The song, like all of the soundtrack, was produced by Edwards & Rodgers of Chic fame. This was a move away from the usual guitar-based hits of Simon's past. The bittersweet reggae-tinged ballad became a hit in Europe, hitting #10 in the UK and staying on the British charts for 18 weeks. The song stalled at No. 74 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song is centered around the phrase "Why does your love, hurt so much?", and Simon sings perhaps one of her most heartfelt and yearning vocals to date on the track. However, despite this sad subject matter, the song also became well known for its catchy refrain "La di-da, di-da".
In 1989, the song re-surfaced on the Ibiza "Hacienda" scene, and cemented its status as a mellow classic. Known for its bass-line and funky drums it was then that the growing hip-hop scene in the USA began to pick it up, 7 years after the original release. The song re-entered the UK charts the same year, reaching #56.
An extremely rare version of the song performed by Chic circulates in Ibiza. In fact, the Chic version appears as Side 2 of the WEA 12" single pictured on this page.
In 1990, A Tribe Called Quest sampled the whole instrumental version of the song for their hit "Bonita Applebum".
In 1999, UK reggae artist Glamma Kid covered most of the song, interspersed with rap, taking it back up to #10 on the UK charts.
Danish artist Natasha Thomas covered the song in 2003, using the title "Why (Does Your Love Hurt So Much)".
The Memory Band included a version of the song on their 2006 album Apron Strings.
SoundGirl released their version of the song on 19 June 2011.
Alpines and Maya Jane Coles released a cover version on November 18, 2011.
Mothlite covered the song as a b-side on there single Something in the Sky, Released in 2012.
M.I.A. samples a part of the song in "Unbreak my mixtape", released in 2013.
Why
Carly Simon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ladidadida
Ladidadida
Ladidadida
Why does your love hurt so much?
Why?
Why does you love hurt so much?
You know I loved you baby
But all the while you just betrayed me
In the warmth of our bed
All the things that you said were
Ladidadida
Ladidadida
Ladidadida
Ladidadida
Why does your love hurt so much?
Why?
Why does your love hurt so much?
Don't know why
You said our love was sacred
But you left me alone to make it
You want to come back again someday
But darling here's what I say
Ladidadida
Ladidadida
Ladidadida
Ladidadida
Why does your love hurt so much?
Why?
Why does your love hurt so much?
Ladidadida
Ladidadida
Ladidadida
Ladidadida
Why does your love hurt so much?
Tell me why
You say you come back again someday
But darling here's what I say
Ladidadida
Ladidadida
Why does your love hurt so much?
Don't know why
Why does your love hurt so much?
Tell me why
The lyrics to Carly Simon's song "Why" showcase the emotions of a betrayed lover who is struggling to understand the reasons behind their partner's hurtful actions. The repetition of the phrase "Why does your love hurt so much?" highlights the confusion and pain that the singer feels. They are unable to comprehend how their partner can claim to love them while also causing them so much damage.
The mention of their shared bed and the things said within it reinforces the notion of intimacy and trust that has been breached. The line "You said our love was sacred" shows the disillusionment the singer feels, as their partner's actions have contradicted their words. Despite the betrayal, the singer still holds onto some hope for reconciliation, as shown by the line "You want to come back again someday." However, the repeated use of the phrase "I don't know why" suggests that even they do not fully believe in the possibility of repairing their relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Why does your love hurt so much?
Asking for a reason why their love causes so much pain.
Why?
Repeating the question of why their love hurts.
Why does you love hurt so much?
Asking for a clear explanation for why their love does so much harm.
Don't know why
Admitting to not understanding why their love is so painful.
You know I loved you baby
Expressing the artist's past feelings of love toward their partner.
But all the while you just betrayed me
Feeling hurt and deceived because of their partner's actions.
In the warmth of our bed
Recalling a specific moment of intimacy and connection with their partner.
All the things that you said were
Realizing that not everything their partner said was true or genuine.
You said our love was sacred
Remembering their partner's words of love and commitment to the relationship.
But you left me alone to make it
Feeling abandoned by their partner in the effort to maintain the relationship.
You want to come back again someday
Acknowledging that their partner may want to rekindle the relationship.
But darling here's what I say
Preparing to deliver their response to their partner's desire to reconcile.
Tell me why
Demanding a clear answer or explanation for why their love causes so much pain.
Ladidadida
Repetitive refrain, without significant meaning.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bernard Edwards, Nile Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@r2g210
I just heard this song for the first time ever about 2 weeks ago and I’m hooked. I can’t believe this isn’t one of those songs you hear on 80’s playlists. This is a gem.
@helenefrench4275
Same for me just now in a cafe :)
@karlhelm875
yup. i heard it in the summer of 1982.
@paultreadaway102
The voice and cheek better song than most Artists best songs in history standout Carly's daughter is in this 8 now 50 woe
@dusivri5882
A Nile Rodgers and Bernie Edwards classic. Carly Simon provides the haunting lyrics and the tune is sprinkled with Rodgers and Edwards magic. An understated funky track that is timeless 👌 🎉
@uv77mc85
Chic really had the knack of making songs that have that nostalgia thing. Its a great skill. Even when they were brand new these songs had that feeling
@davidl570
Side note: Rodgers and Edwards (with Chic) also did the title track to Soup For One as well.
@p-medical3012
Wow...did not knew that...used to love it since I was a teenager in 1983
@lloydsalem6261
Did Nile and Bernard do bloody every funky 80's track?@@uv77mc85
@lucasdesimone101
Mr. Rodgers and Carly!. Could be better than that!?, Much better than Mss. Minogue, actually.