First Aid Kit - America (Live at Polar Music Prize)

[@morgan97475]

When you get a one-man standing ovation from the only guy that really counts.

[@rodrigocarneiro6090]

His face, along the music, says everything!!!

[@skitidetdu6672]

I don't know how to put it. He broke "Royal protocol", the king of Sweden is right by him, no one is suppose to stand up before the king does. I think it makes it even cooler with the surprised look from the king 😂 I'm not a royalist

[@StanH1966]

​@@skitidetdu6672Swedes and a lot of Europeans customarily don't give standing ovations. Americans are considered more demonstrative in this aspect...maybe most? And you're correct. If the king were to stand, everyone else would follow suit.

[@skitidetdu6672]

@@StanH1966 Thanks for the attempt to explain my culture to me 😂

[@StanH1966]

@skitidetdu6672 get over it, thin skin!

[@frankatack385]

Paul Simon giving a standing ovation was so cool. These girls are tremendous.

[@SPENT71]

oh my God yeah. he looks truly emotional. could their be any higher praise the from the original artist hearing his own song covered?

[@MwazZ]

Fun fact - the guy next to him is the swedish king. The guy who gives him the "whattafuk" look.

[@johanottosson8190]

NO! He is not!

[@MwazZ]

Johan Ottosson dude :D just google Carl XVI Gustaf, it is.

[@michaelwilson6913]

Holy crap it is.

[@CatieCass]

When you make Paul Simon himself tear up when he's listening to his own song, you know you did well. These ladies sounded gorgeous singing such a gorgeous song.

[@philbateman1989]

"...'I'm lost' I said, though I knew she was sleeping. 'I'm empty and aching and I don't know why.'" I've been there a hell of a lot of times, and I still haven't found out why. That remains one of my favourite lines in any song. It just perfectly sums up every fear I have in such a concise way.

[@DDG2023]

That line. I used to listen to that line being sung, humming along, looking over at her sleeping face, and feeling the ache of Time slipping away. I still listen to that line. I can no longer glance over at her sleeping face. All has long since slipped away into Time.

[@johnmonch5242]

+Yella Dart I just said the same thing on another board. It's Perfect. Perfect doesn't happen a lot in the world.

[@tatehamilton758]

Yella Dart Jesus Christ loves you! Read Romans, written by a man who use to kill Christians

[@Fordham1969]

Being out on the road for any length of time, as was the protagonist in this song, can often make you feel like that.I remember being just a couple of years younger than Paul was when he wrote this, traveling through Europe by train, away from home for the first time in my life and crying into my pillow. It wasn't just homesickness, it was the kind of deep emptiness that this line suggests.

[@ProfessorChomsky]

Agreed. It has every human emotion wrapped up in two lines - masterpiece.

[@meghaninthehouse]

I cried. Pretty much the best cover ever. They're doing it right.

[@johnkennedy5799]

This isn't watching a video.... this is a spiritual experience.

[@ljonesvc]

What's really struck me about this video (one of many things) is how both of them have grown their own distinctive voices, and yet they both still blend so well. This is simply beautiful.

[@aevea]

There might have been a breach of etiquette when Mr. Simon stood up while His Majesty remained seated, but in my view it was the true King in the room who stood up to aplaud this wonderful performance.

[@ChipMatthews]

That last "all come" at 3:22 just absolutely melts me. I must have listed to this cover a hundred times now, and I'm sure I will a hundred more. Such an incredibly beautiful rendition of one of my all time favorite songs. I get choked up when Mr. Simon gives his standing O at the end every time.

[@jankarlsson8341]

And today they release this song as a 10" vinyl! www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/7590

[@josephineheap]

This brought me to tears. Their voices are so amazing. It's hard to get Simon & Garfunkel down, but I believe they did their song amazing justice. Much love to Klara and Johanna.

[@evanpimental]

I know! This song is so beautiful it has brought me to tears. That's not my typical M.O. both for the song's beauty and my love for this country of mine 🇺🇸

[@LoudnessJP]

They have the best harmonies I've heard apart from Frida&Agnetha in ABBA.

[@johnboyle3297]

When you get a standing ovation from the songs composer it doesn't get any better than that. A moving rendition of one of my all time favourite songs

[@keepsake327]

I think they went off stage too quickly, The whole crowd might've stood had they lingered a bit.

[@johnthorne4093]

@@keepsake327 Totally agree! They should have basked in the glory. The following is TOTALLY respectful, and loving: Johanna and Klara might each have said, "Nailed it, bitch!"

[@tangobango9653]

Prime example of Paul Simon genius..."Kathy I'm lost I said though I knew she was sleeping. I'm empty and aching and I don't know why?" Wonderful lyric!

[@popeyedish]

Cuts to the heart of anyone who has ever felt the pain of.living

[@jessiefogarty8119]

One of my favorite lyrics of all time.

[@tantraman10]

Watching this, watching Paul, watching the soundtrack of my high school, blending into college days, watching these two young women keeping the great poetry, the great melody alive.....soft for my heart....tears here... grateful to have lived when this music was new...and now...when it goes on......

[@DrDanB]

Beautiful words, dear sir.

[@aircanuck]

The guy behind Paul Simon at the end: "Fabulous, Fabulous". Agreed.

[@melody9106]

I was able to go to one of First Aid Kit's VIP events on their tour last year and they played this. They said Paul Simon told them after this performance that it made him want to play the song again. So gorgeous!!

[@dlc1119]

I think Paul Simon is flashing back and beyond

[@monesqe]

+dlc1119 Absolutely. You can just see his mind working, his life flashing in front of him.

[@albertsandberg]

she looks a bit like his old gf at the time too

[@ROOKTABULA]

@Teun Kijkt Nieuws Tin foil hatters always gotta fuck things up

[@jankarlsson8341]

When I see this, I think that these sisters are unreal. It's hard to fathom that they really exist, Two young women from remote Sweden, hardly 20 years old, and able to produce this cheer magic. If I was a religous man I'd say they are the Second Coming. Simply stunning, and hard to believe.

[@LisaPellegrino]

Believe it!

[@meganzubovnik2184]

Haunting, striking vocals. Goosebump inducing with Paul in the audience too.

[@mickram23]

Those last few seconds focused on Paul Simon's face say it all. One half of the greatest vocal duo's ever giving a standing ovation to one of the greatest modern harmony groups. Real music lives on.

[@tangobango9653]

Just love this version! Not many singers can do justice to S&G songs. I hope these girls go far.

[@MrJapanApan]

+A Pullara They already have. Far and beyond. ;)

[@jqxok]

Narrator: "They did."

[@jonasjar]

Damn good! Their voices soar like 2 hawks entwined in the sky.

[@matthewaubertin9452]

Absolutely sublime. In addition to the obvious Simon & Garfunkel aesthetic, they seem to have embraced a Fleet Foxes vibe as well with this cover.

[@11ellie7]

Wow yeah!

[@cousinphil2]

Holy Mackerel! I'm in tears. They absolutely killed it. The best cover of America since S&G did it in 1968.

[@TheKutar15]

This is just bloody, bloody brilliant.

[@mtrott1]

Always loved this song... these ladies have such a sweet sound that is just absolutely perfect! Hey, got Paul Simon out of his chair! That's when you KNOW you NAILED IT! Great performance!

[@Bigtime1998]

M Trott Exactly

[@emmac767]

Was introduced to FAI by a friend, have absolutely fallen in love with their music.

[@1ginner1]

Went to a concert in Edinburgh last year, you could have heard a pin drop when the played this. I wonder if Paul ever commented on this performance, he was obviously impressed, as were we all. Brilliant.

[@bombay26]

So great. You can experience the changing emotions of the song through their voices and expressions. These girls are incredible.

[@keepsake327]

Wonderful string arrangement to back them up

[@schpleeb]

I could watch this once a day. I might.

[@BigAdude75]

***** I watch their performance on Letterman almost every day. He asked them to sing this song a few weeks before his show ended. As a huge fan of Letterman it will be one of my lasting memories from his show.

[@emmac767]

***** I have to, we're doing it in a Stagecoach show!

[@martylmilton]

BigAdude75 I had the Letterman performance on my DVR, but erased it after playing it several times. Now I see that it is not available on KZbin anymore. The Letterman performance is so much better than the studio version. I wish it would be made available on iTunes.

[@Bigtime1998]

Marty Milton www.dailymotion.com/video/x2pj9bp

[@martylmilton]

Thank you for sharing the Letterman performance. This is the one I was looking for, but was disappointed that it had been pulled from KZbin. I, too could watch this everyday. Have you seen Ann & Nancy's rendition of Stairway to Heaven they performed at the Lincoln Center Honors 2 or 3 years ago. That is also incredible.

[@mickram23]

Imagine First Aid Kit being around in the 60's! They would have been Superstars! As far as I'm concerned they still are.

[@oneonomatopoet]

Paul Simon seems to say "That was great, that was wonderful", and I agree.

[@MBautonomy]

Congrats, you made a 26 year old guy tear up. Absolutely beautiful.

[@suzanneniederland4832]

This made me cry.

[@MatthewARiley]

Me too, Suzy. Brilliant young ladies!

[@johnkennedy5799]

There's something about these two that makes me choke up every time i hear them. There's such beauty and perfection in their performances, and it's very very powerful.

[@anthonysalvati5868]

Every single performance too John, you're absolutely right.

[@Mr_Ed.]

This is beautiful. Seriously, it is. I can't add anything to that.

[@samuelnordius]

Johanna and Klara, that was spectacular. We're so lucky that your talent was discovered. Your music makes this world a more beautiful place.

[@andreasmeyer4537]

So its clear. Nobody should or could rise in standing ovation before the King of Sweden does, thats why the rest where seated and the guy looking at Paul was/is the King of Sweden. Paul did rise probably knowing he shouldn't....if there ever was a right moment to rise before the King did, he chose the right moment A am a Swede. I know this. I Respect the King and Paul Simons choice. I am here 2020 during the pandemic So are you

[@wahnsinn7593]

Imagine a world in which he stays seated even though he wants to rise, but prefers to maintain *protocol*... :|

[@user-fc8mf2is4b]

monarchy is fucking stupid anyways

[@helenarcarvalho]

I don't understand some protococols... this is one of them... Paul Simon was so genuine that I see no wrong in what he did, I'm glad that he stood up... that's it...

[@Rachenviel]

@@helenarcarvalho In Sweden the king is still the head of state so that's why you wait for him. Though I can guarantee you that very few people over here saw anything wrong about what Paul did either. Most of us like the king since he's a chill dude (relatively), but we don't really take our monarchy very seriously.

[@helenarcarvalho]

@@Rachenviel Yes, I understand... thank you.

[@paulapaularaejohnson]

The musicians behind them are also phenomenal!! This is what I hope heaven will send like!!

[@firstaidkitband]

We've fixed the aspect ratio now. :)

[@sling409]

An amazing rendition of an amazing song. Captures the spirit of the song perfectly. The string section is superb and perfect in this song.

[@ntrlymnam8480]

My favorite F.A.K. performance. Paul looks completely overwhelmed i didnt actually see a tear but you can tell he wanted to

[@spoocyguy]

Didn't realize how amazing this was until it was almost over. Hauntingly beautiful.

[@mtrott1]

Ladies ... you do such an absolutely fantastic rendition of this song... with the master himself in the audience... you gals did such a fine job!

[@chriss740]

Klara's voice tends to be the most dominant, but when Johanna sings 'laughing on the bus, playing games with the faces ...' you can really appreciate her contribution.

[@billr.1230]

A friend posted this on Facebook. That brought me here and I've listened to much of what is on You Tube. Since I'm an Amazon Prime member, I've also begun going through their albums on Amazon Music. The ladies are incredible!

[@bindestreck]

they've played at this award show two times, right? and they made Patti Smith cry, and moved Paul Simon to tears with their own songs! They gotta be pretty proud of themselves...

[@bowiehs]

you two are talented and blessed woman.

[@8Israfel9]

I am so infatuated with this cover. America is my favorite Simon and Garfunkle song and you two definitely do it justice while making it your own.

[@KENNS1]

Hey Girls, i'm from Derry in Ireland and have two brothers living in Stockholm. They put me on to this video. Like them i was blown away by the power and beauty of your voices. This performance is just stunning, rarely in my lifetime have i heard a great song sang so brilliantly. I am now a big fan and want to find out more about, First Aid Kit. Good luck to you both, x. Ps. Amazing to see one of the worlds best artists moved to tears by your performance of his song, "America". Just brill.

[@AKM0611]

I was blessed enough to hear them sing this live in St. Louis at the Pageant last fall. Phenomenal, these sisters.

[@MyHatIsGreen]

"I love those sisters" - Paul Simon in interview after the performance.

[@manuelocanafont961]

I love all of them!!!!

[@julieh28]

These two beautiful young woman deserve everything they have achieved. How wonderful to receive a standing ovation from the master singer songwriter himself. I am beside myself with joy for them. Wandiligong, Australia

[@Pablosammy1]

Goosebumps all the way through!

[@4000Wiggins]

Chills. I get chills Everytime I watch this performance.

[@jublaim]

This makes my eyes wellup. Period! So hard to explain the feelings they make... I just love it!

[@joshgarbemusic]

Damn straight he should stand up. They killed it and he looked like he was getting emotional. Fantabulous!

[@monesqe]

They do have a reputation of making the honorees cry. He did well by resisting. ;)

[@OfficialMyxomatosis]

He looked like my Father did when choking on tears.

[@rodsreel]

Paul Simon looks stunned and reflective both at the same time. Even his own music can effect him still. Amazing.

[@ProfessorChomsky]

It's been said many times before but: "I'm empty and aching and I don't know why.........." Just absolutely gets you, right in your soul x

[@NicolasCurcioWriter]

Wow. Seeing Paul sitting there gave me goosebumps. So sad and beautiful.

[@jerrygibsonmusic]

I have never been more proud of someone i don't know in my life... The first video i watched was the fleet foxes cover years a go. Thanks so much!!!!!!!

[@orcaaaaaaaaaa]

they played this at their Toronto show a little while back. it was magic. the show was fantastic! love you guys!

[@patsy6266]

Just discovered this, along with Emmylou, absolutely wonderful ❤️❤️

[@eng1871]

It's so beautiful that it's almost hard to listen to. Angelic.

[@johnthorne4093]

Funny: I read your comment and although I can't actually understand it, I agree with it. Not to be weird.

[@mariekeletaonatamole6215]

So true

[@tld06d]

This is such a gorgeous performance... fantastic, ladies!

[@tabitadoujad1110]

I adore you two, thank you for bringing your exquisite voices and energies into the world! We are so lucky to hear you.

[@BadidaJackson]

The audience is full of sparkly eyes at the end. They are really moved. Paul And Edie as true artists and maybe Paul is thinking omg someone is remaking my art but better than i could do it at this point in my life and how how i wish for the energy and talent of my youth....

[@peterd8525]

Oh boy, coming to this a little late. What a fabulous rendition. And Paul Simon standing at the end mouthing - 'what', and to see him so touched. - Magical.

[@evinrude8873]

As a Swede I am truly proud.

[@stevedavis770]

Paul Simon's wife (beautiful) looks completely entranced by them.

[@targhee159]

Steve Davis That's the incredibly talented Edie Brickell. I love that smile of her's throughout the song.

[@rapmaster]

They got Paul to smile! : ) These girls are fab.

[@jcblrogers]

this is the most perfect cover ever. really. they made paul simon tear up with his own song!

[@carlamightyjane]

Every time I'm listening to you girls, I hear 'one' unique and flawless voice that is split in two. You are masters of harmony, the feminine version of Simon & Garfunkel.

[@jw6948]

This song and this version esp, makes me tear up.

[@krazy4klassics]

Gorgeous. You made Paul Simon cry!

[@BTVS666]

Every time I watch this I get goosebumps. This performance is just amazing.

[@popeyedish]

Johanna's phrasing and range is just wonderful.

[@Dobbybanks]

how can you not like this absolutely beautiful !!!!!

[@crestapb]

Such an emotional performance.! Well done girls.! Paul Simon's accolade at the end says it all.!

[@johnkennedy2048]

That was impressive. Tough song to cover & they nailed it.

[@staceybass957]

Bless...the emotion of Paul!

[@christofferspegel239]

Fantastic performance! Inspiring for Paul Simon himself. Truly amazing.

[@akjavaful]

Beautiful! Truly gifted. Thank you.

[@TheGuitartube]

I've been watching this video every once in a while since they post it, it always brings tears to my eyes, I've been living in the states now since 2006 ,originally from Dominican Republic, and I know the USA is changing to a point that many Americans doesn't recognize anymore but still I keep listening to this kind of lyrics. I like to see also at 2:50 the face of Eddie Brickell's expression of emotion and joy. She was also and still is one of my favorites bands of the 80's "The new bohemians"

[@MorderBudi]

loved paul simons reaction. awesome performance!

[@vigg4N]

I've watched this clip over and over the last two days and it just blows my mind every time.

[@keysersoze4322]

They both have such different voices. Beautiful own their own... incredible together.

[@JeremieBucknife]

One of the greatest covers ever.

[@scottburghart9278]

Tears to my eyes every time.

[@drstevie]

Truly brilliant.

[@1soniq1]

The girls really nailed this one. As expected. They never disappoint.

[@cameronmccaskell5024]

Many covers of classic songs are guilty of either being too close to the original or drifting too far from it. This is perfectly done. True to the original but with their own touches in all the right places. The ending is majestic.

[@Yakuzan1]

Paul Simons comment after the concert "I love those sisters"!

[@kevinweeks1]

How can the room see Paul Simon give a standing ovation to this amazing rendition of one of his own songs and not stand too?

[@aluzzz000]

I simply can't understand how anyone on earth can dislike this absolutely magnificent tribute to Paul .. a mystery without an answer

[@billtaylor7461]

These two are incredible and beautiful

[@foreignfilmfan711]

I first fell in love with Joan when I heard this song in 1975, and have loved her since, for both her music and activism. Joan is a goddess to me. This song still brings tears after almost 50 years.

[@elisabethmagu5147]

Just love how the king of Sweden (left corner of the screen) rubs his hands togheter like Mr. Burns after seeing Paul give a standing ovation at the end. Excellent.... 😅. And yes, they are amazing! Love this cover

[@BananaMargariete]

I already liked these ladies, but this was done so damn beautifully, I love them!

[@CaroleDiTosti]

Yeah, your voices are anointed. For the first time, I really got the song...the arrangement is stunning. How can PS not be happy.

[@SteveChoateTunes]

There is no substitute in the music world for great sibling harmony. This is a prime example. Absolutely wonderful!