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Speculation about song all in vain
Subject of Carly Simon's No. 1 hit, which references Saratoga Race Course, remains a mystery

By GREG HAYMES, Staff writer
First published: Friday, August 29, 2008

"Well, I hear you went up to Saratoga, and your horse naturally won," sang Carly Simon in her 1973 hit song, "You're So Vain."
This year marks the 35th anniversary of Simon's first No. 1 pop hit, but as both the track and SPAC come to a close and yet summer season winds down in Saratoga Springs, we're still left to ponder that enduring pop music question: Who's so vain?

     
Just who was Simon's muse -- that rich 'n' famous, self-involved, globe-trotting ladykiller who was where he should be all the time? Popular music has long been a forum for posing some of mankind's most puzzling questions -- from "How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?" to "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" to "Who Let the Dogs Out?" -- but some of the most impenetrable musical mysteries have focused on the question of celebrity identity.

The Beatles' landmark 1968 album (commonly known as "The White Album") included the song "Glass Onion," in which John Lennon peeled back the layers to reveal, "Well, here's another clue for you all: The Walrus was Paul." And after nearly 40 years of hush-hush silence on the subject, singer-songwriter Neil Diamond finally disclosed that his 1969 smash hit and current Fenway Park anthem "Sweet Caroline" was inspired by none other than Caroline Kennedy.

But Carly Simon continues to remain mum, zealously protecting the identity of the ex-lover, as though it was a top-secret, for-your-eyes-only matter of national security. No matter, we've certainly got a few ideas of our own:

FACTS:The favorites MICK JAGGER: Most everyone considers the Rolling Stones singer to be the top contender in the "You're So Vain" sweepstakes, the irony of it all being that Jagger also sang back-up vocals on the recording. WARREN BEATTY: The narcissistic movie star is another obvious choice. But when asked by The Washington Post in 1983, Simon declared, "It certainly sounds like it was about Warren Beatty. He certainly thought it was about him. He called me and said, 'Thanks for the song.' "

JAMES TAYLOR: Simon and Sweet Baby James were married in 1972, shortly before "You're So Vain" hit the top of the charts, but in a 1973 interview in Rolling Stone, Simon insisted, "No, it's definitely not about James, although James suspected that it might be about him because he's very vain."

FACTS:The middle of the pack KRIS KRISTOFFERSON: One of Simon's ex-lovers, the singer-songwriter-actor could be in the running. And he has spent some time in the Capital Region, not only playing concerts, but also filming the 1981 movie "Rollover" with Jane Fonda. CAT STEVENS: Another of Simon's former paramours, the singer-songwriter now known as Yusef Islam featured a close-up photograph of a coffee cup on his recent album, "An Other Cup," which ties in with the "You're So Vain" lyric, "I had some dreams, they were clouds in my coffee."

DAVID CASSIDY: "The Partridge Family" star would have only been about 22 years old back in 1972 when Simon wrote the song, but by that time he had already put his Keith Partridge bubble gum days behind him and launched a successful solo career with his debut album "Cherish," which featured the Top 10 title track. And, of course, we all know how much Cassidy loves spending his summer time at the track.
Hmmmm...

FACTS:The long shots SAM "THE BUGLER" GROSSMAN: Whenever the track and music intersect up in Saratoga, Sam the Bugler always seems to be at the heart of the matter. Was he in Carly Simon's heart, too? Could it be? Play it again, Sam. MARYLOU WHITNEY: Why not? I believe it's an actual city ordinance that any time Saratoga is mentioned, the Queen of the Spa City's name must be put in contention.
OPRAH WINFREY: During a 1990 appearance on "The Phil Donahue Show," Simon told a member of the studio audience, "I've never, ever told who 'You're So Vain' is about. But I will tell you since you're so very pretty in that pink sweater -- it's about the young Oprah Winfrey." But, of course, Simon was just kidding. Wasn't she? Haymes can be reached at 454-5742 or by e-mail at ghaymes@timesunion.com.

I loved that song. Back then I thought it was neat to hear a song on the radio that mentioned Saratoga. And I thought she did say the song was about Warren Beatty. Not that I really cared, to be honest. It was just a great song for the times.

I thought she auctioned off the answer a few years ago for charity.  Some CEO won the answer for a couple hundred grand IIRC.  And I too thought Warren Beatty was one of the top candidates along with James Taylor...

I know a person (Mikechurch, http://www.mikechurch.com) that wrote a parody of this song for Hillary..."You're so vain.  You probably think you should be President."