About the song
“Coming Around Again.” Released in 1986, this song wasn’t just a hit; it was a cultural touchstone that came to define a certain brand of introspective, adult contemporary songwriting. It’s far more than a simple tune; it’s a masterclass in mood and storytelling, a song so beautifully crafted that it went on to become a global smash, reaching the Top 20 in the US and securing its place as one of the most famous and beloved songs of her later career. Its simple melody and heartfelt message have a power to transport that few other songs can ever claim.
The lyrics of “Coming Around Again,” penned by Carly Simon herself, are a brilliant and direct chronicle of a person who has seen enough of life to understand that everything—joy and sorrow, love and loss—happens in seasons. The song’s strength lies in its profound emotional honesty and its beautiful simplicity. The narrator is not just reflecting on her own life; she is offering a universal truth. The central phrase, “Coming Around Again,” becomes a powerful mantra of resilience, a reminder that no matter how bad things seem, a new beginning is always on the horizon. The song speaks to the universal human experience of confronting the past, the need to remember those who are forgotten, and the courage to take a stand for what you believe is right. It resonates deeply with anyone who has ever wrestled with the weight of their own conscience and the search for a better, more just world. The song is a gentle reminder that sometimes, the greatest relief comes from simply letting go and allowing yourself to be carried by the current. It’s a song about the kind of profound tranquility that makes the heart sing and the world stand still.
Carly Simon’s vocal performance on “Coming Around Again” is nothing short of masterful and perfectly embodies the song’s gentle and authentic spirit. Her voice, with its remarkable smoothness, a touch of weary resignation, and its effortless sincerity, delivers the lyrics with a palpable sense of genuine emotion and raw, unwavering conviction. She doesn’t have the soaring theatrics of later divas; instead, she sings with a calm, almost conversational tone that makes the listener feel as if they are overhearing a private confession from a friend. Her voice is the instrument of a woman who has seen it all and is finally ready to speak her mind. Simon’s brilliance lies in her unparalleled ability to infuse such a deeply personal and emotionally charged narrative with raw, authentic feeling, connecting with audiences on a visceral, empathetic level through the sheer honesty and breathtaking control of her voice. It is a masterclass in conveying a complex emotional state with rugged confidence and undeniable pathos.
The musical arrangement of “Coming Around Again” is a pristine example of the classic pop sound of the mid-1980s, meticulously crafted to serve the powerful lyrical narrative and her exquisite vocal. It typically features a rich, gentle acoustic guitar that establishes a hypnotic, fingerpicked rhythm, often complemented by a soft, ethereal choir of backing vocals that adds a layer of dreamy beauty and a sense of shared experience. The instrumentation is elegant and restrained, never overpowering the voice but instead providing a rich, supportive bed for her emotional delivery. The iconic a cappella opening is a stroke of genius, immediately drawing the listener in with the sheer power and beauty of her voice alone. The production is clean, warm, and remarkably clear, ensuring that every instrumental nuance and, crucially, Carly Simon’s incredible vocal are heard with astonishing clarity, enhancing the song’s profound emotional impact and its undeniable beauty. It’s an arrangement that feels both intimately personal and universally relatable, perfectly suited for a heartfelt ode to timeless devotion.
“Coming Around Again” resonated profoundly with audiences because its universal themes of love, hope, and the pain of a love that can never be are deeply understood and intensely felt. It remains a cherished track in Carly Simon’s remarkable discography, a true signature song that further cemented her legacy as a master storyteller and a pop legend. It is a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder that sometimes, the most profound truth is found in the simple words, Coming Around Again.
Video
Lyrics
Baby sneezes
Mommy 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 (broken heart)
You pay the grocer
You fix the toaster
You kiss the host goodbye
Then you break a window
Burn the soufflé
Scream a 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 (stays the same)
But if you’re willing to play the game (play the game)
It will be coming around again
Baby sneezes (I believe in love)
Mommy 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)
I believe in love (I believe in love)
I believe in love (I believe in love)
And it’s coming around again (I believe in love)
Ooh
I do believe
