Introduction:
In 1971, singer-songwriter Carly Simon introduced herself to the world with a bang. Her self-titled debut album, a collection of introspective and emotionally resonant pop songs, established her as a leading voice in the singer-songwriter movement. The album’s lead single, That’s The Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be, quickly became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying Simon’s place in pop music history.
That’s The Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be was co-written by Simon and her friend, the lyricist Jacob Brackman. The song is a deceptively simple pop ballad, featuring Simon’s signature breathy vocals and a lush orchestral arrangement produced by the legendary Richard Perry. Perry, known for his work with artists like Barbra Streisand and The Supremes, helped craft a timeless sound that perfectly complemented Simon’s songwriting.
The song’s lyrics explore the complexities of love and societal expectations. The narrator grapples with the pressure to conform to traditional relationship milestones, like moving in together and getting married. The line, “That’s the way I’ve always heard it should be,” is both a resigned acceptance of societal norms and a hint of underlying doubt. The song’s emotional core lies in the tension between these two forces – the desire for love and happiness, and the struggle to reconcile that desire with personal convictions.
That’s The Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be resonated deeply with listeners, particularly young women who found themselves navigating similar pressures. The song’s success was not limited to commercial charts. It earned Simon a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, solidifying her critical acclaim. That’s The Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be continues to be a beloved classic, covered by numerous artists and featured in popular culture. It remains a testament to Carly Simon’s songwriting prowess and her ability to capture the complexities of love and relationships in a way that continues to resonate with listeners today.