America - First Aid Kit (Paul Simon cover)

[@LocalLoreHistory]

"'Kathy, I'm lost,' I said even though I knew she was sleeping.'" Is one of my favorite lines of all time.

[@Stan4488]

Yes Brian, there is so much in those few words. They allow one of those almost magic moments where words, like a rocket, take you to an orbit where you can see clearly for the first time.

[@CB-xr1eg]

Next line is better..."I'm empty and aching and I don't know why".

[@richardsouthgate1993]

👍

[@jamesmothersbaugh357]

Ranks right up there with Jimmy Webb's "I recall the yellow cotton dress foaming like a wave on the ground around your knees."

[@CB-xr1eg]

"Kathy, I'm lost,' I said though I knew she was sleeping." Is the correct line.

[@1ginner1]

When one of the greatest song writers of all time stands up to applaud your version of his song, then you have nailed it. Songbirds.

[@Oh_I_Will]

Imagine if he hadn’t….the backlash….he better have stood

[@theclockworkpineapple]

Most definitely. What an truly beautiful rendition.

[@InventorZahran]

😊

[@paulmca8514]

he was likely applauding himself-he`s known for it.

[@martinhardy5462]

That awkward moment when only one person stands up to applaud but it's the only one in the room that matters. Beautiful

[@Mortac]

That's because the King of Sweden is on the front bench. None should stand before he does. Except Paul Simon.

[@michaelwilson9849]

Besides the King, the most important person gave them a standing ovation. It was probably priceless to them.

[@human1513]

@Adele Eleda Not awkward if one nows & respects the laws & rules at the time! No one stands in front of the King!!

[@urbankotto9685]

Are you sure he was standing?.Or just sliding of his chair.

[@human1513]

@@urbankotto9685 Kjell Good thought!

[@Treebeard1671]

When I was a young child I listened to Simon & Garfunkel. They were the age of my parents. Today I listen to First Aid Kit, who are the age of my children. And now the circle has been completed beautifully.

[@darkshadow31415]

Absolutely well said.

[@eprightd]

Will the Circle Be Unbroken . . .

[@jamesskywalker79]

That was the most Jedi quote ever. Thank you.

[@spacemomsdaughter3549]

My heart. Yes. ❤

[@akewlen2888]

@@jamesskywalker79 🤣😂😋

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

Umm Paul Simon just gave you a standing ovation. Life is complete.

[@rickchalek6101]

He was being polite. This really sucked.

[@JakeGittes84]

@@rickchalek6101 Do you actually think that?

[@rickchalek6101]

@@JakeGittes84 Yes. I don't like their blend much.

[@JakeGittes84]

@@franziv4593 well anyone with half a brain can tell that Paul Simon was not just "being polite" but he actually stood up out of respect for this performance as he genuinely found it to be good. Do you disagree? Look at his eyes, they tell a story.

[@JakeGittes84]

@@franziv4593 Right. Nimrod.

[@Pablosammy1]

The "I'm empty and aching and I don't why" line never fails to bring me out in goosebumps

[@SiyasangaBeanland]

I keep repeating the song and cry exactly at that line 😭 love it. Cuts so deep, we have all uttered those words at some point in our lives 😢

[@Dana-wq5tp]

You can see Paul saying "that was great" twice and was fighting back tears when he sat back down. Beautiful rendition of a great song.

[@mapiador]

I clicked on a tribute to Emmylou Harris and discovered these beautiful singers who I had never heard of before, now I follow them and it brought me here. They are just awesome!

[@missq3989]

mapiador me too , emmylou harris and then this , oh life is magical isn’t it !

[@saltydog6241]

Same!

[@MrEwooly]

@@saltydog6241 Ditto on the other 2 replies EXACTLY

[@philipdarbyshire1082]

Me too, from Australia. WHAT a find!!!!

[@franssanders007]

Ditto, they are very good and this song is awesome.

[@immedgerto]

Paul Simon watching two people that weren't born when that song came out that live a half a world away from him singing a truly wonderful song he wrote. That has to be humbling and yet satisfying. Nice job.

[@trooper744]

Absolutely the most perfect comment!

[@ArmandoCaribe]

Absolutely agree with you

[@nikkili8944]

The most beautiful gift that a musician can receive. That must be a wonderful and incredible feeling! :-)

[@CraigsOverijse]

There is no way they were born when this song came out they are far too young I was listening when bridge over troubled water was out early 1970s these two look like millennials

[@johnkitching2500]

I agree!

[@Kublai_jesus]

You know you're doing things right when Paul Simon gives you a standing ovation.

[@mickybridges]

When I emigrated to the USA from England, 30 years ago, listened to this song as the bus exited the tunnel coming out of Logan airport. Moved me to tears 😭

[@CharlotteWebb1952]

Beautiful memory....

[@final_mile_music9713]

I followed you 20 years later. Through Logan. Settled on the North Shore of MA.

[@Stantheman848]

I left england because it is a banker dictatorship and the US is even worse.... so i went to the free world instead.

[@russcoleman2338]

The Kathy in this song is British.

[@vincentcampbell8432]

i know what you mean,coming out of logan. but snark aside.i love these girls,love them madly.!!!

[@rudolftrost3534]

After they did it to Patti Smith and Emmylou Harris, not only bring these girls the great Paul Simon to tears but they also receive a standing ovation from the master... Why aren't they more widely known?

[@jeffebdy]

Exactly

[@jonathanb5150]

You know you pulled a song off brilliantly when the original song-writer/singer gets his eyes filled with water after. Just great, the highlight of my day.

[@tuicampbell8995]

Porn

[@jonathanb1406]

Are you me? Am I you?

[@krisissocoollike]

Throughout I thought he was hating it by the look on his face!

[@Lundy.Fastnet.Irish_Sea]

Paul Simon kinda always have a somewhat disinterested look on his face. that's just the way he looks.

[@lightbulb054]

If First Aid Kit keeps this up, they will be finding themselves sitting in that front row someday listening to covers of their songs...

[@Lwaldie1]

I hope I can see that one day

[@alecsyogacorner]

God I love watching Paul Simon and imagining him watching his whole life before his eyes, compressed into this beautiful moment. I like to imagine he’s feeling the whole huge glittering life of his and everything he gave the world. This is such an amazing video

[@victorwho744]

Yep. I'm thinking the same thing everytime i watch this. His life and memories goes thru his head in a couple of minutes..

[@siriosstar4789]

Now these girls can sing. No auto tune no fancy electronics , just mind blowing crystal clear harmonies . A pure joy for the senses and heart. Stunning!

[@danielginther4879]

Wonderful duo, high praise for Paul Simon to give them a standing ovation.

[@susannepowell8914]

These 2 women have the most pure and beautiful voices and their harmonies are most certainly up there with the absolute best like Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon

[@davidroga6508]

This is sensational. The harmony is crazy. Different to S&G harmony but equally brilliant. Truly a superb version of the original.

[@pottsh]

That standing ovation by Paul Simon is all that counts.

[@eleanorryanryan2442]

Stunningly beautiful... You can see the pride in Paul, while watching and listening... These sisters are wonderful. Greetings from Ireland 🍀🇮🇪💚

[@guidoparco2851]

To the 212 people who disliked this video. Stop listening to music. Its not your thing.

[@Anthony-hu3rj]

Why is there always one person in the crowd who points this out?

[@lukesters7234]

The problem is that the rest of your, and my life, will involve some kind of interaction with these people. They don’t agree with us. But we can’t be sure we’re right...but all we can do is trust our instincts....and yours are pretty finely honed my friend

[@MsLoopyLoops]

Not everyone likes the same thing and your taste in music is not 'better than someone else's. It's just YOUR taste. I happen to like this music, but I think it's a dick move to criticise someone because they don't. They don't have to agree with us.

[@Azabaxe80]

I suspect these people were hoping for a replica of the S&G song. This was not a cover, but an interpretation. I've been listening to this song for decades, and these ladies actually found new harmonic possibilities in this composition that I hadn't thought of before. Anyone can do karaoke in tune, doing this takes talent.

[@brianbrooking496]

Anthony because it is how they felt as they wrote it.

[@etcapel]

Paul Simon was so moved...what a beautiful performance.

[@blackmore4]

+maddison He was. I thought they were great but could have been even greater if Simon had played the correct (much richer) proper guitar part.

[@OrantesMontoya]

+blackmore4 A cover of a song is just a cover and nothing else,not an exact copy of a song,that´s why it´s called a cover,or an imitation if you like.

[@sirvidia]

he's a miserable old scrote but he sure wrote some beautiful tunes

[@loveandnapalm]

Still does. Stranger to Stranger was top notch. He's a rare breed that has never really made a bad record, and a few of them are bonafide masterpieces. Even his side project stuff like Capeman is great. I consider him to be the greatest American songwriter, and one of the things that drove that home to me was when I bought a book of modern US poetry and they put the lyrics to Sound of Silence in there. Reading it in the format of a poem really drove home how incredibly well written it was and made me go back and really listen to him and my appreciation for him grew and grew until I came to that conclusion.

[@heartandtroll9993]

He looks like he thought it sucked.

[@americanpancakelive]

At first I thought Paul looked like a stoic and cold and then I realized that his expression is that of a man trying to hold things together and not burst into tears. That's alright I did the crying for him.

[@Dana-wq5tp]

Especially after he sits downs after his standing ovation. He's was clearly emotional and fighting back tears. I can only imagine the memories he was reliving while listening to his beautiful melody performed by angelic voices.

[@justrname]

@@Dana-wq5tp You hit the nail on the head. It was clearly obvious he was emotionally struck and just like you, thought the memories would be flooding back to him. But still...nothing compares to the original. A great sounding rendition, but just not S&G :(

[@Krabadaque]

So did I, @American Pancake!

[@northofyou33]

Yeah. And when they sang to Emilylou, she couldn't hold back the tears. She was really crying.

[@johnthorne4093]

What a beautiful comment; thank you

[@jinkertsun]

Paul Simon has heard so many covers of this song but nothing like this. It came from their hearts. Wonderful.

[@markwilesmith5599]

I'm still trying to work out why but when I listen to First Aid Kit's music my emotions are flung into a new plain. Emotions that laugh, cry and sing in joy all at the same time. These guys provide me with something deep and special with every beautiful harmonising note they sing.

[@skipmessier765]

This performance brought me to tears. First Aid Kit are so incredibly talented and to perform beautifully rearranged harmonies of “ America “ in front of him and to see him visibly moved is truly a reflection of their talent.

[@johnkochen7264]

Emmy Lou Harris was moved to tears. Paul Simon showed his appreciation by standing up and applauding the sisters. I suppose it is this difference that caused 212 ppl to give a thumbs down. They were wrong to do so. Paul Simon is a perfectionist so this was high praise indeed.

[@elliotgoldberg5657]

A perfect cover because you can't even tell that it fluctuates from the original arrangement. Stunning is the best word.

[@uclalse]

Amazing cover. This is not a song to be tampered with. They did it with perfection.

[@johnnydtractive]

Yeah, this exactly. They didn't tamper with it. The purity of their rendition reveals all over again the absolute magic of Paul Simon's writing. What a performance.

[@barbryll8596]

I totally agree.

[@conanmcdonnell7390]

They had the backing of an orchestra and yet still made it all about the song, the voices and the guitar. A masterclass in understated perfection.

[@averystorm]

I've probably already commented on this before, but who cares? This is quite easily one of the best covers ever done.

[@dnewma04]

100% agree. It's better than the original recording and that is no slight to the original. I consider the original to be one of the finest songs ever written.

[@BrokenGodEnt]

The version they did of Waterloo Sunset is also really amazing.

[@AbbeyOnAtkins]

Not even close. Best cover Nilsson “Without You”

[@1959ticktock]

replying more than once shows the film has lasting power. Power to move you to express yourself copiously, and over time.

[@sme1691]

@@AbbeyOnAtkins You so tricked me! I thought you meant that they covered Harry Nilsson. They've already done Patti and Kate Bush, if they covered Leonard Cohen and/or Harry Nilsson I could die happy. :P

[@jyljohnson4990]

I can't imagine what it's like to hear these two amazing women perform your work...I've watched them serenade Emmylou Harris with a song they wrote about her...brought her to tears...brought ME to tears. Looking at Paul's face, I wonder if his life is flashing before his eyes...if he is being reminded of his own mortality...if he is reflecting on the magic he made with Art...thinking about how these sort of tributes happen toward the end of life...is he wanting more time? or to go back? or to make time stand still... Edie's face...her expression, warm, compassionate, kind, full of love, admiration, and pride for Paul's accomplishments...she's a light in his world...even if they aren't together, her glow still reaches him and holds him up, gently, she teaches him the value of humility and vulnerability, still managing to show up for him and give him graceful support. I think Paul, like most people, is struggling to accept the technological revolution, and the contribution of today's youth to the evolution of the revolution of Paul's generation...The fire in the belly rebellion is no longer a threat to the establishment. The Peace Train left the station when the Boomers traded in their sandals and flowers for careers, families, retirement plans, investment properties, and went ahead and let (and elected) the Orwellian Big Brother set up cameras everywhere. Is the look in his eyes disappointment? Defeat? Remorse? Judgement? Is he forlorn? These dreamy young women are breathing new life into this song. They are delivering it with the same embrace that Edie's presence projects. There is love and forgiveness and a call to remember who he once was, and how he tapped in to a cultural current and became a voice of a generation of hopeful dreamers and lovers and fighters... disillusionment be damned... awaken the dream. We're not holding anything against you, but we're not letting you off the hook. I believe you still have embers of the counterculture smoldering in there somewhere. Take a deep breath and let it fan your flame. You now possess the benefit of hindsight, and with reflection comes clarity. Tell us what you see. Write us another song, one of hope, something to stand for,

[@tangobango9653]

These girls are the best thing happening in music today! I just love this!

[@fakerbaker1000]

they are brilliant! love them , their very close are they sister's or lesbian lover's?

[@CheradanineZakalwe]

+Made Of More!!!!! Sisters

[@fakerbaker1000]

CheradanineZakalwe thanks! Knew it yer one r' t'other! !

[@DeborahBergenbeaderreader]

+Made Of More!!!!! Sisters!

[@fakerbaker1000]

Deborah Bergen cheers gorgeous x

[@colinmendenhall7398]

This rendition just evokes emotions in me for a simpler time when the only way we all had to connect with one another was to get out, and be interactive with each other. No computers, no social media. The sounds of their harmonies really get close to bringing tears to my eyes, and it is a pure mixture of sadness, and happiness. Never get tired of hearing this version of Paul's song.

[@freelife1121]

Perfect description ❣I feel the same

[@davidsuttie4192]

Will never understand why everyone else didn't stand up with Paul.. You could see him thinking through this performance that he was proud to have inspired such a beautiful rendition of his song... Would have loved to have been there

[@CarlChristensen64]

Apparently because of royal protocol ie the King of Sweden is sitting right in the front too - and if he doesn't rise nobody else should. I'm sure he didn't mind Paul Simon doing so though.

[@danskehans]

@@CarlChristensen64 : While that is certainly correct, I would like to add that in my experience, Americans are by far the most likely to get on their feet and applause - even when the performance is nothing out of the ordinary.

[@TR-yi8up]

Carl Christensen then it was the King who erred

[@baybolet2683]

@@CarlChristensen64 Thanks Carl, i didnt know this. Small thought of why didnt everyone else stand when Paul did now makes sense. Bravo

[@baybolet2683]

@@TR-yi8up Agreed :)

[@rocksinger45]

As the years fly bye and Art & Paul are long gone this song will be handed down to new generations of singer who will put their own spin on this great song. Thank You First Aid Kit you aren't the first and you won't be the last but it will be hard to compete with those voices of yours...Just Beautiful.

[@surfbodi.0015]

I remember being on a greyhound bus listening to this song on an old Walkman cassette player. It was 23 years ago and I was on an adventure of a lifetime travelling with 2 friends. The song always takes me right back there. Fantastic cover ladies ❤❤❤

[@murraymarshawn2175]

The balls to sing this for Paul Simon and to do it with your own flair. That is art art art.

[@aussiepostguru]

no art wasnt there ,,lol

[@erik5374]

The balls when they sang their own written song ‘Emmylou’ to Emmylou Harris. To tears.

[@simongray2533]

@@aussiepostguru I see what you did there! 🤣🤣

[@rulistening7777]

This is a stellar performance. It will live in my heart forever as a gift.

[@zeemba123]

This is the third time I've see these girls do a cover honoring someone. The others were Emmylou Harris and Patti Smith. These three artist are all very honored and decorated. At the beginning of all three of these performances; Paul, Emmylou and Patti seem appreciative but seem to be thinking "another hokey cover band" But, after about a minute they're like these girls are on a whole different level, from a different and higher universe

[@jonasdahlin8670]

not Emmylou she's more oooh it's Klara and Johanna the next minutes will be amazing here is why www.countrythangdaily.com/first-aid-kit-named-song-emmylou-harris/

[@conanmcdonnell7390]

They also did a great rendition of Waterloo Sunset for BBC Radio. Very talented and tasteful.

[@plainforgiven]

@@conanmcdonnell7390 Thanks for the alert. Just went to hear their Waterloo Sunset rendition. 💜💜💜

[@herrkarlsson7985]

Emmylou, was that a cover?

[@1ginner1]

You know you have nailed it when the composer stands and applauds, with tears in his eyes, simply sublime.

[@mrwhitford1966]

Just wow. Simon sits stunned and pleased. Me too.

[@scottlebowski8184]

The harmonies are absolutely incredible. Phenomenal performance.

[@hoojamaflicks]

this is impossibly brilliant. candescent and majestic with just a touch of heartbreaking.

[@kbollo123]

What can you say about these two?? SOOOOOOO talented!!! A privilege to hear them, even cover a Paul Simon classic.....

[@longgrayline8055]

Stunning. When Paul Simon is visibly emotional and muttering “that was great” multiple times while giving you a standing ovation, you did something very right.

[@victorwho744]

First aid kit gets a standing ovation from Paul, doesn't get much better than that...Fantastic sisters...

[@johnlamb2754]

Paul's fighting like crazy to hold back the tears.

[@HarryStucklermendotcom]

Paul seamed like a changed man after this song. They really touched him.

[@johns6658]

I'd never heard of them, nor heard them sing, until I stumbled across this performance. I like them, and hope to hear more from them.

[@rickbullock4331]

These young ladies are really talented, their harmonies are exquisite. I think Mr. Simon appreciated their version of his song too.👍👍

[@r.v.5750]

The smile of his wife Edie Brickell is great to see, Edie herself a great singer looks great, wonderful how she sits there, without make-up just being herself.

[@venisontron]

How cruel is Sweden; every year they invite in some giant of music to "give them an award", and every year they roll out First Aid Kit to make that musician cry in front of everyone

[@Andy-mt1yf]

Hope Bob Dylan is next! XD

[@herrkarlsson7985]

Sting

[@Getyourgoddesson]

😂my kind of cruel!❤

[@PLCV1973]

😂

[@daviddorrell5819]

Peter Gabriel needs this treatment.

[@divaslive6953]

They are so refreshing to hear and watch, now this is what i call music, pure blending, voices, harmonies and simplicity. Not a naked butt wiggling out in the TV screen

[@S0UL0NE]

Divas Live amen 😂

[@mikeprevost8650]

And their English puts a lot of American artists to shame.

[@jeffebdy]

@@mikeprevost8650 and English

[@kerryg100]

Wow happy camper today discovered this pair of angels...such talent..

[@buckshotandthepepperbox3042]

kerry evans I just stumbled upon them myself. I am glad as well.

[@dereksmallsuk]

Kerry Evans .....I fancy the black haired chubby one. mmm mmm

[@barozra]

God, how they sing! Cannot find words to express my appreciation!

[@StanleyRodgers]

This and MANY other Simon and Garfunkel songs were the soundtrack to our family road trips. Listening to this puts me right back in the far back of a 70's land yacht station wagon driving from New Jersey to Florida or New Jersey to Michigan. The cassette player was bolted under the dashboard. I feel like I am 6 or 7 years old all over again. This is outstanding. I love this version of this song. Just... wow.

[@petergreen3122]

A poignant and gorgeous interpretation of Paul Simon's masterpiece. The Master, himself, was overwhelmed!

[@shannonmulder8081]

Simon and Garfunkel were genius in their story telling. It takes maturity and intelligence to understand their genius and even more to convey it as beautifully as Simon and Garfunkel. This song is a journey through American history and any relatable person's journey in this country. It's romantic, honest, and tugs at my heartstrings. Well done S&G and FAK!!!

[@peacefuljeffrey]

“I’m empty and aching and I don’t know why ...” That’s one of the most poignant lyrics I’ve ever heard in my life.

[@af7748]

peacefuljeffrey combined with their whooo whooo whooo intro it’s such a mood

[@CraigsOverijse]

Simon and Garfunkel bridge over troubled waters LP is full of songs like this. Yes truly wonderful lyrics

[@CB-xr1eg]

@@CraigsOverijse This song is not on BOTW. Its on Bookends from 1968.

[@davedavid427]

@@CraigsOverijse America is from the album Bookends. They're both fantastic albums.

[@chironOwlglass]

Spoiler: It's because of histamine, the most overlooked neurotransmitter of all time. Histamine gets fucky sometimes, very often in creative people.

[@morgan97475]

A one-man standing ovation from only man that counted in that crowd. Nice.

[@johnmccann8319]

What an amazing moment.If Paul Simon gives you a standing ovation that is really something very special.💚Beautifully sung.One of my favourite Paul Simon songs.

[@buckshotandthepepperbox3042]

Cool seeing the composer hear his work performed so beautifully back at him. It looked as though it affected him.

[@leszektemplewicz3362]

Indeed Despite his PR advisors urging him to keep his composure His facial expressions conveyed his true feelings not keeping a poker face I wonder how future generations will judge that outburst of emotions? Would they find it out of place? One ponders....

[@leszektemplewicz3362]

show biz gossip Paul Simon is notoriously difficult to work with throwing tantrums like a diva trashing room like Keith Moon changing toyboys like Madonna insisting on calling him Sir out of envy to McCartney grow up mate!!!!!

[@leszektemplewicz3362]

so far as a result of Simon's difficult character none of the performers that graced Trump's inauguration concert had agreed to share a stage with the worse half of the long fallen apart duo with Mr Garfunkel (FACT!!!!)

[@wessexwench6974]

Leszek Templewicz Do you feel better now? Future generations won’t judge Paul Simon’s facial expressions - just his music. Nobody here has to work with him, we come here to appreciate what he has given us on paper, vinyl, tape and video. If you have anything better, musically, to offer, please feel free to post it here. If, as I suspect, you haven’t, just fuck off. This is a wonderful cover of a wonderful song and nothing you rant about can change that. Move along, you sad twat.

[@Klas13Klas13]

Leszek Templewicz please give your gossiping a rest. I was there that night. Paul Simon loved the ceremony and was happy during the entire evening, walking up to people and shaking their hands, introducing himself with the words: “Hi, I’m Paul.” Maybe he just prefers easygoing Swedish people, I don’t know, but I know you shouldn’t talk bad about people you’ve actually never met.

[@buckk007]

I would love to know all the many, many thoughts going through Paul Simon's mind during that beautiful performance.

[@moow950]

I think he was for a moment back in the 60s in that Greyhound bus he wrote this song

[@dlc1119]

I think he realizes that Art should be sitting next to him

[@davem7173]

Probably knew his version was better but had to pretend to be humble and like these clowns

[@eoinj16]

@davem7173 3 years on... I wonder if you look back at these comments and feel embarrassed at how weird you were. Probably not.

[@acousticshadow4032]

Proves music knows no language barriers, no generational barriers. When it's good - it's good.

[@jimgibbons1]

Whenever I hear them my eyes well up with water. Such awesome voices. Such beautiful harmonizing.

[@Rutger64]

I'm still crazy after all these years about this beautiful music! Thanks, Paul & Art! ❤

[@jamescc2010]

This song reminds me of all us coming to America for better life and freedom which is now not working for most of us but extremely few. Let's us bring American spirits back and work together to turn this nation around for all of us and our next generations.

[@robertcope629]

Such pristine perfect sublime singers these 2. Absolutely carved in the great ABBA mold. No wonder Both groups from Sweden. Must be something about the air and climate to produce such fantastic singers.

[@tangobango9653]

I love these girls, this version of a great song is very well done. Even Paul was moved to tears.

[@maryculbertson8569]

Amazing. I love the way they do this song. I was in 9 th grade when it came out never tire of it. A true American song

[@kar2ouche]

I persuaded my dad to get an 8 track player for his car back in ..... well a long time ago! I then installed it for him (I was about 16 at the time) and put in four speakers in the doors (no sub-woofers or the like - just decent speakers in all 4 doors). I then used to sit in the car in the garage listening to Simon and Garfunkel and others from the same era. I loved America, it was one of my favourites. First Aid Kit have got it spot on. The best cover of it I have heard. Brilliant!

[@StanleyRodgers]

Yes! This! We had a copy of Bridge Over Troubled Water that we used to listen to on family road trips. I have such clear memories of lying in the back of a huge station wagon just soaking up those songs. Man... memories.

[@archiestanton2767]

3:50...beautiful fade out to a beautiful rendition. Look closely at the very end of the video. Paul's eyes are just starting to tear up.

[@cjKahuna]

I would say how brilliant this is, but one look at Paul's expression says more than i can ever manage.

[@yes-its-me-x]

This is pure art.

[@scopex2749]

You truly know you are accepted when the person who wrote the song you are singing stands up to applaud you! Loved these 2 from the second I heard their music, the same a I did 40 years ago when I heard Paul and Art signing! You will go far First Aid Kit! 👍🏻

[@erikwibaeus3220]

Sweden have exported so makt different styles of music over the years, but these two might be one of those I’m most proud of. No matter, this isn’t about Swedish or American music, it’s bigger then petty lines on a map. Great song, great artists and great comments in this thread. Internet at it’s best.

[@Ivanisha1]

Wow, I'm truly touch by these two beautiful young ladies,...talented! Ivanisha.

[@andrewsouthgate9127]

Just discovered these two girls, Ruins is a fabulous album. America is one of my favourite S&G songs, and this is beautiful. Looks like Paul loved it too.

[@dankinsler1930]

They look and sing like angels!

[@jackhanzo8109]

A standing ovation from Paul Simon in a cover for a song he personally wrote and performed. What greater acknowledgement in music!

[@JockLambert1972]

Wow! This did crazy things deep inside me, I felt like crying & smiling at the same time. Wonderful.

[@baybolet2683]

What a gorgeous thing to say John, now that ye've said it I'll pinch it. That feeling is what keeps bringing me back to this performance.

[@joshahlstrand]

wow - that performance made me weep with joy -- truly beautiful

[@Hagalazii]

to hold the audience attention with just your voice. with such depth and intensity on such a calm song. there arent many musicians around anymore who could do that. love these girs

[@bradedgell4506]

Jeran Xii azs

[@georgecallahan8684]

These girls have gotten the standing ovation out of Paul Simon made emmylou cry keep doing exactly what you guys are doing absolutely beautiful

[@peacefuljeffrey]

I really like that Paul Simon was able to give them a one-man standing ovation. :-)

[@longstreet0163]

Mr. Simon was visibly moved by that experience. Well done First Aid Kit !!

[@granthutcherson4510]

These young Ladies are incredibly Gifted With angelic voices

[@jackjb1000]

Seldom do singers who cover popular songs, not to mention an almost 50 year old song, can revitalize, replicate, and in some ways improve, what's already a great piece of music! Simply Beautiful! Paul Simon was truly moved!

[@blackmore4]

+JACK BUXTON Thought the voices were great but the "laughing on the bus..." section was catastrophic. Surely the proper chords are available on line.

[@Jaysthename]

+blackmore4 "Catastrophic" is not only too melodramatic but also incorrect. Yes, they changed the chord structure (and I presume they did so in order to maintain a low key, melancholic mood), but they obviously did so intentionally since their harmonizing vocals fit with the change perfectly. If you're unhappy about the alteration they made then I understand that, but I don't think it's fair to make it sound as if they botched the performance.

[@blackmore4]

Jaysthename Neither incorrect nor melodramatic, just my, perhaps passionate, opinion ;) Don't get me wrong, I'm not wailing on this group for the hell of it, I think that many of their self-written songs are great and that their voices are likewise. I'm not suggesting they botched the performance - that, as usual, was brilliant - simply that the chord choices were lousy ones in comparison to the original. Furthermore, I'd bet that if they'd known the actual chords, they'd have used them. Just as I'd also bet that 99.9% of musicians, if given a choice between the original chords and the ones used here, would opt for the former. So what I'm saying is they 'heard' the wrong ones when transcribing it. I'm all for changing chords... changing anything at all... in interpretations of songs... but this, where there's no fundamental difference to the main chord structure except for those, yes, catastrophic flubs, is not artistic expression but either a rushed transcription or ineptitude. Either of which are fine; I'm sure they'd be happy to be corrected/informed.

[@Jaysthename]

+blackmore4 I revisited the original song before posting, and I respectfully disagree. FAK dropped that particular chord change in the original, which was replete with garishly ornamental flutes (in my opinion), and I didn't miss it a bit. I like S&G quite a bit overall, but I've always felt "America" in particular was too syrupy when it came to instrumentation. Having said that, I didn't personally live through the 1960s and so the originals probably hold a more sacred place in the hearts of those who did. It's not my intention nor inclination to change your mind, and if you far prefer the original then I respect that. I just balk at the insult that FAK played the "wrong" chords simply because they weren't aware of (or failed to find online) the originals. They are clearly consummate musicians and were fully aware of what they were doing. In any case, thanks for the response. I admire your passion for music, even if we may disagree on this point. Happy listening!

[@blackmore4]

Jaysthename Then you must be responsible for that 0.99999999%. Of musicians who'd prefer the FAK chords ;) Look, to hell with the flutes, or the S&G arrangement; just get out a guitar or sit at a piano - or if you don't play those instruments, ask someone who does - and play the original S&G chord (I've transposed said original chord of Cmajor7 to the FAK key) of Gmaj7 (that's Gmajor 7th, a chord which contains the notes of G, B, D & Fsharp) in the song's 6/8 rhythm... and sing the 'laughing on the bus' line with it's notes of (Fsharp, E, D, Csharp and B... that's, obviously, one note per syllable of the lyric)... and then sing the same melody and lyric over a D9 chord (which FAK use). And then tell me how you feel about it. I don't remember the 60s either and this has nothing to do with nostalgia, 'original's, 'covers' or anything else other than disappointment. That such an amazing vocal performance had such a wretched musical flaw in it. One that I, and again I'm betting 99.99999% of musicians, "balk" at. If she'd played that damn Gmaj7 (that damn beautiful Gmaj7), I'd be citing this as one of the best interpretations ever.

[@quaich14]

Singing one of Paul Simon s greatest songs in front of him, he stands up to applaud them. There is nothing more for mere mortals to add. ❤

[@CarlChristensen64]

I'm a huge Paul Simon fan - and he's often seemed pretty jaded at events of the past few decades - except at this performance.....

[@WesB1972]

How can this not bring tears to your eyes. Bravo!!!

[@karrot101]

What an amazing version and to see how humble the great Paul Simon is .... thank you for sharing

[@crichta]

I mean. What can you say. It just does not get much better than that. Those harmonies. Exquisite.

[@moow950]

I think Paul Simon really loved this fabulous cover of his signature song! 😃

[@sheilarogers2771]

Just discovered these talented singers/musicians....thank you youtube...so happy to see and hear this!

[@jw6948]

All of their covers are freaking amazing!

[@viviantaitano3092]

In just one day that I came across this I don’t recall anymore how many times I keep going back listening to them. New found favorite to listen to just like the rest of their music.

[@brucepeoples3737]

Awesome harmonies! They get it

[@foreversunrise8749]

Someday I hope to play for my musical idols as well. The feeling inside must be wonderful.