Carly Simon’s New Album Includes a Candid Song About Ex-Husband James Taylor

Carly Simon, who recently disclosed a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, has released her first studio album in 18 years, *Comes in Waves*. Among the tracks is “Maybe I Never Loved You,” a brief, under-three-minute confession that directly references her former marriage to singer-songwriter James Taylor. The song’s lyrics question the depth of their past love, acknowledge their shared child, and suggest that both parties may have misread the relationship.

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Simon and Taylor were married from 1972 to 1983 and have two children together. In a 2015 memoir, Simon wrote that she and Taylor had not spoken for decades despite attempts to reconcile, and she expressed a desire to “heal” the lingering tension. The couple’s separation has previously been explored in Simon’s music; another track on the same album, “Mother of Pearl,” reflects on the impact of their divorce on their daughter.

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). The lyricism mirrors Simon’s broader artistic focus on personal introspection, especially in light of her health challenges. The track’s concise length and stark phrasing give it the feel of a direct address rather than a conventional love song.

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Commentators have noted the song’s “diss-track” vibe, suggesting it could be harsher than typical post-breakup releases. While the piece is not overtly hostile, its candid questioning of mutual affection has been framed as a rare public airing of private grievances between two iconic singer-songwriters. Observers also point out that Simon’s willingness to release such material while managing a Parkinson’s diagnosis underscores her continued artistic vigor.

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The inclusion of a personal, relationship-focused song on Simon’s comeback album highlights how veteran artists can use new work to revisit unresolved chapters of their lives. It also adds a fresh narrative layer to the public’s understanding of Simon and Taylor’s long-standing, though largely private, post-marital dynamic.

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