Carly Simon Reveals Heart‑Wrenching Secrets About James Taylor Kids

Carly Simon’s new album “Comes in Waves” drops this Friday, and its fifth track, “Mother of Pearl,” gives listeners an intimate look at the lasting effects of her 1983 divorce from singer‑songwriter James Taylor.

The song uses lyrical storytelling to address how the split shaped their two children, Sally and Ben, both now adults. Simon’s return to original material after an 18‑year hiatus has already sparked curiosity among fans and critics alike.

In “Mother of Pearl,” Simon opens with a direct address to her daughter, calling her “Sally, oh, Sarah” and referencing the nickname she prefers.

She acknowledges that when “I been flat on my back,” Sally remains a steadfast presence, describing her as “my best friend.” The lyric also touches on Ben by referencing the need to “drown out all the noise,” a phrase that suggests the siblings’ shared struggle during their parents’ separation.

The album’s second track, “Maybe I Never Loved You,” continues the personal narrative by addressing her former spouse without naming him directly.

The lyrics oscillate between doubt and affection, with lines such as “Maybe I never loved you / But anyway, I thought I did” and a plea to “make amends.” Simon’s words reflect years of unresolved tension, echoing her 2015 comments to People that she still loves James despite their lack of communication.

The track adds depth to the album’s exploration of love, loss, and healing.

## Background & Context

Simon married Taylor in 1972, and the couple welcomed their first child, Sally, in 1974, followed by Ben in 1977; their marriage ended in 1983 amid mutual accusations of addiction and infidelity.

In a 2015 memoir titled “Boys in the Trees,” Simon described the union as “far from the idyllic one that the general public reads about,” and the divorce left both parents to raise their children separately, a reality that would later surface in Simon’s songwriting.

Since the split, Simon has entered new long‑term relationships, most recently with partner Richard Koehler; she was previously married to James Hart from 1987 to 2007, and her past romantic ties have included high‑profile figures such as Jack Nicholson, Mick Jagger,

Cat Stevens, and Warren Beatty—Beatty being the subject of her famous song “You’re So Vain.” These relationships have kept Simon in the public eye, yet she has largely focused on her music career, and in July 2023 she publicly disclosed a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and skin cancer, adding new personal challenges to her life.

The upcoming album marks Simon’s first original material since 2005, with all 12 tracks written and recorded from her home on Martha’s Vineyard in collaboration with Sally and Ben, and her July statement emphasized that “working on the music gave shape to days that did not always have much shape,” and that it reminded her “that illness can change your life without becoming the whole of your life.” The project reflects a blend of personal reflection and musical craft, positioning Simon as a seasoned artist who continues to evolve creatively, while also underscoring how her health battles have intertwined with her artistic output.

## What the Song Reveals

In “Mother of Pearl,” Simon uses a lyrical portrait of Sally, noting her Capricorn traits and calling her stubborn yet caring, and she acknowledges that when “I been flat on my back,” Sally remains a steadfast presence, describing her as “my best friend.” The lyric also touches on Ben by referencing the need to “drown out all the noise,” a phrase that suggests the siblings’ shared struggle during their parents’ separation.

The song’s chorus repeats the line “I can see you at 7, a child of divorce,” underscoring the age at which Sally and Ben entered a life disrupted by marital dissolution, and Simon’s use of specific details—such as the nickname “Sally Mae” and her mention of “a boat in the harbor that’s called Sally Mae”—adds intimacy to the narrative.

The track ends with a tender affirmation that, despite the hardships, “you were shining, you were my mother of pearl.”

The second track, “Maybe I Never Loved You,” further delves into the emotional aftermath of the divorce, with Simon singing “Maybe I never loved you / But anyway, I thought I did” and questioning whether true affection ever existed, and the lyrics continue with “And maybe you never loved me / Although God knows, you said you did,” suggesting a lingering sense of doubt.

These lines echo Simon’s earlier 2015 statements about still loving James while not being on speaking terms, and the track’s bittersweet tone reflects the complex feelings that accompany a lifelong partnership ended by personal turmoil.

## Looking Ahead

With “Comes in Waves” hitting the market this Friday, Simon’s return to recording signals a new chapter in her career. The album’s 12 songs were created at her Martha’s Vineyard home, and it marks her first collection of original material in 18 years.

Critics note that the record blends personal storytelling with musical maturity, showcasing Simon’s continued relevance.

Simon has not announced any additional tours or collaborative projects beyond the album release. Her July statement on Parkinson’s and skin cancer hinted at a shift toward more personal and reflective work, while also acknowledging that her health continues to influence her output.

Fans can expect the new songs to explore themes of family, resilience, and artistic renewal.

While the album’s focus is on personal history, it also serves as a reminder that creative expression can be a coping mechanism for chronic illness. Simon’s candid disclosure in July about Parkinson’s and cancer underscores her commitment to using music as a therapeutic outlet.

As the release date approaches, the public awaits how these themes will shape her next artistic direction.

Simon’s new album arrives at a time when she is navigating both creative resurgence and health challenges. Fans and critics alike will watch to see how her renewed songwriting, rooted in personal experience, continues to evolve.