Is it irony that Colbert is SUCH a good listener he doesn't even mention as an aside that he, too, is deaf in one ear.... but just allows the guest to express how it feels. Gives incredibly articulate expression of his faith..... in response to Simon's query. This interview was a masterful duet.
I had a long-term email correspondent with a doctorate in composition who had to submit to an operation at a fairly young age to make him deaf in one ear. He wasn't happy about it, of course, but he managed to adjust. (In retrospect I feel I wasn't nearly sympathetic enough.) I don't know what my point is here (but I appreciate yours).
Absolute best interview I’ve seen in years Two gentlemen talking about life, God, inspiration music and shared experience with humor and humility. 🩷 Feels like life is happening again… post plague…✨
To see the legendary Paul Simon speaking so candidly about his life and his songs was riveting. How this man and his music emotionally touched a whole generation is a part of that mystical life he was speaking of.
He touched more than one generation. I had a collection of Simon and Garfunkel in his early days, and then onto Paul Simon afterwards. My daughter played Paul's music endlessly. The world was blessed to have him.
It's interviews like this that make me grateful that Stephen Colbert is given this platform every night. No one else on TV right now makes space for conversations about art and artistry in such a thoughtful and nuanced way.
It's about time that we give Colbert credit for being not only a brilliant television presence and personality but also as one of the greatest interviewers and host of our time. He will be remembered as the Johnny Carson of the post-millennia era of talk television. Bless you Stephen. I've watched you the majority of my life and I sincerely hope I can never say otherwise. You're a gem and a genius.
Stephen is such an attentive and thoughtful interviewer... and Paul Simon is one of the great writers of songs in the last 100 years. What an amazing catalog of music. Great conversation.
Not downplaying Simon, but you're missing those who created the Great American Songbook from the '20s to the '50s, songs with both musical and poetic structure that have lasted for most of a century. Mostly first generation sons (and a few daughters) of Russian-Jewish immigrants who were born and raised in Manhattan (Irving Berlin, Yip Harburg, Lorenz Hart, Oscar Hammerstein), along with sons of the south and the midwest (Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer, Cole Porter).
@@jimbrown1559 This was OBVIOUSLY not a comprehensive list of the great songwriters... I said he'd be in the list. Who would join him? Lennon, McCartney, Dylan, Irving Berlin, Stephen Sondheim, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Oscar Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Stevie Wonder, and more... including others from your list. But I'd also say that Simon's output is up there with most of them... (Personally, I'd also throw in Pete Townsend, Robert Pollard, Joni Mitchell, Ray Davies, and Andy Partridge... but there's plenty of room for debate.) Cheers!
@@filmneye not if you pay for UA-cam Premium. I got so tired of all the ads, the extra cost was worth it for me. However, some channels are starting to embed ads within their programs now. I have written to UA-cam multiple times complaining about this practice violating the Premium service contract.
@@filmneye I'm super broke. Unemployed so tightening the belt on all the bills I can, gave up most my streaming etc. But I still scrape up the $13 to get UA-cam premium. I'd seriously have to give up UA-cam altogether if I had to put up with ads again.
I think one of the things I dearly love about Stephen Colbert is his authenticity. I saw and felt his near tears moment when talking about his mother and the words to Slip Sliding Away.
Charlie Rose's late night 'interview' show used to devote an entire hour to some iconic figures in their field, incl. Music, until he got banned from TV for sexual harassment accusations during the 'Me2' movement.
there's a guy here on yt who's doing something of similar magnitude w/ legendary musicians... i believe he's a musician of sorts but anyways, he has that ability to connect of a different level and the artists start talking 'in a different way' fairly quick in the interviews... Beto or Beato is maybe his name. i watched the interviews w/ all the members of the Police a few weeks ago as i've been playing their albums w/ my early coffee each morning for a while and as i was saying, it felt like a few minutes in they switched from 'performing an interview' to just having a conversation.
The day that Paul is no longer with us... will be the day that the boy that was me (who still lives somewhere inside of me) who listened to all of Paul's music, who sang along with every song, and who was moved to tears, and who was moved to think and feel so deeply because of that music, he and I will reunite, sit across from each other, and share tears for the first time in a long time, appreciating and remembering all those good things that eventually go away and the times when there was absolutely nothing to lose, and for the gratefulness of all of it. Because that's what life is in the end really... just times of having and times of losing. And all of it just slip sliding away. Paul, your music has meant so much to me... thank you. Wishing you many healthy and happy years ahead.
The only issue I have with what you said is that Paul Simon will always be with us. He's one of those artists who define our lives and our memories, they wrote the soundtrack of our existence. Yeah, Paul's not going anywhere...
“Hello darkness my old friend…” on the car radio. Had to pull over to listen. Crying. From that moment on, every a song on every record was my anthem. I was 16 and have never forgotten that moment. I’m 74.
"Darling Loraine" is one of Simon's best songs that makes me cry every time. Even now, him reciting the verse, has me ridiculously emotional. True art.
I found myself crying at the end of the story. That’s rare for me but he recited it so beautifully. I listened to the song for the first time after and realized it was verbatim. Amazing.
Same here. I evangelize that song and that whole album, but it really does feel criminally unheard. It blows my mind that a whole life, in a way, can be compartmentalized into one song like that.
He seems to have an endless supply of creativity. Even his more recent albums are top tier material. Definitely one of the most consistently excellent songwriters to come out of American music.
I was in St. Lucia, many years ago, where Paul Simon has a home. Stepped into the travel agency for a plane ticket and there he was at the counter. I didn't want to be a gushing fanboy - it might have embarrassed him - so I left him alone. But it was a cool moment.
Mr Stephen Colbert... This is not just. your best interview. in my. mind., ever, I think it's one of the best interviews I've ever. had the pleasure to experience. This is something I will share with my children. Kudos to you. my friend, you are not just a true professional and a great comedian, You show to be a true and beautiful human being. You showed ultimate respect. to Paul Simon. thank you.
The talent to ask penetrating questions is necessary to the art of interviewing; the ability to listen is a rare skill. It’s one of the many reasons Stephen Colbert is a star.💫
Stephen, this interview shows why you will stand out over time as one of if not the best ever. It clearly shows when you like your guest, and it makes the interview so enjoyable to watch. And when it is a guest you admire (and in this case, revere), you manage to convey that sentiment without turning it into a boot-licking experience. Your best interviews turn into conversations that I feel priviledged to listen in. Thank you.
WOW I celebrate my 70th year next month and Paul Simon has been my favorite musical artist for most of it. A legend beyond compare, thank you Stephen and Paul for sharing
As an Athiest, I Love Stephen and Paul's explanation of their faith positions. What a Joy to see these two people of the earth sharing their hearts and filling us with Joy. Thank You. P.S. I think I smell an Emmy.
"There's an alley in the back of my building..where the people congregate in shame. I was walking with my dog, and the night was thick with fog - and I thought I heard somebody call my name." Thanks, Paul.
Paul Simon does not just explain imagination and creativity in his art.... he lives it. Thank you, Paul - and Stephen for your role in letting this magic happen on stage. Brilliant!
“Happiness is not the goal. Sublime is the goal.” Stephen Colbert, this quote alone brought me such profound feelings and thoughts to consider. Thank you.
@@terri6854Not true. “ARCHAIC: elevate to a high degree of moral or spiritual purity or excellence. "let your thoughts be sublimed by the spirit of God".
As a musician Im sad many people dont really undestand what hell of a musical genius he is. All instruments and lyrical. he is not compareable with anyone.
What a legend Paul Simon is. I grew up with his songs, the first English lyrics I remembered by heart (I am German). My teenage years saw me listening to him & Art Garfunkel as well as to his solo albums. Then the Central park concert - don´t know how often I watched it. In my early thirties -listening to Graceland for hours on end. And so on ... Nowadays, when I just want to listen to one or two of his songs I usually end up listening for hours. His music is part of the soundtrack of my life. Just like for millions of people.
My eyes teared up when I saw Paul Simon introduced. I have followed his music, from”Simon And Garfunkel”, Graceland and everything since! Saw him, with others, many times and always great, great, great on stage. He is extremely in with the times and curious about everything and I regard his intelligence and talent as genius. Thank you Stephen!😂🎉😊
Love this conversation. I had a professor when I was working on my MFA in Studio Art who repeatedly told us to “be uncomfortable.” Working from a place that is unfamiliar & causes discomfort is where discovery is made. That’s why I so dislike this book banning & teaching history business by parents who don’t want their kids to learn anything in school that causes discomfort. No real character or intellectual growth will come from only being comfortable or complacent.
I see your point but however I disagree Challenges can be met without discomfort and from being uncomfortable Neither of the two are good. I'm 61 and succeeded without those I think it depends on the individual person
I have never been so drawn into an interview like this and i feel like i have gleaned something great from the conversation that i will learn and hold close to me.
I remember listening to "Sound of Silence" over and over again growing up in the 70's. A teenager full of angst over the assassinations, war, civil rights, shooting of college students of the 60's. It's not just the "edge" you're wanting to hear Paul but the "edge" of the feel. It's what I want and you have delivered that for me. 🙂
ua-cam.com/video/L-JQ1q-13Ek/v-deo.html And the people bowed and prayed to the neon "orange" god they made and the sign flashed out it's warning and the words that it was forming "I just want to be dictator for one day."
The single most beautiful moment in a talk show interview ever. He is just a beautiful human! Wow! I love and appreciate him so much more after watching this!
That line "A good day ain't got no rain, A bad day is when i lie in bed and think of things that might have been" has choked me up for years every time i go to sing it. "Everything Put Together Falls Apart" and "How the Heart Approaches What it Yearns" are two of my personal fave Paul Simon ballads--his brevity contains mountains of emotional data and experience. My signed copy of his lyrics book is one of my most prized possessions; he's both a musician and an American poet.
Oh, Stephen! You must go home at night and weep for sheer amazement at the Life you lead. You sat with Paul Simon as he spoke those lyrics. What a blessed gift that was... to be YOU...whew! Hi Evie!
I watch a lot of American political news (don't ask me why😅) and to balance that, I find it really heart warming and wholesome to watch interviews, in which two well-mannered, mutually respectful adults converse and talk about interesting things. It is absolutely lovely.😍
My love for Paul Simon knows no bounds - he has provided the background music of my life, and I am very grateful and appreciative- thank you so much for this interview ❤
Me, too, Beth. I'm almost 76. From the Vietnam War protests ("Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme/Silent Night") through bad times ("The Boxer") and good ("Mardi Gras"), through depression ("Still Crazy") to exaltation in spite of it all ("Diamonds on the Soles of Their Shoes") Paul Simon has distilled into words what my heart was trying to say. If any one songwriter represents our generation, it's Paul Simon.
Paul Simon is 82 years old. I look around today's music industry and I really don't see any modern equivalent. The iconic musicians of the 60s and early 70s are all getting older. We really should cherish these artists. They are irreplaceable.
From Australia. Simon and Garfunkel kept us awake at night. In college a mate and I played songs from the movie The Graduate. One of the best partnerships of my 1960s youth. Thank you Paul Simon, you gave us hope and life.
I’ve been listening to 7 psalms for several weeks now and I believe it might be his most beautiful work ever and I love his back catalogue but this new album is divine
Paul Simon without DOUBT is a LEGEND! been making music since before I was born, I grew up listening, still have him and Garfunkel on my playlist. Celia…Kodachrome…Call Me All….god, so many over Soooo many generations!
This conversation is spectacularly wonderful! Both men are sharing to the n'th degree. Public media (personal interchange) doesn't get any better than this!
I've been in love with Paul Simon my entire life, no joke, cried when the radio station announced he'd married Edie Brickell, momentarily forgot that 1. I was married 2, I had never so much as been in the same city as Paul.. but still. To this day, Paul Simon is just pure love.
I love “Darling Lorraine”- never thought I’d hear it referenced so many years later. The lyrics of that song and throughout the album were captivating . So happy to have a chance to hear Paul Simon. Thanks, Stephen, for your thoughtful questions.
There’s an incredibly short list of guests who could recite the lyrics to an entire song without being interrupted. I’m glad this man has shared so many of his thoughts with us.
And he's a year older than Biden. He proves, along with Jagger, McCartney, etc., that older age does not preclude having creativity and strong cognition.
@@lisabluecurls He really does. He’s just obviously sharper than most of us, regardless of his age. Lol. Perhaps the mental decline is directly related to the orange-ish skin tone?
Paul Simon is the GOAT of music and it's not even a contest. This interview with Paul Simon was incredible! It always surprises me how Paul Simon is able to come up with something completely new that is still distinctly "Paul Simon" in its sound.
@@ptkwilliams No, that would be Beethoven you're thinking of... With all due respect, maybe commenting on classical music isn't for you if you can't tell those two apart. haha.
Yeah it's just slightly a contest, there dude....But Paul is one of our nation's best songwriters, of course. Silly of you to claim he's the GOAT in anything, however!
You cannot grieve without having loved. So, therefore in grief one can also feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for having seized the chance for love. I reached this epiphany when my best friend passed away in 2008.
Very insightful discussion into Paul Simon whom I have followed my entire life I am 65 - Saw him in concert twice in NY - always knew he was an incredible talent and gift to this world but my he (like me and many of us) has really matured spiritually, personally, professionally etc. from the Simon of say the 60s 70's and my respect for him as a person has shot through the roof! He has to use a cliche of sorts, become a wise old man. Thank you Paul and American gem!
What a wonderful world to have two such men as Paul Simon and Stephen Colbert in it. I teared up about 20 times in this one interview, full on crying at what Stephen said at the end.
Tears of jot and many laughs as a songwriter myself for 50 years and recorded with Paul's Bassist from Graceland! What great Inspiration and Thank you Stephen! WOW!
Colbert should have asked about him about the time he met Joe DiMaggio at a restaurant in New York. DiMaggio said to Simon, "What do you mean 'where have I gone?' I've been here the whole time."
Simon said after he explained it he loved it. And said something why didn’t you say that…Simon said Joe wasn’t to deep. Mantle asked him why Joe? Since he was Simon’s favorite player. Simon said to Mantle not enough syllables 😳😂
Wow, this just became the paradigm for interviews: honest, interesting, philosophical, poetic, experiential, and very human. Congratulations to both
Indeed. If only all of late night, nay, if only all of us could be this patient and thought provoking...didn't want it to end.
Stephen has always been this good.
Beautifully spoken!
If Colbert would just stop interrupting Smon.
Yes!
👍👍
"Graceland" is surely one of the GREATEST albums ever made.
indeed
THAT IS ONE OF THE BEST MOMENTS COLBERT HAS EVER RECORDED. Paul Simon should be remembered by every generation.
If any artist in our time will be remembered for 1000 years, it's gotta be Paul Simon, right?
Agreed!!! What a treat this was!!!
TOTALLY AGREE‼️
So true!
Two of my favs
Scarborough fair, Bridge Over Troubled Water 💧
@@ptkwilliams- I’m thinking Paul McCartney might beg to differ…
Is it irony that Colbert is SUCH a good listener he doesn't even mention as an aside that he, too, is deaf in one ear.... but just allows the guest to express how it feels.
Gives incredibly articulate expression of his faith..... in response to Simon's query.
This interview was a masterful duet.
❤
I had a long-term email correspondent with a doctorate in composition who had to submit to an operation at a fairly young age to make him deaf in one ear. He wasn't happy about it, of course, but he managed to adjust. (In retrospect I feel I wasn't nearly sympathetic enough.) I don't know what my point is here (but I appreciate yours).
Absolute best interview I’ve seen in years Two gentlemen talking about life, God, inspiration music and shared experience with humor and humility. 🩷 Feels like life is happening again… post plague…✨
Å host
buYTPhzzFCc
Agree totally. Unlike Ms Winfrey who interviews herself as much as her guests.
To see the legendary Paul Simon speaking so candidly about his life and his songs was riveting. How this man and his music emotionally touched a whole generation is a part of that mystical life he was speaking of.
He touched more than one generation. I had a collection of Simon and Garfunkel in his early days, and then onto Paul Simon afterwards. My daughter played Paul's music endlessly. The world was blessed to have him.
I would even say multi-generations or at least the boomers and Gen X. 😊
@@billmcg1676 I’m an (older) millennial, but have loved Paul since I can remember. Not just songs. Poetry.
SHUT UP AND LISTEN !!!
Yes. And it's generations, not a generation or two.
Paul Simon is an absolute legend.
How often do we get to hear conversations like this on TV? This is something for the ages.
It used to happen regularly up till the 1980s
It's interviews like this that make me grateful that Stephen Colbert is given this platform every night. No one else on TV right now makes space for conversations about art and artistry in such a thoughtful and nuanced way.
I was thinking the same thing! well done Colbert! Thank you
I think Seth Meyers is pretty respectful and informed, too. But please keep Jimmy Fallon away from people like Paul Simon.
Beats Dork Letterman.
Well said. Agreed. With the country looking more and more sinister he is vital to mental survival.
It was cool that Stephen knew what the inner part of the ear is called.
It's about time that we give Colbert credit for being not only a brilliant television presence and personality but also as one of the greatest interviewers and host of our time. He will be remembered as the Johnny Carson of the post-millennia era of talk television. Bless you Stephen. I've watched you the majority of my life and I sincerely hope I can never say otherwise. You're a gem and a genius.
100% true !!!!!!
Charlie Rose was another one who had great interviewing skills. He would go in-depth.
Absolutely!❤
Great show!!!
I do agree 🇨🇦👏👏
Stephen is such an attentive and thoughtful interviewer... and Paul Simon is one of the great writers of songs in the last 100 years.
What an amazing catalog of music. Great conversation.
Does Paul Simon have a Nobel Prize in Literature like Bob Dylan? He should. ☆☆☆☆☆
@@ramrod0209 Simon AND Dylan are both musical and lyrical treasures, for sure.
I still have that record, Gee. A 78 and an orginal 45. It's a masterpiece of doo wop.
Not downplaying Simon, but you're missing those who created the Great American Songbook from the '20s to the '50s, songs with both musical and poetic structure that have lasted for most of a century. Mostly first generation sons (and a few daughters) of Russian-Jewish immigrants who were born and raised in Manhattan (Irving Berlin, Yip Harburg, Lorenz Hart, Oscar Hammerstein), along with sons of the south and the midwest (Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer, Cole Porter).
@@jimbrown1559 This was OBVIOUSLY not a comprehensive list of the great songwriters... I said he'd be in the list. Who would join him? Lennon, McCartney, Dylan, Irving Berlin, Stephen Sondheim, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Oscar Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Stevie Wonder, and more... including others from your list. But I'd also say that Simon's output is up there with most of them... (Personally, I'd also throw in Pete Townsend, Robert Pollard, Joni Mitchell, Ray Davies, and Andy Partridge... but there's plenty of room for debate.) Cheers!
My God, is Colbert a good interviewer!! And Paul Simon is such a living legend, I could have watched another hour of that, at least!!!
You have to be a living legend to have your interview be posted here without being broken up into segments.
Exactly what I was thinking when I saw and clicked on this.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Actually, it is broken up by some ads, which is super-annoying!
@@filmneye not if you pay for UA-cam Premium. I got so tired of all the ads, the extra cost was worth it for me. However, some channels are starting to embed ads within their programs now. I have written to UA-cam multiple times complaining about this practice violating the Premium service contract.
@@filmneye I'm super broke. Unemployed so tightening the belt on all the bills I can, gave up most my streaming etc. But I still scrape up the $13 to get UA-cam premium. I'd seriously have to give up UA-cam altogether if I had to put up with ads again.
I think one of the things I dearly love about Stephen Colbert is his authenticity. I saw and felt his near tears moment when talking about his mother and the words to Slip Sliding Away.
These late night shows need to interview more of these iconic musicians before they are all gone.
Charlie Rose's late night 'interview' show used to devote an entire hour to some iconic figures in their field, incl. Music, until he got banned from TV for sexual harassment accusations during the 'Me2' movement.
Yes! I agree.
Rick Beato
there's a guy here on yt who's doing something of similar magnitude w/ legendary musicians... i believe he's a musician of sorts but anyways, he has that ability to connect of a different level and the artists start talking 'in a different way' fairly quick in the interviews... Beto or Beato is maybe his name.
i watched the interviews w/ all the members of the Police a few weeks ago as i've been playing their albums w/ my early coffee each morning for a while and as i was saying, it felt like a few minutes in they switched from 'performing an interview' to just having a conversation.
🎯
The day that Paul is no longer with us... will be the day that the boy that was me (who still lives somewhere inside of me) who listened to all of Paul's music, who sang along with every song, and who was moved to tears, and who was moved to think and feel so deeply because of that music, he and I will reunite, sit across from each other, and share tears for the first time in a long time, appreciating and remembering all those good things that eventually go away and the times when there was absolutely nothing to lose, and for the gratefulness of all of it. Because that's what life is in the end really... just times of having and times of losing. And all of it just slip sliding away.
Paul, your music has meant so much to me... thank you.
Wishing you many healthy and happy years ahead.
The only issue I have with what you said is that Paul Simon will always be with us. He's one of those artists who define our lives and our memories, they wrote the soundtrack of our existence. Yeah, Paul's not going anywhere...
Time drifts so fast - The 60's were a bombardment of life . Simon and Garfunkel were a huge part of such turbulent and loving times .
“Hello darkness my old friend…” on the car radio. Had to pull over to listen. Crying. From that moment on, every a song on every record was my anthem. I was 16 and have never forgotten that moment. I’m 74.
"... the words of the prophets are written on the subway walls, and
tenement halls."
@@charlie-obrien “and the people bowed and prayed to the neon gods they made…”
And the sign flashed out it's warning 😮🤯
! ! ! Tears to you Good Sir/Ma'am . . I'm seven years behind you, but just as moved! Thanks for posting. Was this a great interview or what?!
Sounds of silence is still one of my favorites and I’m 68.Second favorite for me is Bridge over troubled waters.
Every other talk show host needs to watch this.
Invite your guest, shut up, and let the genius shine.
Hear! Hear!
Absolutely!
Trump let Xi do what ever he wanted.
I mean… I get you, but you kind of need two people for an interesting conversation.
True, though Colbert does often lead with a long-ass question.
Colbert listened, respectfully, in awe. Paul Simon, 82, talent, humor, experience, and creativity intact!
Paul Simon is a very profound artist, hats off to you Sir.
So is Stephen when he explained how he returned to Faith.
"Losing love is like a window in your heart, everyone can see you're blown apart, everyone can hear the wind blow" I love that line.
Love that line; everyone can hear the wind blow".
If stranded and only had one album to listen to for the rest of time, “Graceland” would be it, for sure… thanks Paul and Stephen
"Darling Loraine" is one of Simon's best songs that makes me cry every time. Even now, him reciting the verse, has me ridiculously emotional. True art.
I found myself crying at the end of the story. That’s rare for me but he recited it so beautifully. I listened to the song for the first time after and realized it was verbatim. Amazing.
Same here. I evangelize that song and that whole album, but it really does feel criminally unheard. It blows my mind that a whole life, in a way, can be compartmentalized into one song like that.
Yes. Tears just fall.
I' like many of his songs, but hadn't heard that one. Made me cry hearing him recite the lyrics. Good chance it will now become a favourite.
I think Stephen had a hard time holding em back himself.
I nominate this episode for an Emmy.
May this comment be seen by the powers that be!
@@1432b I still haven't dared watching it
Ditto!
This has to be the most in-depth interview of Paul Simon and his approach to songwriting, spiced with anecdotes. Thanks, Mr. Colbert. Love it.
Where can I get a transcript of this?
@@mcat9974 - If you click on See More of the caption under the video title, you'll find Show Transcript. It's there.
Paul Simon wrote the soundtrack to the last 60 years, he is a legend of the highest order. ❤️
Paul is grammy nominated in 7 different decades 🤯
❤
Thanks for pointing that out. That’s amazing. 😊
Incredible
He seems to have an endless supply of creativity. Even his more recent albums are top tier material. Definitely one of the most consistently excellent songwriters to come out of American music.
This guy has been a fine example of perfection with human flaws. Love him.
What just happened? When Paul finished that lyric about Lorraine I found myself in tears.
Me too!
Same.
Did you notice that his eyes had welled up too, during the ending? That song must mean so much to him.
I felt exactly the same
I did too.
I did a whole lot of crying through this piece thank you UA-cam and Stephen Colbert for the extended version of the interview.
Darling Lorraine is one of Paul's best ever. It's a masterpiece of short story writing in a song. So beautiful, so sad. A perfect work of art.
Paul Simon is a truly beautiful mind - a once in a generation talent. We have been blessed by him living and contributing for so long.
I was in St. Lucia, many years ago, where Paul Simon has a home. Stepped into the travel agency for a plane ticket and there he was at the counter. I didn't want to be a gushing fanboy - it might have embarrassed him - so I left him alone. But it was a cool moment.
I’ll never forget the Concert in Central Park in the early 1980s when he reunited with Art Garfunkel. Best concert EVER!
Agreed! I saw them play in Vancouver after that and it really was. No other concert I’ve ever been to put a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.
I watched that concert every time it came on PBS.
Mr Stephen Colbert... This is not just. your best interview. in my. mind., ever, I think it's one of the best interviews I've ever. had the pleasure to experience. This is something I will share with my children. Kudos to you. my friend, you are not just a true professional and a great comedian, You show to be a true and beautiful human being. You showed ultimate respect. to Paul Simon. thank you.
The talent to ask penetrating questions is necessary to the art of interviewing; the ability to listen is a rare skill. It’s one of the many reasons Stephen Colbert is a star.💫
To whoever uploads these videos: this is way better than 3 separate parts of an interview arrangd in random order on the channel. Big thumbs up.
Suspiciously, they did the same thing for the Oprah interview on Jimmy Fallon tonight show, tonight.
But we need that sweet Ad Revenue. If you ever get as big as Paul Simon we'll cut it in 1 part
@@ripn929707 Wrong Jimmy! She was on Kimmel's show.
The interviews are always in order in the play list
Did he ever play slip slidin away for Colbert I wonder?
Stephen, this interview shows why you will stand out over time as one of if not the best ever. It clearly shows when you like your guest, and it makes the interview so enjoyable to watch. And when it is a guest you admire (and in this case, revere), you manage to convey that sentiment without turning it into a boot-licking experience. Your best interviews turn into conversations that I feel priviledged to listen in. Thank you.
WOW I celebrate my 70th year next month and Paul Simon has been my favorite musical artist for most of it. A legend beyond compare, thank you Stephen and Paul for sharing
As an Athiest, I Love Stephen and Paul's explanation of their faith positions. What a Joy to see these two people of the earth sharing their hearts and filling us with Joy. Thank You.
P.S. I think I smell an Emmy.
What an amazing, poignant, heart-breaking recitation of Darling Lorraine!
Preserve your memories ...
Bravo Stephen. You were in the presence of a giant & you handled it very well. Thank You
"There's an alley in the back of my building..where the people congregate in shame. I was walking with my dog, and the night was thick with fog - and I thought I heard somebody call my name."
Thanks, Paul.
Stephen Colbert is such a good interviewer. He is always to knowledgeable and interested in what they are saying. He brings out the best
This the BEST Stephen Colbert segment I've seen yet. Could have gone on forever for me. My mom died recently, she would've loved this 😢.
@1432b - My mom loved Paul Simon, too. I’m very sorry for your loss. May happy memories sustain you, my friend. ❤
I'm sorry for your loss
Paul Simon does not just explain imagination and creativity in his art.... he lives it. Thank you, Paul - and Stephen for your role in letting this magic happen on stage. Brilliant!
I've been a lifelong fan! I always thought "Darling Lorraine" was/is a brilliant song! This interview is pure gold..Thanks Stephen Colbert!
Damn he’s such a sharp man. Glad he’s still around doing great work
“Happiness is not the goal. Sublime is the goal.” Stephen Colbert, this quote alone brought me such profound feelings and thoughts to consider. Thank you.
Sublime is a subset of happiness.
@@terri6854Not true. “ARCHAIC:
elevate to a high degree of moral or spiritual purity or excellence.
"let your thoughts be sublimed by the spirit of God".
I like Paul Simon way more than Sublime, though, I gotta say...😁
@@stevetournay6103 Hands down.
@@terri6854Sublime can happen in sadness, in travedy, in death. Sublime by its very essence is beyond "happiness."
As a musician Im sad many people dont really undestand what hell of a musical genius he is. All instruments and lyrical. he is not compareable with anyone.
I think the vast majority of people understand it. He's not exactly underrated.
What a legend Paul Simon is.
I grew up with his songs, the first English lyrics I remembered by heart (I am German). My teenage years saw me listening to him & Art Garfunkel as well as to his solo albums. Then the Central park concert - don´t know how often I watched it. In my early thirties -listening to Graceland for hours on end. And so on ...
Nowadays, when I just want to listen to one or two of his songs I usually end up listening for hours. His music is part of the soundtrack of my life. Just like for millions of people.
Mr. Paul Simon is a great musician ! thank you Stephen Colbert for the amazing interview.
This was super interesting. What a great sense of humor Paul has. Thank you for sharing this with us!
My eyes teared up when I saw Paul Simon introduced. I have followed his music, from”Simon And Garfunkel”, Graceland and everything since! Saw him, with others, many times and always great, great, great on stage. He is extremely in with the times and curious about everything and I regard his intelligence and talent as genius. Thank you Stephen!😂🎉😊
Paul Simon, the most important songwriter of the last 65 years. Much respect.
Well, I didn't expect Mr. Simon to make me cry. Thank you, Mr. Simon, for everything, including and especially the tears.
Love this conversation. I had a professor when I was working on my MFA in Studio Art who repeatedly told us to “be uncomfortable.” Working from a place that is unfamiliar & causes discomfort is where discovery is made. That’s why I so dislike this book banning & teaching history business by parents who don’t want their kids to learn anything in school that causes discomfort. No real character or intellectual growth will come from only being comfortable or complacent.
💥👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Right on, Wendolyn! ❤️
💯
I see your point but however I disagree Challenges can be met without discomfort and from being uncomfortable Neither of the two are good. I'm 61 and succeeded without those I think it depends on the individual person
Paul Simon is truly a living legend.
I have never been so drawn into an interview like this and i feel like i have gleaned something great from the conversation that i will learn and hold close to me.
I remember listening to "Sound of Silence" over and over again growing up in the 70's. A teenager full of angst over the assassinations, war, civil rights, shooting of college students of the 60's. It's not just the "edge" you're wanting to hear Paul but the "edge" of the feel. It's what I want and you have delivered that for me. 🙂
ua-cam.com/video/L-JQ1q-13Ek/v-deo.html And the people bowed and prayed to the neon "orange" god they made and the sign flashed out it's warning and the words that it was forming "I just want to be dictator for one day."
And remember, too, his "The Boxer" on the first SNL after September 11. A powerful panacea for a hurting city and a hurting country. Unforgettable.
Graduation time in 1968...what a strange Era to look back on..I think of it often as a marker...things were bad but we made it through
@@tomhaggard3352 Since this interview I keep hearing the lyrics "And the people bowed and prayed to the neon god they made." What's old is new again.
@@TamaraBeinlich GREAT comment!!!!Gave me goosebumps...
The single most beautiful moment in a talk show interview ever. He is just a beautiful human! Wow! I love and appreciate him so much more after watching this!
That line "A good day ain't got no rain, A bad day is when i lie in bed and think of things that might have been" has choked me up for years every time i go to sing it.
"Everything Put Together Falls Apart" and "How the Heart Approaches What it Yearns" are two of my personal fave Paul Simon ballads--his brevity contains mountains of emotional data and experience. My signed copy of his lyrics book is one of my most prized possessions; he's both a musician and an American poet.
"Four in the morning, crapped out, yawning,
Longing my life away.
I never worry, why should I?
It's all gonna fade."
@@whatgoesaroundcomesaround920 Karen Carpenter covered that one...
Oh, Stephen! You must go home at night and weep for sheer amazement at the Life you lead. You sat with Paul Simon as he spoke those lyrics. What a blessed gift that was... to be YOU...whew! Hi Evie!
I remember back then, I'm 78. Paul Simon is AWESOME!
I watch a lot of American political news (don't ask me why😅) and to balance that, I find it really heart warming and wholesome to watch interviews, in which two well-mannered, mutually respectful adults converse and talk about interesting things. It is absolutely lovely.😍
OMG, Stephen speaking about the sublime of grief at the end is everything 💔❤️
So deep and unexpected. He dropped a little gem for us right there
I agree, his description of what led him to his faith was profound, moving, and connected him and Simon, and dare I say the rest of us
His songs are masterpieces, and he is a masterpiece.
My love for Paul Simon knows no bounds - he has provided the background music of my life, and I am very grateful and appreciative- thank you so much for this interview ❤
Me, too, Beth. I'm almost 76. From the Vietnam War protests ("Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme/Silent Night") through bad times ("The Boxer") and good ("Mardi Gras"), through depression ("Still Crazy") to exaltation in spite of it all ("Diamonds on the Soles of Their Shoes") Paul Simon has distilled into words what my heart was trying to say. If any one songwriter represents our generation, it's Paul Simon.
A classic interview, one of the best introspective interviews of an artist. A gift to treasure.
Paul Simon is 82 years old. I look around today's music industry and I really don't see any modern equivalent. The iconic musicians of the 60s and early 70s are all getting older. We really should cherish these artists. They are irreplaceable.
I never thought listening to someone speak lyrics to a song could make me cry.
What a legend ❤
My faith is an act of gratitude. Right on! As we used to say.
82 AND NOONE WOULD EVER SAY, "TOO OLD"...
Good point
Old people rock! I know several people in their 80's who are actively running their profitable businesses.
🥰🥰🥰🥰
Yep!
I'll say it: Too old to be president.
But he could start a folk duo with Joe.
One of the few genuine geniuses of pop music.
Wow Stephen that was one of the most concise descriptions of discovery self or otherwise, I think I’ve ever heard .. very , very well said sir ❤🙏
From Australia. Simon and Garfunkel kept us awake at night. In college a mate and I played songs from the movie The Graduate. One of the best partnerships of my 1960s youth. Thank you Paul Simon, you gave us hope and life.
I’ve been listening to 7 psalms for several weeks now and I believe it might be his most beautiful work ever and I love his back catalogue but this new album is divine
divine.. i see what you did there. ;)
Paul Simon without DOUBT is a LEGEND! been making music since before I was born, I grew up listening, still have him and Garfunkel on my playlist. Celia…Kodachrome…Call Me All….god, so many over Soooo many generations!
This conversation is spectacularly wonderful! Both men are sharing to the n'th degree. Public media (personal interchange) doesn't get any better than this!
Paul Simon signifies the best memories of my family.
My oldest brother and I saw him and Garfunkel on their reunion tour.
I've been in love with Paul Simon my entire life, no joke, cried when the radio station announced he'd married Edie Brickell, momentarily forgot that 1. I was married 2, I had never so much as been in the same city as Paul.. but still. To this day, Paul Simon is just pure love.
I know what you mean. Linda Ronstadt does that to me.
Want he married to Carrie Fisher too, when she was young and hot.
@@ripn929707He was, and I don't know if she saw him as pure love. 😆
@@cc1k435 I think drug use had a lot to do with their breakup. Carrie had a screwed up upbringing.
@@ripn929707 I think it did. But there's something about him that doesn't suggest he is always cuddly and cute, either. 😆
If there ever was a song of Paul’s that I didn’t like, it was Darling Loraine, but listening to him recite it here had me in tears.
I love “Darling Lorraine”- never thought I’d hear it referenced so many years later. The lyrics of that song and throughout the album were captivating . So happy to have a chance to hear Paul Simon. Thanks, Stephen, for your thoughtful questions.
Oh thank you, Stephen, for this wonderfully gracious interview with this legend...
I really enjoyed this conversation, what an authentic man Paul Simon is, and Colbert too
Paul Simon is an incredibly interesting guy. I’m so pleased this was an extended interview.
Paul Simon is a national treasure and the poet of a generation 🥰 💙
That was incredible. Thank You BOTH for spending the time to give us this gift. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Love me some Paul Simon. What a great American musical legend!
There’s an incredibly short list of guests who could recite the lyrics to an entire song without being interrupted. I’m glad this man has shared so many of his thoughts with us.
And he's a year older than Biden. He proves, along with Jagger, McCartney, etc., that older age does not preclude having creativity and strong cognition.
@@lisabluecurls He really does. He’s just obviously sharper than most of us, regardless of his age. Lol. Perhaps the mental decline is directly related to the orange-ish skin tone?
Paul Simon is the GOAT of music and it's not even a contest. This interview with Paul Simon was incredible! It always surprises me how Paul Simon is able to come up with something completely new that is still distinctly "Paul Simon" in its sound.
Mozart and a few others might beg to differ 😆 Much love for Mr Simon, though.
What that deaf guy?!@@MarioMaccaferriRules
@@ptkwilliams Can't hear you, what ?
@@ptkwilliams No, that would be Beethoven you're thinking of... With all due respect, maybe commenting on classical music isn't for you if you can't tell those two apart. haha.
Yeah it's just slightly a contest, there dude....But Paul is one of our nation's best songwriters, of course. Silly of you to claim he's the GOAT in anything, however!
You cannot grieve without having loved. So, therefore in grief one can also feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for having seized the chance for love. I reached this epiphany when my best friend passed away in 2008.
Very wise way of healing
What a great interview!
. I found myself in tears, without really knowing why.
Very insightful discussion into Paul Simon whom I have followed my entire life I am 65 - Saw him in concert twice in NY - always knew he was an incredible talent and gift to this world but my he (like me and many of us) has really matured spiritually, personally, professionally etc. from the Simon of say the 60s 70's and my respect for him as a person has shot through the roof! He has to use a cliche of sorts, become a wise old man. Thank you Paul and American gem!
What a wonderful world to have two such men as Paul Simon and Stephen Colbert in it. I teared up about 20 times in this one interview, full on crying at what Stephen said at the end.
Tears of jot and many laughs as a songwriter myself for 50 years and recorded with Paul's Bassist from Graceland! What great Inspiration and Thank you Stephen! WOW!
Colbert should have asked about him about the time he met Joe DiMaggio at a restaurant in New York. DiMaggio said to Simon, "What do you mean 'where have I gone?' I've been here the whole time."
Never heard that, hilarious :)
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey!
Was that at the Dinky Donuts? Kramer saw him there a couple of times.
@@crocglox7797there’s no way he’s a dunker.
Simon said after he explained it he loved it. And said something why didn’t you say that…Simon said Joe wasn’t to deep. Mantle asked him why Joe? Since he was Simon’s favorite player. Simon said to Mantle not enough syllables 😳😂
I am a songwriter and hearing Paul Simon recite Dear Lorraine made me cry. Hello Darkness, My Old Friend is my favorite.
Wow! This was the best interview I've seen in such a long time. Steven and Paul.... I want more.
Paul Simon and Chevy Chase in “You Can Call Me Al” has to be the funniest music video ever.
Second, only to Chris Isaak’s “I wanna fall in love”, but for completely different reasons.😉
My mommy liked that song
Woa I’ve been on a Paul Simon kick lately and this randomly popped up.
What a beautiful human.
April come she will
It's Your Personal Matrix -- Your Universe Manifested the Synchronicity Coincidence of Paul Simon with Colbert. ☆☆
Me too?! 🦋
One of my favorite songs.
I've been on a Paul Simon kick lately too and then this pops up... Synchronicity 💙
@@kimlarso nice taste in music. 💕✌🏻
Such a gracious, intelligent and grounded gentleman. What a blessing to watch this interview. Thanks so much Stephen and Paul. ❤🕊️🙏
Also, the transcript of this interview needs to be published as a ‘how to be a good human’ guide.
Your first statement is true whichever of them you mean...
Life I love you, feeling groovy. My favorite line in my favorite Simon and Garfunkel song!