AMERICAN TUNE by Paul Simon/September 5, 1974

ANNE L SAID: "I have only discovered 'an American Tune' in the past 2 or 3 years - about time of original article. It certainly has powerful lyrics that don't seem to have been well thought of or much noticed in the '70s, judging from some reviews. But as a singer of traditional, medieval, Renaissance & Baroque music the tune catches at me ironically in view of Simon's title. Not only did he crib it from J.S. Bach (I presume) but Bach cribbed it from Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612). It's from his 1601 'Lustgarten, Deutsche Lieder zu vier, fuenf, sechs und acht Stimmen' (Pleasure Garden, German Songs for 4,5,6 & 8 voices) & appears there as a rueful little lovesong of at least 3 verses called 'Mein G'mueth ist mir verwirret' (My mind is confused). There the tune isn't solemn at all but one of the bouncy, syncopated dances popular then. Who knows? As our knowledge of truly old music deepens it wouldn't be surprising to find that Hassler borrowed an even older dance. So Simon also knows a good tune when he hears one. Understanding a tune's past uses deepens our appreciation of its present & this one's proved its universal staying power."
andywhitman.blogspot.com/2005/...

[@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.

[@swamijoy738]

This song is a masterpiece.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@julioparpacen834]

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

[@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.

[@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”.

[@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.

[@eddiethunder2333]

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

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

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

[@RonH714]

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

[@breastlady]

Beautiful song. He sings for the rest of us. I've loved Paul Simone since I was 8 yrs old and now I'm 50 something and he's still my favorite.

[@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.

[@lairsantos]

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

[@user-nk9im5tz5g]

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

[@nelsonlao8285]

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

[@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.

[@northmann5837]

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

[@user-jv9tg6rz6h]

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

[@Celestino51]

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

[@jamescarnley3243]

ONE OF THE BEST SONGS I HAVE EVER HEARD

[@jap2ace]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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".

[@884kaz]

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

[@TomMcRand]

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

[@robertjohnson1962]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@jim5746]

A genius of music and lyrics.

[@mariangelagiulianeofficial]

He looks like the sweetest man in the world

[@dungteller367]

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

[@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.

[@DoofsterDan]

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

[@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

[@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/

[@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...

[@lemforst]

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

[@cynthiavanaria3942]

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

[@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

[@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. ❤️

[@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?"

[@user-qf9te6no9f]

@@silverwolfmonastery ㅊ

[@katherinem.4414]

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

[@petergreen3122]

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

[@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.

[@marsza11jm]

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

[@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." 😃

[@ponytoes]

love the song, love the singer, adore the host

[@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.

[@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/

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@souljem66]

legend in music, love him!

[@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.

[@dichtran8337]

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

[@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....

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.....

[@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.

[@alecepting1371]

@@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

[@izzymclean6527]

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

[@michaelvaladez6570]

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

[@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.

[@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 ..

[@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".

[@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.

[@adanacman666]

i think this is one of the greatest songs ever written

[@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!

[@thibaudenis1]

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

[@plugh1]

Superb performance by a true American icon.

[@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 .....

[@faustus999]

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

[@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.

[@gordibhoy]

"it'd be difficult to play the trumpet and sing..." Priceless

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

I know. He is so bright. I need to look up interviews of him (have seen a few).

[@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.

[@gregyork1220]

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

[@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.

[@annaosso8900]

This song is so meaningful in the year of the pandemic😢

[@bgierat]

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

[@insider_english1594]

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

[@davidhwalton]

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

[@laurenhaharockon9192]

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

[@darlenegriffith103]

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

[@kierancoombes4753]

Nice one Paul ,🙏

[@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.

[@tenglesfoly001]

Paul's music tune is unique, his talent no one can make the same ,except Art Garfunkel.

[@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.

[@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..

[@RickJones222]

I'm glad he cribbed it. I never would have heard it otherwise, besides, the brilliant lyrics are a perfect marriage to this tune.

[@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.

[@davidcammilleri5526]

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

[@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.

[@george5120]

This is the best version of American Tune, on KZbin. His performances, as he aged, seemed less inspired, probably because he got sick of performing the song, so many times over the years.

[@CharlesSlang]

This is my favorite song of all time, as politically relevant today as it ever was, puts the American dream in perspective; A memorable, timeless melody, emotional crescendo and powerful lyrics celebrating the human spirit, this song should be the National Anthem. America is about the dreams and accomplishments of her people, not about militarism and bombs bursting in air!

[@martaflitxpanella9423]

The best song ever written.

[@actressinny]

Lovely. And lovely little interview after:)

[@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

[@darius595]

this is what the 70's were about. quality music and quality interviews