Paul Simon

thumb|right|Still crazy after all these years... Paul Frederic Simon (born 13 October 1941) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist, half of the folk-singing duo Simon and Garfunkel who continues a successful solo career. He is the husband of Edie Brickell, whom he married in 1992. In 2006, Time Magazine called him one of the "100 people who shape our world." Quotes thumb|They're all pictures of me when I wrote them. … I have no favorite songs. thumb| I change the key, and somehow it's fresh because you haven't heard those notes before. thumb|I write from instinct, from inexplicable sparkle. … I wait till I come across a pleasing accident. Then I start to develop it. And the war rages on in a land called somewhere And Generals order their men to kill And to fight for a cause they've long ago forgotten While a little cloud weeps on the side of a hill. "The Side of a Hill" (written under the pseudonym "Paul Kane" out of his admiration for the film Citizen Kane) on The Paul Simon Song Book (1965) I like them all. … They're all pictures of me when I wrote them. … I have no favorite songs. Pop Chronicles Show 36 - The Rubberization of Soul: The great pop music renaissance. Part 2, interview recorded (20 December 1967) I wanted to sing other types of songs that Simon and Garfunkel wouldn't do. "Mother and Child Reunion" for example, is not a song that you would have normally thought that Simon and Garfunkel would have done. It's possible that they might have. But it wouldn't have been the same, and I don't know if I would have been so inclined in that direction. So for me it was a chance to break out and gamble a little bit … The breakup had to do with a natural drifting apart as we got older and the separate lives that were more individual. We weren't so consumed with recording and performing. We had other activities … there was no great pressure to stay together other than money, which exerted very little influence upon us. … We didn't need the money. On the breakup of Simon and Garfunkel as a musical team. Interview with Jon Landau for Rolling Stone (1972); republished in The Rolling Stone Interviews: 1967-1980 (1989) edited by Peter Herbst, p. 210 There was always some kind of strain, but it was workable. The bigger you get, the more of a strain it is, because in your everyday life, you're less used to compromising. As you get bigger, you have your own way. But in a partnership you always have to compromise. … When you get into a partnership, you're not the boss. There's no boss. That makes it hard. Interview with Jon Landau for Rolling Stone (1972); republished in The Rolling Stone Interviews: 1967-1980 (1989) edited by Peter Herbst, p. 211 Instead of thinking in terms of chords, I think of voice-leading; that is, melody line and bass line, and where the bass line goes. If you do that, you'll have the right chord. [These voices] will give you some alternatives, and you can play those different alternatives to hear which one suits your ear... Keep the bass line moving so you don't stay in one spot: if you have an interesting bass line and you roll it against the melody, the chords are going to come out right. As quoted in "Paul Simon's Workshop at the Guitar Study Center" by Richard Albero and Fred Styles in Guitar Player (April 1975), p. 20 I didn't want to repeat the same notes in the second verse that I used in the first, so I wrote out all the notes of the song and all the notes that were missing in the scale, given that there are twelve notes from octave to octave. All those notes that weren't in the scale were the ones I wanted in for the next verse. The listener isn't aware that they are new notes, but the sound is pleasing to the ear. I change the key, and somehow it's fresh because you haven't heard those notes before. As quoted in "Paul Simon's Workshop at the Guitar Study Center" by Richard Albero and Fred Styles in Guitar Player (April 1975), p. 21 Well its great to do a neighborhood concert. I hope everyone can hear us. I hope that the sound is good. I hope we are blasting Central Park West and Fifth avenue pretty much away. I just want to thank the police department and the fire department and the parks commissioner, and Ed Koch [Audience boos] — and particularly, you know, people that never get recognized for doing good things for the city, a group of people that have donated half of the proceeds that they're making tonight — the guys who are selling loose joints are giving the city half of their income tonight. During the Concert At Central Park (19 September 1981) I am editing myself as we go along [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ1vk-RDc9A Paul Simon Talks About Art Garfunkel | Letterman (youtube video ~13:05) (1982) I have gone through different phases in my music writing. There was a time when I used a little exercise — incorporating all of the twelve notes in the chromatic scale — to get me going. I used this technique for a while, but I don't any longer because I am going back to simpler melodies. Originally I moved away from the simple songs because I thought they were too simple. "Songwriting" in Making Music (1983) edited by George Martin, p. 70 I write from instinct, from inexplicable sparkle. I don't know why I'm writing what I'm writing. Usually, I sit and I let my hands wander on my guitar. And I sing anything. I play anything. And I wait till I come across a pleasing accident. Then I start to develop it. Once you take a piece of musical information, there are certain implications that it automatically contains — the implication of that phrase elongated, contracted, or inverted or in another time signature. So you start with an impulse and go to what your ear likes. Interview with Tony Schwartz in Playboy (February 1984) p. 166 [Rock 'n' roll] really is not given to thinking — and resents thinking. Which I believe is the big error of rock 'n' roll. It's always aspired to be the music of the working class. And it's never been looked upon as a vocabulary for art and artistic thinking... We have to be able to expand the vocabulary to express more complex thoughts. Interview in Musician (March 1984), p. 66-68 This is near enough true bliss. "Look at That" on You're the One (2000) Song lyrics thumb|God only knowsGod makes his planThe information's unavailableTo the mortal man. Slip slidin' awaySlip slidin' away.You know the nearer your destinationThe more you're slip slidin' away. Slip Slidin' Away God only knowsGod makes his planThe information's unavailableTo the mortal man.We work our jobsCollect our payBelieve we're gliding down the highwayWhen in fact we're slip slidin' away. Slip Slidin' Away Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. (1964) thumb|right|Hello darkness, my old friend I've come to talk with you again... thumb|right|In the naked light I saw ten thousand people maybe more — people talking without speaking — people hearing without listening... thumb|right|And the people bowed and prayed to the neon god they made... Hello darkness, my old friend I've come to talk with you again Because a vision softly creeping Left its seeds while I was sleeping And the vision that was planted in my brain Still remains Within the sound of silence. The Sound of Silence Full lyrics online And in the naked light I saw Ten thousand people maybe more People talking without speaking People hearing without listening People writing songs that voices never shared No one dared Disturb the sound of silence. The Sound of Silence "Fools," said I, "you do not know Silence like a cancer grows Hear my words that I might teach you Take my arms that I might reach you" But my words like silent raindrops fell And echoed in the wells of silence. The Sound of Silence And the people bowed and prayed To the neon god they made And the sign flashed out its warning In the words that it was forming And the sign said "The words of the prophets Are written on the subway walls And tenement halls And whispered in the sound of silence" The Sound of Silence Sounds of Silence (1966) thumb|right|I am a rock. I am an island. thumb|right|And a rock feels no pain. And an island never cries. A winter's dayIn a deep and darkDecember;I am alone,Gazing from my window to the streets belowOn a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow.I am a rock,I am an island. I Am a Rock I’ve built walls, A fortress deep and mighty, That none may penetrate. I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain. It’s laughter and it’s loving I disdain. I Am a Rock I am shielded in my armor Hiding in my room safe within my womb I touch no one and no one touches me. I am a rock. I am an island. And a rock feels no pain. And an island never cries. I Am a Rock Parsley (1966) I'm sitting in the railway station.Got a ticket to my destination.On a tour of one-night stands my suitcase and guitar in hand.And ev'ry stop is neatly planned for a poet and a one-man band. Homeward Bound Home where my thought's escaping,Home where my music's playing,Home where my love lies waitingSilently for me. Homeward Bound Tonight I'll sing my songs again,I'll play the game and pretend.But all my words come back to me in shades of mediocrityLike emptiness in harmony I need someone to comfort me. Slow down, you move too fast.You got to make the morning last.Just kicking down the cobblestones.Looking for fun and Feelin' Groovy. The 59th Street Bridge Song Bookends (1968) thumb|right|Orangutans are skeptical of changes in their cages... Let us be lovers we'll marry our fortunes together.I've got some real estate here in my bag.So we bought a pack of cigarettes and Mrs. Wagner's pies,And we walked off to look for America America Laughing on the bus, playing games with the faces,She said the man in the gabardine suit was a spy,I said, 'Be careful, his bowtie is really a camera.' America Preserve your memories, they're all that's left you. Bookends And here's to you, Mrs. Robinson,Jesus loves you more than you will know.Whoa, whoa, whoaGod bless you, please, Mrs. Robinson,Heaven holds a place for those who pray.Hey hey hey, hey hey hey. Mrs. Robinson Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?A nation turns it's lonely eyes to youOoo ooo ooo.What's that you say, Mrs. Robinson?"Joltin' Joe has left and gone away."Hey hey hey, hey hey hey. Mrs. Robinson Time, time, time, see what's become of me,While I looked around for my possibilities,I was so hard to please,But look around, the leaves are brown,And the sky is a hazy shade of winter. A Hazy Shade of Winter Hang on to your hopes, my friend.That's an easy thing to say,But if your hopes should pass awaySimply pretend that you can build them again. A Hazy Shade of Winter Seasons change with the scenery;Weaving time in a tapestry.Won't you stop and remember meAt any convenient time? A Hazy Shade of Winter Someone told me It's all happening at the zoo. I do believe it, I do believe it's true. At The Zoo The monkeys stand for honesty, Giraffes are insincere, And the elephants are kindly but They're dumb. Orangutans are skeptical Of changes in their cages, And the zookeeper is very fond of rum. At The Zoo Zebras are reactionaries, Antelopes are missionaries, Pigeons plot in secrecy, And hamsters turn on frequently. At The Zoo Bridge over Troubled Water (1970) thumb|right|I get all the news I need from the weather report. When you're weary Feeling small When tears are in your eyes I will dry them allI'm on your side When times get rough And friends just can't be found Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down. Bridge over Troubled Water I'll take your part When darkness comes And pain is all around. Bridge over Troubled Water Sail on Silver Girl, Sail on by Your time has come to shine All your dreams are on their way See how they shine If you need a friend I'm sailing right behind... Bridge over Troubled Water I'd rather be a sparrow than a snailYes I would, if I could, I surely wouldI'd rather be a hammer than a nailYes I would, if I only could, I surely would El Condor Pasa (If I Could) Cecilia, you're breaking my heartYou're shaking my confidence dailyOh, Cecilia, I'm down on my kneesI'm begging you please to come home. Cecilia In the clearing stands a boxerAnd a fighter by his tradeAnd he carries the remindersOf ev'ry glove that laid him downOr cut him till he cried outIn his anger and his shame"I am leaving, I am leaving."But the fighter still remains. The Boxer I get all the news I need from the weather report. The Only Living Boy in New York — released as a single in 1969 Paul Simon (1972) thumb|right|No I would not give you false hopeOn this strange and mournful dayBut the mother and child reunionIs only a motion away... No I would not give you false hopeOn this strange and mournful dayBut the mother and child reunionIs only a motion away, Oh, little darling of mineI can't for the life of meRemember a sadder dayI know they say let it beBut it just don't work out that way... Mother and Child Reunion When the papa found out, he began to shout, and he started the investigation It's against the law, it was against the law What the mama saw, it was against the law. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard I'm on my way, I don't know where I'm goin', I'm on my way, I'm takin' my time, but I don't know where. Goodbye to Rosie, the Queen of Corona See you, me and Julio down by the schoolyard. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard A young girl in a parkin' lot was preaching to a crowdSinging sacred songs and reading from the BibleWell, I told her I was lost and she told all about the PentecostAnd I seen that girl as the road to my survival...Even now that sweet memory lingers Duncan Peace like a river ran through the cityLong past the midnight curfewWe sat starry-eyed We were satisfied...You can beat us with wires You can beat us with chainsYou can run out your rulesBut you know you can't outrun the history train Peace Like a River There Goes Rhymin' Simon (1973) When I look back on all the crap I learned in high school,It's a wonder I can think at all,And though my lack of education hasn't hurt me none,I can read the writing on the wall. Kodachrome Kodachrome,They give us those nice bright colours,Give us the greens of summers,Makes you think all the world's a sunny day,Oh, yeah, I got a Nikon camera,I love to take a photograph,So Mama, don't take my Kodachrome away. Kodachrome Come on, take me to the Mardi Gras,Where the people sing and play,Where the music is elite and there's dancing in the street,Both night and day. Take Me To The Mardi Gras Some people never say those words "I love you". It's not their style to be so bold. Some people never say those words "I love you". But like a child, they're longing to be told. Something So Right When I was a little boy, (when I was just a boy)And the devil would call my name (when I was just a boy)I'd say "Now who do,Who do you think you're fooling?" Loves Me Like a Rock And if I was the President, (was the President)And if'n the Congress called my name (was the President)I'd say "Now who do,Who do you think you're fooling?" Loves Me Like a Rock Still Crazy After All These Years (1975) thumb|right|She said, why don't we both just sleep on it tonight And I believe, in the morning you'll begin to see the light... I met my old lover on the street last night,She seemed so glad to see me, I just smiled,And we talked about some old times, and we drank ourselves some beers,Still crazy after all these years,Oh, still crazy after all these years. Still Crazy After All These Years Now I sit by my window and I watch the cars I fear I’ll do some damage One fine day But I would not be convicted By a jury of my peers Still crazy Still crazy Still crazy after all these years. Still Crazy After All These Years In my little townI grew up believingGod keeps his eye on us all. My Little Town, written with Simon Garfunkle The problem is all inside your head, she said to me The answer is easy if you take it logically I'd like to help you in your struggle to be free There must be fifty ways to leave your lover. 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover Just slip out the back, Jack, make a new plan, Stan Don't need to be coy, Roy, just listen to me Hop on the bus, Gus, don't need to discuss much Just drop off the key, Lee, and get yourself free. 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover She said, why don't we both just sleep on it tonight And I believe, in the morning you'll begin to see the light And then she kissed me and I realized she probably was right There must be fifty ways to leave your lover, fifty ways to leave your lover 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover One-Trick Pony (1980) Then I learned to play some lead guitar, I was underage in this funky barAnd I stepped outside to smoke myself a jWhen I came back to the room, everybody just seemed to moveAnd I turned my amp up loud and I began to play. Late in the Evening First thing I remember when you came into my lifeI said I wanna get that girl, no matter what I doWell I guess I've been in love before and once or twice have been on the floorBut I've never loved no-one the way that I love you. Late in the Evening Hearts and Bones (1983) One and one half wandering Jews,Free to wander wherever they choose,Are travelling together in the Sangre de Christo,The blood of Christ mountains of New Mexico,On the last leg of a journey they started a long time ago,The arc of a love affair,Rainbows in the high desert air. Hearts and Bones Mountain passes slipping into stones,Hearts and bones. Hearts and Bones Everybody loves the sound of a train in the distance Everybody thinks its true. Train In The Distance Two disappointed believers Two people playing the game Negotiations and love songs Are often mistaken for one and the same. Train In The Distance And what is the point of this story?What information pertains?The thought that life could be betterIs woven indelibly into our hearts and our brains. Train In The Distance Graceland (1986) thumb| These are the days of miracle and wonder,This is the long distance call… These are the days of miracle and wonderAnd don't cry, baby, don't cry, don't cry. thumb|right|I want a shot at redemption Don’t want to end up a cartoon In a cartoon graveyard... thumb|right|There were incidents and accidents there were hints and allegations... These are the days of miracle and wonder,This is the long distance call,The way the camera follows us in slo-mo,The way we look to us all,The way we look to a distant constellationThat's dying in a corner of the sky,These are the days of miracle and wonderAnd don't cry, baby, don't cry, don't cry. The Boy In The Bubble It's a turn-around jump-shot,It's everybody jump-start, it's,Every generation throws a hero up the pop-charts,Medicine is magical and magical is art,Think of the boy in the bubble and the baby with the baboon heart... The Boy In The Bubble The Mississippi Delta was shining like a National guitar,I am following the river down the highwayThrough the cradle of the Civil War. Graceland I'm going to Graceland, Graceland,Memphis, Tennessee,Well, I'm going to Graceland.Poor boys and pilgrims with familiesAnd we are going to Graceland,And my travelling companion is nine years old,He is the child of my first marriage,But I've reason to believeWe both will be received in Graceland. Graceland And she said 'Losing love is like a window in your heart,Everybody sees you're blown apart,Everybody feels the wind blow.' Graceland She said, 'Don't I know you from the cinematographer's party?'I said, 'Who am I to blow against the wind?' I Know What I Know I said 'Hey, is this my problem?Is this my fault?'If that's the way its gonna beI'm gonna call the whole thing to a halt Gumboots She's a rich girl,She don't try to hide it,Diamonds on the soles of her shoes,He's a poor boy,Empty as a pocket,Empty as a pocket with nothing to lose,Sing ta-na-na, ta-na-na-na,She got diamonds on the soles of her shoes. Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes A man walks down the streetHe says why am I soft in the middle nowWhy am I soft in the middleThe rest of my life is so hardI need a photo opportunityI want a shot at redemptionDon’t want to end up a cartoonIn a cartoon graveyard. You Can Call Me Al If you’ll be my bodyguardI can be your long lost palI can call you BettyAnd Betty when you call meYou can call me Al. You Can Call Me Al A man walks down the streetHe says why am I short of attentionGot a short little span of attentionAnd woe my nights are so long You Can Call Me Al There were incidents and accidentsThere were hints and allegations... You Can Call Me Al A man walks down the streetIt’s a street in a strange worldMaybe it’s the third worldMaybe it’s his first time around … He looks around aroundHe sees angels in the architectureSpinning in infinityHe says Amen and Hallelujah. You Can Call Me Al Homeless, homeless,Moonlight sleeping on a midnight lake. Homeless The Rhythm of the Saints (1990) Well I'm accustomed to a smooth ride,Or maybe I'm a dog that's lost its bite,I don't expect to be treated like a fool, no, no,I don't expect to sleep long nights,Some people say a lie is just a lie but I say,Why deny the obvious child? The Obvious Child Sonny sits by his window and thinks to himself,How it's strange that some rooms are like cages,Sonny's yearbook from high school is down from the shelf,And he idly thumbs through the pages,Some have died, some have fled from themselves,On a struggle from here to get there,Sonny wanders beyond his interior walls,Runs his hands through his thinning brown hair. The Obvious Child Never been lonely,Never been lied to,Never had to scuffle in fear,Nothing to dive to,Born at the instant,The church bells chime,The whole world whispering,You're born at the right time. Born at the Right Time Moves like a fist through traffic,Anger and no-one can kill it,Shoves a little bump to the momentum,It's just a little lump but you feel itIn the creases and the shadows,With a rattling deep emotion.The cool, cool riverSweeps the wild, wide ocean. The Cool, Cool River And sometimes even musicCannot substitute for tears. The Cool, Cool River Surprise (2006) thumb|right|Far above the golden clouds, the darkness vibrates... thumb|right|The earth is blue. And everything about it is a love song. thumb|right|You'd better keep an eye on them children, eye on them children in the pool. thumb|right|Maybe the heart is part of the mist. And that's all that there is or could ever exist. thumb|right|Nothing is different, but everything's changed... How can you live in the Northeast?How can you live in the South?How can you build on the banks of a riverWhen the flood water pours from the mouth? How can you be a Christian?How can you be a Jew?How can you be a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Hindu? How can you? How Can You Live In The Northeast? If the answer is infinite light,Why do we sleep in the dark? How Can You Live In The Northeast? Locked in a struggle for the right combination Of words in a melody line,I took a walk along the riverbank of my imagination.Golden clouds were shuffling the sunshine. Everything About It Is a Love Song We don't mean to mess things up,But mess them up we do.And then it's "Oh, I'm sorry."Here's a smiling photographOf love when it was new.At a birthday party.Make a wish and close your eyes:Surprise, surprise, surprise. Everything About It Is a Love Song I shoot a thought into the future, and it flies like an arrow, through my lifetime. And beyond. If I ever come back as a tree, or a crow, or even the wind-blown dust; find me on the ancient road in the song when the wires are hushed. Hurry on and remember me, as I'll remember you. Far above the golden clouds, the darkness vibrates. The earth is blue. And everything about it is a love song. Everything about it. Everything About It Is a Love Song It's outrageous to line your pockets off the misery of the poor.Outrageous, the crimes some human beings must endure.It's a blessing to wash your face in the summer solstice rain.It's outrageous a man like me stand here and complain.But I'm tired. Outrageous Take me. I'm an ordinary player in the key of C.And my will was broken by my pride and my vanity.Who's gonna love you when you're looks are gone?God will. Like he waters the flowers on your window sill. Outrageous Prayers offered in times of peace are silent conversations,Appeals for love, or love's release, in private invocationsBut all that is changed now.Gone like a memory from the day before the fires.People hungry for the voice of GodHear lunatics and liars.Wartime prayers. Wartime prayersIn every language spoken.For every family scattered and broken. Wartime Prayers Because you cannot walk with the holy,If you're just a halfway decent man.But I don't pretend that I'm a mastermindWith a genius marketing plan.I'm trying to tap into some wisdom,Even a little drop would do.I want to rid my heart of envyAnd cleanse my soul of rageBefore I'm through. Wartime Prayers Snowman sittin' in the sun doesn't have time to waste. Beautiful Little kid dancin' in the grass, legs like rubber band.It's summertime, summertime. There's a line at the candy stand.Keep an eye on them children, eye on them children in the pool.You'd better keep an eye on them children, eye on them children in the pool. Beautiful "The universe loves a drama," you know. And ladies and gentlemen this is the show. I Don't Believe; Simon here quotes a comment by his wife, Edie Brickell, on the 2004 US presidential election. Maybe the heart is part of the mist. And that's all that there is or could ever exist. Maybe and maybe and maybe some more. Maybe's the exit that I'm looking for. I Don't Believe Once upon a time there was an ocean.But now it's a mountain range.Something unstoppable put into motion.Nothing is different, but everything's changed. Once Upon a Time There Was an Ocean The light through the stained glass was cobalt and red.And the frayed cuffs and collars were mended by halos of golden thread.The choir sang, "Once Upon a Time There Was An Ocean."And all the old hymns and family names came fluttering down as leaves of emotion. As nothing is different, but everything's changed. Once Upon a Time There Was an Ocean I am walking up the face of the mountain. Counting every step I climb. Remembering the names of the constellations. Forgotten is a long, long time. "That's Me" I'm gonna watch you shine, gonna watch you grow.Gonna paint a sign so you'll always know.As long as one and one is two. There could never be a father who lovedHis daughter more than I love you. Father and Daughter Trust your intuition.It's just like goin' fishin'.You cast your line and hope you get a bite. But you don't need to waste your time worrying about the marketplace,Try to help the human race.Struggling to survive its harshest hour. Father and Daughter So Beautiful or So What (2011) It's easy to be generous when you're on a rollIt's hard to be grateful when you're out of control Love and Hard Times The bedroom breathes in clicks and clacksUneasy heartbeat, can't relaxBut then your hand takes mineThank God I found you in time Love and Hard Times Stranger to Stranger (2016) They say all roads lead to a riverThen one day the river comes up to your doorHow will the builder of bridges deliver us allTo the faraway shore? Insomniac's Lullaby We are who we areOr we're notBut at leastWe'll eventually all fall asleepEventually all fall asleep Insomniac's Lullaby Seven Psalms (2023) So, what in the world are we whispering for?Everyone's naked, there's nothing to hide My Professional Opinion My boy and meWe're refugees of sortsFrom my hometownThey don't like different thereThey would've mowed us down The Sacred Harp He doesn't talk much anymoreJust to the voices in his headThe boy just gazed down at the floorAnd nodded once or twiceAt what she said The Sacred Harp External links Official website for Paul Simon Profile at NNDB 0800328 Paul Simon PBS profile of Paul Simon Extensive biography at a Paul Simon tribute site Another Paul Simon tribute site Category:Guitarists from the United States Category:Folk singers Category:Singer-songwriters from the United States Category:Music producers from the United States Category:Actors from New Jersey Category:Jewish songwriters Category:Jews from the United States Category:1941 births Category:Living people Category:People from Newark Category:Primetime Emmy Award winners Category:Brit Award winners