Paul Simon and Rhiannon Giddens “American Tune” Live at Newport Folk Festival, July 23, 2022

Paul Simon and Rhiannon Giddens “American Tune” Live at Newport Folk Festival, July 23, 2022.
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[@jaygeecee13]

OMG. She sang that like it was a prayer. That song now has even more weight. Stunning. She is a treasure. He is a genius and has meant so much to so many of us down through the decades.

[@LunaticFringe000]

💚

[@bilbobaggins5704]

Plus, for her I think the one verse was modified. "We didn't come here on the Mayflower We came on a ship in a blood red moon. We come in the age's most uncertain hours And sing an American tune."

[@adams565]

@@bilbobaggins5704 You are correct! She just tweeted out that Paul modified the lyric. "It's also very important to say that Paul changed the lyrics, not me - and this song has become one that is so dear to my heart for its ability to say what I have been feeling for a long time."

[@bilbobaggins5704]

@@adams565 Well, we've all been there, some far more than others. It also seems that we've been led to focus on the wrong and we often miss the good. As for the issue about the altered Mayflower verse. Some people came here early on to create their own dream, many people were already here, many people's ancestors came here to escape persecution and poverty about 100 years ago but some people's ancestors were brought here well before that to be persecuted and we should respect each and every person's contributions to our American tapestry. The mix of cultures is what makes us rather unique.

[@hank1519]

The tune seems similar to a Bach melody from some religious piece.

[@josieaidulis3120]

"We didn't come here on the Mayflower We came on a ship in a blood red moon"

[@roxannenelson9329]

My grandparents came in steerage class in the 20th century--and saw the statue of liberty which represented freedom from the oppression they were fleeing.

[@elainewaller-rose9707]

@@roxannenelson9329 Yep, it's a completely different perspective, depending on which ship you came on.

[@howardquinn5911]

Thanks very much for the lyrics in print.

[@twittertwice]

Paul changed the lyric not RG

[@melgloberman3292]

@@roxannenelson9329 - the same for my grand parents!

[@stevenwetter5663]

Oh my goodness, that was very deep. Powerful lyric change; "we didn't come here on the Mayflower, we came on a ship in a blood red moon"

[@PatWashburn]

She posted that it was Paul's change, not hers.

[@stevenwetter5663]

@@PatWashburn wow!

[@ForcesInMotion]

Yahtzee. All takes to understand how brilliant this song is is to be a human being. However, my guess is that only folks who are both musicians & "of a certain age" will pick up on that lyric change. Great stuff...

[@SethHolmes]

@@ForcesInMotion people looking to hate on her will pick up on it.

[@SethHolmes]

@@PatWashburn because Paul listens, he learns, he grows, he knows, and he cares.

[@michaelguido1774]

Rhiannon Giddens shining like a National guitar. 🥰

[@peterkennedy6798]

Well said!

[@jimgordon6629]

I wish I thought this song would be healing. Rather, it seems like a cry of despair. Why do elements of the crowd whoop at the saddest parts of the song? Those people aren’t looking for healing, they’re out for blood. No matter, great performance.

[@jenniferreiswig6741]

@@jimgordon6629 I think they're cheering when she hits particularly great notes.

[@brummiejojo]

Oh yeah... nicely put.

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

EXACTLY

[@ahendrick9211]

I think when Paul Simon is introducing you, you have reached another level.

[@IPlayLaptop]

amazing, I had an emotional response (which is rare these days)

[@jayd.rosenblum3975]

Mr. Simon recorded this song in 1972, 50 years ago (it was released in 1973). He could have written it last week. Ms. Giddens performs it perfectly, but she always does.

[@jmayland]

The change of the mayflower lyric is stunning. And in a post-Dobbs America, hearing that song sung by a woman feels very appropriate. "It's alright, it's alright.... I'm just weary to my bones." Indeed.

[@mbp2059]

Lol what? Grow up, buddy.

[@rcpmac]

@@mbp2059 What are you even doing here?

[@patriciadunne5885]

I agree. While others boast about their mayflower descendants, so refreshing to listen to her

[@lauriebley4527]

the song itself. the singer. all of the ways this is so meaningful. but also, doesn't she look just insanely beautiful?

[@jamesmccormick211]

Always.

[@vgrof2315]

She is so beautiful.

[@strangebru50]

A natural beauty!

[@howardlenow]

Rhiannon Giddens is simply spectacular and she got PaulSimon’s permission to rewrite the words “We didn’t come here on the Mayflower, We came on ships in a blood red moon.”

[@BaimaEudes]

❤

[@ayseeef]

Lovely adjustment

[@rachelbellenoit3803]

Our new American anthem.

[@herbiecactus6687]

Guitar guy is pretty good too.

[@paulshiebler5230]

Ya he ain't bad. :)

[@SouthCountyGal]

Yeah, he was pretty okay. 🤣

[@millyabrahams4977]

😁

[@corkkyle]

It' ll do.

[@chriswoolridge3886]

Wow she is awesome Paul was good too

[@2wayplebney]

This is great. we have Bach, Paul Simon and Rhiannon all at the same time. Beat that.

[@jensenotte3687]

I love how after the song is finished, she starts to walk away but Paul motions her to come back so he can lift her hand up and give her the applause that she deserves for that performance

[@frankbusjahn6138]

Was 15 years old when Paul Simon wrote this song. 65 now and listening to Paul Simon and Rhiannon Giddens with tears in my eyes. "American Tune" was always a great song for me, but this collaboration brought new life to it. The lyric changes have been noted here before. But it is Rhiannon Giddens who shows to the huge crowd that she is an extraordinary artist. I was lucky enough to have seen her here in Europe 2 years ago and follow all of her musical adventures. So if you don't know her yet: There's a lot of material here and elsewhere! - Thank you so much for filming and uploading this beautiful performance!

[@martycrow]

I am far away from Newport, but thankful to the tech that allows me to get stuff like this. I stumbled on Rhiannon Giddens by chance and had her paired with Paul Simon in a fantasy gig. And now it is a fantasy no more! So lovely! *Thanks to Amy for the upload!!!

[@mer101010]

I'm with you. ( same age and history with this song....) I've never been able to hear this song without weeping. It's just so beautiful.

[@JenniField]

Lucky enough to be from NC and to have followed her career. She's magic, and with Paul Simon? Just beyond. Beyond.

[@martycrow]

@@JenniField She's had an interesting musical journey. I vaguely know the Chapel Hill & 'boro area. Seemed a concentration of creative and other interesting people. Anyway, let's all share the joy of this wonderfully poignant song, and the adapted lyrics!

[@Ruffy6951]

Carolina Chocolate Drops! 👍

[@joannfleming991]

I was supposed to see her with Silk Road on Saturday in NJ. Now I know why the concert was canceled

[@currawongs]

Newport was amazing this year

[@grassflats2]

The lyric change....chills.

[@twittertwice]

It was a change by Paul… per RG

[@lindawer]

I have always felt the song prescient of 9/11 and it always takes me back to that day.

[@AmyKaribian]

Me too

[@MicheleEngel]

AND she happens to have the most beautiful, loving smile. 😍

[@MrPernell27]

I just saw this woman at the Paramount Theatre in Austin a few weeks ago. She’s incredible and has a great band behind her. Pretty cool how Paul Simon gave her the stage and let her show what she can do. She absolutely nails this song!

[@polkmontague8215]

America's best....Paul

[@Johnboy33545]

Thank you, Amy. I'm a 73 year old man brought to tears.

[@kdogusna77]

Whoever decided to put this duo together on the stage at Newport deserves an ovation.

[@elizabethw1554]

And the sun gives her a golden wash!!

[@davidespinosa1910]

They performed this tune earlier at the Grammy Awards Paul Simon tribute in January 2022. That performance will hopefully be available soon.

[@melgloberman3292]

@@davidespinosa1910 -Yes, I understand it will be broadcast in Eept. or Oct.

[@altheatoldme]

@@davidespinosa1910It is on KZbin now.

[@ejoseph2881]

I saw her sing this last night. She explained, Paul Simon had asked her to change the lyrics. Just exquisite. I was wiping away tears.

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

WONDERFUL!

[@metrobytmobile6844]

That was the best I've heard that song sung since when Paul did when he was younger.

[@duchessedepeluches]

She's a goddess.

[@anthonysalvati5868]

Fifty years ago, as a teenager with a not very well formed musical palate, I sat on a hillside in Newport Rhode Island on the second night of the Newport Jazz Festival and watched, mesmerized, as a woman named Nina Simone sat a piano and played and sang for the next hour. I didn't know Nina Simone and I had never heard music like that before, I described it in a later blog as a deep, resonant soulfulness. Until today I have never heard anyone come close to that same sound. Rhiannon Giddens is a treasure, and her voice, combined with Simon's transcendent music and lyrics, may be the greatest thing I have ever seen on you tube.

[@anniejenkins6406]

Both of these incredible singers are North Carolina born and bred.

[@janelevy8906]

I was there too at 16 years old and Nina Simone left a deep impression on me too.

[@LynnePope]

I have carried this sing around for days and days reading about Paul Simon and his life. He is a hero with a heart and mind that we easily give him the appreciation and respect that his school chum battled his own demons of worth of place over… harmony in action over all conquering over all feelings not good enough those demons die and who listens and follows .. flies

[@LynnePope]

@@anniejenkins6406 I will google Nina Simone - I’ve listened to all I could find of Rhiannon Giddens. “Deep in the heart “

[@LynnePope]

@@janelevy8906 I will google Nina Simone and listen thank you for sharing her

[@lotswifemusic9965]

What a writer…🌹

[@earlyrisersteph]

Wow, she owned that!

[@charlie9ak]

Rhiannon Giddens is a national treasure.

[@melgloberman3292]

Absolutely 1,000%

[@ericsfreshfishmarket5560]

Overwhelmed with emotion and tears; two stunning talents, from different eras; her passion and ability/willingness to share vulnerability, and Simon, approaching 82 and missing very few, if any, licks either on the guitar or in his performance.

[@Music4mee1]

Agree. She was so nervous early on understandably lol. This is Paul Simon here. Haha. And in her defense, I bet they didn't rehearse much was part of why she was a little off in the beginning getting started. What a treat this was for him to be there. Wow! :)

[@AmyKaribian]

So well-written 🙏❤️

[@FrancescoTurrisi]

@@Music4mee1 the tech guys didn’t put a mic in front of her during the change over…so at the end of the intro she looks up and realises she has no mic to sing in…😬

[@constanceclemmons2864]

This is very moving… An epic song, two wonderful performers, a critical time in American history. I’m wondering why the sound is so poor?Was the sound bad at the Festival? The recordings/videos we have from 50 years ago sound better than this. Is it because this was recorded on the phone?

[@petercrocker6192]

It seemed like some performers were having a hard time hearing themselves. I don’t know about her, though. At any rate, I just … I can’t get over this. Just unbelievably great. She just owns it.

[@josephcharbonneau8740]

YOUR AWESOME. ANGEL PRINCESS YOU ARE!!! 😍🌈😎

[@ramashkolnik9713]

Forever song.

[@katharina8101]

Thank you very much for sharing!

[@alfredbruno7486]

This was a wonderful Newport moment. Rhiannon is a huge talent and was clearly emotional about the opportunity to sing with Paul Simon. What a great gift for those in attendance. I gotta admit that I shed tears hearing this live at The Fort! Bravo!!!

[@danielmeyer1208]

I love how she was just giddy to be appearing with Paul Simon. She is truly a magnificent world treasure.

[@WiccaDavidson]

and the tears come... it's alright.

[@OopieB]

Beautiful

[@BFRay]

To be in the presence of genius is a rare and beautiful thing. Blessed be.

[@paulshiebler5230]

Indeed!

[@catherinealberte2736]

Two geniuses.

[@peterlang251]

Two of the best ones we have

[@AmyKaribian]

Forever relevant 🙏❤️

[@LynnePope]

Moved by the passing of the song forward to all time paul Simon moment his gift to the world

[@shaundavenport621]

Love Rhiannon,s version of Wayfarin Stranger!😁👍👍👍

[@luthiermatt]

RG is a national treasure mastering any American genre she chooses. Two amazing musicians right there.

[@davidespinosa1910]

You know she lives in Ireland, right ?

[@PapagenoMF]

She's not that great, lol.

[@lisama4903]

So good! Rhiannon glows when she sings. What an angel

[@melgloberman3292]

YES X 1,000%

[@martifingers]

@@melgloberman3292 I see her as showing us what we all should aspire to be.

[@Elodie830]

I was just thinking about her special glow, she needs no makeup or pretentious (is that a word) she's honestly a gift from above singer/ musician

[@stephensarkany3577]

She did a wonderful job, I was transfixed.

[@lindarhodes3970]

She is perfection! Interestingly, Paul Simon's "American Tune" is adapted from a German love song composed by Hans Leo Hassler in 1601. It was incorporated later into Bach's Saint Matthew Passion chorale and is often heard in Lenten church services as "O Sacred Head Now Wounded" -- the same beautiful tune. GOOD MUSIC HOLDS UP, and good musicians (like Simon & Rhiannon) help keep it alive 400 years later.

[@ronpulcer2511]

I really like the melody of hymn, "O Sacred Head". Although I am a guitar player, I learned to play the hymn's melody on diatonic harmonica. Playing solo harmonica without any guitar or piano accompaniment, the melody takes a different sounding modal quality in first half of verse. The second half sounds more major, but then doesn't end as you would expect. It's a wonderful melody.

[@tishierkrisis]

Hello Linda, I never knew that, but I always felt American Tune had something "motet like" or "cantate like", almost something spiritual. Thanks for the info! I'm from Belgium, I have a German song in my repertoire, "Die Gedanken Sind Frei"

[@Gonzol7]

@@tishierkrisis It is, technically, a Lied. It then became a chorale tune when sung in the church. It can have a major key final cadence (ending), a Phrygian cadence, etc.

[@clareswares1]

YES! I knew I recognized the melody all these years I'm 62 and wow Thanks! This is his best....lyrics but I think she did change the Mayflower line.

[@lindarhodes3970]

@@tishierkrisis Read the translation; interesting that the desire for freedom runs through the lyrics of both. And then there's this from Hassler: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIDCi5yIf7qGqqc

[@lynnebailey9195]

2 American treasures on 1 stage. What an honor.

[@stacym735]

It is the best kind of religious experience every time Rhiannon opens her mouth.

[@melgloberman3292]

RG is heaven sent!!!

[@adriennelovelocksongwriter7968]

That song is one of Paul Simon's most exquisite. A wonderful collaboration.

[@AmyKaribian]

Agreed

[@taddyd1]

And JS Bach

[@BernardGreenberg]

@@taddyd1 And Hans Leo Hassler, from whom Bach picked it up!!!

[@hank1519]

@@BernardGreenberg Who said "good artists borrow, great artists steal"?

[@BernardGreenberg]

@@hank1519 Bach didn't "steal" "Hassler's tune". Composers setting hymn-tunes previously written was, and continues to be, standard practice (except now for copyright-protected hymn tunes now). It was not considered "stealing", "borrowing", or "lack of originality", but what everyone expected, because everyone knew the hymn tunes.

[@guinessdraught2758]

what a beautiful person she is.

[@roberttyran3813]

OMG! History two Greatest ever.

[@kerryevans1562]

Rhiannon Giddeon Wan of our own.. Greetings from Dublin Ireland 🇮🇪 Loved the change of lyrics dug the Mayflower reference 👌she is sublime slick clever too... Dropped the old truth bomb via American Tune That young fellow in blue 💙 is pretty good too respect 82 and gracious 👌 🙌 too.... Wan Love ❤ Thanks Amy...We come in the age's most uncertain hours And sing an American tune...

[@twittertwice]

Paul changed the lyric. RG explained later it was his change not hers.

[@melaniamonicacraciun9900]

Back in action everybody, let only music rule the world fans

[@donwarnick1089]

Why Paul Simon is a national treasure for giving us humans songs like this to cry and laugh about.

[@ronnyskaar3737]

Wow. Beautiful adaption. Mayflower or not. We wonder what's gone wrong.

[@twittertwice]

Paul’s change not RG’s

[@ronnyskaar3737]

@@twittertwice Very good.

[@edward6768]

Lovely

[@HettiedeKorteDiplomaat]

Such a beautiful song. I don’t know anybody, punks, goths, grunge, who don’t like Paul Simon’s music. It will last forever. I feel so lucky being there when I heard them for the first time.

[@vic5594]

Music like this Will heal America,such a beautiful country should not be divided on so many issues American's deserve to be happy healthy and free, many have forgotten that

[@strickdan44]

From your lips to God's ear.

[@ulrichmuller9800]

A very nice Song with a wonderful R.Giddens.

[@robertstellon7525]

Ms. Giddens with Paul Simon, This is a spiritual song, beautifully performed!

[@caroledrury1411]

Incredible

[@rhwinner]

I'm glad she's getting this exposure. She deserves it. An amazing traditionalist/multi instrumentalist/vocalist....

[@NLSmith-qe4sg]

I love her (and still so jealous of those who could attend so close)

[@nancyturnbough8609]

I’ve always loved this song- her lyric change made it a new thing again.

[@twittertwice]

It was Paul’s lyric change. She explained it was his not hers.

[@nancyturnbough8609]

@@twittertwice good to know, Thank You

[@barbarastoutjesdyk711]

Rhiannon looks like a golden bronzed goddess!

[@missbix5345]

Paul Simon is the master of gravitas. And she is the embodiment of the wisdom and grace and strength of the Statue of Liberty. Feel like I"m back in the sixties when music was meant to deeply inspire and move people, as this song did. Let it rise again!

[@boogieste]

Brought a tear to my old eyes . Love 'em both

[@annkramer3704]

A magnificent piece .... way back in 1975, a very young Paul Simon solo'd this on the new and feisty SNL. Today, as many fear for our country's very future, this song evokes such powerful emotion. And tears.

[@bikewallabikewalla]

RG , Greensboro's gift to the world. But we do miss her so much!

[@pauldomingue9072]

Simply gorgeous. Wish I could have been there. Two of America's best... ever.

[@scottcerny4714]

Holy crap! Amazing.

[@ptarlow7708]

Powerful words and a powerful presentation.

[@TheSoxygirl]

This song with that voice just hits different these days. Amazing and thank you so much for posting this.

[@lorenzolarue337]

....Oh MFG! I am in tears, I know this song and have cried for it over and over, but this version just kicked it over the edge, such emotion I haven't felt in years for something so right on, right on, right on, right on. Love them Chocolate Drops, X 100....

[@melgloberman3292]

Thats what Rhiannon Giddens does!!!

[@glenn1075]

Thank you

[@silkpursemaker]

I'm a puddle of goo right now! Just beautiful!!!

[@JD_Cool]

Has one subtle lyric change ever re-invented a song so powerfully? Rhiannon swapped "Mayflower" with a slave ship, which casts every verse of this Simon classic in a new, emotionally devastating light. Mind blown.

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

SIMON WROTE KNOWING OF THE MAYFLOWER/MIDDLE PASSAGE CONNUNDRUM

[@timhuson4800]

Woke Simon gains a quiver of stardom again, at least among the woke.

[@JD_Cool]

@@timhuson4800 So you think that Paul Simon, who has earned a lifetime of critical acclaim, earned a fortune, and has nothing to prove to anyone, is pandering to political correctness? All he did is make an artistic choice... same as he's ever done. Thanks for demonstrating your complete cultural illiteracy.

[@timhuson4800]

@@JD_Cool Why do you have to be so rude? I wonder. I have been a fan of Simon for a long time. It is an artistic choice in the sense that it involves his music. But in my opinion, it is cheap to tarnish the old song with political propaganda. Then he could have added another line: "We were captured and sold by our black brothers under the blood-stained moon." Not every song has to serve political propaganda.

[@bobs9896]

WTF are you talking about? She didnt change any lyrics.

[@rustynail246]

I hope they'll live forever, especially Paul.

[@TheGezzagirl55]

Bach and Simon and that voice. Holy.

[@tamara8908]

This is such an appropriate song for today. I cried through the whole thing. Rhiannon's beautiful voice and personal touch just sent me over the edge.

[@cheepawful]

I was crying too….

[@smcdonald1]

Same, and i was standing there watching and listening. It was perfect and gave me hope.

[@jimbob12404yahoo]

Im glad IM NOT THE ONLY one crying...what a gift this was.

[@SelfReflective]

I feel proud to be an American listening to this. Until I remember… wait, I’m not an American. Sure feel like one now though.

[@nancystevens7447]

Gibbons is a National Treasure!

[@nancystevens7447]

I misspelled her last name-1,000 apologies! Giddens is still a treasure!

[@lesberkley3821]

Heard Rhiannon singing this live last Summer. I am convinced that the two people on stage here are the ones that know that the song truly means.

[@strickdan44]

The songwriter and singer have their own personal emotional investment, which must be true of all great renditions of a great song.

[@joymcguire]

Rhiannon Giddens is a true treasure!

[@davehamrah3868]

Challenging acoustics. She knocked it out!

[@melgloberman3292]

So it appears that you like and perfer mediocraty !!!

[@Rjhs001]

This song has always moved me but in these times of division and uncertainty, it brings me to tears. Wonderful performance.

[@KevinAtkins_Indiana]

Great gifts from generations and lives apart... Gratitude.

[@davidmcgrath575]

A simple truth in a simple tune - we can't be forever blessed, and it's all right. The truth of America to me is not the Mayflower or the Statue of Liberty, or any Dear Leader stoking our fears or hates.

[@jimfell7147]

I came thru the sixties a teen, The Beatles, Stones et al but as an Englishman it was folk music that was my true love The Watersons, High Level Ranters , Vin Garbutt etc. were my playlist and of course the great American and Canadian performers, great to see it can still move people, we need it desperately in todays world, but not the woke cancel culture flooding the media, free speech and discussion please.

[@vincentbynumbers]

woah. this is one of my favorite songs and she crushes it!

[@rabonour]

I've listened to this half a dozen times already and it still gives me chills. I truly think this is the definitive performance of this song for me. Paul's words take on so much new power in Rhiannon's voice.

[@kerryevans1562]

Yep

[@jimbob12404yahoo]

And now we see the reason she earned that American genius grant

[@andrewdashgdotcom]

Rhiannon performed here in Australia a few years ago (pre-covid) and was absolutely sensational. She still is and remains one of my favourite singers. Nice to see her perform with the other legend, Paul Simon. A great treat.

[@NancysNiftyNotes]

Yeah - we saw her last show in Melbourne before they flew home to Ireland and the world shut down.

[@J0hnC0ltrane]

I've been waiting for another perspective on this great Paul Simon song. Maybe his best ever.

[@shaney8275]

Not just one of my favorite Simon and Garfunkel tunes, but one of my favorites of all time. I got chills as soon as she started singing...

[@traceytrotter9934]

Sometimes it's so sweet to be old! I am grateful to be 62 and to have such wonderful talents to grow up with and learn from.

[@mariewhite6804]

You are not old!

[@maliksharif9819]

Awesome

[@LLocke7550]

Whoa. I’ve been listing to attend the Folk Festival for years. I’m 68. What am I waiting for? This is perfection

[@stevefaure415]

Great to see Paul just digging the tune and his guitar playing here is off the chart, he's the whole band. Not to forget the sublime vocals.

[@greggflavell2953]

Forever blessed

[@jackwalker1822]

This performance sent chills up my spine. A great collaboration and vocals by Rhiannon Giddons. A song written by a songwriting genius. I doubt many non-Americans would really comprehend what this song is about. So the name of the song is perfect. Amazing that Paul Simon is still performing occasionally.

[@thaddeusk4230]

Not many addled Americans either for that matter.