home again in my old narrow bed
I find myself back in my childhood bed, which was too small even when I was young.
Where I grew tall and my feet hung over the end
I've returned to a place where I felt I could grow, despite the physical limitations.
The low beam room with the window looking out
The room was cramped, but blessed with a view of the outside.
On the soft summer garden
The garden outside was comforting in its tranquility.
Where the boys grew in the trees
The boys who were around me then had the chance to climb and explore like the trees they were around.
Here I grew guilty
This became a place of constant anxiety and self-doubt.
And no one was at fault
There was nobody to blame - this was just how I was conditioned to feel.
Frightened by the power in every innocent thought
Even mundane thoughts contained too much potential for harm.
And the silent understanding passing down
It seemed that everyone around me had learned to live with these conditions.
From daughter to daughter
The women in my family had all gone through the same struggles.
Let the boys grow in the trees
It seems that boys were allowed more freedom and to experience life more fully.
Do you go to them or do you let them come to you
Should I be the one to pursue what I want, or wait for someone to notice?
Do you stand in back afraid that you'll intrude
Or should I hold back and hope that someday I'll be noticed?
Deny yourself and hope someone will see
Perhaps if I simply give up on my own desires, I'll be appreciated more.
And live like a flower
I'll settle for being admired from afar, like an object of beauty.
While the boys grew in the trees
Everyone else around me seemed to be living life more fully than I was.
Last night I slept in sheets the colour of fire
There are moments when I let myself dream, but that usually doesn't last.
Tonight I lie alone again and curse my own desires
But then I return to reality and feel guilty for wanting more than I have.
Sentenced first to burn and then to freeze
It feels like I've been punished first for clinging to hope, and then for giving up on it.
And watch by the window
I'm trapped in the same place I was as a child, watching the world go by outside.
Where the boys grew in the trees
Wondering what it would be like to feel as free as those boys had been.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CARLY E. SIMON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@angelofreire
Carly, you have been part of my life since I was a teenager!!!
I love you so much, you, James, Carole King and the "bunch" from the seventies have made our lives so memorable!!!
I never get tired of listening to your songs & albums, and, "Boys In The Trees" is going to be the theme of my English class today, including the lyrics, the audiobook and the paperback!
Big hugs from Brazil!
@carolrountree6268
Way cool.share the power and spirit of Carly wherever you go.m😛🐱💃
@carolynledford6484
This has always been on of my favorite songs. Captures how a young girl feels trying to grow up and navigate love and passion!! Love it!!!!!
@Cyberlucy
I lovet his album. It's one of my favorites of all time. During the summer of '79 I couldn't stop listening to it and today I know all the lyrics to the songs by heart. When I am taking a long trip by myself it eventually starts playing on my car stereo and I belt it out the whole way. This album is a true work of art.
@tomlangley8852
WOW! Could you imagine going to work trimming trees and looking down you have the very beautiful and legendary Carly Simon singing! This gives me goosebumps, Your music is timeless...Sounds as fresh and wonderful as it did 30 years ago! Thank you Carly for giving us this gift of song. WE LOVE YOU!
@waynocook53
Love the chord progressions in this song, Carly...the arrangement is breathy and haunting...so pretty!
@Swampzoid
I'll never forget how mesmerized I was hearing Boys In The Trees for the first time playing it on my old turntable. Now decades later, here you are performing it for your fans on Youtube. WOW.. and you're still living like a flower.
@poppasings
I may never have a chance to thank you in person but, just know, your music has blessed me more than you could know. I could elaborate, but I'm sure you understand. Anyway, thank you.
@larrywieber2951
Carly you're the best !
Nobody does it better.
@Burps___
Gosh, Carly's lyrics are so poetic. They stand alone. ✌️