In her dying days my mother listened to this song almost on a loop. She was always a big boxing fan, and that last verse hit hard. "I am leaving I am leaving but the fighter still remains" This was 2009 and I still miss her like air. This song is her personified, she had a rough childhood in Philly and is still the toughest person I have ever come across. She had seen S&G in '68 while preggo w me. :)
Let me share. Bridge Over Troubled Waters was my father's favorite. Back in 2016 my sister called and told me my father had a stroke while walking home from his gig volunteering at a hospital, He'd made it most of the 3 miles but, well it was a catastrophic stroke and they were already pressing her to pull the plug (she's an intensive care nurse) So I'm on an overnight flight East Coast US to Los Angeles. Arrive at the hospital and my brothers and sisters are all there, along with spouses, nieces and nephews. Doctors do remove breathing tube but he's hanging on despite predictions. But there's really nothing there. I get out my phone and put on Bridge over Troubled Waters and hold it up to his ear. Then I tell him we're all there and it's okay, he work is done and he can join Mom. 10 minutes later he was gone.
This was always my favorite Simon and Garfunkel song. “A man hears what he wants to hear, and disregards the rest”, is one of the best lyrical lines of all time.
"And he carries the reminders Of every glove that laid him down Or cut him till he cried out in his anger and his shame "I am leaving, I am leaving", but the fighter still remains" One of my favorite lines ever.
Same here. And that snare sound just drives it home. On top of that, probably the best album cover I've ever seen. Art Garfunkel with the most majestic mustache ever.
You have to check out their album version of Bridge over Troubled Water. The production value and vocals are perfection. Monster hit 1970 and swept Grammys. Brings me to tears every time for it's haunting version.
This is one of my favorite S&G songs. If you listen to a live version, you might hear a verse that was omitted from the studio version to make room for the instrumental break. I've always thought it should have been left in the song. It goes as follows: Now the years are rolling by me They are rockin' evenly I am older than I once was But younger than I'll be And that's not unusual No, it isn't strange That after changes upon changes We are more or less the same After changes we are more or less the same
Such a darn shame they didn’t keep that in the original recording. Paul’s poetry is exceptional and they could have made the song just a little longer for goodness’s sake!
As a writer, I'm sure you'll appreciate that the early verses are from the first-person perspective of "the poor boy," (describing himself in a way a bit reminiscent of Fitzchivalry Farseer), and then the song switches to a third-person description of "the boxer." I think that sort of switch is extremely tricky, but that it also delivers a rocket-thrust of power to the analogy. Gorgeous songwriting. One of those songs that I'm sure will still be known in another 50 years, 100 years after it was written. The sort of immortality we can only dream of. Solid reaction, Saeed. Have a lovely weekend.
In the clearing stands a boxer And a fighter by his trade And he carries the reminders Of every glove that laid him down Or cut him till he cried out In his anger and his shame ‘I am leaving, I am leaving’ But the fighter still remains This part never fails to hit me hard. Beautifully written.
The lyrics always get me. I love how the song has an aspect of dirty, gritty, life but to a hopeful melody --- and ultimately a sense of triumph over adversity. And that's even when the triumph isn't superficially obvious like a Rocky triumph, but rather the key line "I will still remain". Thanks for reacting to it.
My favorite Simon and Garfunkel song. I was in high school and my family had moved from California to New Jersey. This song relives the angst from back then when I first heard this song in New Jersey
S&G was my first concert. 1968 and I was 14. My sister had no idea how impactful this concert was. I have a lifetime of music appreciation thanks to her purchase of those tickets. Paul Simon is a genius level songwriter who is up there with Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, etc. The album, Bridge Over Troubled Water was at one time the biggest selling album of all time (until Michael Jackson's Thriller came along). They were my first favorite band.
I love how you put your whole self into your reactions. You can feel your heart, hear with you the first time, see what you see. It's an experience Saeed. Thank you. Again, sone of my most loved artists from young girlhood! YOU could spend an entire month on them and only want more. I bet you'd like so many from them. Among the greatest singer/songwriters ❣️
I was lucky to have older siblings so this music was on the turntable spinning in their bedroom-along with all the greats from this era. I mourn that collection of 45s & albums-even some 78s! Why didn’t we keep track of them???? I think my parents sold them all in a yard sale. Heartbreaking 💔 💿
I know what you mean. My older brother and sister had some great albums. I had to break down and buy my own copy of “Abbey Road” after my brother left home in 1975. Now, I know this is not on the same level as Simon & Garfunkel, but your comment reminded me of a time we were having a garage sale when I was a teenager. I saw my Royal Guardsmen’s “Snoopy vs The Red Baron” album in time to rescue it. What was she thinking?! 🤦♀🤣
As you love songs with a story, with Simon and Garfunkel EVERY SONG is a story! FOR EMILY WHEN I FIND HER KATHY'S SONG OLD FRIENDS/BOOKENDS SCARBURO FAIR and so many more!❤
To answer your question, yes. It makes perfect sense that it’s almost like one sound. They met when they were eleven and went to school together. Through choir and school musicals they discovered that their voices were compatible so after school they would go to one of their houses and practice harmonizing. I can’t always distinguish who’s singing what. (Same with the Beatles at times.) The best way I can describe it is that their voices are like two currents of water running alongside each other in a stream, sometimes weaving in and out, blending together but maintaining their individuality and separating when needed, indistinguishable from each other to the naked eye. True musicianship.
What a great way to start your journey. Everyone has their favorite, and "The Boxer" is mine. I see that sentiment echoed here which is very cool. Feeling connected to strangers. There are so many stellar songs. I'll limit it to 3. 🙂 "A Hazy Shade of Winter", "El cóndor pasa", and "Homeward Bound".
The Cold in NYC mainly comes from something called "The Hudson Hawk" a wind from the West that comes across the Hudson River, a cold damp wind that is amplified by being funneled into the Streets which run West to East
Wow....! You really need to listen to their catalog....they are beyond amazing and talented. I was fortunate to have seen them in one of their reunions in 1983. The concert was very moving, reflective, and brilliantly performed; in perfect voice. They will always be my favorite duo. I'm so glad you are discovering them.
I grew up with my dad BLASTING this song in the car when we used to do 14 hour drives between Cape Town and Johannesburg to see family growing up 😊 It's still as good nearly 30 years on from my childhood 🥰🥰🥰
There's another verse Simon performs live: Now the years are rolling by me- They are rockin' evenly. I am older than I once was, And younger than I'll be. That's not unusual; No, it isn't strange: After changes upon changes We are more or less the same; After changes we are more or less the same.
Great song! I grew up listening to Simon & Garfunkel & had a lot of their records. Absolutely loved them & their harmonies. You won't find a bad song. They have had so many hits such as "Sound Of Silence", "Bridge Over Troubled Water", "Mrs. Robinson", "Kathy's Song", "Scarborough Fair", "At The Zoo", "Cecilia", "America", "I Am A Rock", "El Condor Pasa" etc. Paul Simon went on to have a huge solo career with lots of great songs.
🥊🥊 hey there Saeed. So , this is one of the covers I play on the piano. I am so touched by this song every time I play and sing it because I am from New York State ... and I was that poor boy at one time. I knew that you would connect the analogy of "the boxer" to how hard life is at times. I knew you would see the fight can mean so many things. These 2 voices are beyond compare , and certainly made for each other. I don't have the accompanying instruments when I sing it , and they make such a world of difference. Just me and the piano. There is loneliness in this song that is hard to ignore. The harmonica , the strings , the bass , the trumpets , the soft sounding drums all add so much. After watching your reaction I want to compliment you on your victory with your challenges of substance abuse ....... you are also a boxer. 🥊🥊
These guys were very underrated recording technique geniuses. Their studio recording versions are thus required listening. That crashing sound in the chorus, for example, was achieved after much effort by recording onto a dedicated track the dropping of a heavy chain from a step ladder onto a cement floor. They then mixed this into the master.
You should listen to the original "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "The Sounds of Silence" they did a concert in Central Park that is great to hear both of those!
Another heart, yes, I'm still keeping track, my son found my list with all of my check marks on it and he thought something was wrong and I was doing a countdown, lets me know they love me, I said why would I keep a list like that? I would just be living my life to the fullest that I can, like I'm trying to do now! It's difficult to want to do much when you are in this much pain, but you have to work through it to some degree otherwise your system will lock up on you, then you might as well start that horrible countdown! Anyway I wrote in giant letters across the bottom of it "Hearts from nice folks at TH-cam", in case my husband or my other son stumbles across it! Ha!Ha!Ha! Wow, this is a big reply for a heart! I think I'm the only person that replies to them anyway! Oh well, I gotta' be me!
You need to hear Simon & Garfunkel music from them first. Nobody can equal them. I suggest I Am A Rock. One of my favorites of theirs! I know of some live performances but none really compare to the quality of their studio versions. Paul did all the writing while Art has the voice of an angel.
A few years before this song came out I was in NYC with my dad. He grew up on 29th Street on the east side of Manhattan during the Depression. We walked to his old neighborhood and I asked which building he had lived in. He replied "All of them". They would live in an apartment until they couldn't pay the rent and would be evicted, their belongings being put out at the curb, and then would move to another building. As we were about to leave, Dad ran into an old professional fighter who he had known many years before. That was the first time I had ever heard the expression "Punch drunk". Years of punishment in the ring had taken an obvious toll. "and he carried the reminders of every glove that laid him down or cut him til he cried out in his anger and his shame". Sometimes I feel like the boxer as I remember all of my life's failures and embarrassments. The lyrics are brilliant.
When you get into Paul Simons catalogue it is jaw dropping.From You Can Call Me Al to Slip Sliding Away to Graceland to Diamond on the soles of her shoes. Youll see he is on of the most prolific writer of our times.
It is impossible to pick 1 record in history of popular music as 'the best ever', but if I HAD to choose , it would be The Boxer. The record has it all !
This song reminds me of a 60's movie "Midnight cowboy" (also called "Macadam cowboy) starring John Voigt and Dustin Hoffman. It is also reminiscent of Nilsson's hit song "Everybody's talking at me". Good Old Days!!!
I am glad you chose the studio version first, Art's airy vocals are better represented here, the blend better. I saw them once and it was great, they do a great concert. This one and I Am A Rock have helped me in tough times..
Exquisite, classic, beautiful lyricism, as well as their vocal/musical presentation. One of my favorite songs. I always turn it up, especially at the dramatic ending. ❤❤
They were meant to be a duo, they complement each other so well. Though musicians each in their own right, inevitably having disagreements and therefore pursuing their solo careers. I am so grateful that I grew up during their harmonious phase
El Condor Pasa is a really great song that the duo cover. These early songs were all over the radio during the late 60s and early 70s. That snare drum was placed in front of an empty elevator shaft to create that sound.
Their voices go together so well, and their voices are so soft and mellow, but the words always tell a story. They were icons. I'm so glad you like their sound, Saeed. There is no one quite like them. They can bring out the goosebumps with their songs.. especially Bridge over Troubled Water. Thank you for your reaction to them. Much love to you and your family ❤️ 🫂.
Just save for the future. Paul Simon's album Graceland is a GEM. I think it will always be in my top 10 ... and I was born in the 50's and enjoy a lot of music from today (not necessarily the mainstream stuff.) Just remember Graceland
S&G are so great. Harmonies…Arts gorgeous voice and Pauls writing genius and harmonies/guitar. Fun fact: The bang sound in Simon and Garfunkel's song "The Boxer" was created by drummer Hal Blaine pounding on his snare drum in front of an elevator in the Columbia offices: ❤❤
Listen to the last song on the album, SONG FOR THE ASKING. This entire album is a powerful collection, and folks who don't spend time with all of these songs cheat themselves. There are more jewels on this album that most fans never give to themselves.
I’m a bit late to this reaction but so glad this song made it to the list. For me it’s the best of theirs, I get chills whenever I hear it. The beautiful harmony of their voices and the musical build up throughout the song. Moving from guitars and percussion sounds building to the full swell of the orchestra and back at the very end is wonderful.
Their long term Producer Roy Halee, went through a number of recording methods for this song and album Simon and Garfunkel had some of their vocal recorded in an empty church in NYC for the echo. The drums were set up facing an elevator shaft -elevator was on other floor, and the shaft had microphones in -it became an echo chamber for the drums - "Smash!" Harmonica and Piccolo Trumpet. Some instruments added in a studio in Nashville,
In her dying days my mother listened to this song almost on a loop. She was always a big boxing fan, and that last verse hit hard. "I am leaving I am leaving but the fighter still remains" This was 2009 and I still miss her like air. This song is her personified, she had a rough childhood in Philly and is still the toughest person I have ever come across. She had seen S&G in '68 while preggo w me. :)
Let me share. Bridge Over Troubled Waters was my father's favorite. Back in 2016 my sister called and told me my father had a stroke while walking home from his gig volunteering at a hospital, He'd made it most of the 3 miles but, well it was a catastrophic stroke and they were already pressing her to pull the plug (she's an intensive care nurse) So I'm on an overnight flight East Coast US to Los Angeles.
Arrive at the hospital and my brothers and sisters are all there, along with spouses, nieces and nephews. Doctors do remove breathing tube but he's hanging on despite predictions. But there's really nothing there. I get out my phone and put on Bridge over Troubled Waters and hold it up to his ear. Then I tell him we're all there and it's okay, he work is done and he can join Mom. 10 minutes later he was gone.
Beautiful Mom, thank you!
My grandfather died of a heart attack watching Gillette Friday Night Fights.
1960
I understand
❤🎉❤
@@wadehines9971 He was waiting for you and permission in a sense. ❤️
@@wadehines9971 thank you for sharing that about your father, beautiful!
I think this is one of the most beautiful songs ever created.
It really is.
VERY TRUE!
Definitely
This was always my favorite Simon and Garfunkel song. “A man hears what he wants to hear, and disregards the rest”, is one of the best lyrical lines of all time.
This just shows what a great poet Paul Simon is. He wrote every song that they did, not to mention his vast library of solo work
Concert in the Park is fantastic. Live!
So where is Paul Simon's Pulitzer prize? if they can give on to Dylan, they can give one to Simon
@@thomastimlin1724 Agree!
"And he carries the reminders
Of every glove that laid him down
Or cut him till he cried out in his anger and his shame
"I am leaving, I am leaving", but the fighter still remains"
One of my favorite lines ever.
He’s lost the battle but not the war.
Same here. And that snare sound just drives it home. On top of that, probably the best album cover I've ever seen. Art Garfunkel with the most majestic mustache ever.
I don’t think there is a song in the history of modern American music that is more well produced. These two are magical together.
Steely Dan Can't Buy A Thrill album is one of the best produced I have ever listened to. But yes, this definitely is as well.
Good choice of artist for someone who loves meaningful lyrics.
I’m so jealous of artist who can write poetry and put it to music. The words, so many artist of the 60’s and 70’s.
You have to check out their album version of Bridge over Troubled Water. The production value and vocals are perfection. Monster hit 1970 and swept Grammys. Brings me to tears every time for it's haunting version.
Hear Hear
And also the first ever live presentation of that song on November 27 1969 at Carnegie Hall. Amazing!
Simon’s Magnum Opus! Every instrument used for perfect
effect…every lyric so meaningful and internal. He (Simon),
is such a quiet giant! ❤️🔥
Simon and Art Garfunkel were childhood friends, and worked many years on their harmonies, almost like sibling musical acts that blend so seamlessly.
This is one of my favorite S&G songs. If you listen to a live version, you might hear a verse that was omitted from the studio version to make room for the instrumental break. I've always thought it should have been left in the song. It goes as follows:
Now the years are rolling by me
They are rockin' evenly
I am older than I once was
But younger than I'll be
And that's not unusual
No, it isn't strange
That after changes upon changes
We are more or less the same
After changes we are more or less the same
Thank you for sharing that! Perfect!
Such a darn shame they didn’t keep that in the original recording. Paul’s poetry is exceptional and they could have made the song just a little longer for goodness’s sake!
Simon and Garfunkel were in my Generation of Music, What great Songs and their Voices r magnificent
Same with me. We had amazing music
You will think about these lyrics for......ever 🔥✌️☮️🕊️💯🇺🇸
As a writer, I'm sure you'll appreciate that the early verses are from the first-person perspective of "the poor boy," (describing himself in a way a bit reminiscent of Fitzchivalry Farseer), and then the song switches to a third-person description of "the boxer." I think that sort of switch is extremely tricky, but that it also delivers a rocket-thrust of power to the analogy. Gorgeous songwriting. One of those songs that I'm sure will still be known in another 50 years, 100 years after it was written. The sort of immortality we can only dream of. Solid reaction, Saeed. Have a lovely weekend.
In the clearing stands a boxer
And a fighter by his trade
And he carries the reminders
Of every glove that laid him down
Or cut him till he cried out
In his anger and his shame
‘I am leaving, I am leaving’
But the fighter still remains
This part never fails to hit me hard. Beautifully written.
Sounds of Silence from the concert in Central Park (1981 I think) is a must see (and hear)
Thanks for that recommendation. Much appreciated!
The lyrics always get me. I love how the song has an aspect of dirty, gritty, life but to a hopeful melody --- and ultimately a sense of triumph over adversity. And that's even when the triumph isn't superficially obvious like a Rocky triumph, but rather the key line "I will still remain". Thanks for reacting to it.
"One sound" is perfect. That's what harmony is suppossed to be. Good observation.
Homeward Bound and this one are my favorites
One of the most beautiful uses of acoustic guitar I've ever heard.
Agreed. I feel the same about some of Baez’ playing, snd Joni Mitchell’s, and the acoustic work of Jimmy Page
Watching your expressions as you listen -- priceless!
Only Living Boy In New York is their most underrated song.
Totally agree ❤️
You know you've written a great song when Bob Dylan covers it. Especially back then.
My personal favorite of theirs.
Magnificent song!
@@SaeedReacts.all of simon & garfunkel songs are epic !
Paul Simon! can write! love this song!
My favorite Simon and Garfunkel song. I was in high school and my family had moved from California to New Jersey. This song relives the angst from back then when I first heard this song in New Jersey
Great song!
Thanks for sharing that memory. Music is so intertwined with some of the most important parts of our lives.
Totally agree with you. This is also my favorite S. & G song, although I love "Sound of Silence" very much.
Same!
I always recommend the studio versions of their music as the instrumental arrangements are always stunning.
Thanks for the recommendation.
For the songs i mentioned i am already familiar with the studio versions.
The drum echo was created by Hal Blaine holding a snare drum inside an open elevator shaft in a hallway next to the studio.
Wow.....I've never heard that, but it certainly makes sense to me now that I'm hearing it.
Aw, you beat me to it, I was going to share that little behind-the-scenes tidbit, lol. 😄👍
S&G was my first concert. 1968 and I was 14. My sister had no idea how impactful this concert was. I have a lifetime of music appreciation thanks to her purchase of those tickets. Paul Simon is a genius level songwriter who is up there with Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, etc. The album, Bridge Over Troubled Water was at one time the biggest selling album of all time (until Michael Jackson's Thriller came along). They were my first favorite band.
I would definitely recommend America, such a great duo that really were only together for a few years! Paul Simon is an amazing songwriter!
Thanks for the recommendation. Looking forward to more.
I love how you put your whole self into your reactions. You can feel your heart, hear with you the first time, see what you see. It's an experience Saeed. Thank you. Again, sone of my most loved artists from young girlhood! YOU could spend an entire month on them and only want more. I bet you'd like so many from them. Among the greatest singer/songwriters ❣️
Thank you, Saeed, another great song! David ♥
This song is about the resilience of the human spirit and soul. We will not go quietly into the night.
not unless it's a bad neighborhood lol
I was lucky to have older siblings so this music was on the turntable spinning in their bedroom-along with all the greats from this era. I mourn that collection of 45s & albums-even some 78s! Why didn’t we keep track of them???? I think my parents sold them all in a yard sale. Heartbreaking 💔 💿
I know what you mean. My older brother and sister had some great albums. I had to break down and buy my own copy of “Abbey Road” after my brother left home in 1975.
Now, I know this is not on the same level as Simon & Garfunkel, but your comment reminded me of a time we were having a garage sale when I was a teenager. I saw my Royal Guardsmen’s “Snoopy vs The Red Baron” album in time to rescue it. What was she thinking?! 🤦♀🤣
As you love songs with a story, with Simon and Garfunkel EVERY SONG is a story!
FOR EMILY WHEN I FIND HER
KATHY'S SONG
OLD FRIENDS/BOOKENDS
SCARBURO FAIR
and so many more!❤
Paul Simon loves to bring many sounds in the song, which you don't get in most
live performances. 'America' is really good too.
My favorite S&G song. I knew you, being a writer, would love this.
To answer your question, yes. It makes perfect sense that it’s almost like one sound. They met when they were eleven and went to school together. Through choir and school musicals they discovered that their voices were compatible so after school they would go to one of their houses and practice harmonizing. I can’t always distinguish who’s singing what. (Same with the Beatles at times.) The best way I can describe it is that their voices are like two currents of water running alongside each other in a stream, sometimes weaving in and out, blending together but maintaining their individuality and separating when needed, indistinguishable from each other to the naked eye. True musicianship.
What a great way to start your journey. Everyone has their favorite, and "The Boxer" is mine. I see that sentiment echoed here which is very cool. Feeling connected to strangers. There are so many stellar songs. I'll limit it to 3. 🙂 "A Hazy Shade of Winter", "El cóndor pasa", and "Homeward Bound".
Incredible song! Looking forward to get to know these legends. Thanks for sharing these, my friend!
@@SaeedReacts. Have an awesome weekend!
My favorite S&G song. The lyrics put images in my head like no other written words.
The Cold in NYC mainly comes from something called "The Hudson Hawk" a wind from the West that comes across the Hudson River, a cold damp wind that is amplified by being funneled into the Streets which run West to East
A favorite. Thanks, Saeed!
Kathy's Song, and America 😎
Love Kathy's Song. Not one of their huge hits, but one of the loveliest things Simon has ever written.
Boxer is my favorite SnG song. The buildup.. the layers of instruments I just love.
Yeah, bro this one is Deep! Like dark water.
Wow....! You really need to listen to their catalog....they are beyond amazing and talented. I was fortunate to have seen them in one of their reunions in 1983. The concert was very moving, reflective, and brilliantly performed; in perfect voice. They will always be my favorite duo. I'm so glad you are discovering them.
Their song - Scarborough fair - is their most hauntingly beautiful song. Other favorites - America - Mrs Robinson - El condor pasa
Scarborough Fair is a very old English folk song. S&G's version is very beautiful.
I grew up with my dad BLASTING this song in the car when we used to do 14 hour drives between Cape Town and Johannesburg to see family growing up 😊
It's still as good nearly 30 years on from my childhood 🥰🥰🥰
Poetic and deep…still touches the soul
This is a haunting song - takes me back hearing it -
wonderful song of two genius
That's their best one imo. Thanks for listening with me.
Exploring this music is joyful. Going back to take a closer look.
You have about 14 great Hits to check out my friend
Looking forward to them! Thanks for watching.
Ohh man, the music of my Teens. We love them.
Have a niche weekend, my friend.
Elmar from Germany
Love this! Looking forward to more. Thanks for watching. Greetings from Belgium.
Simon & Garfunkel ❤
There's another verse Simon performs live:
Now the years are rolling by me-
They are rockin' evenly.
I am older than I once was,
And younger than I'll be.
That's not unusual;
No, it isn't strange:
After changes upon changes
We are more or less the same;
After changes we are more or less the same.
Great song! I grew up listening to Simon & Garfunkel & had a lot of their records. Absolutely loved them & their harmonies. You won't find a bad song. They have had so many hits such as "Sound Of Silence", "Bridge Over Troubled Water", "Mrs. Robinson", "Kathy's Song", "Scarborough Fair", "At The Zoo", "Cecilia", "America", "I Am A Rock", "El Condor Pasa" etc. Paul Simon went on to have a huge solo career with lots of great songs.
🥊🥊 hey there Saeed. So , this is one of the covers I play on the piano. I am so touched by this song every time I play and sing it because I am from New York State ... and I was that poor boy at one time. I knew that you would connect the analogy of "the boxer" to how hard life is at times. I knew you would see the fight can mean so many things. These 2 voices are beyond compare , and certainly made for each other. I don't have the accompanying instruments when I sing it , and they make such a world of difference. Just me and the piano. There is loneliness in this song that is hard to ignore. The harmonica , the strings , the bass , the trumpets , the soft sounding drums all add so much. After watching your reaction I want to compliment you on your victory with your challenges of substance abuse ....... you are also a boxer. 🥊🥊
These guys were very underrated recording technique geniuses. Their studio recording versions are thus required listening.
That crashing sound in the chorus, for example, was achieved after much effort by recording onto a dedicated track the dropping of a heavy chain from a step ladder onto a cement floor. They then mixed this into the master.
You should listen to the original "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "The Sounds of Silence" they did a concert in Central Park that is great to hear both of those!
Thanks for the recommendation!
Another heart, yes, I'm still keeping track, my son found my list with all of my check marks on it and he thought something was wrong and I was doing a countdown, lets me know they love me, I said why would I keep a list like that? I would just be living my life to the fullest that I can, like I'm trying to do now! It's difficult to want to do much when you are in this much pain, but you have to work through it to some degree otherwise your system will lock up on you, then you might as well start that horrible countdown! Anyway I wrote in giant letters across the bottom of it "Hearts from nice folks at TH-cam", in case my husband or my other son stumbles across it! Ha!Ha!Ha!
Wow, this is a big reply for a heart! I think I'm the only person that replies to them anyway! Oh well, I gotta' be me!
My favourite from the album, that and I am a Rock! Love the album, great reaction
I agree, Saeed, that consonant harmony, the melding of those two voices is truly beautiful - somthing special. 🤙🎶
Incredible lyricist. Top echelon writers.
One of my favorites tunes of all time, just love it! Friends as teenagers growing up in Queens, New York.Thank you!
You need to hear Simon & Garfunkel music from them first. Nobody can equal them. I suggest I Am A Rock. One of my favorites of theirs! I know of some live performances but none really compare to the quality of their studio versions. Paul did all the writing while Art has the voice of an angel.
A few years before this song came out I was in NYC with my dad. He grew up on 29th Street on the east side of Manhattan during the Depression. We walked to his old neighborhood and I asked which building he had lived in. He replied "All of them". They would live in an apartment until they couldn't pay the rent and would be evicted, their belongings being put out at the curb, and then would move to another building. As we were about to leave, Dad ran into an old professional fighter who he had known many years before. That was the first time I had ever heard the expression "Punch drunk". Years of punishment in the ring had taken an obvious toll. "and he carried the reminders of every glove that laid him down or cut him til he cried out in his anger and his shame". Sometimes I feel like the boxer as I remember all of my life's failures and embarrassments. The lyrics are brilliant.
🌸 this was my very first concert in 1984 their reunion
Paul Simon's masterpiece among his other masterpieces. Another of Paul's masterpieces is America.
Definitely will check that song out!
When you get into Paul Simons catalogue it is jaw dropping.From You Can Call Me Al to Slip Sliding Away to Graceland to Diamond on the soles of her shoes. Youll see he is on of the most prolific writer of our times.
Love the song. And loved figuring out that pretty, though short, opening riff.
It is impossible to pick 1 record in history of popular music as 'the best ever', but if I HAD to choose , it would be The Boxer. The record has it all !
One of my favorite S&G tracks, also from the Bridge Over Troubled Water album, is "The Only Living Boy In New York".
Watching you react is so lovely.
You’re right Saeed their voices together create its own individual sound that is identifiable only as Simon & Garfunkel. Nice reaction, again. ✌🏽
They sound amazing! Thanks for watching.
THE BOXER IS ACTUALLY TWO STORIES IN ONE- LIKE WHEN THEY DID ANOTHER GREAT SONG THEY DID CALLED - SCARBORO FAIR. THIS WILL BLOIW YOU MIND!!!
This song reminds me of a 60's movie "Midnight cowboy" (also called "Macadam cowboy) starring John Voigt and Dustin Hoffman. It is also reminiscent of Nilsson's hit song "Everybody's talking at me". Good Old Days!!!
Experts in harmony, they do sound great & in unison
I am glad you chose the studio version first, Art's airy vocals are better represented here, the blend better.
I saw them once and it was great, they do a great concert.
This one and I Am A Rock have helped me in tough times..
Exquisite, classic, beautiful lyricism, as well as their vocal/musical presentation. One of my favorite songs. I always turn it up, especially at the dramatic ending. ❤❤
If you’ve ever been in a little railway station in rural England when no train is due, you’ll know how quiet it can get.
It's a masterpiece.
They were meant to be a duo, they complement each other so well.
Though musicians each in their own right, inevitably having disagreements and therefore pursuing their solo careers. I am so grateful that I grew up during their harmonious phase
El Condor Pasa is a really great song that the duo cover. These early songs were all over the radio during the late 60s and early 70s. That snare drum was placed in front of an empty elevator shaft to create that sound.
Their voices go together so well, and their voices are so soft and mellow, but the words always tell a story. They were icons. I'm so glad you like their sound, Saeed. There is no one quite like them. They can bring out the goosebumps with their songs.. especially Bridge over Troubled Water. Thank you for your reaction to them. Much love to you and your family ❤️ 🫂.
Paul Simon's Exact Percussion Part Way Onto This Song Sounds Like A "Boxer's Shuffling Feet In The Ring" Such An Amazing Effect !!
And the drum crashes during the chorus sound like the blows impacting the boxer ...
Poem On The Underground Wall is amazing.
Just save for the future. Paul Simon's album Graceland is a GEM. I think it will always be in my top 10 ... and I was born in the 50's and enjoy a lot of music from today (not necessarily the mainstream stuff.) Just remember Graceland
Thanks for the recommendation. Will add it to my list.
Another really beautiful S&G song is El Condor Pasa. 😎😎😎😎
Ty for reaction sir! To me, only CSN and the Indigo Girls blend as well. Both with amazing lyrics. 😊
Definitely groups i want to check out as well. Thanks for watching.
S&G are so great. Harmonies…Arts gorgeous voice and Pauls writing genius and harmonies/guitar.
Fun fact:
The bang sound in Simon and Garfunkel's song "The Boxer" was created by drummer Hal Blaine pounding on his snare drum in front of an elevator in the Columbia offices:
❤❤
Nice journey to take.
Thanks for sharing.
Listen to the last song on the album, SONG FOR THE ASKING. This entire album is a powerful collection, and folks who don't spend time with all of these songs cheat themselves. There are more jewels on this album that most fans never give to themselves.
Oh yes, that lovely little ballad is a diamond...
I’m a bit late to this reaction but so glad this song made it to the list. For me it’s the best of theirs, I get chills whenever I hear it. The beautiful harmony of their voices and the musical build up throughout the song. Moving from guitars and percussion sounds building to the full swell of the orchestra and back at the very end is wonderful.
They’re iconic. The music just moves right through you it’s very soothing. Always a great listen.
Nobody has written more great story-songs than Paul Simon and Bob Dylan.
One of their VERY BEST songs. Always fun to listen and sing to.
Covers of Simon and Garfunkel songs never quite measure up, including the Disturbed "Sounds of Silence" cover that everybody but me loves.
Everybody but you...including Paul Simon, who put it on his social media when it came out. He loved it...
Their long term Producer Roy Halee, went through a number of recording methods for this song and album Simon and Garfunkel had some of their vocal recorded in an empty church in NYC for the echo. The drums were set up facing an elevator shaft -elevator was on other floor, and the shaft had microphones in -it became an echo chamber for the drums - "Smash!" Harmonica and Piccolo Trumpet. Some instruments added in a studio in Nashville,