Introduction
In the realm of 1970s pop music, Carly Simon’s “That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be” stands as a poignant and thought-provoking ballad, exploring themes of societal expectations, personal authenticity, and the complexities of love and relationships. Released in 1971 as the lead single from her self-titled debut album, the song quickly became a major hit, reaching number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and establishing Simon as a rising star in the music industry.
Did You Know?
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The song’s lyrics were written by Jacob Brackman, a friend and frequent collaborator of Carly Simon, while the music was composed by Simon herself.
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“That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be” was inspired by Simon’s own experiences as a young woman navigating the societal pressures and expectations placed upon women at the time.
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The song’s unconventional structure, featuring a bridge that serves as the chorus, was a departure from the standard pop song format and helped to set it apart from other hits of the era.
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“That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Barbra Streisand, Cher, and Diana Krall.
Background
Released in 1971, “That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be” marked a turning point in Carly Simon’s career. Her self-titled debut album showcased her songwriting prowess and vocal versatility, and the success of the single propelled her into the spotlight. The song’s themes resonated with many listeners, particularly young women who were questioning traditional gender roles and societal expectations.
Musical Style
“That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be” is a pop ballad with a unique and memorable structure. The song begins with a gentle acoustic guitar intro, setting the stage for Simon’s emotive vocals. The verses are characterized by a steady tempo and a simple, yet effective melody. The bridge, which serves as the chorus, breaks from the verse structure with a dramatic shift in tempo and a powerful vocal delivery. The song’s overall sound is one of sophistication and emotional depth, perfectly complementing the introspective lyrics.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be” are a poignant exploration of societal expectations, personal authenticity, and the complexities of love and relationships. The narrator reflects on the pressures she has faced to conform to traditional gender roles and expectations, particularly in the context of marriage and family life. She expresses feelings of doubt and uncertainty as she questions whether she truly wants to follow the path that has been laid out for her.
The song’s chorus, “That’s the way I’ve always heard it should be,” serves as a recurring motif, representing the societal norms and expectations that the narrator is struggling to reconcile with her own desires and aspirations. The bridge, with its soaring melody and impassioned vocals, captures the narrator’s moment of self-discovery as she realizes that she must forge her own path, regardless of external pressures.
Conclusion
“That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be” remains a timeless classic, not only for its catchy melody and emotive vocals but also for its enduring message of self-acceptance and the courage to challenge societal expectations. Carly Simon’s songwriting and vocal delivery capture the complexities of navigating societal pressures while staying true to one’s own identity, making the song a powerful anthem for personal authenticity.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the 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 forget how to dream
(How to dream, 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
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 (things they’ll never be)
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
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 okay, 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