Meaning of "He Likes To Roll" by Carly Simon

The lyrics of "He Likes To Roll" by Carly Simon depict a complex relationship dynamic where the narrator is grappling with the challenges of maintaining a love that has already been secured. The repetition of "he likes to roll" underscores the persona's partner's carefree nature and hints at a sense of impermanence or unpredictability in their relationship. The narrator's internal conflict, as expressed through the lines "Why do I try to win the love / That I've already wooed and won", reveals a deep-seated need for validation and constant effort to keep the relationship alive. The reference to losing self-control when the partner comes around conveys a vulnerability and dependency on their presence, suggesting an imbalance of power dynamics. The setting of a "sunny bay" where the partner comes and goes once a day adds a layer of temporal distance and longing, where the narrator eagerly awaits their return despite the fleeting nature of their encounters. The imagery of the moon being down but the odds being high of the partner not passing by indicates a sense of hope and anticipation, intertwined with a certain fatalistic acceptance of their tumultuous relationship dynamics. Overall, the lyrics delve into themes of self-worth, vulnerability, and the push and pull of love in a relationship marked by uncertainty and longing.