DAILY DIRT: Best female song from the ’70s? We’re going with ‘You’re So Vain’

February 25, 2025 | By Steve Eighinger, Muddy River News Minister of Culture and Doctor of Love

In November 2015, Carly Simon, promoting her about-to-be-published memoir, said, "I have confirmed that the second verse is Warren" and added that while "Warren thinks the whole thing is about him", he is the subject only of that verse, with the remainder of the song referring to two other, still unnamed men.

Daily Dirt for Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025

I hope Warren Beatty appreciates this ranking … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,213 of The Daily Dirt.

1. The best songs from female artists in the 1970s? Look no further, my friend.

Today and Wednesday we’re breaking down the ’70s in a few fashion, providing what feel are the top songs from individual female and artists. We’re starting with the distaff side:

1. “You’re So Vain,” by Carly Simon (1973): For years and years, who she was singing about remained a mystery. She finally admitted it was about Warren Beatty.
2. “It’s a Heartache,” by Bonnie Tyler (1978): Her real name is Gaynor Sullivan. I had a cousin named Gaynor.
3. “Me and Bobby McGee,” by Janis Joplin (1971): This was one of those songs that the first time I heard it I just knew it would always be one of my favorites — forever.
4. “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” by Thelma Houston (1977): Same with this classic.
5. “Band Of Gold,” by Freda Payne (1970): Her middle name is Charcilia.
6. “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” by Sammi Smith (1971): The song was written by Kris Kristofferson, one of his best ever. Lorrie Morgan also has a great take on this song.
7. “I’m Not Lisa,” by Jessi Colter (1975): Jessi was known for two things: This song and being the wife of Waylon Jennings.
8. “Brand New Key,” by Melanie (1971): She was my favorite female singer for much of the early 1970s. She had one of those great, scratchy voices.
9-tie. “It’s Too Late” and “So Far Away” by Carole King (1971): There was no bigger female name at this point in music history than Carole King.
10. “If I Can’t Have You,” by Yvonne Elliman (1978): This was her one big hit, and it still sounds good today.

2. Did you know (Part 287)

That the harmonica, also known as the mouth organ, is the best-selling musical instrument in the world.
That the late Freddie Mercury was born on the island of Zanzibar on the east coast of Africa and had four extra teeth in his upper jaw. Those extra teeth, which caused not only his distinctive overbite, but also, according to unconfirmed speculation, his enormous vocal range.
That Dolly Parton composed her iconic songs “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” in one day.
That the actual name of the ZZ Top drummer (the only member of the band without a beard) is … Frank Beard.
That Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses was once paid $8 an hour to smoke cigarettes as part of an experiment at UCLA.

3. Keeping with today’s music theme, may I suggest five classic videos to watch (if you have never seen ’em).

In no particular order:

“Viva La Vida,” by Coldplay, live from Sao Paulo, Brazil.
“Reason To Believe,” by Rod Stewart (from “One Night Only!” at Royal Albert Hall).
“Never Had It So Good,” by Mary Chapin Carpenter.
“Mixed Emotions,” by the Rolling Stones (the official promo video).
“Wonderful Tonight, by Eric Clapton (live in San Francisco).

Steve Thought O’ The Day —The Kansas City Royals have a pitching prospect in their spring training camp who has one of the best names in all of MLB: Chandler Champlain.