About the song
Title: Discover the Raw Honesty of Carly Simon’s “That’s The Way I Always Heard It Should Be” (1971)
Before you press play, let’s step back to 1971 and experience the poignant power of Carly Simon’s “That’s The Way I Always Heard It Should Be.” This isn’t just a song; it’s a heartfelt and introspective exploration of societal expectations, disillusionment, and the search for authentic love, delivered with Simon’s signature smooth vocals and a timeless melody that continues to resonate. Prepare to be moved by its raw honesty and enduring relevance.
Released in 1971 as her debut single, “That’s The Way I Always Heard It Should Be” quickly established Carly Simon as a unique and powerful voice in the music world. The song’s introspective lyrics, combined with its gentle and moving arrangement, made it an instant classic. It tackles the often unrealistic expectations surrounding love, marriage, and relationships, speaking to a generation questioning traditional norms.
“That’s The Way I Always Heard It Should Be” was a significant commercial and critical success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Simon a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist in 1972. The song’s impact on popular culture and its continued relevance are undeniable, and it’s often cited as a defining song of the early 1970s.
Why does “That’s The Way I Always Heard It Should Be” continue to resonate with listeners today? Perhaps it’s the song’s raw honesty and its exploration of universal themes of expectation and disillusionment that make it so compelling. Maybe it’s Simon’s smooth and emotive vocals, combined with the timeless quality of the melody that creates such a powerful listening experience. Or it could be the song’s ability to capture the complexities of relationships and the search for authenticity, making it feel both personal and universally relatable. Whatever the reason, it’s a song that touches the heart and invites reflection on the challenges of life and love.
So, take a moment to relax and allow the heartfelt beauty of Carly Simon’s 1971 rendition of “That’s The Way I Always Heard It Should Be” to wash over you. It’s a deeply moving and unforgettable song that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. Now, click play and let this classic remind you of the power of music to capture the complexities of life and relationships.
Video
Lyrics
My father sits at night with no lights on
His cigarette glows in the dark.
The living room is still;
I walk by, no remark.
I tiptoe past the master bedroom where
My mother reads her magazines.
I hear her call sweet dreams,
But I forgot how to dream.But you say it’s time we moved in together
And raised a family of our own, you and me –
Well, that’s the way I’ve always heard it should be:
You want to marry me, we’ll marry.My friends from college they’re all married now;
They have their houses and their lawns.
They have their silent noons,
Tearful nights, angry dawns.
Their children hate them for the things they’re not;
They hate themselves for what they are-
And yet they drink, they laugh,
Close the wound, hide the scar.But you say it’s time we moved in together
And raised a family of our own, you and me –
Well, that’s the way I’ve always heard it should be:
You want to marry me, we’ll marry.You say we can keep our love alive
Babe – all I know is what I see –
The couples cling and claw
And drown in love’s debris.
You say we’ll soar like two birds through the clouds,
But soon you’ll cage me on your shelf –
I’ll never learn to be just me first
By myself.Well O.K., it’s time we moved in together
And raised a family of our own, you and me –
Well, that’s the way I’ve always heard it should be,
You want to marry me, we’ll marry,
We’ll marry.