It Happens Everyday
Carly Simon Lyrics

Carly Simon's "It Happens Everyday" explores the complexity of breaking up, the regret that often follows, and how hurtful words are frequently said in the aftermath. The song has two main themes: the first is how routinely the end of a romantic relationship happens and how it never gets any easier, and the second is how our perception of an ex can change from loving to hateful when a relationship falls apart. Simon’s use of two themes offers contrasting perspectives on the traditional notion of the end of an intimate relationship.

The line "Two lovers with the best intentions to stay together, they decide to separate, just how it happens, neither is certain" illustrates the sad reality of how love affairs often end. Sometimes both parties want to maintain and grow the relationship, but for unknown reasons, it only fails. The line "You make him a liar, turn him into a robber" represents the conventional practice of blaming the other party when a relationship falls apart, and nothing is left but the shattered pieces of a love and what could have been. Simon accepts the end of the relationship and speaks candidly about the painful reality of transforming love into hate, as well as the often confusing emotions that last long after.

One interesting fact about the song was Carly Simon wrote it about her split from Dan Armstrong, her longtime guitarist and collaborator. Armstrong played on her first five albums and co-wrote "That's the Way I've Always Heard It Should Be." Another fantastic fact is Simon recorded "It Happens Every Day" in the Bahamas while on her honeymoon with James Taylor. Some further exciting facts about the song include:

⦁ The song features Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones on backing vocals;
⦁ The piano track from the song was used in the 2017 song "She" by Harry Styles;
⦁ The single was released in 1978 and reached #77 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100;
⦁ The song was the only new track included on Simon's 1978 Greatest Hits Live album, and opens the album;
⦁ Carly named the same-titled collection of essays she wrote about women's health issues after this song;
⦁ The song has been covered by a few artists, notably Joe Jackson for his 2000 album, "Night and Day II".

The chords for the song are:

Verse:
G D C G
G D C G
G D C D

Chorus:
G D C G
G D C G
G D C D.

The song has a simple progression in G major and often uses just the four basic chords throughout. However, the song's arrangement provides a sense of dramatic melancholy and captures the poignant emotions of heartbreak, often present in Carly Simon's music.