American Tune - Paul Simon | Live from Here with Chris Thile

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Paul Simon sings "American Tune" on our November 23, 2019 show. #PaulSimon #AmericanTune
Website: www.paulsimon.com/
The band: Chris Thile, Jon Cowherd, Eric Doob, Alex Hargreaves, Armand Hirsch, Chris Morrissey
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Live From Here with Chris Thile is the modern variety show, broadcast on public radio stations across the country. Each week, you’ll hear the best in music, comedy, theatre and more. With a world-class house band and fantastic special guests - from longtime favorites to exciting new voices - it’s something you just have to see for yourself!

[@MrDallman]

There are no words to accurately describe the genius of this man. Thanks Paul.

[@johntthomson7538]

Brings a tear to my eyes.

[@mf5202]

GOOSEBUMPS... The voice breaks of age add more to the song. Sometimes, there is perfection hidden right before our eyes. I've played guitar for years, some professionally, and have never played a Paul Simon song like he does. Yet again, who can... and for that, we should be grateful.

[@PlainD]

An American legend playing one of many masterpieces. Thank you Mr Simon.

[@MrSirViking]

I have seen Paul Simon live twice! Its the two best concerts of my life. He is fantastic. Such a great song writer and musician. One of the worlds legends.

[@zdwhite7]

One of my favorites. The main melody is based on the tune written in the 1600s that has been paired with the church hymn"O Sacred Head Now Wounded". Bach used the hymn on several occasions in a cantata and Christmas Oratorio. Simon's song has always seemed a sort of hymn about America and I find it fits so well within the history of that melody.

[@Hands2HealNow]

Thanks for sharing ! WE are so lucky to have the chance to learn from each other...Stop KZbin from limiting free speach.

[@MadMusicologist]

The composer of the original tune was Hans Leo Hassler. Imagine, that might have been when the war ended that lasted for 30 years.

[@sosaysthecaptain5580]

A German tune, as it turns out.

[@dlc1119]

Chris is a Master, yet he remains humble and awed to be playing with a Legend.

[@m.c.master4622]

The reverance and humility evident on his face here is so endearing.

[@marielavoratornovi85]

je suis toujours en admiration pour son talent.je l écoute depuis mes 17 ans , j en ai 63 et cela me plait toujours autant.je l ai vu à Amsterdam et plusieurs fois en Belgique.quel régal.merci Mr Simon. mes respects.

[@susanpenn4015]

I cannot listen to this enough. Over and over, it moves my heart, makes me cry for this country and more. Absolutely beautiful.

[@mistahcoughdrop]

This is one of Simon's masterpieces - an ode to America - and why we still believe in her. Despite the many challenges.

[@danielbarza8600]

well said

[@bridgetkelly8617]

Without a doubt it is a masterpiece and an incredible ode to America, and why, warts and all, we believe in her. Great comment!

[@edpaul1434]

One of Paul Simon's best songs, really powerful and moving. There's desperation in it - "when I think of/The road we're travelling on/I wonder what went wrong" (in Nixon's USA early 70s and relevant to Trump's now) - but also hope: "my soul rose unexpectedly/Looking back down at me/And smiled reassuringly."

[@fairterr]

so true , but we'll hope for better days now that we have a new president (yeah!!!)

[@nickroberts-xf7oq]

​@fairterr 😂 How's THAT working out ?!? #FJB

[@pambos555]

Listening to this repeat performance overwhelmed, by the scene around me in Spring, in rural IL, with the smell of lilacs, take your breath away beauty, completely broke me down last night. Especially poignant as the initial broadcast was late last Nov. when who knew what was about to unfold. An unsuccessful impeachment and pandemic unleashed on NYC....stay at home today on Day 60 and more questions than answers. I know it's an immigrant's song, but I honestly feel like one right now. I miss my home on many levels. I miss this county's ideals. "I see the Statue of Liberty, heading out to sea".... So may minority and immigrant populations, medical staff, scientists, first responders,... are trying to get some rest before another relentless day that may be one worse than before. And 25 million others who will not be going to work. This is a masterpiece, he's written many, but today especially relevant, and touching. This show feeds me weekly. Thanks to LFH for choosing this to repeat last night.

[@sonomabob]

“Live from here” is an unexpected treasure. Thank you Chris!

[@marianne8655]

Although I am not 'an American' I know for sure this song is not only meant to the #USA Paul Simon already wrote this song in the years 1972/1973 when things went very bad at the end of being #Richard #Nixon being #Potus of the #USA and the still lasting war in #Vietman This song is - indeed - Paul Simon`s masterpiece. It is a song composed for the entire world not only for the seventies but also a 'NEW WAKE UP CALL' for changing all things #BETTER in the WORLD in a #POLITICAL #WAY!

[@pgc8509]

Tears.

[@SuperC888]

So glad I had an opportunity to meet him one-on-one

[@thelex001]

Magical. And heartbreaking. So beautiful.

[@ralphespedido504]

legend

[@ktjankabar]

Already nostalgic for the days of seeing Paul live on tour. This certainly brings a smile to my face.

[@katydoran7298]

Chills for days...(especially when we listened live)

[@m.c.master4622]

If there were ever a show we need to have resurrected, it is this. American needs is.

[@dspreis]

I was at the show. No words.

[@colindowell6427]

Magical

[@jmgarfinkle]

Many's the time I've been mistaken And many times confused Yes, and often felt forsaken And certainly misused But I'm all right, I'm all right I'm just weary to my bones Still, you don't expect to be Bright and bon vivant So far away from home, so far away from home And I don't know a soul who's not been battered I don't have a friend who feels at ease I don't know a dream that's not been shattered or driven to its knees But it's all right, it's all right We've lived so well so long Still, when I think of the road we're traveling on I wonder what went wrong I can't help it, I wonder what went wrong And I dreamed I was dying And I dreamed that my soul rose unexpectedly And looking back down at me Smiled reassuringly And I dreamed I was flying And high up above my eyes could clearly see The Statue of Liberty Sailing away to sea And I dreamed I was flying We come on the ship they call the Mayflower We come on the ship that sailed the moon We come in the age's most uncertain hour and sing an American tune But it's all right, it's all right You can't be forever blessed Still, tomorrow's going to be another working day And I'm trying to get some rest That's all I'm trying to get some rest

[@brunoklintman3593]

Thank you God

[@MissOhio1000]

Fabulous!

[@t1harby]

A sleeper of guitar players . I'd put him ahead of most

[@SuperC888]

Bon vivanT

[@Wiley_Coyote]

Not first. But third is pretty impressive for a comment on a Paul Simon performance.

[@pjw2000]

His voice isn't what it used to be, but that's understandable for being 78, and the lower timbre brings a different kind of power to the material. It appears that he has downtuned his guitars -- does anyone here with a better ear than me know by how much?

[@anuteamsterium]

Standard tuning. Maybe he used to use a capo.

[@alexwood3932]

I think it may be the slower tempo, sounds mellow. Same key as the original though. Either way it sounds incredible

[@gregtamura3645]

Paul Simon often plays his music differently (guess to keep himself amused after all these years). I could listen to him all day for another 50 years, and it’ll never get old. This is my favorite Simon song, it is so melancholy, and timeless. His current rendition is that of a poet who’s 78 years of being “mistaken, foresaken, battered and misused”...which makes it especially appropriate and powerful today. That said, I’ve always loved this rendition(see link), which I’d close (but more emotive) than the album version. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3aWnH6Ler5ojbc

[@ashleyng323]

It’s a beautiful song but his voice is not at his best perhaps due to his age. The version he sang with Art at the Central Park is still the best IMHO.

[@eamonnmorris5331]

I have often wondered why this great song hasn't gotten more attention in the Trump era ... !

[@RobertCassard]

Incredibly poignant...even moreso as Paul Simon looks back on a long American life.

[@mf5202]

Indeed brother. Indeed...

[@kcmitchell2]

Paul is a Hobbit Elf, mom?