Carly Simon – “Let the River Run”

Written by: Carly Simon
Released: 1988
Genre: Pop, Rock
Album: Working Girl (Soundtrack)

About the Song

“Let the River Run” was written, composed, and performed by Carly Simon for the 1988 film Working Girl, directed by Mike Nichols. The song serves as the theme for the film, which stars Melanie Griffith, Harrison Ford, and Sigourney Weaver.

The track was a massive success, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song (tying with Phil Collins’ “Two Hearts” from Buster), and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television. This feat made Carly Simon the first artist to ever win all three prestigious awards for a single song that she not only wrote and composed but also performed.

Inspiration and Composition

Simon was inspired by reading the Working Girl script, along with the poetry of Walt Whitman, to create the song’s lyrics. She described the composition process as deeply connected to the themes of the film, which explores ambition, empowerment, and transformation. Musically, Simon referred to the song as “a hymn to New York” and “an anthem with a jungle beat,” blending powerful imagery with a dynamic, driving rhythm.

Connection to Mike Nichols

This was not the first time Carly Simon collaborated with Mike Nichols. She had previously contributed the song “Coming Around Again” to Nichols’ 1986 film Heartburn. Simon described Nichols as a “kind of muse” for her, noting that their personal connection deepened during the creation of these songs. She wanted to match his vision with a song that captured the energy and ambition of Working Girl, and “Let the River Run” perfectly encapsulated that spirit.

Legacy and Impact

• Awards: The song received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Grammy, making it one of Carly Simon’s most recognized works.
• Cultural Influence: “Let the River Run” became an anthem for empowerment and success, much like the character it was created for in Working Girl
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• Recognition: The song is regarded as one of Simon’s greatest achievements and remains a beloved track in both her catalog and in film history.

Conclusion

“Let the River Run” stands as a testament to Carly Simon’s talent and creativity. Its combination of inspiration, powerful lyrics, and iconic music made it a standout in both the Working Girl film and in the broader landscape of 1980s pop culture. With its sweeping, anthemic quality, the song continues to be remembered as a symbol of ambition and possibility.