Paul Simon spend two and a half weeks in Johannesburg, South Africa writing music for "Graceland." For those sessions, Simon paid the musicians $196.41 an hour, triple scale wages by American pay rates. And to those musicians who provided key instrumental licks and melodic fragments that were later incorporated into tunes, he also offered writers' royalties. What an awesome human being. He obviously respected the musicians he worked with.
To bad he was ridiculed and harrassed by the black community when he returned to the states. They believed he stole this sound from the African people and took advantage of them. When truly it was the complete opposite.
There was a boycott on SA because of apartheid. Simon respond to the boycott by saying “it’s not the musicians fault” and despite criticism, went there and listened to them and gave them gigs.
I was there, in August of 1991 with 7 years old. I played this music with my friends for the next months. I moved from Salvador to Porto Alegre in 1992 and I never returned. I forgot this music since them. Now I just listened, and its in my soul. Gave me a lot of hidden memories. Thank you
I know it wasn't a huge hit but it was one of the most incredibly original tunes I have heard, even to this day. When I remember it like now, it goes on repeat for days! Genius.
Those drums - come on. If that doesn’t make you sit up and take notice I don’t know what will. Paul’s melodic voice and lyrics along with that magnificent beat - oh wow. Love it 🎶🎶
Paul was one of the progenitors of the world music genre. One of many people investigating and opening doors for others. John McLaughlin was blending rock, jazz and Indian classical. Peter Gabriel started WOMAD. We are truly the better for all this. Open minds, open hearts
The first time I heard this I was driving in my car. I had to pull over to listen... THOSE DRUMS ! OMG! Fantastic. Paul Simon is a national treasure. I love how he is so open to bringing music from every corner of the world into his own Thank you, Mr. Simon for all the decades of unbelievable music you've shared with us all. 🌹💗🌹
@@AS-xi6lp i have had the honour to see them 2 times 1 salvador de bahia (pelourinho has a nice setting...& 1 time in uruguay on stage that didn't had the magic from bahia colonial setting much better than a stage
My father always played music in the house growing up. When I started to work and be able to afford things, I bought tickets to see Mr. Simon in Hershey, PA so my Dad could see the guy who's music he played for me for years. I'll always remember this song for that.
Honest? I dunno. He certainly has borrowed a lot from other cultures in his later songs while getting most of the glory and perhaps money. He's like a little Picasso of music, borrowing from other creators.
Meu pai escutava essa música várias vezes quando eu era criança. Nas minhas lembranças eu lembrava somente da bateria e um pouco do ritmo. Passei anos e anos procurando até que em uma manhã o nome do cantor veio em minha mente do nada. Quando achei, até chorei de tanta felicidade.
This track slays me. My mom used to bump this album a LOT when i was a very small child and now that i'm a man some thirty years later... this song has become super fucking poignant. Thanks for the upload. Literally brought me to tears.
I've brought my son up listening to this album among many others, I hope in a few decades my little boy understands why his mama felt it was important to fill his childhood full of music.
IhaveaPhDinTV oh god no please don't say you'll be the same kind of mom i had. She was thee single most abusive person i've ever met... verbally, psychologically, emotionally, physically... she didn't seem to care how she did it as long as she was hurting me. Playing Paul Simon was one of her only good points.
True we have musice from bathoveve to any music keeps us alive evan when we die we will have musice to pass on god bless all polish and mus6 and poets tnx
I always thought "crosses in the ballpark" was the loss of innocence. This the best song on one of my favorite albums, and maybe lyrically the best song Paul Simon ever wrote. I grew up listening to Graceland and The Rhythm of the Saints and I loved both dearly. I have always felt as though this is the 3rd song in a trilogy of “Hearts and Bones” “Graceland” and “The Obvious Child” I still feel as though The Rhythm of the Saints is everything Graceland was, and maybe more.
Paul Simon's masterpiece! It's the creative tension between the vocals (solo, elegiac, retrospective) and the rhythm section (ensemble, urgent, driving everything forward) that is so unique. A poignant song about growing older - that anyone can dance to.
Always something warm and sympathetic in the minor chords that Simon finds. The pathos he evokes when he sings "some have died" gives this great rhythm track its empathy...
Sou nordestina de Fortaleza e me sinto honrada de ver um pedaço do Nordeste receber tão lindamente esse poeta, cantor e um ser humano tão lindo por dentro! Elizabete.
One of my most magical travel experiences was visiting Bahia with my husband. We arrived by bus on Christmas eve. Everything was closed it was depressing. However, the next evening things opened up again. We want to the Pelourinho, the old city (where this video was filmed). We were walking around the streets when we heard some drums and then we ran straight into a full-on Olodum performance. You can't imagine how great that was? This happened 15 or more years ago but it is still alive in my brain. I love this video!
Perfeito!!! Obrigado Mestre Neguinho do Samba (in-memorian) pela sua grande parcela de contribuição às crianças do Maciel Pelourinho e a cidade de Salvador/Bahia. Graças ao samba-reggae, Paul Simon foi ao templo sagrado desse ritmo, Pelourinho, e com sua grande sensibilidade deu a devida importância a sua criação. Obrigado Paul Simon por valorizar algo tão importante para todos nós que acreditamos em um mundo melhor!
I was just listening to the Graceland album (one of THE best albums ever composed) and now this song popped up. Wow. Just amazing. Paul Simon is beyond talented.
This video never fails to move me...that a guy from New York city should ignite such a natural energy with his music...one of my favorite music videos ever
Paul Simon has always been one of my favorites. Interesting that the first Simon and Garfunkel album I ever bought, I purchased when I lived in Brazil in the late 1960s. The title in Portuguese was "Os Grandes Sucessos de (The Great Hits of) SImon & Garfunkel" and I still have it. I think in the U.S. the album was called "Bookends" and features a black and white photo of the duo, both wearing black turtlenecks Some info about the location: The church at the top of the steps looks very white in this video, but when I took photos there in August 2011, the building was covered in mold and trees were growing from the steeples. A friend who lives in Salvador (Bahia, Brazil) told me there are funds to restore many of the old churches in the city, but sadly it disappears into politicians' pockets. This video was posted in June 2011, but the song appeared on his 1991 album "The Rhythm of the Saints" so I am guessing the video was made around the same time. Therefore the church had another 20 years to deteriorate before I took photos in 2011. On the Michael Jackson video of "They Don't Care About Us" (Brazil Version), at 3:42-3:55 you can catch a glimpse of the same church's steeples in the upper right. Some of Jackson's video was filmed in the same Pelourinho section of Salvador and some in the favelas (slums) of Rio de Janeiro. Note that at the beginning and end of SImon's Video, two men are performing capoeira, which used to be a a form of fighting developed by slaves, but has evolved into a dance-like performance sport in which blows never land. Usually a Brazilian instrument called the birambau is used during the performance. I served in the Peace Corps in Brazil (1967-69) and grew to love the country, the culture and and especially the warm, welcoming Brazilians. Not a day has gone by that I haven't thought about my life there.
Im soon going to be 57 years old and Paul Simon's songs have literally been the sound track of my life from the time I was a toddler into old age. What a true gift he is to this world!
Yes it’s been years since Paul recorded this song… but those of us in 2022 remember well. Take a few minutes to enjoy this great songwriter and such background drums and local vocals. Just enjoy the energy that comes thru, I know I did and still do ! Bravo 👏
Uma honra pra Paul Simon ter tido o privilégio de tocar com musicistas neste nível!!! E viva a nossa cultura, maravilhosa e genuína, brasileira... Espero que um dia todo nosso povo a valorize como merece!!!
Over to Brazil...specifically Salvador...specifically the Barra Pelhourino...oldest part of the city...with Olodum...I followed these drummers through the streets one Tuesday night (music night) until 1 a.m., at which point I realized I was totally lost...but their rhythm is mesmerizing...
Verdade, estava presente nesse com 14 anos, nunca vou esquecer, emoção pura, levantou o Olodum bastante, em 1996 com a vinda do M. Jackson levantou ainda mais.
Cool story about Paul Simon stumbling upon Olodum. If I remember correctly, he was getting driven around cities in Brazil and one night when the car stopped he heard this drumming, he wanted to get out but his guide said he shouldn't because it was a dangerous area. He couldn't contain himself, ran out of the car and found Olodum performing in the streets.
+Alan Bendele Listened to the concert last night , 2 hrs instead of the 3 he played in Omaha a few years ago , but a great set , the band was tight and cooking .
I remember when this was first released and the video got played on Top of the Pops (uk music show) and the happy look on my dads face when he turned to me and said "This is fucking Brilliant" it's been an all time favourite of mine ever since.
Why does nobody seem to like this album? Every time I go record shopping I always find four or five copies of Rhythm of the Saints under Paul Simon - it seems like once someone buys any of his albums this is the first one they get rid of;
Definitely NOT what I was expecting from a Paul Simon song. Never knew this song existed! LOVE it! There is lot of symbolism in Paul Simon songs. I think I just "got" the song "Obvious Child." edit: whoa, I think i just got something else!!! why deny the "Obvious Child." WOW!
Eu tb adoro a voz dele. O canto carregado de sentimento, a interpretação gestual, a percussão do Olodum, o povo assistindo e co-participando de uma maneira tão espontânea. Um clipe simples e bonito, sem o excesso de produção tão comum nos dias de hoje. Adoro
Sensational!!! I wonder being Brazilian as I had never heard this song before ... a perfect mix of rhythms. Tks God for having idle time in this quarantine - taking advantage of this time by panning classics of world music. Is there anyone else who like me is also listening to good classics during this pandemic covid 19?
I heard him do this song in his Farewell concert last night - it was awesome..... I despise crowds, I get very distracted and disturbed surrounded by so many people, their noise, their chatter, their "humanness", but I would do it over and over and over again to see Paul Simon. Simply a genius....
Essa é a minha terra. Um povo tão alegre, acolhedor e trabalhador... As distintas regiões territoriais cada qual com riquíssima cultura. Infelizmente os nossos políticos são tão corruptos - há muito. A sede pelo poder, a ganância impele sobre as nossas costas uma alta carga para custear a nossa vida e investir em nossos sonhos. Deus um dia nos livrará desses malvados. Obrigado Paul Simon, por nos adicionar ao seu magnífico trabalho. Gratidão.
I saw Paul Simon perform this (and most of the songs from the album) in concert in the ancient Roman amphitheater in Nîmes, France in 1991. It was an unforgettable concert and I have yet to experience a performance as good in the last twenty-six years.
I loved seeing the lad in the video, there was something so beautiful seeing him being a wee precocious little lad, my feelings for those in need in all nations, but especially in Brazil. When people talk about poverty in America it's so bizarre especially when comparing to South America, or like in Indonesia where my mom was raised. She told me how she saw a little homeless girl who had taken an empty milk glass jar that she put a little bit of fabric on the top to simulate hair and some fabric to simulate clothes around the lower half of the bottle. It was her doll. When she returned to that area she had a humongous suitcase with her of children's toys she had bought at yard sales but she didn't want my younger sister to play with them because they weren't for her. In the areas where she had noted the little girl I was talking about mom brought the suitcase and began handing out those toys. One other thing she also bought was clothing. Mostly shorts. Indonesia doesn't have winter or snowfall.
"The Obvious Child" I'm accustomed to a smooth ride Or maybe I'm a dog who's lost its bite I don't expect to be treated like a fool no more I don't expect to sleep through the night Some people say a lie's a lie's a lie But I say why Why deny the obvious child? Why deny the obvious child? And in remembering a road sign I am remembering a girl when I was young And we said These songs are true These days are ours These tears are free And hey The cross is in the ballpark The cross is in the ballpark We had a lot of fun We had a lot of money We had a little son and we thought we'd call him Sonny Sonny gets married and moves away Sonny has a baby and bills to pay Sonny gets sunnier Day by day by day by day I've been waking up at sunrise I've been following the light across my room I watch the night receive the room of my day Some people say the sky is just the sky But I say Why deny the obvious child? Why deny 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 Or struggled from here to get there Sonny wanders beyond his interior walls Runs his hand through his thinning brown hair Well I'm accustomed to a smoother ride Maybe I'm a dog that's lost his bite I don't expect to be treated like a fool no more I don't expect to sleep the night Some people say a lie is just a lie But I say the cross is in the ballpark Why deny the obvious child?
I just heard this on the radio here in Ireland ... I haven't heard it in quite some time and I really enjoyed it so I had to find it here on YT. I was dancing around the kitchen and it livened up a drizzly day. I sent it to my sister and she loved it too ... she constantly played the album in her car. I was 20 then and now I'm 50 it has taken on a whole new meaning! One line stands out now we're in lockdown again 'how it's strange that some rooms are like cages' ... and I do find myself awake at sunrise following the light around the room ... but at least there is light . Thanks Paul Simon your music is healing 👍 PS I wonder what the little lad who sat beside you is doing now 😊
When Bob Dylan won the Nobel Prize I thought, What other songwriter's body of work would be worthy of that honor? The U.S. has had lots of excellent songwriters, but the only other songwriter that I can think of who has created a Nobel Prize level body of work is Paul Simon.
There was a concert tour of Bob Dylan and Paul Simon. A friend of mine went to it. Dylan sang some of Paul Simon's songs and Paul some of Bob's. Truly we had kings of musical perfection that wasn't only big in America but around the world.
This rare song, with a melody so contagious, so exciting and at the same time, so rocking; made us travel in a time when our music has always been universal! The only thing missing was for Brazilians to appreciate and return to this noble purpose, without vanities or ideological contamination of the present day. Simply unforgettable!
Olodum , Brazil.... This song is everything. Instant goosebumps. It brings back so many amazing childhood memories! One of the most beautiful pieces of any kind I've ever experienced
This song is fantastic! Paul Simon is fantastic! This song really moves me and gives me goosebumps! He is the best singer/songwriter ever and I will love him forever!
I have loved your music ever since first hearing you sing ‘I am a Rock’ and now have all your albums! Listening to your music has given me so much pleasure over the years. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I hope you enjoyed your birthday! ❤️🥰
Last night (09/22/2018) was, he says, his last concert ever..if so, or even if not, much gratitude to Rhymin' Simon for more than 5 decades of wondrous music that made the world a better place for a lot of people. Why deny the obvious, indeed. Grazie, Paul.
Verdade. Tempo em que os blocos afro desfilavam 5, 6 horas da manhã com a avenida quase vazia, quem é da Bahia e curtia carnaval sabe do que tô falando.
I think a remix might be the right call - 5.1, new stereo mix, original mix included on Blu-ray - with bonus tracks of course. Gotta be some extra stuff on the shelves.
I bought this from the px tent when in Saudi Arabia waiting to cross into Iraq, it was one of two options for music and the other was Debbie Gibson. Both were cassette so I bought a shitty Walkman and both tapes as well as a bunch of batteries. All of it was shot to hell and went in the trash prior to coming back from that scorched hell. Still will never forget how much of a role it played in my sanity while in Iraq.
When I was about 30,I started to realise that I was in fact getting older and it dawned on me that Death was not some thing that only happened to other people. About the same time I stopped turning my Paul Simon Cd off after 'You can call me al' and discovered this track. It is a beautiful ode to getting old and the mystery of life (and Death) being passed down from one generation to the next. With no definite answers
Dear Paul, I think this is the best song you wrote. I love it, and it has so much good meaning, feelings and vibes. Thank you for this present. I am also from Bahia, Brazil. May God always bless and guide you in Jesus name. @Paul%20;Simon
Some of the most obscure lyrics he has ever written. It seems to me to about the passing of time and reflecting on periods of life. It leaves you wondering. What is the Obvious Child? What does he mean by the Cross in the Ballpark? Or does it even matter? The rhythms and the lyrics hypnotise you!
Paul Simon spend two and a half weeks in Johannesburg, South Africa writing music for "Graceland." For those sessions, Simon paid the musicians $196.41 an hour, triple scale wages by American pay rates. And to those musicians who provided key instrumental licks and melodic fragments that were later incorporated into tunes, he also offered writers' royalties. What an awesome human being. He obviously respected the musicians he worked with.
To bad he was ridiculed and harrassed by the black community when he returned to the states. They believed he stole this sound from the African people and took advantage of them. When truly it was the complete opposite.
But what an album that was worth every cent
Beautiful individual he is❤
@@c-dublife to be fair, it's absolutely nothing to do with the American Black community.
There was a boycott on SA because of apartheid. Simon respond to the boycott by saying “it’s not the musicians fault” and despite criticism, went there and listened to them and gave them gigs.
Simon and Olodum, from Bahia, BRAZIL. 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷
E lindooo❤🇧🇷
showww de bola
❤
É noooooix!!!❤❤🇧🇷
Those drums open something up primal and pure in my subconscious.
Olodum performed this song with him on SNL was crazy impressive I just wish I could find the video of it anywhere.
Rhythm of the Saints for sure, from Brazil to all others combined Paul couldn't have found a more fitting title.
SAMBA
Me too!!
E o som do Beni a Bahia é Beni
I was there, in August of 1991 with 7 years old. I played this music with my friends for the next months. I moved from Salvador to Porto Alegre in 1992 and I never returned. I forgot this music since them. Now I just listened, and its in my soul. Gave me a lot of hidden memories. Thank you
How wonderful.
That's beautiful. It's amazing how music touches our souls. ❤
Wow super 🎉❤
I know it wasn't a huge hit but it was one of the most incredibly original tunes I have heard, even to this day. When I remember it like now, it goes on repeat for days! Genius.
Best song ever!
This one and Proof!
Was this not a huge hit? Genuine question, I was a kid, but it was everywhere in my memory.
Well... I mean, why deny the obvious?
Those drums - come on. If that doesn’t make you sit up and take notice I don’t know what will. Paul’s melodic voice and lyrics along with that magnificent beat - oh wow. Love it 🎶🎶
I wore this album out
Spot on Sara Kirk!!!! This album is immune to being “worn out”
I think it's not underrated... See this: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Obvious_Child
It’s not underrated at all, please stop misconstruing.
Paul Simon, one of the greatest song writers is underrated? On what planet?
Has anyone contributed more to music in the last 100 years than Paul Simon? Absolute genius.
Neil Young - Bob Dylan and a Few others from their era - Paul is definitely up there
Paul was one of the progenitors of the world music genre. One of many people investigating and opening doors for others. John McLaughlin was blending rock, jazz and Indian classical. Peter Gabriel started WOMAD. We are truly the better for all this. Open minds, open hearts
In my option ion he is the best American songwriter of the post war period
Sat at Paul's feet when it was just him, Artie and one guitar back when I was 16 back in '67. He is a treasure.
Agreed. Absolute GENIUS
Filmed in Brazil a beautiful poetic truthful song. It’s several songs in one genius using the Brazilian drums.🕊🙏🏽🫶
I thought so... Too many signatures of Brazil through the whole video.
The first time I heard this I was driving in my car. I had to pull over to listen... THOSE DRUMS ! OMG! Fantastic. Paul Simon is a national treasure. I love how he is so open to bringing music from every corner of the world into his own
Thank you, Mr. Simon for all the decades of unbelievable music you've shared with us all. 🌹💗🌹
Olodum!
Don't worry, that's just the normal reaction when people discover Samba Reggae. 😉
This sound and drums belongs to Bahia, Brasil, we call "samba-reggae".
Michael Jackson's "They Don't Care About Us" also features Olodum.
Não tem nada de reggae..
Flawless. One of the greatest songwritters of all time.
Definitely
Tiger Tiger
#OLODUM
tora tora tora
Yep of ALL time. The man is a genius
My dad had this on cd when I was a kid and I played this song on repeat. The drums.... no words.. 🥰
Same here
the drums on here are fab
My heart beats at the rhythm of olodum’s drums. Seeing them live on the Pelourinho is one of the most unique experiences of my life 🥰
@@AS-xi6lp i have had the honour to see them 2 times 1 salvador de bahia (pelourinho has a nice setting...& 1 time in uruguay on stage that didn't had the magic from bahia colonial setting much better than a stage
I know exactly what you mean. ❤
Viva o Olodum, a Bahia e o meu Brasil. Parabéns Paul Simon por essa obra de arte!
Adoramos os portugueses e os brasileiros! Principalmente aqui na América!
Paul Simon was the first foreign artist to record with Olodum. What a sense of music and respect he has...
My father always played music in the house growing up. When I started to work and be able to afford things, I bought tickets to see Mr. Simon in Hershey, PA so my Dad could see the guy who's music he played for me for years. I'll always remember this song for that.
What a lucky dad!
Stephen Trager Now there's a good boy...
Your father raised a fine son :-) A memory to cherish for sure!
We always listened to Paul Simon on roadtrips as a family, so always great memories :D
Respect.
I just think he's one of the most down to earth and honest performers in the business
One of our greatest poets
@@c.alexander4622 He's also a believer in and follower of Jesus Christ...
He's always been that way.
Aren't we lucky.🤗
@@kweenakamalala5193 I thought he was Jewish.
Honest? I dunno. He certainly has borrowed a lot from other cultures in his later songs while getting most of the glory and perhaps money. He's like a little Picasso of music, borrowing from other creators.
The absolute one and the absolute only... Paul Simon. Even the street is his stage. Love those drums to bits.
His music is being passed on to the next generation. My kids are under ten and ask for it. They are fascinated by the percussion.
My 18-year-old, as a toddler, called it the "Talking Drums" song. Both of my now-adult kids love Paul Simon, my favorite since I was 17.
Play them 'Sugarrush' by Moodswings... Similar style drumming...
And why not - a worm in the brain for sure
Meu pai escutava essa música várias vezes quando eu era criança. Nas minhas lembranças eu lembrava somente da bateria e um pouco do ritmo. Passei anos e anos procurando até que em uma manhã o nome do cantor veio em minha mente do nada. Quando achei, até chorei de tanta felicidade.
Deus explica. A letra é linda tbm... Já pensou quem é a "criança óbvia" ?... Abraço!
This track slays me. My mom used to bump this album a LOT when i was a very small child and now that i'm a man some thirty years later... this song has become super fucking poignant. Thanks for the upload. Literally brought me to tears.
Same for me hahaha 😀
I've brought my son up listening to this album among many others, I hope in a few decades my little boy understands why his mama felt it was important to fill his childhood full of music.
Listening for the same reason. My mom passed almost 20 years ago and this music makes me feel her with me.
h
IhaveaPhDinTV oh god no please don't say you'll be the same kind of mom i had. She was thee single most abusive person i've ever met... verbally, psychologically, emotionally, physically... she didn't seem to care how she did it as long as she was hurting me. Playing Paul Simon was one of her only good points.
Reminds me of my mom. She loved this album.🕊❤ rest in peace Mom.
Paul Simon is a National Treasure. As a singer/songwriter this is about as good as it gets. Beautiful and timeless.
The Pelourinho is BEAUTIFUL. Olodum makes my heart beat
Its crazy to think that artist seem to fade out in their mid 30s nowadays meanwhile Paul Simon was into his 50s when he wrote this masterpiece..
I think music may be the only think that can link different cultures. We need more music like this.
💜
Money
Just incredible. It's the only thing that helps a breakup mind set
True we have musice from bathoveve to any music keeps us alive evan when we die we will have musice to pass on god bless all polish and mus6 and poets tnx
That and mathematical physics, Paul.
I always thought "crosses in the ballpark" was the loss of innocence. This the best song on one of my favorite albums, and maybe lyrically the best song Paul Simon ever wrote. I grew up listening to Graceland and The Rhythm of the Saints and I loved both dearly. I have always felt as though this is the 3rd song in a trilogy of “Hearts and Bones” “Graceland” and “The Obvious Child” I still feel as though The Rhythm of the Saints is everything Graceland was, and maybe more.
Paul Simon's masterpiece! It's the creative tension between the vocals (solo, elegiac, retrospective) and the rhythm section (ensemble, urgent, driving everything forward) that is so unique. A poignant song about growing older - that anyone can dance to.
My Dad Recommend me this love from Pakistan this is Phenomenal ❤️
Your dad has excellent taste in music.
Always something warm and sympathetic in the minor chords that Simon finds. The pathos he evokes when he sings "some have died" gives this great rhythm track its empathy...
Sou nordestina de Fortaleza e me sinto honrada de ver um pedaço do Nordeste receber tão lindamente esse poeta, cantor e um ser humano tão lindo por dentro! Elizabete.
Look OLODUM FEAT JIMMY CLEAF
OLODUM FEAT MICHAEL JACKSON
Viva o nordeste onde historicamente tudo começou no nosso país.
E eu so do Salvador mesmo
I think it's the greatest song he's ever recorded
One of my most magical travel experiences was visiting Bahia with my husband. We arrived by bus on Christmas eve. Everything was closed it was depressing. However, the next evening things opened up again. We want to the Pelourinho, the old city (where this video was filmed). We were walking around the streets when we heard some drums and then we ran straight into a full-on Olodum performance. You can't imagine how great that was? This happened 15 or more years ago but it is still alive in my brain. I love this video!
This song blew my mind when I first heard it and launched a decade journey into Afro-Brazilian percussion.
Oldest instrument save the whistle
I think it's quite endless, if not infinite journey... It's my path too, bro! /IMHO the best album ever/
This and Sepultura's Roots is a great combo
Can you recommend any African Brazilian stuff? Thank you 😊
@@Bukoappl Carlinhos Brown
Excelente. Saludos desde Uruguay
Perfeito!!! Obrigado Mestre Neguinho do Samba (in-memorian) pela sua grande parcela de contribuição às crianças do Maciel Pelourinho e a cidade de Salvador/Bahia. Graças ao samba-reggae, Paul Simon foi ao templo sagrado desse ritmo, Pelourinho, e com sua grande sensibilidade deu a devida importância a sua criação. Obrigado Paul Simon por valorizar algo tão importante para todos nós que acreditamos em um mundo melhor!
Look OLODUM FEAT JIMMY CLEAF
OLODUM FEAT MICHAEL JACKSON
9 anos depois, leio esse comentário e não poderia concordar mais!
Lindíssimo. It is amazing🥰💞👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Brazil man. Best!!
Não é o Ylê? Achei que fosse.
I love the drumbeat-accompaniment. Not to mention Paul Simon's poetic brilliance.
And 6 years later Michael Jackson did the same in "They Don't Care About Us".
Tiger Tiger Wow, good observation. I didn't realize that until I read your comment.... Now I "hear" it...
I was just listening to the Graceland album (one of THE best albums ever composed) and now this song popped up. Wow. Just amazing. Paul Simon is beyond talented.
Rhythm of the saints came after Gracelands
@@stevemorgan-gurr7583muito linda
Brazil You Are Beautiful!! Love From Ireland!
🇧🇷🇮🇪
Thank you Paul Simon for immortalizing the sound of my Bahia with his music!!!😍😍
This song is everything. Instant goosebumps. It brings back so many amazing childhood memories!
me too. goosebumps every time
I bought it on the long Dead format the cassette single 😄
This video never fails to move me...that a guy from New York city should ignite such a natural energy with his music...one of my favorite music videos ever
Rhythm of The Saints is just a fantastic album from start to finish. So many great songs and such incredible musicianship from all involved!
Paul Simon has always been one of my favorites.
Interesting that the first Simon and Garfunkel album I ever bought, I purchased when I lived in Brazil in the late 1960s. The title in Portuguese was "Os Grandes Sucessos de (The Great Hits of) SImon & Garfunkel" and I still have it. I think in the U.S. the album was called "Bookends" and features a black and white photo of the duo, both wearing black turtlenecks
Some info about the location:
The church at the top of the steps looks very white in this video, but when I took photos there in August 2011, the building was covered in mold and trees were growing from the steeples. A friend who lives in Salvador (Bahia, Brazil) told me there are funds to restore many of the old churches in the city, but sadly it disappears into politicians' pockets. This video was posted in June 2011, but the song appeared on his 1991 album "The Rhythm of the Saints" so I am guessing the video was made around the same time. Therefore the church had another 20 years to deteriorate before I took photos in 2011.
On the Michael Jackson video of "They Don't Care About Us" (Brazil Version), at 3:42-3:55 you can catch a glimpse of the same church's steeples in the upper right. Some of Jackson's video was filmed in the same Pelourinho section of Salvador and some in the favelas (slums) of Rio de Janeiro.
Note that at the beginning and end of SImon's Video, two men are performing capoeira, which used to be a a form of fighting developed by slaves, but has evolved into a dance-like performance sport in which blows never land. Usually a Brazilian instrument called the birambau is used during the performance.
I served in the Peace Corps in Brazil (1967-69) and grew to love the country, the culture and and especially the warm, welcoming Brazilians. Not a day has gone by that I haven't thought about my life there.
Im soon going to be 57 years old and Paul Simon's songs have literally been the sound track of my life from the time I was a toddler into old age. What a true gift he is to this world!
Só no Brasil pra ter um ritmo contagiante com este !
Yes it’s been years since Paul recorded this song… but those of us in 2022 remember well. Take a few minutes to enjoy this great songwriter and such background drums and local vocals. Just enjoy the energy that comes thru, I know I did and still do ! Bravo 👏
Uma honra pra Paul Simon ter tido o privilégio de tocar com musicistas neste nível!!!
E viva a nossa cultura, maravilhosa e genuína, brasileira... Espero que um dia todo nosso povo a valorize como merece!!!
Muchas Graças
I'm sure that's the way he feels. He had the honor of playing with those musicians.
Over to Brazil...specifically Salvador...specifically the Barra Pelhourino...oldest part of the city...with Olodum...I followed these drummers through the streets one Tuesday night (music night) until 1 a.m., at which point I realized I was totally lost...but their rhythm is mesmerizing...
Batida inconfundível, emociona gente do mundo inteiro. Mas saudades deste tempo. Grande som
Verdade, estava presente nesse com 14 anos, nunca vou esquecer, emoção pura, levantou o Olodum bastante, em 1996 com a vinda do M. Jackson levantou ainda mais.
Brazil baby. Best place ever!! Happy, naturally happy and festive people. Love that paradise! 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷
One of the most beautiful pieces of any kind I've ever experienced
Cool story about Paul Simon stumbling upon Olodum. If I remember correctly, he was getting driven around cities in Brazil and one night when the car stopped he heard this drumming, he wanted to get out but his guide said he shouldn't because it was a dangerous area. He couldn't contain himself, ran out of the car and found Olodum performing in the streets.
Not only is Paul Simon a genius, but a hero!
Saw Paul and his amazing band this week. What a MONSTER of a songwriter. And this song is one of my favorites in the world.
+Alan Bendele Listened to the concert last night , 2 hrs instead of the 3 he played in Omaha a few years ago , but a great set , the band was tight and cooking .
I remember when this was first released and the video got played on Top of the Pops (uk music show) and the happy look on my dads face when he turned to me and said "This is fucking Brilliant" it's been an all time favourite of mine ever since.
That's a lovely memory.
Awesome!
Paul Simon in Brazil, Bahia, with Oludum group. Years later, Michael Hackson went there, too.
Salve, Brasil!
Why does nobody seem to like this album? Every time I go record shopping I always find four or five copies of Rhythm of the Saints under Paul Simon - it seems like once someone buys any of his albums this is the first one they get rid of;
Because everyone wanted Graceland II.
Definitely NOT what I was expecting from a Paul Simon song. Never knew this song existed! LOVE it! There is lot of symbolism in Paul Simon songs. I think I just "got" the song "Obvious Child." edit: whoa, I think i just got something else!!! why deny the "Obvious Child." WOW!
Google Paul Simon and see what he did. Authorities tried to shut him down.... Of course I will always put my money where the music is... J. X
He spent a lot of time in South Africa. He unapologetically brought the music of the world to the USA.
Adoro a Voz macia de Simon, neste lugar mágico que é Salvador. Arrasou.
Eu tb adoro a voz dele. O canto carregado de sentimento, a interpretação gestual, a percussão do Olodum, o povo assistindo e co-participando de uma maneira tão espontânea. Um clipe simples e bonito, sem o excesso de produção tão comum nos dias de hoje. Adoro
Sensational!!! I wonder being Brazilian as I had never heard this song before ... a perfect mix of rhythms. Tks God for having idle time in this quarantine - taking advantage of this time by panning classics of world music. Is there anyone else who like me is also listening to good classics during this pandemic covid 19?
I heard him do this song in his Farewell concert last night - it was awesome..... I despise crowds, I get very distracted and disturbed surrounded by so many people, their noise, their chatter, their "humanness", but I would do it over and over and over again to see Paul Simon. Simply a genius....
Also featuring JJ Cale on guitar, Kim Wilson on harmonica, Nana Vasconcelos on percussion and Michael Brecker on lyricon
Essa é a minha terra. Um povo tão alegre, acolhedor e trabalhador... As distintas regiões territoriais cada qual com riquíssima cultura. Infelizmente os nossos políticos são tão corruptos - há muito.
A sede pelo poder, a ganância impele sobre as nossas costas uma alta carga para custear a nossa vida e investir em nossos sonhos.
Deus um dia nos livrará desses malvados.
Obrigado Paul Simon, por nos adicionar ao seu magnífico trabalho.
Gratidão.
I saw Paul Simon perform this (and most of the songs from the album) in concert in the ancient Roman amphitheater in Nîmes, France in 1991. It was an unforgettable concert and I have yet to experience a performance as good in the last twenty-six years.
2020, and this song still moves me. I have this CD. This is the song I always replayed. The drums!
Was in mucuge bahia 2002 and that band was playing in the square. Magic.
I am from Brazil , Salvador/Bahia .
I love this song
I loved seeing the lad in the video, there was something so beautiful seeing him being a wee precocious little lad, my feelings for those in need in all nations, but especially in Brazil. When people talk about poverty in America it's so bizarre especially when comparing to South America, or like in Indonesia where my mom was raised. She told me how she saw a little homeless girl who had taken an empty milk glass jar that she put a little bit of fabric on the top to simulate hair and some fabric to simulate clothes around the lower half of the bottle. It was her doll. When she returned to that area she had a humongous suitcase with her of children's toys she had bought at yard sales but she didn't want my younger sister to play with them because they weren't for her. In the areas where she had noted the little girl I was talking about mom brought the suitcase and began handing out those toys. One other thing she also bought was clothing. Mostly shorts. Indonesia doesn't have winter or snowfall.
@@charliebrownie4158 Thanks !
Can't you see what he is singing about? Paul Simon is a hero. JFox Xxxxx
Paul Simon is a genius, love his work.
Never tired of this song. Get goose bumps every time for 3:25 on...
1- get goosebumps 2- notice this post 3- see the timestamp is 3:28 4- chuckle a bit
I THINK THAT IN THE MUSIC THERE ARE A LOT OF GENIUS, MORE THAN THE SCIENCE, AND PAUL SIMON IS ONE.
WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING?
I agree !
As a West African, I will always love the album "Rhythm of the Saints" because it featured West-Central African Highlife Music.
Thanks Mr. Simon.
From Wales 😮. XX ❤❤
"The Obvious Child"
I'm accustomed to a smooth ride
Or maybe I'm a dog who's lost its bite
I don't expect to be treated like a fool no more
I don't expect to sleep through the night
Some people say a lie's a lie's a lie
But I say why
Why deny the obvious child?
Why deny the obvious child?
And in remembering a road sign
I am remembering a girl when I was young
And we said These songs are true
These days are ours
These tears are free
And hey
The cross is in the ballpark
The cross is in the ballpark
We had a lot of fun
We had a lot of money
We had a little son and we thought we'd call him Sonny
Sonny gets married and moves away
Sonny has a baby and bills to pay
Sonny gets sunnier
Day by day by day by day
I've been waking up at sunrise
I've been following the light across my room
I watch the night receive the room of my day
Some people say the sky is just the sky
But I say
Why deny the obvious child?
Why deny 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
Or struggled from here to get there
Sonny wanders beyond his interior walls
Runs his hand through his thinning brown hair
Well I'm accustomed to a smoother ride
Maybe I'm a dog that's lost his bite
I don't expect to be treated like a fool no more
I don't expect to sleep the night
Some people say a lie is just a lie
But I say the cross is in the ballpark
Why deny the obvious child?
I just heard this on the radio here in Ireland ... I haven't heard it in quite some time and I really enjoyed it so I had to find it here on YT. I was dancing around the kitchen and it livened up a drizzly day. I sent it to my sister and she loved it too ... she constantly played the album in her car. I was 20 then and now I'm 50 it has taken on a whole new meaning! One line stands out now we're in lockdown again 'how it's strange that some rooms are like cages' ... and I do find myself awake at sunrise following the light around the room ... but at least there is light . Thanks Paul Simon your music is healing 👍 PS I wonder what the little lad who sat beside you is doing now 😊
@Líadan I'm your sister 😄. Now I've had the pleasure of listening to it again ! Thanks. Lovely memories of your parents ❤️
Está música marcou a minha adolescência.
Hj em 2022, após 30 anos... Estou emocionada escutando e lembrando de todos os momentos que vivi.
Verdade.
Saudades sem fim!
When Bob Dylan won the Nobel Prize I thought, What other songwriter's body of work would be worthy of that honor? The U.S. has had lots of excellent songwriters, but the only other songwriter that I can think of who has created a Nobel Prize level body of work is Paul Simon.
There was a concert tour of Bob Dylan and Paul Simon. A friend of mine went to it. Dylan sang some of Paul Simon's songs and Paul some of Bob's. Truly we had kings of musical perfection that wasn't only big in America but around the world.
Blessed are those who get to listen to Paul Simon.
It`s a privilege
This rare song, with a melody so contagious, so exciting and at the same time, so rocking; made us travel in a time when our music has always been universal! The only thing missing was for Brazilians to appreciate and return to this noble purpose, without vanities or ideological contamination of the present day. Simply unforgettable!
Tá aqui o brasileiro que vc procurava , viva ,Bahia , viva o oludum ,viva África , viva brasil
Paul Simon has written and performed so many great great songs. This is up there with the very best of them. Magnificent
Ouvi essa música hoje: 28 de janeiro de 2023. Viajei no tempo. Memorável esse vídeo, esse som!!!
Olodum , Brazil....
This song is everything. Instant goosebumps. It brings back so many amazing childhood memories!
One of the most beautiful pieces of any kind I've ever experienced
Brilliant! The drummers are amazing
This song is fantastic! Paul Simon is fantastic! This song really moves me and gives me goosebumps! He is the best singer/songwriter ever and I will love him forever!
I have loved your music ever since first hearing you sing ‘I am a Rock’ and now have all your albums! Listening to your music has given me so much pleasure over the years. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I hope you enjoyed your birthday! ❤️🥰
Last night (09/22/2018) was, he says, his last concert ever..if so, or even if not, much gratitude to Rhymin' Simon for more than 5 decades of wondrous music that made the world a better place for a lot of people. Why deny the obvious, indeed. Grazie, Paul.
God I love the drumming in this song! I also like the long shirt the guy in red is wearing at the 0:32 mark ...very unique 🙂
Essa música/clipe me lembram muitas felicidades e emoções! Paul Simon teve o olhar para o Olodum, em um tempo que quase nenhum artista tinha! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Verdade. Tempo em que os blocos afro desfilavam 5, 6 horas da manhã com a avenida quase vazia, quem é da Bahia e curtia carnaval sabe do que tô falando.
@@antoniosergiotarzansantos1543 isso mesmo! Somos de lá! 🙌🏽
Remaster this please!!! Not loud enough on my headphones!
Them drums!
I think a remix might be the right call - 5.1, new stereo mix, original mix included on Blu-ray - with bonus tracks of course. Gotta be some extra stuff on the shelves.
Paul Simon is brilliant, one of the best songwriters in the world.
This song is maybe my favourite song at all.
"Rhythm of the Saints" and "Graceland" are my favorite Simon albums, and two of my all time favorites by anyone.
this song is one which always re ignites my spirit when im low and down, i remind myself im having a bad day, not a bad life. thank you Mr Simon.
The musical historian, those who know will understand,, you can never suppress the truth, the obvious child, God has blessed him
A song full of the joy of life. The words intrigue me, 'Wasn't I the obvious child?'
This is Olodum. Its my soul singing, dancing and tell to the world that have no diferences between us. God save Simon. God save Olodum.
I was always all about You Can Call Me Al and I totally forgot about this gem, such a great song in every way
I bought this from the px tent when in Saudi Arabia waiting to cross into Iraq, it was one of two options for music and the other was Debbie Gibson. Both were cassette so I bought a shitty Walkman and both tapes as well as a bunch of batteries. All of it was shot to hell and went in the trash prior to coming back from that scorched hell. Still will never forget how much of a role it played in my sanity while in Iraq.
This song made me want to play drums when I first heard it. So much love for this tune.
I saw Olodum with my dad in Bahia- amazing wonderful trip. Great song- Simon and Olodum are perfect together.
When I was about 30,I started to realise that I was in fact getting older and it dawned on me that Death was not some thing that only happened to other people. About the same time I stopped turning my Paul Simon Cd off after 'You can call me al' and discovered this track. It is a beautiful ode to getting old and the mystery of life (and Death) being passed down from one generation to the next. With no definite answers
Stephen Cardwell
And when you just realise it at 45!?
Celia Anastacio Silly.
+ Stephen - Excellent analysis
So true, and it is one of Paul Simon's lifelong songwriting themes.
Dear Paul, I think this is the best song you wrote. I love it, and it has so much good meaning, feelings and vibes. Thank you for this present. I am also from Bahia, Brazil. May God always bless and guide you in Jesus name. @Paul%20;Simon
Grande mestre Simon Deus abençoe suas 8 décadas de vida 🙏
Some of the most obscure lyrics he has ever written. It seems to me to about the passing of time and reflecting on periods of life. It leaves you wondering. What is the Obvious Child? What does he mean by the Cross in the Ballpark? Or does it even matter? The rhythms and the lyrics hypnotise you!