Shane MacGowan said something similar, as I recall it, that melodies were just floating by and you had to grab them 'or some bastard like Chris de Burgh will get them'
Just saw a performance from 1967, in which his posture said, “If I could play guitar or write songs, I would. But all I have is this exquisite voice.” Paul appears permanently wounded to me after his mother said bluntly, “Artie’s voice is better than yours.”
This song reminds me of a story when the album "Bridge Over Troubled Water" first came out. I used to play the album on an 8 Track in my college dorm room while studying. My room mate and I used to listen to this album studying for hours at a time in a college town in the middle of the USA... middle of nowhere actually... where the only thing to do mostly was study engineering. We were all Freshman and away from home. This song was on echoing down the hallway and I looked up in the doorway and another student was standing there with this sad look on his face. I asked what was wrong and he said. "I am from the Bronx. I just had to stand here and listen". Over 50 years later, I hear the song and I still remember that moment like it was yesterday.
Obrigada por compartilhar essa história pequena da sua vida, que muitos jovens também deve ter vivido, linda música, que pena que não existe mais canção desse tipo❤
I was fortunate enough to play this song for my dad before he died. A true leader of the band, he was. A consummate classical/jazz musician. Concert violinist. Operatic tenor. Creator and conductor of the Broward Youth Symphony in Florida who, in his younger years, toured with Bob Hope and other stars. When I first heard this song, I couldn’t hold back the tears. Such a beautiful tribute by a great song writer.
Yes, a genius. Paul Simon is one of only a few men I'd say "I love you" to if I had a chance to meet him in person. I had that chance with Stevie Wonder when I lived in LA. He said..."....I love you too, I love you too!"...One of the greatest moments of my life.
I bought Bridge Over Troubled Water on vinyl back in 1970, and again on cassette, and again on CD, and now have it downloaded on iTunes. Fifty years on, this song still hits me emotionally … Every. Single. Time.
This is one of those songs I can listen to over and over again and never tire of it. It is such a great song in every aspect; the lyrics, the vocals, the arrangements - just everything about this song is brilliant!.
Just realised that this song conveys,in a gentle way and without any fuss, the fundamental truth that when all is said and done we are basically on our own. It all comes down to ourselves. That is so powerful. A beautiful song.
I feel that too. Especially with some of Elton johns songs, couldn't stand them when they came out and I was young. I now see them, and others as masterpieces
No matter how many times I listen to Paul, he puts a smile on my face. I love this song, simple, gentle and superbly composed. Mr Simon your a genius. Shalom Alechiem Paul.
Very moving. I'v heard Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel for first time in 1966 or 1967 and loved them. ... and they have been all along my traveling life since then.
Mike Say what? it's hardly "underrated". Bridge Over Trouble Water is one of the most successful albums of all time. "The Only Living Boy in New York" is one of the reason why.
I saw this genius three years ago in Cork. The whole time I was wishing for him to play this song! It's just so ... Perfect! Melancholy and yet hopeful. I'm so happy to see him play it here instead :-)
Wow .what a legend ! All my life I have ben listening to Simon and Garfunkel.. everyday for 4 decades. My dad and brothers before me... This was my inspiration to come to the US..Live long Simon and peace to you and all ..
Bought this album in college 1970......always gave me chills on this song, the orchestra made it haunting. He is one of the greatest artists of all time.
Some of my favorite memories of New York are sitting in my apartment and playing this song. Thank you so much for posting. It is amazing to see a man revisit his own work with such honesty (it's not a waste of energy).
Paul, thank you so much for all you and Art made for us! You guys are a GOD send !!! You still got all God has given you...MASTERFULL and BEAUTIFULL done !!!
This song was written about Art Garfunkel."Tom" was Art's name when he and Paul were known as Tom&Jerry.When Paul sings,"I know that your part will go fine",he's refering to Art"s part in the movie Catch 22.
Thanks for explaining. I bought the album when first released and always loved this track but now its but had no idea what it was about. I like the track even more now.
jerry adams Apparently, Art left to be in the film while they were writing Bridge over Troubled Water, leaving Simon to work on the album on his own for a while. That loneliness is why he describes himself as "The Only Living Boy in New York".
Such an exquisitely written song. It's so interesting to hear such an intimate and raw version of this. I've so often focused on the sublime ethereal qualities, the sweeping and emotionally overwhelming vocal harmonies...but the basic structure is so achingly beautiful and perfect. Oh to have conceived a song with a fraction of the quality of this masterpiece.
Thanks Paul! I feel like you're one of my best friends I never physically met. Don't know what it is about acoustic guitars either, they just put me into good moods everytime I hear one. I believe Simon and Paul were the last of the great folk music era and were at the Pinnacle of what was left of it after the Beatles came in 64.
I'm a Filipino and when I was a kid and growing up we loved Simon and Garfunkel. We had two of their Greatest Hits albums When I was already working in a Business Process Outsourcing and our clients were Americans, during our training about American culture we were told about one aspect of their culture which is music - that there were no Americans who don't know Simon and Garfunkel and I agreed with it because even me I wholeheartedly know them. I grew up wirh their music.
I remember listening to this song as a teenage and as Paul S. says I don't know exactly what this song is about but the lyrics have to be open enough to mean something to everyone one. Now as a father of two young boys it's touched me as I imagine what the world is like for the young ones that travel without an adult at an odd time "the only leaving boy in NY... here I am... we go but I don't know where... I've got nothing to do but smile...
In the event anyone needed to know what a musical genius was...right here in this video. A mind blowing talent, able to tell stories in song like no one else.
A great great story teller. Private: So many of his songs were so introspective at the same time beautifully melodic. While listening to him it often felt as tho I was one of a small circle of his friends he was having a conversation that was private. And I loved the sound of when he pulled the notes/strings on his acoustic guitar, like nobody else did that or made it sound so good. It was WOW! after hearing so many of his songs, like it guaranteed I would enjoy all his other music because of that one which so affected me. Brilliant musician, great song writer - true definition of an artist. RIP
It's really cool to see a solo acoustic performance of this song. I like the big production jobs on Simon and Garfunkel albums, but I really love hearing really minimalist versions like this one.
Simon & Garfunkel's lyrics is poetry rather than just lyrics and their music is soul touching. Honestly I fell in love with America right after listening to their Kathy's song and America.
One of the worlds greatest ever song writers
My mum once told me there are some songs that seem like they've always been, and a few lucky people get to bring them to the rest of us.
A wise woman indeed. 👍
That’s exactly how it doesn’t work
Shane MacGowan said something similar, as I recall it, that melodies were just floating by and you had to grab them 'or some bastard like Chris de Burgh will get them'
Some call it the river.
He has the most pleasing voice! He and Art Garfunkel singing together was like listening to angels singing.
Just saw a performance from 1967, in which his posture said, “If I could play guitar or write songs, I would. But all I have is this exquisite voice.” Paul appears permanently wounded to me after his mother said bluntly, “Artie’s voice is better than yours.”
I'm 63 years old now and this song is playing on repeat since it came out. It'll stay in my head forever.
Here l am the only living old man in NYC
This song reminds me of a story when the album "Bridge Over Troubled Water" first came out. I used to play the album on an 8 Track in my college dorm room while studying. My room mate and I used to listen to this album studying for hours at a time in a college town in the middle of the USA... middle of nowhere actually... where the only thing to do mostly was study engineering. We were all Freshman and away from home. This song was on echoing down the hallway and I looked up in the doorway and another student was standing there with this sad look on his face. I asked what was wrong and he said. "I am from the Bronx. I just had to stand here and listen". Over 50 years later, I hear the song and I still remember that moment like it was yesterday.
Obrigada por compartilhar essa história pequena da sua vida, que muitos jovens também deve ter vivido, linda música, que pena que não existe mais canção desse tipo❤
I was fortunate enough to play this song for my dad before he died. A true leader of the band, he was. A consummate classical/jazz musician. Concert violinist. Operatic tenor. Creator and conductor of the Broward Youth Symphony in Florida who, in his younger years, toured with Bob Hope and other stars.
When I first heard this song, I couldn’t hold back the tears. Such a beautiful tribute by a great song writer.
Yes, a genius. Paul Simon is one of only a few men I'd say "I love you" to if I had a chance to meet him in person. I had that chance with Stevie Wonder when I lived in LA. He said..."....I love you too, I love you too!"...One of the greatest moments of my life.
Paul's timbre, conversational delivery and hauntingly beautiful melodic sense is utterly spellbinding.
I bought Bridge Over Troubled Water on vinyl back in 1970, and again on cassette, and again on CD, and now have it downloaded on iTunes. Fifty years on, this song still hits me emotionally … Every. Single. Time.
We ALL bought that album at Tower Records, in 1970 too !!!!!!
Top five. 💙
Mr. Paul Simon, you, sir, are a genius.
Paul's ageing only
adds to the beauty of his song. How wonderful.
This is one of those songs I can listen to over and over again and never tire of it.
It is such a great song in every aspect; the lyrics, the vocals, the arrangements - just everything about this song is brilliant!.
Bookends is another simple marvel.
Just realised that this song conveys,in a gentle way and without any fuss, the fundamental truth that when all is said and done we are basically on our own. It all comes down to ourselves. That is so powerful. A beautiful song.
Well, we are not entirely on our own.... The Savior is there, and He sometimes sends His Angels to help us out... I am so grateful for this....
Thank you for making the world a better place.
This song never ever gets old
At the age of 50 my taste in music has turned about face and discovering this wonderful song of yesteryear this year just fills me with joy. 😀
I feel that too. Especially with some of Elton johns songs, couldn't stand them when they came out and I was young. I now see them, and others as masterpieces
What a great artist. A pleasure to share the earth with this man x
so clean.he was obviously in love with his pal.we have all have a pal that we only want the best for.
Watching and hearing Paul Simon play music evokes so much of the bittersweet in life
I love Paul Simon. Thank you, Paul, for all of the wonderful emotions that your songs have evoked in your millions of fans the world over.
A legend. The song and the singer.
We have been blessed with a truly amazing artist! What a beautiful voice he still has, brings tears to my eyes.
Has me in tears everytime
Making the magic look so effortless. A beautiful song by a beautiful man to a beautiful man. This goes so deep...
No matter how many times I listen to Paul, he puts a smile on my face. I love this song, simple, gentle and superbly composed. Mr Simon your a genius. Shalom Alechiem Paul.
Very moving. I'v heard Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel for first time in 1966 or 1967 and loved them. ... and they have been all along my traveling life since then.
Probably one of the most underrated songs by one of the most underrated song writers of our time.
+Mike I dont know any serious songwriter or musician who would say Paul Simon
or this song is underrated
correct!
Mike
Say what? it's hardly "underrated". Bridge Over Trouble Water is one of the most successful albums of all time. "The Only Living Boy in New York" is one of the reason why.
Mike What absolute garbage. Who the hell underrates Paul Simon?
Probably my favorite song by S&G and you never hear it, unless you seek it out. So beautiful.
Song still gives me chills. Wow.
That is just the sweetest thing
It's always interesting to hear the writer sing his own song, and see how he changes it in little ways. He still has such a really nice voice.
I saw this genius three years ago in Cork. The whole time I was wishing for him to play this song! It's just so ... Perfect! Melancholy and yet hopeful. I'm so happy to see him play it here instead :-)
***** He did play it in Cork
This simple, spare solo version shows off the beauty of this song and Paul Simon's genius talent. Bravo!!
My Hero..he is my favourite writer...
Wow .what a legend ! All my life I have ben listening to Simon and Garfunkel.. everyday for 4 decades. My dad and brothers before me... This was my inspiration to come to the US..Live long Simon and peace to you and all ..
Madhan Rangaswamy k
When vibratos match up it is as if we can hear inside heaven. Thank you
It's not possible to dislike this guy. Genius.
Bought this album in college 1970......always gave me chills on this song, the orchestra made it haunting. He is one of the greatest artists of all time.
Brings me right on back to a winter afternoon in ny many, many years ago!!
Paul sounds as good as ever. Thanks for posting this classic.
Plays like a master and sounds like a young man. What a talent, he continues to grace us with these gifts.
One of the greatest songs ever written buy one friend to another with love and understanding. Magnificent.
Paul Simon's voice and guitar is best of my life.. that I can remember.. He captured all his music alone as a solo artist ❤️❤️❤️
One of my favourite videos on youtube, this is just wonderful
Some of my favorite memories of New York are sitting in my apartment and playing this song. Thank you so much for posting. It is amazing to see a man revisit his own work with such honesty (it's not a waste of energy).
Paul, thank you so much for all you and Art made for us! You guys are a GOD send !!!
You still got all God has given you...MASTERFULL and BEAUTIFULL done !!!
It only needs this guys voice and his favourite chords to create so many beautiful songs!
One of my favourite songs from S&G. Wonderful!
This song was written about Art Garfunkel."Tom" was Art's name when he and Paul were known as Tom&Jerry.When Paul sings,"I know that your part will go fine",he's refering to Art"s part in the movie Catch 22.
Thanks for explaining. I bought the album when first released and always loved this track but now its but had no idea what it was about. I like the track even more now.
The great thing about this song is that it's meaningful without knowing that, and that knowing the back story adds greater depth to it.
jerry adams Apparently, Art left to be in the film while they were writing Bridge over Troubled Water, leaving Simon to work on the album on his own for a while. That loneliness is why he describes himself as "The Only Living Boy in New York".
Well I never knew that, amazing 🏴🇬🇧
Thought we all knew that 😂
Paul is genius, and this is my favorite song! Thanks!
Hello future person, yes we are still listening to this in *[insert year here]* Have a lovely day!
This is what it feels like to be loved.
he is just one of the best, love his voice,yeah definately a genius with class
Such an exquisitely written song. It's so interesting to hear such an intimate and raw version of this. I've so often focused on the sublime ethereal qualities, the sweeping and emotionally overwhelming vocal harmonies...but the basic structure is so achingly beautiful and perfect. Oh to have conceived a song with a fraction of the quality of this masterpiece.
absolute bliss... his sound vibrates off my guitar strings
Thanks Paul! I feel like you're one of my best friends I never physically met. Don't know what it is about acoustic guitars either, they just put me into good moods everytime I hear one.
I believe Simon and Paul were the last of the great folk music era and were at the Pinnacle of what was left of it after the Beatles came in 64.
amazing
I love you Paul Simon.................. You do it for me everytime but wish you would smile so much more as you have the nicest of smiles xxx
Love the song loved the album it was the first album i purchased on cassette
Oh god I love this one
I'm a Filipino and when I was a kid and growing up we loved Simon and Garfunkel. We had two of their Greatest Hits albums When I was already working in a Business Process Outsourcing and our clients were Americans, during our training about American culture we were told about one aspect of their culture which is music - that there were no Americans who don't know Simon and Garfunkel and I agreed with it because even me I wholeheartedly know them. I grew up wirh their music.
Such a wonderful wonderful musician! So many beautiful songs!!! ❤❤❤❤
Beautiful
I remember listening to this song as a teenage and as Paul S. says I don't know exactly what this song is about but the lyrics have to be open enough to mean something to everyone one. Now as a father of two young boys it's touched me as I imagine what the world is like for the young ones that travel without an adult at an odd time "the only leaving boy in NY... here I am... we go but I don't know where... I've got nothing to do but smile...
So profound and moving. The deep emotional connection in this song pours from every word.
Sierra your music is wonderful. Before you started I had a feeling you would play wildwood flower. Such a great song
In the event anyone needed to know what a musical genius was...right here in this video. A mind blowing talent, able to tell stories in song like no one else.
A great great story teller. Private: So many of his songs were so introspective at the same time beautifully melodic. While listening to him it often felt as tho I was one of a small circle of his friends he was having a conversation that was private. And I loved the sound of when he pulled the notes/strings on his acoustic guitar, like nobody else did that or made it sound so good. It was WOW! after hearing so many of his songs, like it guaranteed I would enjoy all his other music because of that one which so affected me. Brilliant musician, great song writer - true definition of an artist. RIP
It's really cool to see a solo acoustic performance of this song. I like the big production jobs on Simon and Garfunkel albums, but I really love hearing really minimalist versions like this one.
still great voice!
I love voice Paul Simon.
beautiful,, such honesty and simplicity in his voice
Lynney Murphy
just done it too me again :))
Genius at work.
One of my favourite childhood memories thank you Paul simon
... a true poet ... always touching the heart.
Debb in Florida
Priceless....!! xx
When Tom left for Mexico, it was just Jerry and it was magical!
Wow, I love this version of the song!
I love the song, the composer and the best bookstore in the world there on Union Square.
i just love this song so much
one of the greatest break up songs ever.
Yes if not arts acting career this song would prob not be here
Great. And now in the age of celebrity for less than average, thankyou PS and S &G.
magical
Thank you Riva!
Great guitar work here - a fantastic lesson of superb accompaniment
Thankyou Paul for writing so many great songs...Oh Arthur!
Just another great song Paul,it’s all you do.
Mr. Paul Simon I love your music Thank you for all the years❤
Simon & Garfunkel's lyrics is poetry rather than just lyrics and their music is soul touching.
Honestly I fell in love with America right after listening to their Kathy's song and America.
I get to see him for the first time this May and I can't wait
Que MARAVILHA!
so great!
love your delivery and layout.Suits me greatly.Never came across a better one.
One of Paul's many great songs .
I’ll never tire of this beautiful voice and genius of an artist…..Thank You Paul ❤
Perfection in motion.
They could never write a masterpiece like this in 2019,glad I’m 72 never missed a Thing in my time
You are so right. Today everything is tinny, plastic and insincere
Its a sad testimony to where music is heading today. No connection to it at all
Truely the best American songwriter in history.
What about steinman?
a true legend though he is kind of mailing this one in. one of my favorite tunes of paul's.
Simply the greatest!
I get all the news I need from the weather report. Just love that line.