Paul Simon contemplates faith, death and the existence of God

Tom Power sits down with Paul Simon at the musician’s home near Austin, Texas, to discuss the inspiration for Simon's 15th and latest album, Seven Psalms, and the big questions it explores.
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[@ngary1957]

No question. Paul is one of the greatest songwriters, musicians, entertainers of all time. He has enriched our lives with his beautiful music

[@garychambers5850]

Love his songs and his songs with Garfunkel! ❤

[@howard1beale]

I met Paul Simon after a concert around 1971 in London. He was doing sweet. I wanted his autograph but didn't have a pen on me. He signed it with his own pen, and then gave me the pen. Which I still have. What a nice guy

[@paulcooper5748]

He seems an awesome guy.

[@jesperjnsson6268]

Paul Simon is a musical thief and a terrible human being. Enjoy your pen.

[@evelynmoore-mo3mu]

Tom Power is absolutely the best interviewer. I always enjoy his work, the connection and conversations he has with the the different people he sits with.

[@larrywiesner893]

Paul Simon has been a blessing to those of us fortunate enough to have been around throughout his career. He's a great songwriter, musician and quite simply a great person that has maintained his innocence as a human being. So nice that he hasn't allowed fame to ruin who he really is. Thanks Paul for all your music.

[@paulinamoore1902]

In 1975, when I was 14 years old growing up in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, bullied by the girls at my new school, and problems at home, I retreated to my bedroom and listened to my first real album, (Partridge Family doesn't count) Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits, and played it over and over on my $30 record player. I felt such a connection with the music. I Am a Rock became my theme song. The harmonies, the lyrics, the everything about the genius that is Paul Simon brought me such comfort and space of belonging at such a difficult time. I have never stopped listening, and appreciating Simon and Garfunkel. Thank you for being there for me at such a difficult time, Paul Simon. Your music and voice is beyond sublime. You are truly a treasure.

[@BladeRunnerF24mkII]

Loved this.

[@kaceykelly7222]

Thanks for your story! I had a similar experience. Thank goodness for performers & song writers like Paul.

[@rodmagee7895]

My story is similar to yours, I wish I had turned to music instead of drugs and alcohol though.

[@buyerofsorts]

I was 20 in 1986 and suffered with depression. I listened to Simon & Garfunkel's Greatest Hits as well which helped me get through it. I bonded with that album. I guess music is a healer.

[@deewalton509]

O

[@cybersnake8]

Dear Paul Simon , I have listened to you since the sixties and you are like fine wine ❤God’s’ Blessings on you , God make his face to shine on you .

[@JiniGuitar]

Paul, you are a real poet..I’ve grown listening “Sound of Silence”. Thanks much

[@paulsimon6687]

Genius,one of the greatest singer songwriters of all time

[@Piggy-Oink-Oink]

Considering Paul Simon is in the top 5 living American Songwriters he is still humble, decent, personable and honest. SO rare.

[@f.scott.fitzbeagle]

Great interview. I agree with most of your points: decent, personable, and honest (especially concerning music}. But humble? I've heard tales about the recording of Graceland. I don't think humble fits lol but perhaps he has mellowed.

[@hobbes4583]

Interesting proposition to list 5... 5: Tom waits 4: Joni Mitchell 3: smokey Robinson 2: Paul Simon 1: Dylan Hey- I gave it a shot. Mitchell is Canadian- maybe Carol king instead Ok- honorable mention list in no order -springsteen -jackson Browne -fogerty -david Byrne -chrissie hynde -brian wilson

[@yajy4501]

@@hobbes4583it’s tough cause I love all the ones you listed but I think Leonard Cohen deserves a spot on there as well. To me there’s a level of greatness where you’re not better or worse than the other greats, just different. I think a tier ranking system works better cause then you can fit em all 😂

[@Piggy-Oink-Oink]

@@hobbes4583 The list is 1)Brian Wilson 2)Dylan 3_Paul Simon 4)Springsteen 5)Don Henley (dont argue Henley-I told him once he is in the top 5 and he scoffed back ":top 3" LOL

[@philoza1000]

I always got the impression he was (is) a man of integrity when I saw him in concert.

[@orangeandslinky]

My favorite line is from The Boxer. " A man hears what he wants to hear, and disregards the rest."

[@paulcooper5748]

I like the line i knew a man he come from my hometown he wore he's passion for hes woman like a thorny crown.

[@orangeandslinky]

@@paulcooper5748 Wow, I never focused on that before Paul. No doubt Simon and Garfunkel were messing around in the Bible when they wrote that song. No doubt at all! But if a man wears a passion for a woman like the Crown of Christ, he will get all shot up and make everyone miserable. Adam must have worn that crown when it came to Eve. We all lost the day he did it too.

[@paulcooper5748]

@@orangeandslinky I totally agree with you on not wearing the crown when it comes to dealing with women most women will not appreachiate or value that in a man sadly.

[@orangeandslinky]

@@paulcooper5748 Yes ,(sadly). Who did God blame for letting the woman hear and believe the gospel according to Satan? God blamed the man. The woman was deceived, but the man as the stronger vessel sinned. Who will God blame (rightly) for feminism? He will blame the Man who is supposed to be strong and in charge. God will say to us as He did to Adam, "Why did you listen to the woman?" You and I know there would be no feminism if not for men letting and making it happen. Sure, we thought that it would make the woman happy somehow, so we will help and then the happy woman would love us even more. We men did the same damned thing Adam did. Happy wife happier life for all!! Happy women, happy men and women for all!! We were going against our nature and not looking at the long outcome at all. We are the managers and we let the woman manage. We LET the woman manage. Now we are in one big giant mess. The woman by nature wants to overthrow the managerial position of the man on earth. We men LET THAT happen. A woman is never really older than about 9 years old emotionally. We knew that and still LET the 9 year olds in the supreme court to rule over men. Is there any hope? No, I don't think so. Once you LET glass break on purpose, you can't fix it. It must be totally replaced.

[@dvdortiz9031]

Thats what paul simon applies to himself!!!l

[@rikkidelreeko3563]

Ever since hearing the opening lines "Hello darkness my old friend I've come to talk with you again" been totally gripped with the music of this brilliant singer/songwriter, always delivers

[@christopheralexander5493]

A vision was planted in his brain, and still remains. ❤

[@jenniferhyde5389]

And touched the sound of silence ❤😊

[@Robnord1]

Within the sound of silence

[@lynnmorgan3283]

Hi Paul, I am a singer/songwriter singing mainly Gospel for more than 50 years now. Two years ago I found out I had a large brain tumor. They removed the tumor after a 15.5 hour surgery. I lost all my hearing in my left ear. So last Dec. I performed my first 2 hour concert since the surgery. It was different but doable. Had fun and people loved it. So I thank God for sustaining me and allowing me to continue sharing my God given gift with people up here in Michigan. My US touring is probably never what it was before the surgery but I'm happy I can still perform and continue writing. So I'm 78 this year and still have the passion for life and music. I've found peace with my faith in Christ. I am blessed with children, grand children and a wonderful wife. So much more to my story. I just wanted to encourage you to keep blessing people with your extraordinary musical gifts.

[@raqueljane7419]

Praying For Paul.Jesus is Lord.

[@aue82a]

A word of appreciation for the surgeons may be in order?

[@joywhitley3141]

Amen, praise Jesus and I pray God will touch Paul Simon through your comments.❤

[@andrewyates1765]

@@aue82a Yes/And!

[@ReubenPsychol.]

May I please ask which type of medication you're taking to prevent re-occurance of the growth? May God bless you with many more years of fruitful and health Life.

[@craigphillips6308]

So refreshing to see Tom give Paul Simon the space to actually answer his questions without interrupting. Also very rare these days.

[@commonsense2680]

Brilliant songwriter! I have rarely seen a musician as good and creative as Mr. Simon! Just a once in a lifetime person!!!! Thank you for all your talent!

[@mlysupermom]

Paul , I pray God continues to call your heart !! It’s not about religion my friend …it’s about a relationship with the creator of ALL things …..even you and the music through you ♥️

[@JamesW225]

I am still crazy for his songs , after all these years

[@deborahbarry8458]

🎵 I sang that when I read it. 🎵

[@MIOLAZARUS]

Same🥹❤️

[@ExtremeBeatlesArchive]

In how many ways?

[@user-wq2fm2fd4c]

Truly impressive: With all his success he is able to still question himself as to his own truth, this gives me hope for us all.

[@wendysherbert3257]

Mr. Simon, my father is your age and I grew up on your music. My father played it on the weekends while doing projects around our house. The era of Singer/Songwriters was the music of my childhood. Thank you for creating such wonderful and singable songs. You have given scores of us musical memories for our entire life. Thank you. Simply thank you.

[@kathierezek3515]

"The listener completes the song." Humility and grace. Always one of my very favorite musicians.

[@veeherreraJanecka]

One the greatest songwriters of all time; yet so humble and gentle. He’s a gift. ⭐️

[@alanduncan1980]

I prefer Saul Pieman.

[@jessedylan6162]

@@alanduncan1980 i prefer Nacnud Nala

[@Zeibekkikina]

Agreed

[@GameChanger597]

One of the greatest singers too. You don't have to sing in five different octaves and belt it out like Whitney Houston to be a phenomenal singer.

[@MrMonkeyfarmer1]

I like Turtles...

[@skylinerunner1695]

Paul Simon is a thoughtful conversationalist and it takes him time to construct and shape his thoughts and responses verbally. Kudos to this interviewer for not rushing or interrupting him, or imposing a 'narrative' onto the exchange, and avoiding all the usual stuff Simon has been asked endlessly over the years. He just let the conversation breathe.

[@Ruthie888]

Paul Simon. You understand that you're channeling the divine. You are a treasure. I love you.

[@edwardj.dougherty9164]

Ruthie, My late Mother realized this in the late 1960s. Our parish had built a new large Church in 1964 but had held onto the old, 19th-century church building. The young adults were in their thirties and forties; my Mother was 35 in 1968, my Dad was 38, and I was 7. They, some of their friends, and a couple of the younger priests had the idea to have small, less formal Masses in the old Church with five or six guitars accompanying the songs. My Mother had the idea that many of the Simon and Garfunkel songs were or could be easily interpreted as Spiritual and talking about our relationship with our Creator, whom I call Jesus, others just call God, and others call Allah. The label doesn't matter because there is only One. Hearing The Sound of Silence and Bridge Over Troubled Water in that contest opened my ears, my soul, and my receptiveness to listening for God's message at a very young age. His songs featured prominently at every Mass. After the priest's sermon, the congregation would often discuss the significance of the words. Where would my faith be without Paul Simon, where I ask? I don't know. This is one of the thousands of reasons that anti-semitism makes me, an Irish-Catholic American man so, so angry.

[@chiguy8859]

While I'm not too familiar with Tom Power, I must say he is an exceptional interviewer. For one thing, he does his homework and you can see how appreciative the artist is by their opening up to him. The other reason is Tom doesn't steal the limelight and make it all about HIM, as soooo many other interviewers do. Others are opportunists trying to make a name for themselves, whereas Tom just let's the experience unfold because he knows his place and is comfortable taking a backseat in order to get the most from his guest. Great work Tom! I look forward to enjoying more of your efforts. Peace

[@rhondaolenick1404]

"and the words of the Prophets are written on the subway walls, tenement halls..." love Paul Simon always have... A treasure of Queens, NY 😊

[@creidy3343]

Love the lyrics to Sounds of Silence. I could play this song on piano for 40 or 50 yrs, but have no piano and eventually lost my ability. All of Simon and Garfunkel's songs were great.

[@caper770]

I would choose Bridge over troubled Water as one of the best songs ever written. Hauntingly beautiful and timeless

[@jeandesirekabamba2349]

Thanks, Paul. I am an African. I am amazed about your incomparable ability to blend Pop music with African vibes. Under the African Skies in concert, Rufaro stadium , Zimbabwe will ever be my favorite. God bless you

[@tabaxikhajit4541]

"I never get to say it perfectly but it's a pretty good try and I'll move on to the next line." This from one of the greatest lyricists of all time. It humbles and inspires us.

[@frankj.artino2203]

Paul, your moving towards the truth.♡♡

[@johnjosephmercadante6664]

This man is full of confidence when you look at what he has accomplished, it has nothing to do with luck.

[@jamesohara2787]

Paul and Tom might like to know that when Sounds of Silence was percolating beneath the surface of the pop charts in the mid-Sixties, a DJ named Bob Resch (sp?) at Penn State was playing it every chance he could get, telling his audience that this was on its way to becoming a BIG hit. I would guess the same thing was happening at many college campuses around the country. Even at 80 yrs., I have a clear memory of how profoundly the lyrics,arrangement and performance affected me and so many other young listeners. GREAT interview!

[@fob1xxl]

As a 78 year old man, I THANK YOU PAUL for all the joy you have given me starting from the 60's. You have enriched our lives with your songwriting. To say it's the background of our lives is an understatement. Those that THINK Jesus has not worked through you is a HIPPOCRITICAL FOOL ! Your legacy will live on forever . I thank you. 🙏💙👍

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

until judgement day. He does not believe in God or Jesus Christ but celebrates Christ mas and Easter and thanksgiving. Eternity will not be about any of us or what we have done. It will all be about Jesus Christ who died on a cross to save us from our sins.

[@themamma341]

Amazing music that lasts a lifetime. Absolutely Incredible songwriter in our time.

[@DADDYCHAD875]

​@@JohnSmith-uy7svokay that's enough now, brother. Put the liquor down!💀

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

@@DADDYCHAD875 1 Corinthians 15:58 New Living Translation 58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 2 Timothy 4:5 New Living Translation 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 2 Timothy 4:2 New Living Translation 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

[@robertodebeers2551]

Well said. I'm 76, and Paul was the major influence on me beginning in 1966, and I worked my way through degrees in English and later a modest career as a writer. Paul used to really light me up. And he still does.

[@joespappa]

Paul, you are a treasure. Paul, GOD does speak to us. And he apparently wants your attention. Listen Paul. HE IS REAL.

[@dwhite6213]

Not really

[@eyesofchild]

What a beautiful person, Paul is. Tom, you gave him the perfect amount of space balanced with your own input to let him shine perfectly. Thank you for this gift! 🙂

[@poopy_pants_joe1194]

He's known as a violent crazy...

[@richarddouglas8015]

Pl

[@beccahday]

@@poopy_pants_joe1194 you know, oddly enough, people can be violent, crazy and beautiful all at once. having said that, in 50 years, i don't remember ever hearing anything about him being violent and crazy. i may have missed that.

[@poopy_pants_joe1194]

@@beccahday He was permanently banned from the Columbia Records office by Walter Yetnikoff.

[@beccahday]

@@poopy_pants_joe1194 that doesn't mean much to me, out of context. i don't know who that is, or why he was banned. a cursory internet search indicates a very typical conflict btwn a gifted artist and a greedy record company executive. that goes nowhere in supporting your claim that paul simon was either violent or crazy.

[@einanderer2738]

Grown up and living in Germany, the music of Simon & Garfunkel was always like a bright light, delivering to me (71) the best sides of the U.S.A. Thank you.

[@josrodsedre5142]

I didn’t know Tim Power before coming here and I’m a fan now. So refreshing to see an interviewer who knows his subject like that and is able to have an actual conversation with his guest.

[@ScottieBeach]

Welcome to CBC. Listen to as much of it as you can. Get their listen app.

[@Knowyourintent]

I'm a big fan of Paul Simon. But felt compelled to leave a comment on Tom Power. This is my first exposure to him. Loved his respect, empathy, presence, patience and attention. Nice complement to Paul's introverted nature.

[@chairlesnicol672]

Maybe him n Susan from The Shining are neighbors! She lives in Blamko , Texas! Near to Austin n has a small 20 acre parcel of land on a hobby farm like Paul’s

[@trevorjamesbradley3010]

Great interview. I think what I notice about Tom's interviews is his ability to listen is as important as the questions he asks. Too many time you see the guest never has the opportunity to finish their sentence before being railroaded with a statement by the interviewer. You're world class Tom, keep it up! Mr. Simon, ain't so bad either!

[@cherylb2008]

Tom is such a great interviewer

[@mandomtn1962]

Great interview Tom, if anyone is receiving messages from the other side, it's Paul. His lyrics consistently have helped me endure the last 40 years of my life. Keep bringing the messages in till your dying day old man... On yeah, you're not old, the bible is old.

[@anjaliradhe]

Thank you Tom for your authentic active listening. A breath of fresh air after watching many wannabe interviewers trying to be entertainers. You keep it real and natural. Love Paul Simon

[@BladeRunnerF24mkII]

Tom great yes. I agree

[@tomwirt319]

Tom has the kick of letting his people talk, instead of talking over them. We learn what they feel, not what the interviewer wants us to learn. Same as Paul in his music.

[@seanslavin1974]

Paul Simon is a legend. No one can argue that. Tom does and outstanding job here. The perfect balance between knowledge, enthusiasm and space. There are not too many people that can interview someone at this level and not ruin it. This is gold. Well done.

[@susan9087]

Gee. I was thinking the same thing. Have never heard of or listened to/watched Tom Power, but this interview was in the suggested videos below ones that I generally watch (on news and politics). Tom has the three attributes that you mentioned. Thanks for your own incisiveness!

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

He does not believe in God or Jesus Christ but celebrates Christ mas and Easter and thanksgiving. Eternity will not be about any of us or what we have done. It will all be about Jesus Christ who died on a cross to save us from our sins.

[@vivienlee610]

@@JohnSmith-uy7sv Don't you think it was obviously God speaking to him through his dreams, but he didn't recognise him??

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

@@vivienlee610 Did he sing and write music about Jesus Christ or God or salvation through Jesus Christ? 1 John 2:15-17 New Living Translation 15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. James 4:4 New Living Translation 4 You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God." Mark 8:36 New Living Translation 36 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?

[@mrwittyone]

@@JohnSmith-uy7sv Put a cork in it. No one cares. Keep your religious diatribes to yourself as they don't belong here. Xmas and Thanksgiving are SECULAR holidays, enjoyed by many non-believers. And the fact is, there's absolutely NO EVIDENCE that your Jeebus Crispy ever existed in the first place. Your judgmental tone about non-believers is par for the course among arrogant xtians such as yourself. Another reason that your religion is whithering away and will disappear within the next 50 years.

[@mstew35]

Old men dream dreams...Keep listening Paul. God is talking directly to you and wants you to dig a little deeper! How wonderful and thank you for being so transparent.

[@sound-the-alarm7]

Wonderful interview. I saw Simon and Garfunkel at Parade Stadium in 1983 while in High School. There were moments from that show that are among the apex of best live sounds I have ever heard and I have seen many many live sets over the decades. Thank you for this interview. I'm writing this to you as my wife is going through vision loss, she sees grays now and mirages and I use different words to talk with her, she is having to stop driving and working and yet her spiritual vision is simultaneously soaring ( not hyperbole ). The Father of Lights is shaking out everything right now. Abba will do these things, wake us up because we receive something in a vision, such as "7 psalms" and then lift ( temporarily ) or change our 5 senses and propel us to think, 'maybe Im not thinking about this correctly'. Father is waking up many, many people right now (often 3 am or so) All creation is groaning, perilous times are upon us whether we would have it be so or not. My testimony is that *Love* has a name, and that this love laid down His life, died, was buried and rose again to pay in full the penalty for our sins. Paul is hearing this knocking from The Door. Jesus is alive forevermore. Please pray Jesus is known and received by Paul and many more. There is yet a great harvest. Jesus love, peace and joy are tangible, we all have experienced them in moments, seasons and starts. When one is found by Jesus they amplify and *remain* within you as rivers of living water, Jesus is calling. He says you are either for Him or against Him. He is faithful and true, closer than your clothing, with love that is higher, wider, deeper, and of greater breadth than all the poets, shamans, truck drivers, artists, preachers and dreamers...His thoughts toward us greater than the sand. Dont wait today is the day of salvation, newness of life and life more abundantly. - Bryan

[@jimcoon]

“I was playing my guitar lying underneath the stars, just thanking the Lord for my fingers….for my fingers”. I truly think that Paul is searching for God as God is calling to him. What an artist

[@dvdortiz9031]

Duncan, 1972

[@UlloMark]

OUTSTANDING COMMENT...!

[@GameChanger597]

I don't believe Paul is searching but I do believe God is calling. I hope he answers the call. We never know when our last day will be.

[@robertlucey825]

I believe Paul lives in a nation steeped deeply in the mythology of religion and it's seeping into his lyrics. But who cares what anybody else believes?

[@jimcoon]

@@robertlucey825 First - these lyrics were written decades ago. And where did you read that I care what anyone else believes? I DON’T care what anybody else believes. So nice of you to throw this bit of snark out for us.

[@lesleyM84]

“saturated with enough ambiguity that they would allow for more interpretations” “it’s just a song” “the listener completes the song”…. humility within brillance💕💕💕

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

"a fool in his heart says, There is no God. FOOL!"

[@maetzchenmusik]

“the listener completes the song” - this statement reminds me of Ferruccio Busoni: "The public does not know and does not like to know that in order to receive a work of art, half the work on it must be done by themselves".

[@jeffreyfeinstein5525]

@@maetzchenmusik ((...and too oft belonged to publishers, WhOOf!

[@eltatoyo9211]

The best interviewer is the one that knows that silence is golden. Tom allowed Paul , not the easiest interview, to open up and give us his impressions of his writing process. With minimal input from Tom, Paul helps us connect to his profound ideas that really echoes our own with his statements on mortality, human fragility and struggles with existence and its meaning. With his new album Paul doesn’t pretend to give us answers, but his impressions and his own unanswered questions, that perhaps are destined to remain unanswered. Anyway, short but meaningful interview with a genius whose work will continue to accompany this listener throughout the tribulations and triumphs of his life.

[@whitesun264]

I have watched lots of interviews with Paul Simon over the years, this was probably the best interview so far, really enjoyed it. Lots of information which I don't think has come out before.

[@bobbyscott8024]

Paul Simon is one of the best singer/songwriter/guitarist/musicians of all time in my opinion! He is so gracious to his audience and always humble. Thank you for the interview!

[@JuddBrogden]

We are all getting older every day. Graceland will always be the greatest album ever for me. I am now 52 years old...and I can still remember singing Diamonds with my best friend back in the day. Thank you Simon for everything you did to make my childhood a wonderful time for me.

[@ECo-ECo-ECo]

I believe that Paul Simon's mind and soul are inter-connected with all the minds and souls of poetry and music geniuses of all time. So there's no wonder that genius lyrics and music pour out of him, even when he sleeps. He's just too humble to acknowledge that.

[@ThorFILMs000]

What a bizarre comment, his mind isn't connected to the minds and souls of poetry and music geniuses of all time. How about giving credit to him instead of attributing it to woo woo.

[@HootmanFly1]

@@ThorFILMs000 but woo woo feel warm fuzzy inside.

[@carlosreira2189]

The prophetic gift seems to resting upon Paul. May he know the grace and power of his Lord, the might Christ, Jesus of Nazareth! And may all Jewish people everywhere embrace Him who embraces you!

[@eileenfrank3686]

I think this is the second time I've had the pleasure of watching Tom Power talk with somebody we've loved for years. This is no simple, every day common Q and A. Mr. Power's curiosity, intellect and pure interest in his guests shines. It feels as if I am sitting in my favorite chair in the living room, sipping a glass of wine while being privy to a conversation of a couple of guys visiting my home.

[@jillking5876]

The thoughts on his latest work are very interesting to hear. Especially that he had absolutely no idea as to where the dreams were coming from to begin with. I remember being led through the 60's by the songs of this man. I feel very fortunate to have the experience of knowing his music in my youth. Also, to hear that he cannot play live anymore is startling. The listener is the one who finishes the song. Well said and very wise.

[@nancycole-auguste6614]

Paul Simon has become monumental in my mind over all these years. The poetry of his songs is really total genius on a mystical level. No wonder Nobel Lauriate Derek Walcott befriended him. Paul its your soul so beauteous.

[@timburrows5807]

One of the best song 🎵 writers of our time.

[@emuna9823]

And many great musicians look up to him

[@SpeegBJ]

Oh Paul...one of the most profoundly genius song writers in our lifetime; your connects are so deep and fine, it's no wonder you dream things that would turn into music. Thank you from the first to now. I'm loving hearing your early stories, England, Carole King, Dylan and other musicians we know....love it. 'Went to law school moved to England, imagine! Thank you if you read this.

[@greenbeagle13]

Paul Simon, in my opinion, is the best songwriter/composer ever to exist. He never needed one or two "causes" to focus on as other 1960 songwriters needed - his music encompasses every culture, every cause, every problem. He is just the best. I still think the original "Sound of Silence" is the best version... ❤✌ Thank you for this interview - I will always watch a video that has Paul Simon involved. BUT, that being said, I like your interview style and want to hear more, so I'm a new subscriber. 😊😊

[@nancywarren7331]

This is a fascinating and wonderful experience. I am a believer. Paul Simon is the most authentic and beautiful poet. Thank you.💐

[@felinefinetessaslegacy]

I saw Paul LIVE in with the The Rhythm of the Saints TOUR. It was magical. Thank you Paul. I have been listening to your music for over 50 years. ♥#tessaslegacy

[@donnahiebert8887]

"the listener completes the song" ...I burst into tears when he said that. I have only heard Simon play live once - so memorable - his Graceland tour. He came on stage for an encore with his acoustic guitar. He must have played for almost an hour. He is not only an astonishing song writer and musician - he is a true bard, a legend. What a fantastic interview, thank you Tom Power and the Q team. Blessings Paul Simon!!!

[@kurtdavidson9808]

Paul Simon is a national treasure. God Bless him. I hope and pray that he will be ok with his hearing. Can anyone out there imagine this world without Paul Simon. I absolutely can’t imagine waking up everyday without Paul Simon being with us. What a scary thought….

[@northwildlings6795]

I love him so much

[@lewismingledorff6417]

Great interview. Incredible interviewee. Well done. My Father would say Paul Simon is an "institution." Thank you for this.

[@charlesbrower5811]

God lovingly created you to live a unique and gifted life, you are living that now with a ever-evolving experience and knowledge, and He has made a way for you to live beyond even death (sleep), and hopes you will choose to embrace Him for His arms are, have ALWAYS been, open to you Paul. Thank you deeply for all your gifts to the world. Chuck

[@ziff_1]

This popped up on my feed, and caught me off guard. Amazing interview. So incredibly honest. This is rare in today's world.

[@85chuckanut]

Amazing insight into the mind and soul of a brilliant musician. Proof his talent is God given. Psalms are songs written to God. Praying that he finds the truth.

[@toddblanks]

I could listen to paul talk for hours. Im a huge fan from the uk. Absolutely love it when paul talks about how he first came to england during the mid 60's. There's certainly something magical about it. Parsley sage rosemary & thyme got me totally hooked to all of the simon & garfunkel albums. In fact it was these guys and donovan who turned me on to folk music and i am forever glad they did that for me. This inspired me to listen to so many of their contemporaries. Incredible sensational times.

[@davekintz7170]

Mr. Simon, I have loved your music for many years. I believe that God is calling out to you through his son Jesus. I pray that you will fill that God shaped hole in your heart and ask Jesus into your life. God Bless.

[@DennisMathias]

(for Paul) Thanks for doing this interview. Because I grew up with you I'm always interested in what you're doing and what your projects are. We're the same age. With similar health challenges. So all of this comes to roost when I hear the words and music. I watched an interview with Linda R. recently and I realize we're all going the same direction. So the best to you. I saw you last in Lincoln Nebraska and it was a great outdoor performance. This interview was therapeutic for me anyway. Do another one someday.

[@jamescrider2419]

His old music has wisdom messages. I think this is one of the attractions of is music.

[@foxdenham]

Without negating Paul's talent, "Losing love is like a window to your heart", is full of more meaning than any songwriter could intend or hope for. I pair this line with Leonard Cohen's, "There's a crack, a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in". Both are a profound gift to humanity from the very depths and mystery of life itself.

[@CathyLarkinWebSavvyPR]

That same line has always struck me as well.

[@Nate_Higgins]

Amen

[@LeeGee]

Cohen's line has been spoken (and written) by other Cohens for centuries if not millennia. It's a classic of Chassidic Judaism. Great ilne.

[@electraruby4078]

My favourite is " And I dreamed I was dying I dreamed that my soul rose unexpectedly And looking back down at me, smiled reassuringly"

[@shraddashradda]

@@LeeGeethat’s a Rumi poem…’the wound is where the light enters’ 🕊

[@DeborahGoemans]

Dear Paul Simon, Your music has touched my life deeply and I’d like to thank you for what you have given me. In high school in the seventies in South Africa, a substitute teacher brought in the lyrics of Sounds of Silence and we analyzed it as a poem. I was hooked. Forty years later, I was teaching English to foreign students at Syracuse University and I brought in America and used the song to help the students. A Greyhound is a bus, I explained. We also read Frost’s poem, The Road Not Taken and my Chinese students could not grasp the concept of a “yellow wood”. Anyway, I invited them over for Thanksgiving and as we were driving to my farmhouse outside Syracuse, one student saw: “Ah, yellow wood,” at the same time another student saw a Greyhound passing on the other side of the highway. “Greyhorse,” she shouted. In Madrid in 1978, I bought a best of Paul Simon record. They assured me you were not going to be singing in Spanish even though the titles on the cover of the album were Spanish. Duncan was a song I played over and over when I returned home and my brother and I drove around South Africa together. I swear, the couple in the next room in the dump of a hotel we stayed in in Durban was bound to win a prize. When I went to live in the Netherlands in 1986, I had a job interview at WEA Records and they gave me a copy of Graceland. I broke up with my boyfriend in the Netherlands and had given up South African citizenship because of apartheid so I had to reapply to go home to SA (okay, still a privileged white with those diamonds on the soles of my shoes) but “Homeless,” was my broken heart driving to The Hague. David Kramer was another artist I loved. Before I moved to the US (1992) he told the audience about going to Cape Point with you and everyone asking for his autograph. I can assure you, I would have recognized you but I’m glad no one else did. For the past eight years my husband and I have been estranged from our adult daughters. We’re healing and about to visit them both in Portland, OR. I couldn’t listen to “Mother and Child Reunion” without crying. Now it’s a celebration. At our daughter’s wedding in February my husband and Emma danced to “Father and Daughter.” I led the wedding party in a dance I choreographed for all my South African family’s weddings “The Scatterlings of Africa,” by Johnny Clegg (you might know that one). When we lived in the UK as a family and our oldest daughter was backpacking across the US with her boyfriend, it was “Kathy’s Song,” I was drawn to (even though it was backwards for us). Now we’re in our sixties, my friends are “Bookends,” (how terribly strange to be [almost] seventy); when we drove to Austin, it was “We’re going to Graceland” as we drove through Memphis. And today, weirdly, I knew I had this album on my playlist somewhere but I haven’t heard it and as I was driving out of NYC to upstate NY, it was “Born in Puerto Rico” and remembering how many times I’ve “We came here wearing summer clothes in winter; Hearts of sunshine in the cold.” You were with me after 9/11 with “Wartime Prayers.” And when my friend had cancer, “Darling Lorraine.” And “Hearts and Bones” (I’m a quarter wandering Jew; contagious and outrageously Wishfully Drinking may Carrie Fisher RIP) … And yes, old lovers will say: “Still Crazy After All These Years.” You attended school meetings and had your hair-dyed with me with “Outrageous.” More estrangement with ”Another Galaxy” and then some reconciliation … my own mother, “a letter from home, The handwriting's fragile and strange, Something unstoppable set into motion, Nothing is different, but everything's changed’ Sometime this century, my sisters and brother and sixty-three first cousins and our families went to the Netherlands to celebrate what would have been our grandparents 100 wedding anniversary. We went to our old family graveyard. I was not in South Africa for my own parents’ funerals and this helped me find closure. The light through the stain glass was cobalt and red And the frayed cuffs and collars Were mended by halos of golden thread The choir sang, Once Upon a Time There Was an Ocean And all the old hymns and family names Came fluttering down leaves of emotion As nothing is different, but everything's changed. You have been with me through my life lived in five countries on three continents. You have given me smiles and laughter; tears and hope. I’m sorry you’ve been beaten up these past few years. I hope you recover quickly and fully. I’ve just downloaded Seven Psalms. We all need your voice in the zeitgeist. Thank you.

[@watchmen-nehemiah4v20]

What a wonderful and vibrant post. I first heard Simon and Garfunkel through my Dad in the early 70s. Then in 1983 at 15, me and 2 others got tickets from someone who was spooked from a Who concert where 11 people were trampled during an open seating event and saw them in an outdoor stadium in Bloomington, MN. That was an imprinted painting and remains as a watershed of live sets. Through the years I will stop and listen quietly. In 2008, after storms and losses, Jesus found me. His love is an ocean. Zeitgeist is a trickle and a shadow. Jesus love is profound. What is lost being found changes everything. Religion, zeitgeist doesn't do this. We think at times 'well this is something, then that pops or fades and the next idea pushes in'. My testimony is Jesus is Truly THE Light of the world. So the gift is available. Breath and living water. When Jesus comes, "out of your inner most being shall flow rivers of living water" Shalom. Bryan

[@bolletje1422010]

@@watchmen-nehemiah4v20 It sounds like another song for the asking😉

[@jamesmiller510]

I have always loved the songs of Simon and Garfunkel! The music they have given the world speaks to my heart . It seems to me that God is speaking to Paul through these dreams as his time draws nearer. Praying He with reach out and grasp the truth being offered Him. I have chosen Bridge Over Trouble Water as one of the songs I would like sung at my funeral. I think of Jesus as my Bridge over the troubles of this life. Really appreciated this interview. So sincere!

[@tomhoppe3403]

Superstitious much?

[@ericwest8497]

That was the best interview of Paul Simon I have ever seen! You are remarkable Tom! Every other interviewer, over decades, lit Paul up the way you did, and you do it so naturally it feels like I'm sitting by a campfire listening to magic. I'm glad you're young. I'm not. So I can listen to you for the rest of my life :) Thanks Tom

[@landrews7280]

What an iconic song writer and performer. Hard to believe he is now 81 years old.

[@josemeda4592]

Whaaat!?

[@ceciliasaayman6244]

Was wondering how old he is.. Thank you!

[@nicholasdrobny22]

0

[@thandikuzvinzwa2838]

Keep on keeping on Simon. You are being called by God to greater heights. You are greatly loved by God. I tell you sir God is real and clear. He is Greater than anything else. He is the Creator of all things. Keep on listening and obeying Him. You will get your breakthrough. You are so blessed humble man! Favoured of God.

[@benwinkel]

This great yet humble man is a master of making himself smaller than what he is trying to express and what he produces. I love his statement: "The listener completes the song."

[@nigelleaney8266]

This felt more like a conversation then a traditional interview. Paul Simon is able to relax and talk properly about his art and his beliefs. Great stuff. Paul Simon has been one of soundtracks to my life since I was eleven years old - I’m now in my sixties. Total genius. And kudos to Tom for wearing a Fairport Convention tee shirt.

[@chairlesnicol672]

And what is a Fairport Convention T-shirt? Where do they get sold?

[@sallyduros]

How ever could you see that is a Fairport Convention t-shirt? Love them

[@shekharbhushan3705]

Beautiful interview of the greatest songwriter/poet of our time… coming from a true fan that followed Paul’s music faithfully for over 55 years firsts from India and then her in the US…for a fan of the Beatles and Clapton, Dylan an James Taylor…😊😊 wish I could simply send a message to Paul and thank him for enriching my life so immensely…❤️❤️❤️

[@shekharbhushan3705]

Sorry for the couple of typos… should have proofed the post…😊

[@TimLynchNZ]

This wonderful humble musician and entertainer is also 'a warm hearted conduit between heaven and earth.' The music and lyrics that 'have come through' Paul, inspired multi millions of people and his later offerings brought deep insight into my life. There are muse's that he connects with? Thank you, brother.

[@inglestherightway]

He is a gem. The human person in him really shines through. Heartwarming to see.

[@LisaLGruman]

The memories Paul shared were very special, and Mr. Power's incredible knowledge made the interview extra-impressive. 👏

[@Suz_408]

Such a talented song writer. I feel priveleged to have grown up with his music.

[@sylviafox5593]

My sentiments exactly

[@user-wt1ot5wm4v]

I owned a talent agency, and two of the artists I had the privilege of representing were Steve Martin and Randy Newman. When they celebrated Steve's career at the Kenedy Center, Steve introduced Paul Simon as, "The greatest living songwriter" and a few moments later he introduced Randy Newman, and again, called Randy, "The greatest living songwriter". Steve was right on both accounts. At this stage of life, it is so joyful to me to see that Paul has found Jesus to be the Messiah, I can hardly contain myself.

[@BobTheSchipperke]

Paul is my childhood, and my adulthood. I hope for all the best to a legend.

[@mariecait]

I saw him play live with the Philadelphia orchestra in 2011 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the academy of music. One of the best nights of my life. Everyone was dressed in formal attire and my friend who invited me (his dad plays the percussions ) we’re both b wearing jeans. We were seated up high and looking down I saw little Paul and the orchestra play. I relate to Paul simons lyrics so much. Right now especially “an island never cries.” His music heals the lonely soul.

[@krisekman9316]

There's something mystical about his gifts and how he receives these lyrics in his dreams during the witching hour! Sometimes I wake up suddenly in the night with these deep profound words or feelings and messages 🙌✨ he has an absolute gift!

[@evacheung3468]

I’m so admire Paul Simon … kind, intelligent, gentle, humble, & so gifted. 🎉

[@rosemariekury9186]

Paul, I’m almost 80 and love your music. Sound of Silence is my favorite and still listen to this a lot. Your songs meant a lot to my generation. I’m glad you’re still writing them, and plan to listen to the Five Psalms you mentioned. God bless you and your talent. Glad you didn’t become a lawyer!

[@gusmozart]

Seven, not five

[@jerryfuller7951]

The Sound of Silence is my all time favorite!!!

[@jerryfuller7951]

Please play Paul’s version of the Sound of Silence.

[@daviddudas2918]

Wonderful interview. Vulnerability comes with humbling yourself to a higher power that exists outside pedestrian comprehension. That higher power is God… the Lord… Father, Son, and Spirit. He’s speaking to you, Paul.

[@sherrillsturm7240]

His humility is striking, refreshing. He's clearly appreciated and known by the interviewer. Notice how how mimics guitar playing whenever talking about playing and recording. What a great moment. He has magical words, poetry, not messaging. I've written a few poems and songs, and I can agree with Simon, the ones that come THROUGH you are the best ones, the ones you let flow and resist editing. I call them the "twenty minute" pieces. Sorry that he is losing his hearing.

[@janeycollins3618]

What a mensch. The wisdom of the elders. Love his work, grateful to know it comes from a place of deep thought and consideration. You can't help but wish him happiness and joy. He has brought so much to my quiet hours, esp. "There Goes Rhyming Simon" - has a special place in my heart. Love him...immensely.

[@liberty9348]

A very candid Paul Simon speaking about how music flows through and out of himself. An intellectual genius who is more open and accepting of all ideas than anyone I've ever met. I quite enjoyed this interview. Thank you Tom for sharing this with us. The way Paul and his music connect humans together is beyond belief. He is a legend of such beautiful quality, I don't think we will ever see another musician like him. I'm glad my father played Paul's records/music every day when he returned home from work. I have been listening to Paul since I was a child in the 70s and still do today. Music doesn't get any better than his and I say this with nearly four decades of music experience, so I'm certain. My two major enjoyments in life are music and films. I spend several hours a day immersed in either and have since I was a child. I would love to meet Paul as his music and influence have been a constant presence my entire life. Just an incredible human being and an extremely rare person in this world.

[@elliottmaldonado8301]

Paul Simon is one deep soul!!! Seven Psalms seems to deserve a listen. Much respect to Paul Simon ... an honest, humble, talented, seeking human being.

[@sterloincee]

I'm feelin' the same way

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

He does not believe in God or Jesus Christ but celebrates Christ mas and Easter and thanksgiving. Eternity will not be about any of us or what we have done. It will all be about Jesus Christ who died on a cross to save us from our sins.

[@elliottmaldonado8301]

@@JohnSmith-uy7sv, I agree, sir. But Paul Simon is still an amazingly talented, humble human being.

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

@@elliottmaldonado8301 Our talents are given to us by the one and only Holy Spirit. The Bible says so and why do we boast when what we have is given to us? It is how we use our talents. Being talented or humble will not save your soul on judgement day.

[@thisisme3238]

Hope Paul finds God before he passes to the next life. God is real and there is an eternity.

[@craigpruess5565]

16:40 - “You’re offering to the world what you think, so you’re very vulnerable then….” This guy took it on his shoulders big time!! My own teenage years were fashioned by his insights and poetry… one of the inspirations for me to become a songwriter….

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

But it has nothing to do with salvation. He never sang about Jesus Christ or Salvation through his death on the cross.

[@cooksmary]

Oh how cruel is fate to have taken your hearing. What I can tell you is this, and I hope you will read it. Your music has brought me through more rough spots than you could imagine, including losing a husband and being left with a newborn baby. Now, in my 70's, I am dealing with a serious disease and the nerves in my body are being destroyed. However, I do feel there are some improvements happening. I wish you improvements in your hearing and that you can continue to go forward with your gift. Best to you, and thank you Tom for bringing this genius artist for us.

[@BeteWoldeyohannes-sk2uo]

…the first time I ever heard your music I was teary eyed; I was seventeen. Fifty four years later I still get teary eyed when I listen to your songs and your voice… they have made me a better person thank you for sharing yourself with us 😅!!!!!

[@naomibaba4534]

This is an excellent interview of an artist who has influenced my life, since I was a teenager living in L.A. up until today. Dear Mr. Simon, Thank you for your beautiful music combined with poetic lyrics that can penetrate your soul. It's nice to see that behind the exceptional artist lies a decent, honest and humble human being.

[@netwrench6570]

Beautiful to see Paul in this way. Always love listening and playing his music. Never heard you (Tom) before, love how well prepared and respectful as an interviewer you are. Hey kid, you'll go far! Love your brother Homer (Max ; ).

[@WhenHerbSpeaks]

Wow wow wow.......a real (real....genuine.....informed...heartfelt) conversation. A dialog. Wonderful. I, too, love Seven Psalms. 😌

[@fabioferreira8391]

One of the best musicians of all times with such beautiful songs. I started listening to Paul Simon's music when I was 18 back in Brazil? in 1978 more or less. Great music! Thanks for the Bridge Over Trouble.... and that great music!!