Whether it was a moment that happened for him or not, it's, like much of the song, a personal story of his and 2 people having an experience together and that moment he saw something. We all have those moments.
This song never fails to get me right in the throat. You're right, Harri that it can apply to anywhere, but to me it's more about the innocence and rose-colored glasses of youth.
I've always really just identified, for some reason with the line ""Kathy, I'm lost", I said, though I knew she was sleeping I'm empty and aching and I don't know why"
To me, this line is the key to the song. It changes it from a song about a young couple traveling around to see America the chunk of land, to someone trying to keep a strong presentation as the freewheeling, go with the flow type guy, while looking for something more, the concept of "America" as its sold
To me, one of their most profound & heartbreaking songs. It feels like leaving home & security because some people just must do that when they're young...but in doing so feeling alone, full of angst & isolation..even though you have a companion...The mundane becomes tragic...."counting the cars on The New Jersey Turnpike....they've all come to look for America."........or the American dream....the meaning of which still might elude us.
Did you notice the unusual feature of this song?There isn't a rhyming couplet in the entire song. And yet there us still pure poetry in the words. Pure Paul aSimon genius as a songwriter
Thank you so much for pointing that out. I honestly never noticed until I read your comment. I think it’s because I was just caught up and how great the song is.
As I recall teens from all over North America, USA and Canada got on trains, buses or hitchhiked across the country many times from '65 to '75. My 2nd favorite S&G song behind the Boxer.
S&G the GOATS of Duos. As a young teen in 60's I would only spend my money on a few select albums when they came out. The Beatles, The Bee Gees, Simon & Garfunkle and the Rolling Stones and Diana Ross nd the Supremes. You just new almost every song was going to be great so you get your moneys worth. Your interpretation was spot on, imo.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, "Wherever I go, my giant comes with me." I think the songs recalls that idea, that we believe we can escape our troubles by traveling/ escaping, but, alas, we cary them with us.
So, now you must listen to "Kathy's Song." It's simple and beautiful! The Kathy in that song is the same Kathy that's in "America," Kathy Chitty. But the MOST beautiful of all S&G's songs, IMO, is "For Emily Whenever I May Find Her." Please don't miss out on that one!
"It took me four days to hitchhike from Saginaw" is one of the lyrics that stays with me all my life. Along with her saying "the man in the gabridine suit is a spy". Great stuff! And we are all still looking for America...
So many people miss the point of the "playing games with the faces" part of the song. It's two kids fighting the boredom of a long bus ride and inventing games to pass the time. In this case they decided to Use their imaginations to make up stories about the people on the bus based on their faces. The way Paul incorporated it into the song is pure brilliance.
“Let us be lovers we’ll marry our fortunes together.” The song vividly paints a couple’s journey, not just thru America but at the beginning of their shared journey. “I’ve got some real estate here in my bag” is a metaphor for the American Dream. “Counting the cars on the NJ Turnpike” now incorporates so many other Americans searching for their place and joy in our society. “I’m empty and aching and I don’t know why” speaks of times of fatigue, self-doubt and struggle we all encounter. The lyrics are unparalleled. Voices impeccable. Music wonderful. It’s one of my all-time favorite songs.
*Harri* Paul wrote most of this ironically in London..... I'm not sure what real estate in the bag means but if you think back on the time it was written, and hitchhiking, riding a Greyhound bus, it seems like 2 kids, not much money if any coming of age wanting to quote, unquote, find The America they grew up hearing & reading about.! Remember, no internet, phones, nada... just parents, magazines and Hollywood movies my friend...*David* .....
YES!! Iconic song from us flower-children's childhood!! Great reaction Harri! To me, America is the yearning of youth to find themselves, and the endless possibilities that are out there. But when we go to pursue we find it actually can be kinda boring at times, like counting the cars on the Jersey turnpike. The line about bow-tie is similar, I think they were just trying to amuse themselves, as the previous line goes .."playing games with the faces.."
Quite right, this song resonates regardless of what country one is from. It takes me back to those days when I was a young guy. I left home (Atlantic Canada) and hitch hiked west in search of something; I didn't know what. What would I see, what would I discover, would I find myself there? Those memories come flooding back when I listen to this song.
I don't know if anyone mentioned this already, but my take on the line "I've got some real estate here in my bag" is that he's referring to pot. As in "grass" = "real estate". I think it was a sly reference that wouldn't stop the song getting airplay, since you couldn't outright say such things back in that day.
YES did a cover of this song. It is almost a completely different song. You should definitely check it out. I love the original by Simon and Garfunkel , but Yes’s version is pretty darn fantastic as well!
This is a song that sneaks up on you. I remember the first few times I heard it not really caring for it, and then all the sudden, maybe five time through the album, it clicked and boom! it was the only thing I wanted to hear.
I love Simon and Garfunkel. I really like Roy Halee's production of their songs. He does whatever seems to work for the song, without worrying about whether it sounds like a band or not.
One of my all time favourite songs. I think when he says "I got some real estate here in my bag" he just means "room" (and says it in a beautiful metaphor), but I could be wrong.
Saginaw, Michigan wasn't far from where I live. I love the sound & harmony in this...it's beautiful. The couple is on a road trip, looking for the American dream but eventually realize they are no closer to finding it now than when they left.
I've been looking for America my whole life. Thought I found it several times over the years but she keeps changing and being elusive. Maybe that's what America is, an elusive ever changing, at times disquieting and disjointed conglomerate of people never meant to be at ease? So far it has been able to survive it's liquidity. So far she has been able to stand firm and move forward. So far it has overcome being it's own worst enemy? Maybe one day I fully understand who we are but until that day, I'll keep searching. Great song! Thanks Harri!
Don't know if I am right, but I think the real estate in his bag is just space that kathy can put her stuff in. "Let's marry our fortunes (our stuff) together. I've got some real estate (empty space) here in my bag (you can put your stuff in my bag). Just a thought
I think it's two people who like each other just playing pretend games. First he makes like they are both wealthy talking about marrying their fortunes together and he has some real estate while they ride on a bus which is the least expensive form of transportation, then she says the man on the bus is a spy and he says his bow tie is really a camera. It's the kind of thing real people did and probably still do today.
@@waynemarvin5661 Well, OK, except, that if you really took it at face value, it wouldn't make any sense! Clearly it's a joke or metaphor of some kind. The question then arises, a metaphor for what? A joke meaning what? Because it's ambiguous, one person's idea of what it's saying 'at face value' might be very different from another person's - which might be different again from Paul Simon's idea when he wrote it. That makes it an interesting concept to muse over. Let us have our fun! :-)
Paul's lyrics are never obvious. They go deep and then even deeper. The pictures he is creating are superb as well. But the music itself is supporting the atmosphere beautifully. I love the production of this song, so sweet and urgent at the same time
“Scarborough Fair” is a traditional song. They didn’t write it. Not sure about “Canticle”. But their version is one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs ever. It featured in the movie “The Graduate”. It was up for Best Song at the Oscars, but lost out to “Talk to the Animals” from Dr. Doolittle. Haven’t paid any attention to the Oscars pics since.
I believe the song is a metaphor. The singer is breaking up with Kathy. At the start of the trip certain magical small things take on a fascinating importance. By the end of the song the magic is gone, the journey then drifts off into memory.
I have come to really like you and your analysis. Good lyrics, like good writing in general, leaves space for the reader / listener to fill in ambiguous segments with their own life experiences, thereby eliciting connectedness and emotion. Always leave room for the reader / listener to participate in the magic.
Harri, here's one by the great Bill Haley that I think you will really enjoy!! (Has 1.1 million [1,133,509] views) Bill Haley was one of the pioneers of rock and roll! "Bill Haley & His Comets - "Hot Dog Buddy Buddy" - from "Don't Knock The Rock" - HQ 1956" th-cam.com/video/oOP_1aOiZzA/w-d-xo.html
Bill Haley was indeed one of the early pioneers in rock and roll. His recording of "Crazy Man, Crazy" is recognized as the first rock and roll song to hit the American charts in 1953. His "Rock Around the Clock" reached Number one in 1955.
Harri: Love your channel. It's funny you ask about real estate here in my bag. This song is from my teenage years. I took this song as, young lovers traveling in search of adventure and not taking themselves too seriously. IMO, real estate in my bag was the dirt and dust that accumulates during travel. They had nothing but hope and dreams, and were laughing at what they had. Keep smiling and peace!!
I always think of the film "The Graduate" when I hear this. Visions of him and the pretty young daughter sitting in the back of the bus escaping her mother ... rolling up a cigarette ... Their music had such life. It made you stop and THINK! I was doing that then and even doing that more now. Their stuff is prophetic (whether they know it or not).
I always thought of the song as simply describing the relationship between a teen boy and girl - playful, intimate, and close. Seeing the traffic, 'they all come to look for America' is a projection of the narrative's own thoughts. It's a song about a teen-age point of view. At least for me. As a teen myself at the time, it resonated.
It's a song about searching for oneself. The singer isn't going to find himself out on the highway, or in any of the places he's been to. He's feeling lost, and implies that everyone else is to.
Paul Simon ~ "Late In The Evening'' Is a great upbeat story telling song..! A Fun Song,,,! This song is in the movie Almost Famous, which you might appreciate seeing.
Nice reaction, Harri, I was anticipating when you'd get to this classic song. For my money, it is tied with one other song, in terms of having the most vivid and emotionally potent imagery painted by its lyrics, in pop/rock history. "America", is a bonafide masterpiece. (The song it's tied with is Billy Joel's, "Piano Man".) Next from S & G, I suggest their hit, "Homeward Bound". Another one you must do is, "Scarborough Fair/Canticle". Studio versions for both. Can't wait!
A good follow up will be a song from one of Paul's solo albums, but with Arthur joining in as performed at S&G's Concert in Central Park, listen to their song "American Tune". This one really brought the crowd to their feet. The vocals, and Paul's god-like guitar sound ranks this song near the tippy-tippy top.
This song was used in their TV special. Because of the popularity of Mrs. Robinson (et.al.) they were given free reign with the special. They used it to reflect an honest view of America in the time. It was only shown once and then quickly put away by the TV/Advertising folk who had funded it. You can find it on TH-cam. Stay safe and Carry On!!
Everyone raves about The Boxer which they should, but I prefer America. It really is a gut punch to your heart. I guess it speaks to me. America as meaning in life.
One of my favorite Simon & Garfunkel songs because it is (musically) a bit headstrong. YES has covered this song by the way, but covered is not the correct expression. More like a song based on S & G's "America". Also called "America", it is completely different, full of joie de vivre, joy of playing and positive energy ... You have to listen to it when you get the chance.
The thing I find interesting, particularly from a songwriter's point of view, is that there isn't one single rhyme in the entire song yet the words flow as if there is rhyming all the way through. This is master class lyric writing!
I'm old enough to remember the smoking section that made up the back half of Greyhounds and Delta flights... Ya, ya, ya... it was unhealthy, but we were having a good ol' time jacked up on nicotine and booze along those long miles... I once took a 3.5 day bus ride from Springfield Mass, all the way to Mammoth Hot Springs, Montana and fell in love twice along the way... ;-)
She's the actress, from "Ugly Betty", "Real Women Have Curves", "The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants", and "How To Train Your Dragon", America Ferrera. I didn't know, I was supposed to be looking for her. 🕵️ I better, get on that.
"And the moon rose over an open field" is one of my favorite lines in a song ever. I can't even explain why exactly.
My thought exactly. Sehnsucht.
Because of that melody and those harmonies
I agree. I think it's because of the repeating "O" sounds in the words, the empty hollow circles, moon-shaped.
Whether it was a moment that happened for him or not, it's, like much of the song, a personal story of his and 2 people having an experience together and that moment he saw something. We all have those moments.
It's panoramic, incidental, an image that is a thought, a thought interrupted by an image, beautiful, poetry.
A great snapshot of the journey to young adulthood in 60's America..
This song never fails to get me right in the throat. You're right, Harri that it can apply to anywhere, but to me it's more about the innocence and rose-colored glasses of youth.
I've always really just identified, for some reason with the line ""Kathy, I'm lost", I said, though I knew she was sleeping
I'm empty and aching and I don't know why"
Me too. Powerful lyric
My mom's name is Kathy too and she was 19 when this song was released and I've liked this song for years and a lot of other Simon and Garfunkel songs
To me, this line is the key to the song. It changes it from a song about a young couple traveling around to see America the chunk of land, to someone trying to keep a strong presentation as the freewheeling, go with the flow type guy, while looking for something more, the concept of "America" as its sold
Amazing lyric and the way Paul delivers it, you can feel it deep down in your soul.
The sense of being alone even with people you love.
My favorite line has to be, I’m empty and aching and I don’t know why. The emotion is so profound.
"I'm empty and aching and I don't know why". The theme of my entire generation. I'm 75.
To me, one of their most profound & heartbreaking songs. It feels like leaving home & security because some people just must do that when they're young...but in doing so feeling alone, full of angst & isolation..even though you have a companion...The mundane becomes tragic...."counting the cars on The New Jersey Turnpike....they've all come to look for America."........or the American dream....the meaning of which still might elude us.
Existential crisis about what the American dream really is about.
Did you notice the unusual feature of this song?There isn't a rhyming couplet in the entire song. And yet there us still pure poetry in the words. Pure Paul aSimon genius as a songwriter
Thank you so much for pointing that out. I honestly never noticed until I read your comment. I think it’s because I was just caught up and how great the song is.
As I recall teens from all over North America, USA and Canada got on trains, buses or hitchhiked across the country many times from '65 to '75. My 2nd favorite S&G song behind the Boxer.
S&G the GOATS of Duos. As a young teen in 60's I would only spend my money on a few select albums when they came out. The Beatles, The Bee Gees, Simon & Garfunkle and the Rolling Stones and Diana Ross nd the Supremes. You just new almost every song was going to be great so you get your moneys worth. Your interpretation was spot on, imo.
Dylan??????
@@warrenhughes911 Even Bob stated The Boxer is the greatest song ever written, ive seen him perform it live.
Even with all their incredible songs, this is my favorite. It was better suited to its time than any other song I've ever heard.
You nailed it.
Check out “Scarborough Fair/Canticle,” the studio version.
Yes. Studio version
Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, "Wherever I go, my giant comes with me." I think the songs recalls that idea, that we believe we can escape our troubles by traveling/ escaping, but, alas, we cary them with us.
„And the moon rose over an open field“ BEAUTIFUL
"Kathy I'm lost" I said, though I knew she was sleeping. My favourite line from a song.
Sheer brilliance
So, now you must listen to "Kathy's Song." It's simple and beautiful! The Kathy in that song is the same Kathy that's in "America," Kathy Chitty. But the MOST beautiful of all S&G's songs, IMO, is "For Emily Whenever I May Find Her." Please don't miss out on that one!
"For Emily" is so delicate and beautiful. It's gossamer.
"It took me four days to hitchhike from Saginaw" is one of the lyrics that stays with me all my life. Along with her saying "the man in the gabridine suit is a spy". Great stuff! And we are all still looking for America...
So many people miss the point of the "playing games with the faces" part of the song.
It's two kids fighting the boredom of a long bus ride and inventing games to pass the time.
In this case they decided to Use their imaginations to make up stories about the people on the bus based on their faces.
The way Paul incorporated it into the song is pure brilliance.
“Let us be lovers we’ll marry our fortunes together.” The song vividly paints a couple’s journey, not just thru America but at the beginning of their shared journey. “I’ve got some real estate here in my bag” is a metaphor for the American Dream. “Counting the cars on the NJ Turnpike” now incorporates so many other Americans searching for their place and joy in our society. “I’m empty and aching and I don’t know why” speaks of times of fatigue, self-doubt and struggle we all encounter. The lyrics are unparalleled. Voices impeccable. Music wonderful. It’s one of my all-time favorite songs.
*Harri* Paul wrote most of this ironically in London..... I'm not sure what real estate in the bag means but if you think back on the time it was written, and hitchhiking, riding a Greyhound bus, it seems like 2 kids, not much money if any coming of age wanting to quote, unquote, find The America they grew up hearing & reading about.! Remember, no internet, phones, nada... just parents, magazines and Hollywood movies my friend...*David* .....
Gets ya right in the feels.
Takes me back to my youth when me and my girlfriend jumped in my Volkswagen Bug and drove around the country for a month.
YES!! Iconic song from us flower-children's childhood!! Great reaction Harri!
To me, America is the yearning of youth to find themselves, and the endless possibilities that are out there. But when we go to pursue we find it actually can be kinda boring at times, like counting the cars on the Jersey turnpike. The line about bow-tie is similar, I think they were just trying to amuse themselves, as the previous line goes .."playing games with the faces.."
Harri, you were right about the real estate in my bag. His song "Kathy's song" is a beautiful must!
Paul Simon is one of America's greatest poets...put to song...he's leaving us a legacy...
Quite right, this song resonates regardless of what country one is from. It takes me back to those days when I was a young guy. I left home (Atlantic Canada) and hitch hiked west in search of something; I didn't know what. What would I see, what would I discover, would I find myself there? Those memories come flooding back when I listen to this song.
This was such a unique album. They were quite influential for me.
I don't know if anyone mentioned this already, but my take on the line "I've got some real estate here in my bag" is that he's referring to pot. As in "grass" = "real estate". I think it was a sly reference that wouldn't stop the song getting airplay, since you couldn't outright say such things back in that day.
YES did a cover of this song. It is almost a completely different song.
You should definitely check it out.
I love the original by Simon and Garfunkel , but Yes’s version is pretty darn fantastic as well!
Yes's much better. Yes paid tribute to one of the best song writers of the time.
America (2003 Remaster) th-cam.com/video/-_rzhXNmTIU/w-d-xo.html
This is a song that sneaks up on you. I remember the first few times I heard it not really caring for it, and then all the sudden, maybe five time through the album, it clicked and boom! it was the only thing I wanted to hear.
Fabulous song written of course by the songwriting genius Paul Simon. ♥️🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦
I love Simon and Garfunkel. I really like Roy Halee's production of their songs. He does whatever seems to work for the song, without worrying about whether it sounds like a band or not.
Yes that's what it means. He had space in his bag. Common usage back then.
That was a true story about Paul and his girlfriend. I wish I could remember who told this story with so much detail
One of my all time favourite songs. I think when he says "I got some real estate here in my bag" he just means "room" (and says it in a beautiful metaphor), but I could be wrong.
Their songs just pull on my heart!
Saginaw, Michigan wasn't far from where I live. I love the sound & harmony in this...it's beautiful. The couple is on a road trip, looking for the American dream but eventually realize they are no closer to finding it now than when they left.
I've been looking for America my whole life. Thought I found it several times over the years but she keeps changing and being elusive. Maybe that's what America is, an elusive ever changing, at times disquieting and disjointed conglomerate of people never meant to be at ease? So far it has been able to survive it's liquidity. So far she has been able to stand firm and move forward. So far it has overcome being it's own worst enemy? Maybe one day I fully understand who we are but until that day, I'll keep searching. Great song! Thanks Harri!
Musical poets....
Musical GENIUS....
Don't know if I am right, but I think the real estate in his bag is just space that kathy can put her stuff in. "Let's marry our fortunes (our stuff) together. I've got some real estate (empty space) here in my bag (you can put your stuff in my bag). Just a thought
You kids! Reading WAY too much into things. Just take the lyric at face value.
I think it's two people who like each other just playing pretend games. First he makes like they are both wealthy talking about marrying their fortunes together and he has some real estate while they ride on a bus which is the least expensive form of transportation, then she says the man on the bus is a spy and he says his bow tie is really a camera. It's the kind of thing real people did and probably still do today.
@@waynemarvin5661 Well, OK, except, that if you really took it at face value, it wouldn't make any sense! Clearly it's a joke or metaphor of some kind. The question then arises, a metaphor for what? A joke meaning what? Because it's ambiguous, one person's idea of what it's saying 'at face value' might be very different from another person's - which might be different again from Paul Simon's idea when he wrote it. That makes it an interesting concept to muse over. Let us have our fun! :-)
David Bowie opened his performance at The Concert for New York City following the September 11 attacks with a cover of this song.
I didn’t know that. I just listened to it and it was brilliant. Thanks 🙏🏼
Paul's lyrics are never obvious. They go deep and then even deeper. The pictures he is creating are superb as well. But the music itself is supporting the atmosphere beautifully. I love the production of this song, so sweet and urgent at the same time
Beautiful song. One of my all time favourites.
I like American Tune and Slip Sliding Away. Still Crazy After All These Years
“Scarborough Fair” is a traditional song. They didn’t write it. Not sure about “Canticle”.
But their version is one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs ever. It featured in the movie “The Graduate”.
It was up for Best Song at the Oscars, but lost out to “Talk to the Animals” from Dr. Doolittle.
Haven’t paid any attention to the Oscars pics since.
Best cover of this song is by "First Aid Kit".
I'm an American and still searching for America after 56 years. I still haven't found it yet.
Too late. It's disappearing.
@@paulwalters7268 ....I was just going to say that. See David Bowie's This is. Not America.
America is an illusion a dream that everyone is looking for is what I get from this song, it's very moving and sad in a way.
Yes, his life so far is going with him, since he's so young it all fits in a bag. This song captures the amazement of going from youth to adult.
I believe the song is a metaphor. The singer is breaking up with Kathy. At the start of the trip certain magical small things take on a fascinating importance. By the end of the song the magic is gone, the journey then drifts off into memory.
I remember riding those Greyhound buses as a teenager in the 60s on the New Jersey Turnpike. I’m now 71 and it seems like yesterday
Gives me the feel of ROAD TRIP!! Just up and go anywhere but where I'm at.
Thank you. They are indispensable...
This whole album is great!
Love this one of my favorite S&G songs
I love how you break down songs. You bring up things that I haven't thought about About these song Thank you
Funny, I just listened to this on my commute home tonight. One of my all time favs.
I’ve always pictured the little bit of “real estate” in his bag as his little stash of pot for the journey. 😊
I have come to really like you and your analysis. Good lyrics, like good writing in general, leaves space for the reader / listener to fill in ambiguous segments with their own life experiences, thereby eliciting connectedness and emotion. Always leave room for the reader / listener to participate in the magic.
First time here. Enjoyed your reaction and synopsis 😊
Keep fighting for our Freedoms! ❤️
Always intelligent and incisive reactions
Harri, here's one by the great Bill Haley that I think you will really enjoy!! (Has 1.1 million [1,133,509] views) Bill Haley was one of the pioneers of rock and roll!
"Bill Haley & His Comets - "Hot Dog Buddy Buddy" - from "Don't Knock The Rock" - HQ 1956"
th-cam.com/video/oOP_1aOiZzA/w-d-xo.html
Bill Haley was indeed one of the early pioneers in rock and roll. His recording of "Crazy Man, Crazy" is recognized as the first rock and roll song to hit the American charts in 1953. His "Rock Around the Clock" reached Number one in 1955.
Harri: Love your channel. It's funny you ask about real estate here in my bag. This song is from my teenage years. I took this song as, young lovers traveling in search of adventure and not taking themselves too seriously. IMO, real estate in my bag was the dirt and dust that accumulates during travel. They had nothing but hope and dreams, and were laughing at what they had.
Keep smiling and peace!!
Such a good song 😎 thanks for posting
I always think of the film "The Graduate" when I hear this. Visions of him and the pretty young daughter sitting in the back of the bus escaping her mother ... rolling up a cigarette ...
Their music had such life. It made you stop and THINK! I was doing that then and even doing that more now. Their stuff is prophetic (whether they know it or not).
Perfect.
Homeward Bound is another great one.
To me, lyrically, this is there best song with amazing lyrics.
I can picture the moon rising over an open field from the bus window in my mind😊
Check out their song, “American Tune”, it has a great line, “We come on a ship they called Mayflower. We come on a ship that sailed the Moon.”
This song feels very current to me. I've always preferred it to America. The wistfulness is more profound and the sentiment is more universal.
Great song and video. Keep it up sir!!
I always thought of the song as simply describing the relationship between a teen boy and girl - playful, intimate, and close. Seeing the traffic, 'they all come to look for America' is a projection of the narrative's own thoughts. It's a song about a teen-age point of view. At least for me. As a teen myself at the time, it resonated.
Art Garfunkel is one if the finest singers and his soaring harmonies elevate this song to another level. Harri, try 'tin soldier' by the Small Faces
I always imagined the real estate in his bag being some dirt . 😄
Cool vid Harri. Yes did a cover of this song in typical Yes fashion its super.
There voices blend so well. Great pick and analysis Harri
I was especially fond of S&G growing up because my name is in some of their songs.
'playing games the faces' They were lookng at people in the bus and telling each other stories about them.
I think the "real estate" line just means that he's telling her he has room for her things in his bag, because he wants her to go with him.
This and Scarborough Fair are my favorites.
It's a song about searching for oneself. The singer isn't going to find himself out on the highway, or in any of the places he's been to. He's feeling lost, and implies that everyone else is to.
Paul Simon ~ "Late In The Evening'' Is a great upbeat story telling song..! A Fun Song,,,!
This song is in the movie Almost Famous, which you might appreciate seeing.
Nice reaction, Harri, I was anticipating when you'd get to this classic song. For my money, it is tied with one other song, in terms of having the most vivid and emotionally potent imagery painted by its lyrics, in pop/rock history. "America", is a bonafide masterpiece. (The song it's tied with is Billy Joel's, "Piano Man".)
Next from S & G, I suggest their hit, "Homeward Bound". Another one you must do is, "Scarborough Fair/Canticle". Studio versions for both. Can't wait!
Thought he meant grass, when talking about real estate.
Now check out the version of this song by YES. Completely different, but every bit as good.
Rolling down the road. Get in your 65 Corvette 🇺🇸🏁🛣️🪴
A good follow up will be a song from one of Paul's solo albums, but with Arthur joining in as performed at S&G's Concert in Central Park, listen to their song "American Tune". This one really brought the crowd to their feet. The vocals, and Paul's god-like guitar sound ranks this song near the tippy-tippy top.
I think Paul is really underrated as a guitar player.
This song was used in their TV special. Because of the popularity of Mrs. Robinson (et.al.) they were given free reign with the special. They used it to reflect an honest view of America in the time. It was only shown once and then quickly put away by the TV/Advertising folk who had funded it. You can find it on TH-cam.
Stay safe and Carry On!!
Everyone raves about The Boxer which they should, but I prefer America. It really is a gut punch to your heart. I guess it speaks to me. America as meaning in life.
None of this song rhymes. Genius. 🤘🎸
Great song by S&G! By the way, Yes does a terrific cover of this song. You should react to it as well.
Great Song...!!! "Take care of her in San Francisco.....man"
A rather obscure S&G song was Poem on the Underground Wall. Its just about 2 minutes long but has always moved me.
One of my favorite Simon & Garfunkel songs because it is (musically) a bit headstrong. YES has covered this song by the way, but covered is not the correct expression. More like a song based on S & G's "America". Also called "America", it is completely different, full of joie de vivre, joy of playing and positive energy ... You have to listen to it when you get the chance.
The thing I find interesting, particularly from a songwriter's point of view, is that there isn't one single rhyme in the entire song yet the words flow as if there is rhyming all the way through. This is master class lyric writing!
I'm old enough to remember the smoking section that made up the back half of Greyhounds and Delta flights...
Ya, ya, ya... it was unhealthy, but we were having a good ol' time jacked up on nicotine and booze along those long miles...
I once took a 3.5 day bus ride from Springfield Mass, all the way to Mammoth Hot Springs, Montana and fell in love twice along the way... ;-)
Written at the YMCA in my hometown, Saginaw, Mi.
I flashed back to a song by Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen which had the title "My Home in my Hand"
She's the actress, from "Ugly Betty", "Real Women Have Curves", "The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants", and "How To Train Your Dragon", America Ferrera.
I didn't know, I was supposed to be looking for her. 🕵️
I better, get on that.
Now you should react to YES’s cover of “America”.
YES hasn’t done many covers, so you know they really appreciated Paul Simons writing.