The Caroline in the title is specifically English artist, journalist and political activist Caroline Coon. She and Robert Wyatt broke up not long before the first Matching Mole album, as the lyrics make clear.
David's on piano, and I may play on a drum
And we'll try to make the music work, we'll try to have some fun
But I just can't help thinking that if you were here with me
I'd get all my thoughts in focus and play more excitingly
I love you still, Caroline
I want you still, Caroline
I need you still, Caroline
If you call this sentimental crap you'll make me mad
'Cause you know that I would not sing
About some passing fad
And if my attempts at rhyming aren't convincing to your ear
Then memories betray you through the passing of the year
I love you still, Caroline
I want you still, Caroline
I need you still, Caroline
You must think it doubtful that I mean the words I sing
Or that all attempts to reach you this way
Could not mean a thing
But you must admit we both thought we'd be man and wife
And that I could make you happy
For the best part of your life
I love you still, Caroline
I love you still, Caroline
I love you still, Caroline
I love you still, Caroline
(repeat to fade)
O Caroline was written by David Sinclair & Robert Wyatt.
O Caroline was produced by Matching Mole.