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.
Forgive
Carly Simon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What I am when I'm alone
And when my vision falls below
Let there be forgiveness
Let me answer when I'm called
Let me know the voice is right
And when it's deep inside my soul
And when it's deep inside my soul
I'll know it by it's light
Help me to make the loving choice
Let me answer when I'm called
By the mighty and the small
In the service of my soul
Let there always be forgiveness
Forgive
Carly Simon's song "Forgive" is a plea for authenticity and forgiveness. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song - let me be true to myself even when the world is watching. The next lines, "And when my vision falls below, let there be forgiveness" suggest that even when she falls short of her own expectations, she hopes those around her will show compassion and understanding. In the next verse, Simon asks for guidance in recognizing the right path - "Let me know the voice is right". This could refer to a spiritual or moral compass that she wants to keep in check. The third verse circles back to the theme of forgiveness, highlighting the importance of making loving choices and being ready to answer the call to serve others. The repetition of the plea for forgiveness emphasizes its significance.
The song seems to be a reflection of Simon's personal journey of self-discovery and growth. She is acknowledging her imperfections, but at the same time, she is committed to staying true to herself and doing what is right. The song encourages listeners to do the same and to offer forgiveness and understanding to others.
Line by Line Meaning
Let me be before the world
Allow me to present my true self to the world
What I am when I'm alone
Not pretending to be someone else when no one is watching
And when my vision falls below
When I lose sight of my values and my purpose
Let there be forgiveness
Let others forgive me for my mistakes and shortcomings
Let me answer when I'm called
Allow me to respond to opportunities that come my way
Let me know the voice is right
Help me distinguish between the right and wrong choices
And when it's deep inside my soul
When I listen to my conscience
I'll know it by it's light
I'll feel a sense of inner peace or joy
Help me to make the loving choice
Guide me to choose actions that are kind, compassionate and loving
By the mighty and the small
Whether dealing with important or insignificant matters
In the service of my soul
In pursuit of my spiritual growth and well-being
Let there always be forgiveness
May I always be willing to forgive and be forgiven
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Carly Simon, Andreas Vollenweider
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind