My Mom was a professional pianist. She absolutely loved this song, as I do. Rolling Stone called it a perfect recording. We played this song for my Mom as she was passing away on her 90th birthday. So beautiful.
Or just trying to be "edgy", have a shocking view that's meant to be controversial, what we might do when we're inmature but want people/our peers to think we're mature ... anyway, I would bet that this is a great song for a lot of folks in recovery. It cuts through crap and gets at basic emotional needs, and is sung with the voice a guardian angel.
This diamond in the rough is an absolute treasure. Such a powerful song. Art really shows his stuff with this one. "THE BOXER" is another fantastic piece of theirs.
Lee must listen to "The Boxer" next from S&G. Also, "Scarborough Fair/Canticle," a traditional English ballad, is one of the great anti-war songs of the period.
Congratulations on your sobriety! Sorry to hear things have been difficult but hoping it's all getting better from here. Honestly I think sometimes music can help us through. Love that you have this channel!
If this song doesn't hit you emotionally, you need to get checked. Thanks for sharing your journey, we've all got a story. Congrats on your sobriety darlin. ❤
@@L33Reacts it's not easy to be strong all the time. But, don't beat yourself up when you have moments of pain. This too shall pass. Music soothes the soul. 🥰
Paul Simon is one of the most talented and accomplished singer songwriters to emerge from the 1960s and 1970s. He and Garfunkel had a nearly decade long career together, after which Simon embarked on a long successful solo career. From this same album you should definitely react to “The Boxer.” Another emotional song with great production and a killer finish. From Simon's solo career, you should check out his “Graceland” album. A exploration of African rhythms merged with Paul's lyrics and songwriting. Great stuff.
Art G has the most beautiful voice, and this song is one of his best vocals. Another great one of his is "To Emily, Whenever I May Find Her." Find the live version on their Greatest Hits album. It's almost impossible not to be moved by this song; I'm do glad you enjoyed it so much.
My heart’s thumping - I don’t know why, I grew up with this song but seeing someone hear it for the first time… it’s like the first time again! Nice reaction 🙏🏽
This whole album is stellar. The Boxer, Cecilia, Keep the customer satisfied, The only living boy in New York, El Condor Pasa…all amazing! ❤ Homeward Bound and I am a Rock are also highly recommended. You’re becoming one of my favorite channels for music reactions. Honest and heartfelt 👌🏽
I grew up listening to this album, and I agree! It's been a while, but all except El Condor Pasa (of those you meantioned) is still strong in my memory. All great songs. Now I'll have to refind El Condor Pasa on youtube. It'll surely come back to me upon rehearing. Those first two were the most played from the album at our house, I think.
So hard to wrap my mind around ANYONE dissing these guys. Top tier songwriting snd singing by any measure. Others have mentioned the Boxer, great choice, but let me add Sounds of Silence and Scarborough Fair. I have no doubt you will like them.
I remember enthusing about s&g to an older friend when I was a teen. They were of the age when s& g was popular when they were a teen. They just said " nah, I was into the stones at the time." As if a person couldn't love both!!
Exactly. The same could be said of being a fan of Jimi Hendrix and the Mamas and Papas. Or many other examples. In those days there was such a huge flowering of talent across so many sub genres of rock - folk rock, blues rock, hard rock, psychedelic rock, art rock, progressive rock, rock and roll, soul rock, etc. Why not all of them? @@CalliopeRHJones
Paul Simon is a top 5 member of the singer/songwriter genre. He is the lead singer on many songs, but Art Garfunkel is lead on this song. Art has a wonderful tenor (high) voice.
This song touched me emotionally at age ten when I got the album for my birthday....fast forward 45 years and I'm still floored with emotion each time i hear it...wiping tears.😢
I love how Art keeps his voice very soft and subtle in the first verse and then builds it up slowly in the second verse leading up to his crescendo. Just brilliant.
Art Garfunkel sings this one, with Paul singing backup at the gorgeous sail on silver girl part. Paul wrote it and Art was heavily involved in its production. Swept the grammys that year.
Paul Simon is one of the greatest songwriters/poets ever to live! And pair that with Artie's angelic voice for sheer heaven. You might want to check out some of Paul Simon's solo work as well! Also, you might not want to attract negativity into your life by saying "it could be worse". The universe is listening. Saying 'it could be better" is actually the better option 😉
I appreciate how you follow the song with both ears and your whole heart. So many other reactors feel the need to talk over sections, to stop right before the build up, etc., but you have the instincts and patience to listen right, and it is far more rewarding for us viewers. Kudos.
Simon and Garfunkel were childhood friends growing up in NYC, amazingly enough. Art has the crystal clear tenor voice. Paul is one of the greatest Songwriters of the second had of the 20th century. Unfortunately, at some point tensions between them grew to a point they stopped working together. I'll leave it to others to discuss what drove them apart. Paul has had an equally phenomenal career as a solo artist post S&G. Art has had a few hits on his own and did some film acting. But the two did come together again for an epic free concert in Central Park, NYC that is legendary, both for the quality of the performance as well as the electricity of the crowd in setting them together again.
On November 2, 1969, my girlfriend treated me to the Simon & Garfunkel concert at Kiel Auditorium. It was a great concert (some of it was included in the S&G Live 1969 album, not released until 2008). The encore was Bridge Over Troubled Water. The record would not be released until January 1970, so none of us in the concert hall had ever heard it before. We were floored. People were wiping their eyes. We gave them a roaring standing ovation. There's a good chance it was the first time the song was performed in concert.
I saw an interview with Paul Simon about this song and he said it's meant to be a gospel hymn, that he was writing about Jesus as the bridge over troubled water who takes your part, comforts you and is on your side when you're down and out. And he said he's Jewish, but just wanted to write a song about Jesus. That final vocal soaring over the orchestra that ends in sustained high strings? I can't prevent the chills it gives me.
It's another example of Paul Simon's genius. He doesn't have the voice to sing this the way Art does, but he wrote the powerful melody that goes out of his own range, as well as the harmony of the third verse Paul does himself to help Art build up to that beautiful climax.
Congratulations on four years of sobriety. I am proud of you! One thing that someone taught me years ago that I think may be of help to you going forward is to see most of your "problems" as "challenges" rather than problems. It gives you a more productive approach to whatever it may be that is of concern at the time. Realizing that a positive outcome is not always going to happen and that sometimes damage control is your best possible outcome, it is still better to approach it as a challenge. My way of defining it is that, if there are options, it is a challenge and it only becomes a problem when there are NO options (which is seldom but it happens).
Simon did all the writing and had a legendary solo career. His rabbit hole is a gold mine. Garfunkel sang the awesome crescendo's here, he had a choir voice. "Garfunkel", sadly, became a synonym for "sidekick".
This song is a warm blanket for me. It's almost hymn like. This song is almost all Garfunkel and is probably his best vocal in their catalog. Just a gloriously gorgeous song.
I'd also recommend The Sounds of Silence, and as was mentioned The Boxer, and there is also I am a Rock, The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) (all 1:49 of it), Mrs Robinson, and the whole of the Bridge Over Troubled Water album as it was packed full of hits and so many sounds\styles. And they truly do have a sound that makes you "feel like an adult" if it touches you
Paul Simon is a songwriting genius. Another great song that spoke to me as a kid and still moves me today is John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High" I hope it is on your list. :)
This song debuted in a TV documentary on the late Senator Bobby Kennedy in the fall of 1969, where it was run on the soundtrack over footage of him campaigning for President the year before. It was released as a single when the album came out in January of '70.
Yes, and they began performing it live in concert shortly after that TV special - making them see it was an immediate hit with audiences. - By the way Simon and Garfunkel were furious with Bell Corp, the original sponsors of that TV show. Bell was running the program series and had specifically asked the duo to make a show for them, but were miffed when they saw the finished programme because Paul & Art had decided to use the time to address some real problems in America, notably poverty and racism, and Bell saw that as "you guys are going into politics - we're not gonna take it on OUR hour!". Finally the TV network, ABC I think, bought them out and forced it onto the air as a standalone production. Paul, especially was passionately angry about this experience, and I think it was a moment when he realized what the "Nixon right" really looked like.
Thanks again for sharing your life with us. It's great therapy for all involved. Some of my greatest lessons have been learned from the hardest trials. And the more we go thru, the more we can relate to and help others. My wife is a great example. Few have had a more difficult life, but because she's kept her eyes on God, she's lived in forgiveness for herself and others, and is able to help people in ways I never could.
Gospel flavored elegance written by Paul Simon and wisely assigned to Garfunkel's almost angelic handling. Remarkable songwriting craftsmanship and execution. This is way way way up there.
Okay Lee, great reaction! Your openness and honesty are also authentic and refreshing! Overcoming demons is not easy and many are lost forever. Grace and power to you for having the character to fight the battle. I pray for your continued success and personal growth. As for the song, I was only 12 when it came out, but my big brother Richie (God rest his soul) was 16 and rocking and he bought this incredible album as soon as it hit. BOTW went on to become the top selling album of 1970 and its title track became Billboards #1 hit that year. Even so, for me personally it's only maybe my third or fourth favorite song off that album; The Only Living Boy in New York, The Boxer and So Long, Frank Loyd Wright are all as good (imho). And beyond that there are other great albums of theirs too, like Bookends and Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme. A very deep and worthy rabbit hole. And thanks for sharing yourself with us.
I appreciate the kind words robert, thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I bet it was amazing hearing this back in the day! Just like it is today, but back then it was even more special.
Considered one of the greatest popular tunes of all time by one of the greatest harmony duos along with The Everly Bros. ! Art wanted to get into acting while Paul remained true to his craft and transformed his music to another level adapting to a style that fit the era as each era changed many years later. So many unforgettable tunes by the duo and by Paul with such songs as Cecilia, old Friends, Feelin’ Groovy(59th street Bridge song),I Am A Rock, The Sound of Silence, The Bixer, and Mrs. Robinson, just to name a few monumental songs!Not just a lot of musicians, these were the best of the best studio musician with part of the L.A. Wrecking Crew and Randy Becker a whole would become a world class jazz/ fusion trumpet artist!Lee look them up and it will shock you how many studio albums they have played on under some of the biggest names and albums in the music world!
Art Garfunkel is the main singer on this one, but Paul Simon wrote it----Paul wrote all their songs and he also plays guitar and piano. They grew up together and had a kind of love/hate relationship. Simon and Garfunkel were incredibly successful, w/ many major hit songs and then Paul continued on with a very big solo career. Try Scarborough Fair or Homeward Bound for an early hit, then try 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover for a solo hit....or Still crazy After All These Years or Graceland or You Can Call Me Al....I could keep going...He's amazing.
Congrats on your 4 years sobriety. The lead on this is Artie. He doesn't get as many leads as Paul, but he knocks this one out of the park. Next for S&G I'd suggest The Boxer which was also a huge hit. Really there are no dull songs on this album.
Went straight to #1, for some crazy reason. My favorite from them, of which there are many, is Kathy's Song Live. Clearly they are masters, and we are but peasants.
This song inspired me to learn how to play the piano. This tune and the entire LP left an endelible heartfelt impression on me because it coincided with a major turning point in my life. I first heard this album in April 1970, which was three months after its release. That was same time my family moved (my first move ever) into a gigantic Victorian house that felt like a mansion to me. I was 12 years old at the time and I spent a significant amount of time listening to this record (and the White Album) under my headphones, which solidified my newly found existence. This album is superbly mixed and every song literally brings a smile to my face. I fully recommend digging deeper into the other songs on this album, regardless if you decide to post any of them. A favorite of mine is, Song For The Asking. In case it hasn't been mentioned in an earlier post, Paul Simon begins singing at the third verse. In fact, Simon only had the fist and second verse completed and wrote the third one in the studio the day they recorded the song. The 'silver girl' mentioned in that verse was a reference to Simon's wife as they were in the early stages of their divorce. Congrats on being clean for four years. Keep strong and steer the course. You have a world of good reasons to stay clean, beginning with your precious children. You MUST (and you obviously can) do it for them. Don't regret your past mistakes. All of your experiences-good and bad-are designed to strengthen your character and help you learn. We are all cheering for your success. Thanks for another very enjoyable reaction. Keep 'em coming.
Joe Osborn was one of the greatest bass players ever. The simplicity of his work on this song is genius and if you haven't already, listen to 'Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" by the 5th Dimension. His bass work is epic.
This sone epitomizes the hopes, adoration devotion of every father for a child and for some strange reason even stronger for a grandchild, as I feel for mine. Nobody could keep me from being there for them. Nothing. Hal Blane, and Ringo Starr should be the model for every drummer as a base for their work.
This song IS a masterpiece
"I feel like an adult, listening to that." Greatest one sentence expression of this song that I've ever read.
If this was the only song Art ever sang, he'd still be a legend.
My Mom was a professional pianist. She absolutely loved this song, as I do. Rolling Stone called it a perfect recording. We played this song for my Mom as she was passing away on her 90th birthday. So beautiful.
Anyone who talks bad about them doesn't understand the poetic genius of Paul Simon or appreciate the vocals of Art Garfunkel.
Or just trying to be "edgy", have a shocking view that's meant to be controversial, what we might do when we're inmature but want people/our peers to think we're mature ... anyway, I would bet that this is a great song for a lot of folks in recovery. It cuts through crap and gets at basic emotional needs, and is sung with the voice a guardian angel.
I am 73. This song still moves me.
Garfunkel's performance of this song at the concert in Central Park is truely epic singing. The confidence
You are absolutely spot on with your comment.
True, but definitely the studio version is the one a person should first listen to.
This diamond in the rough is an absolute treasure. Such a powerful song. Art really shows his stuff with this one. "THE BOXER" is another fantastic piece of theirs.
The Boxer is an epic piece of music.
Lee must listen to "The Boxer" next from S&G. Also, "Scarborough Fair/Canticle," a traditional English ballad, is one of the great anti-war songs of the period.
Diamond in the rough? Its as polished as can be!
We are definitely doing the boxer!
I love The Boxer, Mis. Robinson
Art Garfunkel's vocals on this are purely angelic.
1970 Grammy Record of the Year, Song of the Year
It definitely deserved it.
They beat the Beatles too!
One of the most beautiful songs ever written.
Art singing this at the Central Park free concert with his hands in his pockets and a microphone. Epic and humble
Amen. Epic. Just doing my thing he says. Love that version.
Bad guess... Art Garfunkel was one of the greatest voices ever.
Paul Simon has a lovely voice as well... and he wrote all of their songs.
The control Artie has in the begining. Incredible.
This is Simon and Garfunkel's masterpiece.
I can't hear this song without tearing up.
Congratulations on your sobriety! Sorry to hear things have been difficult but hoping it's all getting better from here.
Honestly I think sometimes music can help us through.
Love that you have this channel!
The piano player also won a Grammy, well-deserved.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written. Paul's GRACELAND album is one of the all-time greats.
This is one song that makes me emotional - it is so powerful and uplifting.
Art sings like an angel .
Paul Simons words given wings by Art Garfunkels voice ❤
Goosebumps every time fucking amazing
I agree. I've listened to it three times now and I can't stop singing it lol
The power of song.
Never gets old. It's powerful every time you hear it.
We all are sailing right behind you.
The Wrecking Crew strikes again. Amazing session musicians.
That's session musician Larry Knechtel on piano. It took him awhile to nail it. And that was Wrecking Crew drummer Hal Blaine on drums.
If this song doesn't hit you emotionally, you need to get checked.
Thanks for sharing your journey, we've all got a story. Congrats on your sobriety darlin. ❤
Thank you 😊 💓 I appreciate that! I've definitely had some troubled waters since getting clean but I'm still here and still fighting 🙃
@@L33Reacts it's not easy to be strong all the time. But, don't beat yourself up when you have moments of pain. This too shall pass.
Music soothes the soul. 🥰
Paul Simon the entire creative force behind this duo, Garfunkel never wrote a word or a note. Impossible not to admire his soaring vocals, though.
Thank you for the info! Sorry, still learning about them!
Paul Simon is one of the most talented and accomplished singer songwriters to emerge from the 1960s and 1970s. He and Garfunkel had a nearly decade long career together, after which Simon embarked on a long successful solo career. From this same album you should definitely react to “The Boxer.” Another emotional song with great production and a killer finish. From Simon's solo career, you should check out his “Graceland” album. A exploration of African rhythms merged with Paul's lyrics and songwriting. Great stuff.
Art G has the most beautiful voice, and this song is one of his best vocals. Another great one of his is "To Emily, Whenever I May Find Her." Find the live version on their Greatest Hits album. It's almost impossible not to be moved by this song; I'm do glad you enjoyed it so much.
You need this song in your life - everyone needs to listen to this sometimes
These guys were absolutely the voice of what was going on in the world at that time. The whole album is gold. Poetry. The stories of the time.
Their catalogue is rich with gems.
My heart’s thumping - I don’t know why, I grew up with this song but seeing someone hear it for the first time… it’s like the first time again! Nice reaction 🙏🏽
Thank you gill! Yeah this seems like one of those iconic songs that will just always be a treasure to revisit for those who know:) I loved it.
This whole album is stellar. The Boxer, Cecilia, Keep the customer satisfied, The only living boy in New York, El Condor Pasa…all amazing! ❤
Homeward Bound and I am a Rock are also highly recommended. You’re becoming one of my favorite channels for music reactions. Honest and heartfelt 👌🏽
I grew up listening to this album, and I agree! It's been a while, but all except El Condor Pasa (of those you meantioned) is still strong in my memory. All great songs. Now I'll have to refind El Condor Pasa on youtube. It'll surely come back to me upon rehearing. Those first two were the most played from the album at our house, I think.
So hard to wrap my mind around ANYONE dissing these guys. Top tier songwriting snd singing by any measure. Others have mentioned the Boxer, great choice, but let me add Sounds of Silence and Scarborough Fair. I have no doubt you will like them.
Scarborough Fair
@@userpalThanks! Correction noted!
I remember enthusing about s&g to an older friend when I was a teen. They were of the age when s& g was popular when they were a teen. They just said " nah, I was into the stones at the time." As if a person couldn't love both!!
Exactly. The same could be said of being a fan of Jimi Hendrix and the Mamas and Papas. Or many other examples. In those days there was such a huge flowering of talent across so many sub genres of rock - folk rock, blues rock, hard rock, psychedelic rock, art rock, progressive rock, rock and roll, soul rock, etc. Why not all of them? @@CalliopeRHJones
So beautiful and powerful…timeless
That's definitely a word that describes this... timeless. What a track.
Paul Simon is a top 5 member of the singer/songwriter genre. He is the lead singer on many songs, but Art Garfunkel is lead on this song. Art has a wonderful tenor (high) voice.
Amen
This song touched me emotionally at age ten when I got the album for my birthday....fast forward 45 years and I'm still floored with emotion each time i hear it...wiping tears.😢
Me too!
This is my go to song, when things are bothering me. I never fails to soothe me. A glass of wine, and this song and it is total relaxation.
This song gives me the chills every time. So beautiful!
Mrs Robinson or The Boxer would be good to do next. I believe they were one of the highest selling acts of the 60s along with The Beatles & Elvis.
This song is like a prayer to me ~ just Beautiful ~ ~ ~
Absolutely phenomenal collaboration of art Garfunkel's outstanding vocals on Paul Simon's lyrics epic epic song and one of my favorites❤
I love how Art keeps his voice very soft and subtle in the first verse and then builds it up slowly in the second verse leading up to his crescendo. Just brilliant.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written...AND SUNG!
The boxer is a must-see next. The powerful crescendo again!
Well done for being clean 4 years, keep up the good work on this channel
The whole album is a masterpiece.
Art Garfunkel sings this one, with Paul singing backup at the gorgeous sail on silver girl part. Paul wrote it and Art was heavily involved in its production. Swept the grammys that year.
Paul Simon is one of the greatest songwriters/poets ever to live! And pair that with Artie's angelic voice for sheer heaven. You might want to check out some of Paul Simon's solo work as well! Also, you might not want to attract negativity into your life by saying "it could be worse". The universe is listening. Saying 'it could be better" is actually the better option 😉
Garfunkel's voice soars!
And that base slips in like it always was there .. smooth as silk
Every time I hear this beautiful Masterpiece, I have goosebumps…
So Emotional song!!
This is such a beautiful song. I don't think there's a single Simon and Garfunkel song I don't like.
Paul knew how to arrange music .. art’s voice was unmatched
I appreciate how you follow the song with both ears and your whole heart. So many other reactors feel the need to talk over sections, to stop right before the build up, etc., but you have the instincts and patience to listen right, and it is far more rewarding for us viewers. Kudos.
100% correct - Lee gets what makes great music great better than almost anyone. Such an enjoyable channel!
This song has been covered by many. You will love The Boxer, stick with the studio version.
The studio version, for sure!
Garfunkel had the voice of an angel.
That is a song where you are like, "Song, where have you been all my life?".
Simon and Garfunkel were childhood friends growing up in NYC, amazingly enough. Art has the crystal clear tenor voice. Paul is one of the greatest Songwriters of the second had of the 20th century.
Unfortunately, at some point tensions between them grew to a point they stopped working together. I'll leave it to others to discuss what drove them apart. Paul has had an equally phenomenal career as a solo artist post S&G. Art has had a few hits on his own and did some film acting.
But the two did come together again for an epic free concert in Central Park, NYC that is legendary, both for the quality of the performance as well as the electricity of the crowd in setting them together again.
In context, imagine the Vietnam war and various kinds of civil unrest on the news every single night. This kind of music was a welcome relief.
On November 2, 1969, my girlfriend treated me to the Simon & Garfunkel concert at Kiel Auditorium. It was a great concert (some of it was included in the S&G Live 1969 album, not released until 2008). The encore was Bridge Over Troubled Water. The record would not be released until January 1970, so none of us in the concert hall had ever heard it before. We were floored. People were wiping their eyes. We gave them a roaring standing ovation. There's a good chance it was the first time the song was performed in concert.
Paul Simon wrote all their songs and Art Garfunkel just had an incredible voice. But after they broke up Paul went on to have a fantastic solo career.
I saw an interview with Paul Simon about this song and he said it's meant to be a gospel hymn, that he was writing about Jesus as the bridge over troubled water who takes your part, comforts you and is on your side when you're down and out. And he said he's Jewish, but just wanted to write a song about Jesus. That final vocal soaring over the orchestra that ends in sustained high strings? I can't prevent the chills it gives me.
I never knew that about the song. That is lovely.
Paul had a hir with Still Crazy After All These Years. Then went on Saturday Night Live and came out dressed a a giant turkey to do the song
This was the number one song in 1970.great react
Their catalog is epic. The Sound of Silence became sort of an anthem after 9/11/2001 with Paul Simon performing it at sad annual anniversaries.
It's another example of Paul Simon's genius. He doesn't have the voice to sing this the way Art does, but he wrote the powerful melody that goes out of his own range, as well as the harmony of the third verse Paul does himself to help Art build up to that beautiful climax.
One of the most beautiful songs of inspiration ever written. The genius of Paul Simon ....
Congratulations on four years of sobriety. I am proud of you! One thing that someone taught me years ago that I think may be of help to you going forward is to see most of your "problems" as "challenges" rather than problems. It gives you a more productive approach to whatever it may be that is of concern at the time. Realizing that a positive outcome is not always going to happen and that sometimes damage control is your best possible outcome, it is still better to approach it as a challenge. My way of defining it is that, if there are options, it is a challenge and it only becomes a problem when there are NO options (which is seldom but it happens).
Simon and Garfunkel were truly premier troubadours of the '60s
Primary lead vocal on this was Art Garfunkel.
Simon did all the writing and had a legendary solo career. His rabbit hole is a gold mine. Garfunkel sang the awesome crescendo's here, he had a choir voice. "Garfunkel", sadly, became a synonym for "sidekick".
This song is a warm blanket for me. It's almost hymn like. This song is almost all Garfunkel and is probably his best vocal in their catalog. Just a gloriously gorgeous song.
I'd also recommend The Sounds of Silence, and as was mentioned The Boxer, and there is also I am a Rock, The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) (all 1:49 of it), Mrs Robinson, and the whole of the Bridge Over Troubled Water album as it was packed full of hits and so many sounds\styles. And they truly do have a sound that makes you "feel like an adult" if it touches you
React to The Sound of Silence and Scarborough Fair as well as the Boxer
Paul Simon is a songwriting genius. Another great song that spoke to me as a kid and still moves me today is John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High" I hope it is on your list. :)
Can’t fathom anyone who would crap on S&G. An amazing masterpiece & they have quite a few.
Check out the boxer.
Eta: congrats on your sobriety.
This song debuted in a TV documentary on the late Senator Bobby Kennedy in the fall of 1969, where it was run on the soundtrack over footage of him campaigning for President the year before. It was released as a single when the album came out in January of '70.
Yes, and they began performing it live in concert shortly after that TV special - making them see it was an immediate hit with audiences. - By the way Simon and Garfunkel were furious with Bell Corp, the original sponsors of that TV show. Bell was running the program series and had specifically asked the duo to make a show for them, but were miffed when they saw the finished programme because Paul & Art had decided to use the time to address some real problems in America, notably poverty and racism, and Bell saw that as "you guys are going into politics - we're not gonna take it on OUR hour!". Finally the TV network, ABC I think, bought them out and forced it onto the air as a standalone production. Paul, especially was passionately angry about this experience, and I think it was a moment when he realized what the "Nixon right" really looked like.
I have always said this is the most beautiful song ever recorded.
Thanks again for sharing your life with us. It's great therapy for all involved. Some of my greatest lessons have been learned from the hardest trials. And the more we go thru, the more we can relate to and help others. My wife is a great example. Few have had a more difficult life, but because she's kept her eyes on God, she's lived in forgiveness for herself and others, and is able to help people in ways I never could.
Gospel flavored elegance written by Paul Simon and wisely assigned to Garfunkel's almost angelic handling. Remarkable songwriting craftsmanship and execution. This is way way way up there.
Okay Lee, great reaction! Your openness and honesty are also authentic and refreshing! Overcoming demons is not easy and many are lost forever. Grace and power to you for having the character to fight the battle. I pray for your continued success and personal growth. As for the song, I was only 12 when it came out, but my big brother Richie (God rest his soul) was 16 and rocking and he bought this incredible album as soon as it hit. BOTW went on to become the top selling album of 1970 and its title track became Billboards #1 hit that year. Even so, for me personally it's only maybe my third or fourth favorite song off that album; The Only Living Boy in New York, The Boxer and So Long, Frank Loyd Wright are all as good (imho). And beyond that there are other great albums of theirs too, like Bookends and Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme. A very deep and worthy rabbit hole. And thanks for sharing yourself with us.
I appreciate the kind words robert, thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I bet it was amazing hearing this back in the day! Just like it is today, but back then it was even more special.
Considered one of the greatest popular tunes of all time by one of the greatest harmony duos along with The Everly Bros. ! Art wanted to get into acting while Paul remained true to his craft and transformed his music to another level adapting to a style that fit the era as each era changed many years later. So many unforgettable tunes by the duo and by Paul with such songs as Cecilia, old Friends, Feelin’ Groovy(59th street Bridge song),I Am A Rock, The Sound of Silence, The Bixer, and Mrs. Robinson, just to name a few monumental songs!Not just a lot of musicians, these were the best of the best studio musician with part of the L.A. Wrecking Crew and Randy Becker a whole would become a world class jazz/
fusion trumpet artist!Lee look them up and it will shock you how many studio albums they have played on under some of the biggest names and albums in the music world!
Art Garfunkel is the main singer on this one, but Paul Simon wrote it----Paul wrote all their songs and he also plays guitar and piano. They grew up together and had a kind of love/hate relationship. Simon and Garfunkel were incredibly successful, w/ many major hit songs and then Paul continued on with a very big solo career. Try Scarborough Fair or Homeward Bound for an early hit, then try 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover for a solo hit....or Still crazy After All These Years or Graceland or You Can Call Me Al....I could keep going...He's amazing.
Art Garfunkel’s beautiful, angelic voice is the lead on this masterpiece.
Beautiful song always and the meaning. Awesome. Great work ypu did here. Thank you.
Congrats on your 4 years sobriety. The lead on this is Artie. He doesn't get as many leads as Paul, but he knocks this one out of the park. Next for S&G I'd suggest The Boxer which was also a huge hit. Really there are no dull songs on this album.
Went straight to #1, for some crazy reason. My favorite from them, of which there are many, is Kathy's Song Live. Clearly they are masters, and we are but peasants.
You just listen to one of the most beautiful songs ever written!
Folk/rock meets gospel…it’s sublime.
Chills every time. Amazingly there was a time when this classic didn't exist.
Love your nuanced reactions!!
This song inspired me to learn how to play the piano. This tune and the entire LP left an endelible heartfelt impression on me because it coincided with a major turning point in my life. I first heard this album in April 1970, which was three months after its release. That was same time my family moved (my first move ever) into a gigantic Victorian house that felt like a mansion to me. I was 12 years old at the time and I spent a significant amount of time listening to this record (and the White Album) under my headphones, which solidified my newly found existence. This album is superbly mixed and every song literally brings a smile to my face. I fully recommend digging deeper into the other songs on this album, regardless if you decide to post any of them. A favorite of mine is, Song For The Asking.
In case it hasn't been mentioned in an earlier post, Paul Simon begins singing at the third verse. In fact, Simon only had the fist and second verse completed and wrote the third one in the studio the day they recorded the song. The 'silver girl' mentioned in that verse was a reference to Simon's wife as they were in the early stages of their divorce.
Congrats on being clean for four years. Keep strong and steer the course. You have a world of good reasons to stay clean, beginning with your precious children. You MUST (and you obviously can) do it for them. Don't regret your past mistakes. All of your experiences-good and bad-are designed to strengthen your character and help you learn. We are all cheering for your success.
Thanks for another very enjoyable reaction. Keep 'em coming.
One of the greatest vocal performances ever put to tape. The whole arrangement of this piece is sublime. Damn near perfection.
Joe Osborn was one of the greatest bass players ever. The simplicity of his work on this song is genius and if you haven't already, listen to 'Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" by the 5th Dimension. His bass work is epic.
This sone epitomizes the hopes, adoration devotion of every father for a child and for some strange reason even stronger for a grandchild, as I feel for mine. Nobody could keep me from being there for them. Nothing. Hal Blane, and Ringo Starr should be the model for every drummer as a base for their work.
One of the biggest songs of its era!! It was gargantuan n everywhere!!
A great song for those in any form of recovery ❤️🩹!