You know, that line always gives my head a twist, every time I hear it. And having read Carly's remarks in the interviews linked above, I'm wondering if the paradox is based on a difference in male and female reactions to male vanity. Because, it seems to me - correct me if I'm wrong guys - that to guys generally, male vanity is regarded as contemptible, whereas, extrapolating from Carly's remarks, women are more likely to find male vanity kinda cute, or charming. So, paradoxically, the subject of the song is more likely to be TOO vain to think the song is about him - because what guy wants to admit to that kind of vanity? (Okay, Warren Beatty, apparently!).