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.
Orpheus
Carly Simon Lyrics
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You could have held me again
You said your songs had all gone
And that the road back up was too long
But it was there for us
It was there for us
I loved you all along
The part of me that died
Was ready to be reborn
And you called of the hounds
Of hell with your songs
Orpheus, Orpheus
I loved you all along, Orpheus
Orpheus, It could have been
You could have held me again
But you couldn't wait
Somewhere along the road
You lost your faith
Out of despair and believing
I was gone
You gave up on my love
You gave up on us
But it was there for us,
It was there for us
I loved you all along
Orpheus
The lyrics in Carly Simon's song "Orpheus" tell the story of a tragic love affair between two people, Orpheus and the singer. The song draws on the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, where Orpheus, known for his musical prowess, travels to the underworld to rescue his wife Eurydice. However, he breaks his vow to not look back at her, and she is forced to remain in the underworld. The song plays with the idea that the roles are reversed, with the singer wanting Orpheus to come back for her, but he cannot.
The opening lines of the song show the singer's longing for Orpheus to come back to her. She pleads with him, telling him that they could have had their love story again. She knows that Orpheus has lost his way, but she believes that their love can bring him back from the depths of despair. However, somewhere along the road, Orpheus loses faith, and he gives up on their love. The singer is left heartbroken and feeling deserted.
The song is a beautiful and moving interpretation of the Orpheus myth. Carly Simon's lyrics express the pain and depth of emotions associated with unrequited love. The singer loves Orpheus with all her heart, but he cannot reciprocate. The song's haunting melody and powerful delivery add to the emotional intensity of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Orpheus, it could have been
Addressing Orpheus directly, the singer implies that there was a possibility for them to reconnect, but it did not happen.
You could have held me again
The singer expresses a desire to be embraced by Orpheus, suggesting a romantic relationship in the past.
You said your songs had all gone
Orpheus claimed to have lost inspiration for his music, leading to a sense of despair or stagnation in his life.
And that the road back up was too long
Orpheus indicates that he doesn't think he can overcome his struggles and get back to a better place.
But it was there for us
Despite Orpheus's pessimism, the artist suggests that there was still the potential for their relationship to work out or for Orpheus to find success.
I loved you all along
The singer admits to having feelings for Orpheus for a long time, perhaps despite challenges or setbacks in their connection.
The part of me that died
The singer refers to a part of themselves that feels like it is lost or no longer functioning properly.
Was ready to be reborn
The artist expresses that they are open to the possibility of personal growth and a new beginning.
And you called of the hounds
Orpheus is credited with having the power to fend off negativity or danger, particularly through his music.
Of hell with your songs
Orpheus's music has a spiritual significance, as it is capable of exorcising demons or negative forces from the artist's life.
But you couldn't wait
In the end, Orpheus was unable to hold out for the opportunity to reconnect with the singer or to regain his artistic inspiration.
Somewhere along the road
Orpheus's difficulties may have arisen due to circumstances out of his control or due to his own internal struggles.
You lost your faith
Orpheus's hopelessness or lack of motivation led him to abandon a belief in his abilities or the possibility of a positive outcome.
Out of despair and believing
The singer suggests that Orpheus's struggles may have resulted from his own negative thoughts and feelings of hopelessness and desperation.
I was gone
The singer's absence or removal from Orpheus's life may have contributed to his feelings of loss and hopelessness.
You gave up on my love
Ultimately, Orpheus chose to abandon his romantic feelings for the artist or the possibility of a renewed relationship.
You gave up on us
Orpheus recognized that their relationship was no longer viable and chose to end it, despite any lingering feelings of affection.
Orpheus
The title and repeated name of the song emphasizes the role that Orpheus, his music, and his personality play in the singer's life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CARLY SIMON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind