Meaning of "It Was So Easy" by Carly Simon

"It Was So Easy" by Carly Simon reflects on the innocence and simplicity of youth compared to the harsh realities and responsibilities of adulthood. The song paints a nostalgic picture of carefree days spent with a loved one, where happiness was found in simple pleasures like sunbathing in the woods and holding hands. The lyrics explore the loss of that uncomplicated joy as the characters grow older, facing debts, regrets, and broken hearts. The reference to stepping on cracks and squares symbolizes the innocence of childhood games and the fear of consequences that seemed so significant at the time. The bears symbolize the dangers the characters saw in the world, a representation of the fears that were once so vivid and now seem trivial in the face of adult struggles. The song suggests that love can still lead to extremes, but the context has changed with age, and the simplicity of just holding hands has been replaced by a more complicated reality. Overall, "It Was So Easy" captures the bittersweet sentiment of growing up, reflecting on lost innocence and the inevitable complexities of life.