We're So Close
Intimacy Beyond Walls: Carly Simon's Poetic Reflection on Closeness
Lyrics
I've lived in all of the houses he's built
I have experienced all the different types of homes he has created.
The one in the air
Referring to a home in the air, possibly metaphorical or symbolic.
The one underground
Referring to a home underground, suggesting varied living conditions.
The one on the water
Referring to a home on the water, indicating diverse lifestyles.
The one in the sand
Referring to a home in the sand, possibly signifying impermanence.
He says: It doesn't matter how we live
He expresses that the manner or place of living is inconsequential.
He says: It doesn't matter where we live
Reiterating that the specific location of living doesn't matter.
We're so close we can dispense with houses
They are so emotionally close that physical houses are unnecessary.
We don't need a home at all
They don't require a physical home; the emotional connection suffices.
It's come to be a habit with me to dine alone
The narrator often dines alone due to the absence of the other person.
You're never home
Addressing the other person's constant absence from home.
And the evenings end so early
Evenings end early due to loneliness or lack of companionship.
He says: we can be close from afar
The other person believes in emotional closeness despite physical distance.
He says: the closest people always are
Expressing the idea that emotionally close individuals remain close regardless of physical separation.
We're so close that in our separation,
Despite being physically apart, their emotional closeness is maintained.
There's no distance at all.
Emphasizing that there is no emotional distance between them.
Sometimes I gout to the car,
Leaving the house with the intention of departing.
Turn on the headlights
Turning on headlights, possibly symbolizing seeking clarity or direction.
Intending to leave-
Contemplating leaving, but the intention might not be fulfilled.
Sometimes I need to hear the words,
Expressing the need to hear comforting words from the absent person.
My imagination's not as strong as you'd believe-
Admitting that imagination alone is not sufficient to cope with the absence.
But I've talked to you;
The narrator communicates with the absent person, but the communication is ineffective.
You haven't listened at all.
The other person is not attentive to the narrator's feelings or words.
I've said I'm numb,
The narrator feels emotionally numb and unable to express emotions.
I can't even cry,
Unable to cry, suggesting emotional distress or detachment.
I'm stuck with acting out a part.
Stuck in portraying a role, indicating emotional acting or concealment.
He says: what do words ever reveal?
The other person questions the authenticity and honesty of words.
He says: in speaking one can be so false-
Words can be deceptive; honesty may be lacking in verbal communication.
We're so close we have a silent language,
Their emotional closeness allows for communication without words.
We don't need words at all.
They understand each other without the need for verbal expression.
There's a husky voice
A deep, resonant voice communicates in various situations.
That speaks to me in the dark
The voice speaks in the dark, suggesting a mysterious or intimate connection.
And on the phone from studios
Communication happens over the phone and in bars, overcoming physical distance.
And Westside bars,
Reference to locations where communication occurs.
Through tunnels of long distance.
Communication transcends long distances through various means.
He says: we're beyond flowers
They have surpassed the need for conventional expressions of affection.
He says: We're beyond compliments-
Compliments are unnecessary in their relationship.
We're so close we can dispense with love
Their emotional closeness renders the need for traditional expressions of love obsolete.
We don't need love at all.
Their connection transcends the conventional need for love.
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