AMERICAN TUNE by Paul Simon/September 5, 1974

[@stephenhudson7039]

Paul saved me when I was in a dark place, never thought I would meet the love of my life. Met her in 1978 & still in love, 2020. ❤️

[@BlueBeeMCMLXI]

God Bless, sir. That is wonderful.

[@zebonautsmith1541]

One of the finest songs ever written

[@mocthezuma]

Which is impressive considering it was written in 1601. augenblickblog.com/2018/03/28/the-long-and-varied-life-of-a-beautiful-melody/

[@dylanomalley8650]

the statue of liberty wasn’t materialized then, so that’s impossible.

[@ljs3984]

Couldn’t agree more

[@bobbydoodle6257]

You’re right.

[@ranjitkundu7919]

Was adapted from an old hymn. Eventually from a medieval. hymn.

[@patrickryan1515]

This live delivery - flawless. Beautiful song. Paul Simon -- so talented.

[@colingroves2246]

Talented? Ok but so was the man who wrote the tune!

[@jamesrivas6394]

A gifted poet and musician,one the worlds best song writers ever,time will reveal his legacy as being such.Thanks Paul, for your art.

[@shootersteve]

An American treasure. The greatest American songwriter who ever lived. If you don't get choked by this song then you have no soul.

[@REH714]

If a song could ever break your heart it's this. Perfect on nylon-string, clasical guitar, he plays it better than I in C, so very beautiful, dare I say perfect.

[@richieboy6825]

You may. I agree.

[@eddarby469]

You should listen to and contemplate the original hymn that is attached to this music. O Sacred Head, Sore Wounded

[@Celestino51]

One of the greatest artists of my generation... Thanx Paul...

[@Celestino51]

This man is the Mozart of our time... Thanx for your music, Paul...

[@tomcox22]

+Celestino Di Vieste Yep-him and McCartney

[@chippchipp1]

Interesting that you mention Mozart. This song is based around a Bach piece

[@Celestino51]

Thanx to Bach Paul did a great job with this... One of my favorate songs of all time...

[@MaggieKortchmar]

Paul Simon . Yes, the Mozart of our time.

[@toErehWon]

Sir! Are you okay! Do you need help! Do You Need Medical Attention! Your posting nonsense. You may be delusional.

[@nelsonlao8285]

One of America’s greatest songwriters. Never tired of listening to his songs

[@אליבארי-נ9פ]

what an humble genius. i love everything that comes out of those hands

[@eddiethunder2333]

Paul Simon, an american treasure. I've been a fan for many years.

[@jNoSocks]

One of the ultimate best. I'm 23 and have learned more from him in the last 6 years than I have from any other artist. I'm forever grateful.

[@raulramirez6052]

Jonny Sneezums - I hope you got to see him in concert he was just as endearing as he was on the Cavette show.

[@jamesflack4236]

"we came on a ship that sailed the moon." I had missed this song when it had first come out. one of my ESL students , who was immigrating to America, gave it to me in 1985. appropriately so ... as time goes by, the lyrics seem to gain significance,,, now I think this is his best song in solo career- the video is perfect choice of venue... thanks anne and thankyou lord for Paul Simon

[@robertjohnson1962]

This,then, is true artistry. Paul Simon is a gift and milestone in our travels and I am grateful for his enormous talent.

[@dungteller367]

thank you Paul Simon. You have captured the feelings of our lives and arranged them beautifully with words and music.

[@xkuligx32]

It's taken me many years of living to really feel what this song is saying. It's amazing how young he was when he wrote it..

[@christopherhull4423]

I first head this song was I was about 13 (56 now). I liked the tune immediately. However, it’s only now in this Dark Age for America that his words hit me upside the head so that I get what they mean.

[@evoo7748]

moodyblu the composition itself is maybe 300 yrs old although Simon obviously wrote those incredible lyrics.

[@silverwolfmonastery]

I am constantly amazed by the profound depth of emotion and meaning in Paul Simons work.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

@@evoo7748 Stelios, fairly certain he refers to the message in the lyrics, which I too decades later relate to quite differently.

[@gvn2fly96]

Great song but too many liberals use it as an anti Trump theme song.

[@ibassnote]

I always cherished this song and then, out of the blue, my friend Rhiannon Giddens said we were going to perform it! I never dreamed I would have such an opportunity and am so pleased it is now in our repertoire.

[@jap2ace]

One of my favourite songs of all time. Haunting & beautiful.

[@bernardfox9078]

He sang American Tune, then later in the show, without any fanfare, introduced a half written Still Crazy After All These Years. What a talent !

[@lapdawg60]

I absolutely loved that.

[@swamijoy738]

This song is a masterpiece.

[@bamai59]

"That Host" is Dick Cavett, one of the greatest interview hosts of the seventies and eighties. He began writing jokes for Carson and went out on his own. Over the years he's interviewed the greatest in Music as well as kings and princes. Check out his archives for some very rich material. He also had a short appearance as himself in Forest Gump.

[@toErehWon]

That's talent 🤣😅😂🤦🏿‍♀️

[@jenniferrogers2492]

He was also a dinner guest in “Beetlejuice”.

[@lairsantos]

"I dreamed that my soul rose unexpectedly And looking back down on me Smiled reassuringly..."

[@bajoma123]

This still gives me an ache in my chest and tears in my eyes, 40 years later. God I love this man.

[@llyon5438]

You are favored for loving him

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

ALL THE LADIES. THEM SOME PAUL 🤗

[@affirmations.wisdom]

:)

[@eddarby469]

I shouldn't cut onions while I listen to tunes on YT.

[@cynthiavanaria3942]

I've always LOVE this song--especially poignant in these troubled times

[@jamescarnley3243]

ONE OF THE BEST SONGS I HAVE EVER HEARD

[@davidgibbins3147]

Just beautiful - the melody, chord progression and faultless performance.

[@mattrogers1946]

It's lifted from hymn by J.S. Bach.

[@bigange6629]

@@mattrogers1946 That's also a bit of a steal.

[@mocthezuma]

@@mattrogers1946 Like Big Foot said, this melody was originally written by Hans Leo Hassler in 1601. augenblickblog.com/2018/03/28/the-long-and-varied-life-of-a-beautiful-melody/

[@chukemmang]

Paul Simon does magic with his acoustic guitar. My goodness he is a complete band with his guitar. Even without his guitar he shuts it down with his acapella, just like in the song "Satin summer night" on the album "Songs from the capeman".

[@JohannesLabusch]

In all the time I've loved this song, I've always thought "the age's most uncertain hour" applied to exactly the moment I was listening. Never more so than right now, though.

[@dyathink]

´I dreamed i was flying...´...still gives me goosebumps...

[@AVOLITE]

+Kathleen Fonseca .... that happened to me once as I was listening to this song just as the plane I was on lifted off the runway on my way to a place far away from where I was. Every time I hear this song, I always think of that exact moment. That lyric happened just at that moment. The feeling stayed with me for hours.

[@dyathink]

@Avolite..great story..very personal and extraordinary really...thanks for sharing!

[@randomrecordings9757]

The last two weeks have been some the roughest on our long voyage. Listening again, tears are streaming around my goosebumps. When will we ever learn?

[@normaverleni7217]

Artie’s “My eyes could clearly see” on the version they sang together during the Concert in CP is where the real goosebumps happen. If you want an amazing American Tune listen to that one. ❤️

[@mariangelagiulianeofficial]

He looks like the sweetest man in the world

[@Brennna]

Thank you for posting this. I was in high school when it came out. Now I live "so far away from home", it makes me cry.So beautiful.

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

HE IS A CUTIE PIE AND I CAN'T BELIEVE HE THOUGHT HE WASN'T🤗

[@northmann1971]

This song is so deep, it makes cry.....

[@toErehWon]

What's it about? It's just so boring, I lose my attention after the first few long drawn out words.

[@raulramirez6052]

Hey North Maan what a beautiful comment

[@김대헌-y1j]

I love this song and i am trying to sing a song with playing the guitar In fact i was surprised to get song at the first time and moved in tears Proper and ordinary time in living New York City We always looking for happiness in wordless

[@georginathompson3788]

He’s a master composer, plain and simple.

[@eddarby469]

We are so blessed to have grown up during this age in music. Paul Simon is a true genius.

[@lemforst]

Now and forever "Now Of Simon". bless you, mr. "love in hard times". Respectful love. J.

[@4beatlefans]

Is this just mind-bogglingly beautiful or what? Thanks for posting, and for the informative thought-provoking and well-written note on the top right column. Blessings on all musicians from the beginning of time, I say!!

[@raulramirez6052]

Weird never realized this song was done in the 70’s. Because that means I’ve been listening to this song for almost 50 years. I still have the album and dvd and listen to his music almost everyday. Wow time flies but it’s alright because he’s given me something I can’t explain.

[@884kaz]

very beautiful!!!!! still crazy after all these years･･･

[@petergreen3122]

Sad but one of the most beautiful and prescient songs ever...

[@ysgol3]

'I don't know a dream that's not been shattered '...........How can ANYBODY write a more profoundly true line than that ?

[@chippchipp1]

Neil Young has some lines of that caliber.

[@ysgol3]

Agreed, Lennon and Dylan too, but not better

[@silverwolfmonastery]

Paul Simon is a master of touching the depth of the soul. It almost reminds me of some of Shakespeare's work, like when Hamlet asks: "And yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust?"

[@김동영-z3l]

@@silverwolfmonastery ㅊ

[@katherinem.4414]

It’s that damn Cecilia!! Get rid if her!! Song and al!!

[@ronroberts1281]

Paul Simon how do you know so much about living at your tender age? My friend you must have been here before on this planet. You must be darn close to your Higher Power cuz the sing you song is inspired from someone else!

[@corneliamartens9187]

:) your comment is so right.... agree totally! Thanks....

[@DrZaius3141]

Young folks always know what's up long before the older folks do. Old people are set in their ways, looking backwards and not seeing how much they mess everything up.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Same with "Bridge Over Troubled Waters." 😃

[@budandbean1]

Damn, 74’ was an amazing time for Paul. How old was he here? And this was AFTER Simon & Garfunkel. His voice was so amazing and alive. Even after all this processing you can hear those harmonics and how clear his tone is. What a great video... I was 14 when this came out, big thanks to whoever posted this. Now at the waning moths of 2018, Paul’s voice has really lost what he once had and I feel like he still sings because he wants to be in front of the people that love him, he sure doesn’t need the money I wouldn’t think. It might be a time to slow down though because I feel a bit sad every time I hear him now and how hard it is for him to stay in tune and keep his voice from cracking.

[@izzymclean6527]

Oh Paul, you're the best! I can't thank you enough for all you've done! I love you

[@souljem66]

legend in music, love him!

[@lolus8974]

Such a truly underrated voice, stunning songwriter but this and silent eyes among others show the gift of his voice which is so often overlooked.

[@ponytoes]

love the song, love the singer, adore the host

[@julioparpacen834]

We come in the ages most uncertain hour and sing an American tune

[@tomgurecki1204]

If this was made in 2015 the cameras would be all over the place so that the scene would change every two seconds. The whole feeling of the song would be lost. Anyway, a great simple acoustic version. Powerful

[@sameoldthing6433]

totally agree

[@trysometruth]

If this was made in 2016 they would've auto-tuned the hell out of it (in this case, unnecessarily) there would be a rigid loud simplistic synth drum beat, and they would've positioned 2 near-naked women on each side showing off their Kardashian-sized asses.

[@sameoldthing6433]

+trysometruth yes that is exactly what they would do to it in 2016

[@Bjowolf2]

Exactly ;-)

[@cherylcampbell9369]

The frenetic pace of modern pop media is disruptive to healthy mental processes.

[@alexgramm5170]

Unbelievably good, you can't beat that. No matter the troubles grieving the wealth an artist like this has, they got something man ,serious they're not like this these days.

[@whitneyrose871]

My favorite Paul Simon song - I would practice it daily on my guitar in early 80s - and I dreamed I was dying. I dreamed that . my soul rose unexpectedly & looking back down at me, smiled reassuredly.....

[@chukemmang]

I wasn't born in the time of Paul Simon's earlier songs. The only song of his I ever heard as a child when i had memory was "You can call me Al". I really loved that song. So when I was about to get into high school, the time came when my mind was ready to choose the genre of music I preferred. I chose rap and hip hop. I was in love with only rap music until disaster struck in 2003 when rap and hip hop music died. I was devastated, I started searching for new genre of music that will keep me going as the release of great rap songs had seized. In my quest I rediscovered Paul Simon, I discovered Sergio Mendez and Carlos Santana. Paul Simon is so gifted, all his songs are classics. All his songs are phenomenal. I love you Paul.

[@TomMcRand]

all that amazingness from just one little guy.ain't life grand?

[@dichtran8337]

I was seventeen years old in 1974, it's alright, it's alright, still stick in my head for so long.

[@jim5746]

A genius of music and lyrics.

[@conniecotton5009]

My experience with the music of Paul Simon, goes back to the 1960s when he and Art were together. He was and still is one of my favorite recording artists. The music he wrote will forever be a part of my favorite musical memories. Thanks for all the wonderful memories Mr. Simon.

[@ragTagblues]

Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell - Possibly the two greatest song writers I can think of! such a beautiful song!

[@harveycan5820]

Maybe throw Bob Dylan in there...

[@namastecanyousee]

This is one of the most poignant and important songs written about in the modern era.

[@ysgol3]

Absolutely right, absolutely right. 'I don't know a dream that's not been shattered or driven to its knees'. That's America and the UK from the 60s on.

[@terrydeatrich5942]

ysgol3 l.p. O-923-1840 look

[@q4991]

2021, one of Paul Simons' sleeper songs which i never noticed before today! I believe that the Songs Words are More True Today, since 2016, than they ever were in 1973. "I don't have a friend who feels 'at Ease'" and more great lines, Fresh like a real 'Prophesy' ! No doctrines.

[@q4991]

@@ysgol3 I don't know about that, more like 2016 on. With the *Horror of 2024* coming!! Oh, yeh. There was *Never* anything so un-American as Now n' 2024, when This classic was Created. Don't give me BS about "Taken from Classical " Anything could be found in That pile of over indulgence.

[@marsza11jm]

Paul is left-handed naturally, just like Art, what a surprise.

[@luvwolvez]

Paul Simon and Bach now there's perfection!

[@chrisbanach3425]

Louise Mattice is this chord progress based on Bach?

[@tmjmccormack]

Steven Banach www.ethanhein.com/wp/2011/bach-and-paul-simon/

[@chessbook]

For years I like this song for its tune.... But nowadays I can relate and appreciate the lyrics so much more as I am living through life, struggling to find the American dream....

[@QuBoadicea69]

This is a Bach tune. Originally by Hans Leo Hassler that Bach adapted. I think that’s another reason this gorgeous rendition moves us so much. This tunes name is Passion Chorale and I’ve always loved to hear any denomination sing it or in this case, Paul Simon. Love you, Paul

[@davidj.kleinsasser8673]

He said that he used bits of Bach in an interview with Cavett in 1970, when he talked about his process for writing Bridge Over Troubled Water...

[@QuBoadicea69]

Many hymns have used this Bach song as well but any time I’ve asked my church choirs I’ve worked with, nobody has yet made the connection to Paul’s song. I’m pretty sure most denominations have this tune in some form in their collections of church songs,each one trying to do justice to the tune with new words!

[@tmstichasr2135]

What

[@davidlawrence3645]

... just as Manilow adapted a melody from Chopin at the beginning of "Could It Be Magic". Interesting to learn about the creative minds of such composers.

[@seeka3269]

Hi Anne, I read what you wrote with great interest. Believe me, some of us in the 70s did recognise the amazing quality and depth of some of the lyrics of Simon and Farfunkel, and many other artists as well. Lyrics were the mark of the music at that time and I miss that a lot about most of today's tracks. You are right about the Bach - maybe some of these song writers didn't even realise it when they were re-using some part of a great composition, and maybe it doesn't matter.

[@tjpatt1]

we've lived so well so long.......wake up ....look around ..it's all going away...so fast...sad....what a great tune....just try and get some rest ..

[@michaelvaladez6570]

I truly believe this is best song of all..in his vast catalog.

[@maryswilde]

This used to be my favourite song of all time - then Paul brought out the "You're the one" album, so now I have a heap of favourite songs of all time!

[@DoofsterDan]

This masterpiece is but one small tidbit of an enormous body of work from a prolific singer-songwriter. .

[@dolson5676]

This is such an incredible song.

[@alinchitown7556]

I took a class at his school in NYC back in the day, not only an amazing talent but truly an incredibly kind and giving person.

[@ullafransson3512]

Älskar både hans texter och musik! Hans sätt att framföra dem med sin mjuka poetiska stämma är helt magiskt! Har gillat honom sedan 1960-talet!

[@tammyepstein4219]

Verygood

[@trysometruth]

Han är en gåva som är sant.

[@bigwille11]

Paul Simon is so great he is a handsome man with all kinds of lyrics in his heart really I appreciate him 🌎❤️ and funny

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

His face has the most beautiful bone structure. And those eyes .....

[@philochristos]

We sang this tune in church this morning except that it was the hymn, "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded." It gives credit to both Hans Leo Hassler and Johann Sebastian Bach.

[@MainChannelTX]

Steal from the best. Bach did the same.

[@faustus999]

quite simply sublime from one of the greatest singer/songwriters that ever lived.

[@laurenhaharockon9192]

Great Song!! This is one album collection I miss having!

[@davidcammilleri5526]

Man we were lucky. Great music for a generation. One the most beautiful songs ever written and sung.

[@davidhwalton]

Taking a Coursera class on Rock brought me here. I am grateful to have been steered in this direction. Truly beautiful.

[@bgierat]

Pure genius. Look at his body of work. Blows my mind....

[@verbaIpocketplay]

incredibly powerful.. I love seeing these vidoes of just Paul and a nylon string guitar--and how out of such simplicity I can be moved beyond word and thought to pure emotion. pure brilliance.

[@YvogaAZ]

I'm taking that same Coursera course. "History of Rock, Part Two". How have I missed this song? Good Music!!! This man's music shall transcend time.

[@liamg2271]

Great thanks to J.S.Bach. Taking nothing away from Simon's lyrics, this is a Bach composition.

[@Amy-tl2xe]

I thought I was the only one who noticed that! Exactly right.

[@VoiceTotheEndsOfTheEarth]

@@Amy-tl2xe Yes, intro was from "O Sacred Head Now Wounded".

[@Constantijn09]

The melody is actually from “Passion Chorale” from the German composer Hans Leo Haßler, which was later adapted and harmonised by J.S. Bach

[@eddiemclean1522]

@@Constantijn09 and the middle section is all Simon I think

[@Constantijn09]

@@eddiemclean1522 I think so too

[@clucaspik]

This tune was written by Hans Leo Hassler around the year 1600. It was used by JSBach in the St.Matt. Passion - he used it 5 different times throughout the work and harmonized it 5 different way. Paul's lyrics are amazing - for some reason they always bring to me images of 9-11. "We come in the naion's most uncertain hour to sing as American tune".

[@phillwainewright4221]

Look kids - someone who can actually sing. No autotune or fancy effects. Just a brilliant guitar part and an amazing vocal.

[@bobaldo2339]

Sounds like nylon strings on his guitar.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

And can write lyrics with some depth to them.

[@darlenegriffith103]

I admire both of these men. Geniuses in their field.

[@tommyhaynes9157]

Many people don't realize, in addition to his other talents ,what a good guitarist he is

[@eddarby469]

It goes to show his genius that he is a vocalist, an instrumentalists, a lyricist, a composer and other things. He is incredibly talented but he also worked very hard to make his art available to us.

[@letsif]

Shobner, Well, from what I've read, Bach borrowed this melody for his St. Matthew's Passion from an earlier composer, Hans leo Hassler. Paul Simon wrote it after the Watergate thing, as a lament for America. I never tire of this song.

[@gregyork1220]

This song reminds me of my brother, R.I.P.

[@thibaudenis1]

Un des plus grands textes, une des plus belles chansons.

[@kierancoombes4753]

Nice one Paul ,🙏

[@plugh1]

Superb performance by a true American icon.

[@dianaholberg2300]

O Sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down; now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine only crown. O Sacred Head, what glory, what bliss till now was Thine! Yet though despised and gory, I joy to call Thee mine.

[@waverley60]

Utterly superb - and those chord structures !

[@faustus999]

what a beautiful song this is...every bit as good as bridge over, simon is a modern day mozart, as respected as he is i still beleive he is under appreciated.

[@sergechaillan3551]

Magnifique Paul Simon fait partie des plus grands songwriter.

[@rakpandin]

เขาเป็นนักร้อง นักแต่งเพลง ที่ยิ่งใหญ่ที่สุดคนหนึ่งของโลก ฟังเขาร่ายมนเสน่ห์ จากการร้องโดยใช้กีตาร์เพียงตัวเดียว เพลงก็เกิดความไพเราะได้อย่างน่าอัศจรรย์ ขอชมจากใจครับ....

[@actressinny]

Lovely. And lovely little interview after:)

[@insider_english1594]

It's like those classic paintings that were painted over on...

[@bidyutroy4026]

Awe america what a musician you have got! I wish I could hear him live

[@Pwecko]

Perfect words, perfect tune, perfect voice. I know Art Garfunkel was supposed to be the one with the great voice, but I always preferred Paul's. I have loved this song since I first heard it back in 1973. I was 15. Wonderful.

[@harveycan5820]

I was thinking that if he and Art had still been together that Art would have sung this song. With an amazing harmony by Paul, of course..

[@clarejackson6682]

Paul there he is quietly funny... hard to play the trumpet and sing at the same time... lovely simple solo version... best for me

[@Ar7wen]

I was either in high school or college I think when it came out but not sure when I first heard it. It has always touched me profoundly. Resonates very deeply.

[@adanacman666]

i think this is one of the greatest songs ever written