Carly Simon’s 1972 hit “You’re So Vain” has been sung about plenty of exes. But who was Carly actually talking about in the song? There’s been speculation for years, as Simon had her string of famous exes. Now, one piece of the puzzle has fallen into place.
Simon has divulged that the song is at least in part about actor Warren Beatty.
The list of possible targets of “You’re So Vain” is pretty long. Names that have been mentioned over the years include Mick Jagger, David Bowie, James Taylor, David Cassidy, Cat Stevens, and of course, Warren Beatty.
In a recent interview with People, Simon says that the second verse is definitely about Beatty.
“I have confirmed that the second verse is Warren,” she told People.
So, do you remember that second verse?
You had me several years ago when I was still quite naive
Well you said that we made such a pretty pair
And that you would never leave
But you gave away the things you loved and one of them was me
I had some dreams, they were clouds in my coffee
Clouds in my coffee, and. ..
Apparently, Beatty always knew the song was about him, in part.
“Warren thinks the whole thing is about him,” says Simon in an upcoming memoir.
But Beatty is only the subject of the second verse. There are still two other men referenced in that song. Who do you think they are?