“Coming Around Again,” a timeless ballad by Carly Simon, encapsulates the essence of nostalgia and emotional depth that defined the singer-songwriter’s career resurgence in the late 1980s. Originally written for the film “Heartburn” in 1986 and later included on her album of the same name in 1987, this song quickly became one of Simon’s signature pieces, marking a significant milestone in her musical journey.
Released as a single, “Coming Around Again” achieved notable success on various charts, reaching No. 18 on the prestigious US Billboard Hot 100 and soaring to No. 5 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. Internationally, it also made its mark, achieving top-10 status in several countries including Austria, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. This widespread acclaim not only reaffirmed Simon’s place in the music industry but also reignited public interest in her work.
The song’s popularity was further solidified by its inclusion in numerous compilations and retrospectives of Simon’s illustrious career. It has been featured prominently on collections like “Clouds in My Coffee,” “Anthology,” and “Reflections: Carly Simon’s Greatest Hits,” ensuring its legacy as a standout track in Simon’s extensive discography.
Beyond its commercial success, “Coming Around Again” also garnered critical praise for its poignant lyrics and Simon’s emotive delivery. Billboard likened its “moody sway” to the impactful style of bands like the Thompson Twins, highlighting its enduring appeal and emotional resonance.
Accompanying the song’s release was a memorable music video that captured Simon’s personal history through intimate home footage, showcasing her evolution from infancy to early childhood. This visual narrative added a deeper layer of sentimentality to the song, connecting Simon’s personal journey with the universal themes of love, loss, and introspection that resonate throughout “Coming Around Again.”
Moreover, Simon’s rendition of the children’s classic “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” featured as a B-side to the single, demonstrated her versatility and added a playful contrast to the introspective tone of the main track. This dual release further showcased Simon’s ability to traverse different musical landscapes while maintaining her distinct artistic voice.
In essence, “Coming Around Again” stands not only as a testament to Carly Simon’s enduring talent but also as a touchstone of 1980s pop culture. Its enduring popularity and emotional impact continue to resonate with audiences, solidifying its place as a classic in the singer-songwriter canon.
Video
Lyrics
Baby sneezes
Mummy pleases
Daddy breezes in
So good on paper
So romantic
But so bewildering
I know nothing stays the same
But if you’re willing to play the game
It’s coming around again
So don’t mind if I fall apart
There’s more room in a broken heart
You pay the grocer
You fix the toaster
Kiss the host good-bye
Then you break a window
Burn the soufflé?
Scream the lullaby
I know nothing stays the same
But if you’re willing to play the game
It’s coming around again
So don’t mind if I fall apart
There’s more room in a broken heart
And I believe in love
But what else can I do
I’m so in love with you
I know nothing stays the same
But if you’re willing to play the game
It will be coming around again
Baby sneezes (I believe in love)
Mummy pleases (I believe in love)
Daddy breezes in (I believe in love)
I know nothing stays the same (I believe in love)
But if you’re willing to play the game (I believe in love)
It will be coming around again (I believe in love)
I do believe
I do believe (I believe in love)
I believe in love (I believe in love)
I believe in love (I believe in love)
Coming around again
Coming around again
Nothing stays the same (I believe in love)
But if you’re willing to play the game (I believe in love)
It will be coming around again (I believe in love)
Oh, I believe in love (I believe in love)
Oh, I believe in love (I believe in love)
And it’s coming around again (I believe in love
