Paul Simon - American Tune (1975)

[@mattlugg1185]

If any singer should have received the Nobel prize for literature it should have been this guy.

[@alexlevine2522]

Can't complain, though, about Bob Dylan's getting the nod.

[@michaelkenna2024]

@@alexlevine2522 Now it’s Paul’s turn 🎉

[@karelcuchal5852]

This is partly protestant song.

[@bdiefendorf11]

Yes and chuck berry

[@fletcherrhoden]

No, Dylan earned it. Great song though, this one.

[@rickdagger2209]

This song is a masterpiece. Paul Simon's contribution to music is immeasurable But this one speaks to me on a personal level.

[@ronvazzano1835]

It is a stolen song. Simon took it from Bach! and the Catholics added lyrics. Simon did the bridge. He's talented of course, but he has a tendency to rip off from other cultures and not give them credit.

[@NaturaLy50]

@@ronvazzano1835 I am so sick and tired of hearing this "cultural rip-off" tirade. This is the very nature of art. Would there have been a Beethoven without Bach? A Mozart without Vivaldi? The greatest artists find inspiration, and then inspire others who will follow.

[@peterhammer6915]

I love Paul Simon but this is a full copy of St Matthew Passion. I doubt Paul ever claimed this to be his own song.

[@karelwolfs5715]

@@peterhammer6915 In 16th, 17th ,18th, 19th century it was normal for composers using music elements from other composers.

[@danbrock1843]

I felt this way after the Trump election

[@more444store6]

The words are so deep, and 50 years later, they fit our times....

[@MrNcgy]

Maybe more now than ever. "Still, when I think of the road we're traveling on, I wonder what's gone wrong, I can't help but wonder, what's gone wrong."

[@trysometruth]

They also, incredibly fit the times a couple years after the release of the song when the country was supposed to be excited to celebrate its bicentenial. The U.S. and its people were weary -- weary of the turmoil of Watergate, but even more so, by the sad and awful legacy of what had happened with the misbegotten war in Vietnam. We were supposed to be celebrating. A lot of people just felt confusion. We were wondering what went wrong.

[@catherinefremont3481]

And even more so today (Nov 7, 2024) than ever...

[@suraya1224]

​​​​​​​@@catherinefremont3481No, just the opposite, actually. Both the popular & the electoral votes, plus the House & Senate, show that your opinion is very much in the minority. We & our country have suffered for 4 long years; we just hope it's not too late. 🧡🇺🇲(p.s. the long awaited dream was Nov 6, not 7th.)

[@suraya1224]

​​@@trysometruthWake up. Watergate was nothing, compared to all the corruption & evil in 2020-2024.

[@walfredswanson]

The melody is a Lutheran hymn “O Sacred Head Now Wounded", taken in turn from a song by Hans Leo Hassler. It shows up a couple of times in Bach’s works. The lyrics written as they were around 1973, captured the weariness settling in on the country as Vietnam wound down and OPEC caused us to cancel even Christmas lights that winter. That hymn title adds a layer of meaning, saying something about the loss of innocence and optimism that had defined America after World War II. I don’t remember this song being wildly popular at the time, but it spoke to me. America still doesn’t like being brought down to reality. Simon’s lyrics strangely gave me a sense of hope that the nation would mature, despite the sadness, but that has not been the case.

[@jleahwren5160]

Wise.

[@SpeedRacer.No11]

Excellent take on the song. Thank you, for the information. It conveys the feeling I got off this song, perfectly. I came to the states in '74 and the 1st place we lived was formerly home to a bunch of hippies whom were in a band, of sorts. In an attic above an attic I found a treasure-trove of musical instruments, as well as records and equipment they just left behind in a hurry. I would sit there w the skinny windows cracked open to allow the shaded rays of the sun to fill the room while listening to American music of the time, most of it being Simon and Garfunkel, Dylan, as well as other folk-rock artists of that time. I was still learning the language and having found a notebook w a lot of the songs' lyrics really helped me along. I never realised how much this music influenced me 'til lately, now 58 years old I hear this song and it takes me right back to that attic of my youth. Those were the impressions I had of my time in that house from 1974 til '76. In hindsight, I wished I'd taken the guitars, basses, and amps with me, but as a child in the 70s my dad was totally against that hippy music, ie: anything electrified, distorted, and LOUD! I would connect everything together and just let the feedback of the guitars totally engulf my very being. Later in life I learned bass and vocals and had a great side career playing in local cover bands. Had I known then what I know now.

[@hmackie6823]

is difficult with a complicit media

[@hmackie6823]

GOOD is more powerful than EVIL

[@hmackie6823]

and contrary to popular belief,GOD does choose a side

[@kurtrueckel1254]

"I don't know a soul who's not been battered." Has to be considered one of the best lines in music history.

[@AlANDSHAN]

“We come on the ship they call The Mayflower We come on the ship that sailed the moon We come in the age's most uncertain hours And sing an American tune.” What a line.

[@harpersneil]

Translation: An invading force of migrants that slowly destroy the American dream and reduce it to a multicultural hellscape.

[@benjaminschlesinger6782]

what does this verse mean to you?

[@Rexer73]

I sang this song for my daughter every night for years, she is now grown up and has moved out. So now sometimes I sing it too my dogs before we go to sleep.

[@jamesgannon6192]

A Beautiful Memory ❤️. We can always hope that life will be better

[@BA-ng9bx]

❤

[@trevorvigfus]

It's alright.

[@MrNcgy]

How lovely, thanks for sharing that.

[@garettxanyn8076]

For her sake I hope you have a good singing voice lol.

[@joanneschumacher6023]

My goodness...I think this is the best song...ever...here in August 2024...❤

[@catherinefremont3481]

And possibly more relevant than ever....

[@joanneschumacher6023]

​@catherinefremont3481 And now even more so..💙

[@robertseamangaknight7734]

Paul has written 30 best songs , EVER

[@bigrobtheactor]

One of America's greatest song writers - a gift to all humanity.

[@LindaCasey]

+bigrobtheactor I agree. Not a bad singer/guitar-picker either :)

[@donotrevolt6562]

yep, poetry put to amazing music

[@TheMUBUMINER]

Asdrubale Porretto b

[@scottsheridan1533]

GamerGuy88 your right

[@vortexgaming7519]

Top notch for all these years

[@maggiemenzel123]

Paul Simon is a National Treasure. His lyrics are so profound. His musical creativity is above the rest.

[@annedunne4526]

I would call him an international treasure. I remember when 9/11 happened and I found myself singing this song. He reminds us of the good things the USA have brought to our world far from the diviseness and nastiness of today.

[@willdwyer6782]

His lyrics are profound but the melody is from a hymn titled O Sacred Head, Now Wounded.

[@danielpike7458]

@@willdwyer6782 And that Bach tune was adapted from an earlier tune, “Mein G'müt ist mir verwirret,” by Hans Leo Hassler. All three are excellent composers...

[@osmadchlo]

And especially these days in 2022. This made me cry this morning.

[@hank1519]

@@willdwyer6782 Any idea where Bach used this tune? It sounds very familiar.

[@rhonataylor85]

Paul is STILL under-appreciated. He’s a genius.

[@LeoraLaGraffe]

I don’t think there is anyone on this planet who doesn’t realize he is a genius, honestly.

[@LiberadoOG]

@@LeoraLaGraffe Weird take. Unless you're 50+ in age, most people have only heard sound of silence.

[@LeoraLaGraffe]

@@LiberadoOG Well, I’m 63 so that skews my perspective.

[@marcatkinson75]

He came from a decade of American thinkers, beautiful man . Come back thinkers.

[@MrNcgy]

Yes please, come back.

[@johngarrett5189]

Keep up or fall behind

[@SHALAt22]

One of the greatest songwriters of all time.

[@ernestbarany7681]

The greatest living American song writer.

[@christinepersak1801]

2024 and this song is still relevant and so is Paul Simon's music.

[@alexisliane316]

I watch this video before bed every night. I love Paul Simon

[@jamesgannon6192]

I’m doing the same tonight….looking for some solace ❤️

[@happybergner9832]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤me too

[@TanteTiffy1979]

Me too❤❤

[@lovermanowherecanube]

Happy 80th birthday Paul Simon. My favorite song of his.

[@steveweinstein3222]

Wow, now I really feel old.

[@joem.6319]

Impossible!

[@kevinquinn3763]

Is Paul Simon really over 80. Shit I just turned 76 about three weeks from now. Where have they all gone.

[@Longjohnsilver180]

If you are an American you must be very proud to call this great performer your fellow countryman

[@deninetate]

Ever though this was written in the '70's, it fits perfectly what we're experiencing right now.

[@euphegenia]

Yeah, no.

[@GoodieWhiteHat]

A lot of people are feeling sad and in need of reassurance. It’s a gentle and strong and sad and tired but also hopeful.

[@kathleenduffus3821]

I'd forgotten how beautiful this song is, and the lyrics are so intelligent and evocative. Paul Simon was the songwriter for our generation, and all generations that follow.

[@happybergner9832]

💕💕💕💕

[@k2thepeak]

I could not agree more. And this one? One of the best!

[@angelabristol9026]

Always one of my favorites and now more relevant than ever in November, 2024. For America.

[@DroolRockworm]

Yeah, for fucks sake. My first thought hearing this was something about Trump thinking he could use this song and getting sued

[@anthonyhoey6394]

I remember buying Paul Simons greatest hits in 1987 and been in awe of this genius musician and the first time I seen him was with Art Garfunkel in concert in 1982 i was just 14 and I seen him again with Art around 2004,he's certainly one of the greatest,greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪.

[@EPA18]

If that song was true in 1975, how much more so in 2023!

[@jennymacallan9071]

And 2024😢

[@JM.5387]

Written in the wake of Watergate, and even more relevant today. Thank you, Paul Simon.

[@darbyheavey406]

What Obama did makes Watergate look like children’s play.

[@seekersinclair3202]

What a masterpiece written by one of the best songwriters to grace the music world. This song still gets to me after all these years. Thank you Paul Simon.

[@FlanaganOnSet]

+Peggy Sinclair Ha, I am so of the Simon & Garfunkel mind right now because when you said "this song still gets to me after all these years" I immediately busted into "Still Crazy After All These Years." Another great one!

[@jackconklin5588]

+Allison Flanagan Teresa Brewer Teresa Brewer

[@dhaaa123]

bach

[@tsopuaifa]

Word.

[@Leinemusic]

Did you know the original chords and melody were by Bach? Check out the theme from the Matthäus Passion: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqm5hGxqZZismJo

[@michellejohnson5910]

My absolute favorite! When my sister was dying...still difficult to state but it was our song. Paul Simon is a national treasure.

[@BA-ng9bx]

❤

[@maryliu5154]

Such a relevant message and lyrics for today's world.

[@blackdogbite]

@Thomas H sadly true. Brings tears. We are not United states any more... Statue of liberty sailing into the sea....

[@EPA18]

@Thomas H The song was not appropriate for 1975. It was a despicably anti-American. But in 2020, especially if "Harris/Biden" wins, it works.

[@WakaWaka2468]

Such a generic comment. Watch how terrible America will get if, God forbid, that creep Biden wins

[@stephengroskritz3750]

@@blackdogbite Hopefully we will be again........................eventually.

[@vincentdiange6553]

He just recently recorded a video of this song from his home. It made me cry because of its relevance to conditions of our current world

[@nancywarren7331]

Paul is a brilliant and soul giving artist who shared his most intimate moments in his songs. Thank you. We love and appreciate every thought and song.❤

[@tedspens]

The chorus of this song has been stuck in the back of my mind since long as I remember. Only recently did I discover, totally by accident, it's an old Paul Simon song called American Tune. I never was much at discography. Something about this song is so nostalgic, so heartwarming, so soothing, yet so alarming. It's like he was telling us, way back then, to appreciate what we have now. The Statue of Liberty sailing away to sea... Anyone else feeling this?

[@andrewwalker5384]

Today more relevant then ever: Nov 6 2024 😢

[@annelizabethcarroll3396]

Yes, sadly, yes.

[@ernestbarany7681]

It should be the anthem for the time. I can't say it makes me feel better, but it helps to keep some perspective.

[@tommcgiverin4320]

This was the first song I thought of, after the election results, which did not surprise me one damned bit. The other song, was Welcome To The Occupation, by R.E. M.. Simon's song was written during the nightmare of Watergate. This time, there is not going to be any justice or righting of the ship, I'm afraid. Trump will succeed in doing all the things Nixon and his men didn't get away with, because we have become a lawless country, when it comes to our national leaders, esp. with our SC making our presidents kings and emperors..

[@71suns]

Yes...too true

[@2Travelis2Live]

Yes😢

[@diannezigmond8627]

This song is probably going to get me through the next 4 years. Thank Heaven for you Paul.

[@Kevin-rz6lm]

Best wishes. It got me through the last 8 years.

[@rickp808]

4? 8? Meh. Think i won't get through this song till i'm dead

[@cazgerald9471]

As opposed to the last 45.

[@MrDocneeson]

Get over it, already

[@barend2055]

Thank Bach!

[@grevis020160]

And here we are again.

[@19west57]

How could you not love Paul It’s alright forever blessed

[@Freespeech141]

This song is about us all dealing with life as its harshness hits us. It’s about survival amidst greed and chaos. It’s also about old values being trodden on, leaving us desolate, the way I feel right now. A perfect gem for humanity.

[@MelissaR784]

@jemimallah The Vietnam War. Where our Government lied to the public, creating chaos and mistrust that lead to protests. "Don't know soul who's not been battered. Don't have a friend who feels at ease." Does describe the past few years too. Only this time, it's on a global scale.

[@marilynisaacs7739]

I feel the same way....

[@123thof]

@jemimallah The hope that comes from shared love of a country. The hope that good things in a country are arriving from the past and going forward into the future.

[@slg3219]

@jemimallah2591 - Paul Simon wrote this in 1973. Among other things, Martin Luther King Jr. and RFK were shot in 1968, we were embroiled in an unwinnable war, one in which thousands of young Americans were dying while the world watched on TV, the Kent State shooting of protestors was 1970, and the Watergate fiasco was at high pitch with almost daily revelations of Nixon and his inner circle's lies and crimes. Troubled times, which are indirectly alluded, including the lyrics, "High up above I can clearly see the Statue of Liberty sailing out to sea." He also sings of hope for better days ahead. It was the perfect song for its time, and has many parallels to American problems today. It's a timeless American Tune.

[@ThePrion23]

@@slg3219 'you can't be forever blessed'.. , it reminds me of Dylan's song, 'With God on Our Side'. American Myths, versus the cruel realities.

[@richardsperry3310]

What’s really underrated is his playing…

[@ThePI533]

i started to listen to this video in 2011, when i was very lost in my life. And i felt so far away from home. Now 2023, i found my home. But i still listen to the song, because i think the emotion are so powerful. Only a guitar and voice.

[@saskiaknijft9745]

How relevant nowadays.. stay strong over there all of you in America also!!

[@SamuelAging]

Thank you. We love you.

[@RobertPater]

I read that Paul Simon said he wrote this the night that Richard Nixon was elected, where Simon was disheartened. Kind of gives ironic perspective to what's happening now.....

[@Kilches]

Thank you so much!

[@anthonystroman8407]

I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it.

[@ThunderAppeal]

Were find. Mind your own fucking business. Fix your third world country first.

[@suzannewelch758]

It came on the radio the other day and I burst into tears! Hadn't heard it in so many years! Seems more relevant than ever today. Love you Paul Simon!

[@marilynisaacs7739]

This song always brings tears to my eyes, too.

[@Boblobblaw88]

I love you for your comment, Suzanne. Bless you.

[@kathleenphillips6445]

Same, but I heard it in Grocery Outlet and started singing along -no kidding- just as an American serviceman in full uniform walked past me, next to the potato chips.

[@ThePrion23]

'..you can't be forever blessed..' Man , that one cuts to the quick.

[@davidmuirhead6722]

Very relevant today, considering that Donald T remains a free man.

[@Penthor]

Paul Simon is a national treasure. No one writes better lyrics.

[@paddybpaddyb9940]

Penthor Agreed. A national treasure. Question; who have you got over there these days who at best could be described as a National Trinket? or perhaps a national bauble?

[@ann8846]

Thanks, WTJU Charlottesville, VA, USA, for playing this song tonight in honor of Jimmy Carter.

[@ericcrimson]

I am proud to be a high school student in Japan who loves this song!

[@weebunny]

You have very good taste in music 🙂 So many young people have never explored the music that was created long before they were born -- but there is a treasure-trove of meaningful music that stretches backwards in time 50 years and more. Best of luck with your studies! Sincerely, A middle-aged American woman who loves music ☺️

[@elaines5412]

There is nothing better than Paul singing his heart out. Seriously. Nothing better.

[@purplepelican69]

You said it! This great artist has maintained top quality for half a century. Absolute genius.

[@ras1sras1s]

purplepelican69 Passion, emotion, message, voice, guitar, tears.

[@paulbaransky4086]

Only thing better. Paul and Art singing their heart out. Check out this song on the live S and G album. That is brilliant.

[@happybergner9832]

Yep.

[@Tantalus52]

Paul Simon--the poet of urban melancholy. It doesn't get any batter than this

[@eyesuckle]

Nicely put!

[@LeoraLaGraffe]

Absolutely. 👏👏👏

[@LeoraLaGraffe]

P.S. you have a typo in the word “better” you may wish to correct. Probably autocorrect fault I am assuming.

[@kingrichard1759]

I was blown away when I heard this song the first time in 1975 on SNL and here I sit in 2022 listening to it again. Their are some performances that just stay with you. The lyrics alone are amazing!

[@SusanMcArdle-k2w]

A beautiful song and a completely unique and wonderful artist in our time. Genius Paul Simon

[@Tomorrowband001]

My dad used to sing this song! Brings tears to my eyes every time!

[@zeldalicious]

Paul Simon is one of the finest singer songwriters of our generation. We are very lucky that we have him.

[@stephenmcewan2460]

Very true. Deaths of "Celebrities" don't normally affect me, but Paul's will. That'll be a sad day.

[@brendonfitzgerald8166]

Paul Simon. May he live forever.

[@nancywarren7331]

I am a fan. I appreciate all of your magnificent music❤

[@effiemooney8477]

Dear God, I am 66 yrs old, have heard this great song many times but never really listened to the words before or watched Neils face, he was hurtng down deep and put it into this,... Thank you beautful man and soul, you made my life so much better.

[@Chrisdavies33]

If there’s ever been a better written song than this I will stand to be corrected 😎

[@AA-sn9lz]

Bob Dylan's entire discography

[@PapagenoMF]

@@AA-sn9lz Not even close. Paul Simon runs circles around Sir Croakiness.

[@thomasmillott8061]

Why does everything have to be 'better than'. What horseshit. I suspect Paul would roll his eyes and hope for more intelligent listeners.

[@Brianbeesandbikes]

@@thomasmillott8061 thank you ... elites win when we bicker

[@WakaWaka2468]

Blackbird by The Beatles is another beautiful acoustic song. Summer Highland Falls by Billy Joel too

[@MrNcgy]

Thank you so much for posting this. It's wonderful to see Paul on a stage, just him and his guitar, as a young man. Very powerful, important piece of music. My mom used to play this whole album at least once a week when I was growing up. I really came to love it. When I listen to these words today, I can't help crying a little, over how far down our beautiful country has gone.

[@justingarman]

This may be one of the most beautiful songs ever written.. And this version is incredible

[@Boblobblaw88]

He could be singing gibberish on top of that amazing fingerpicking and w that beautiful voice and perfect changes and it'd still be an all time classic.

[@Ema1223y2j]

Thank The Almighty for Paul Simon... ❤

[@GoodieWhiteHat]

Wow this song is beautiful. So right for this moment. I love Paul Simon singing it alone w just guitar accompaniment. His voice is honest. What a masterpiece. Love that bridge! Lovely cadence as his soul rose unexpectedly and smiled down reassuringly.

[@kevinconnolly3611]

America's GREATEST songwriter, bar none. In truth, nobody comes close. Paul Simon is THE American genius tunesmith and lyricist - the best for centuries to come. World-wide, his only rival is/was/will be fellow timeless genius Paul McCartney.

[@raulchavezromo315]

Neil. diamond..Bob Dylan..al. jewish

[@bdiefendorf11]

Irving Berlin?

[@NWNative147]

I just lost a friend to drugs, he loved this song and would quote it often. I wish he could have won the battle within himself.

[@BA-ng9bx]

❤

[@maryelizabethwhite8420]

I am so sorry for your loss. It's a daily battle. He won it many days!

[@maryelizabethwhite8420]

It's not over. He lost that round. Chances are infinite.

[@tazador793]

I am 57, I heard this song as a kid. Now during this time and today I have listened various versions, it is the words of today.

[@stevenprice9176]

I had the album, back in (75)!😉😎

[@chrisf1575]

"The ages' most uncertain hour", America, you must come together and sing an American tune!

[@lorijohnson2348]

When I stop crying, I will join you. 😢

[@MD-ev9hs]

@@lorijohnson2348 I know!!!! And I wasn't even born in the U.S.A. This song is SO VERY DEEP, and has so many layers...

[@ann8846]

Often I have wished that our state legislative bodies could be serenaded by some of the acoustic/folk musicians alive today and singing the truth. Should start a non-profit to fund such an initiative.

[@Boblobblaw88]

This song disappeared from the airwaves where I live anyway and I had forgotten all about it. WAY too good to be forgotten!

[@TheFloridaPappy]

I can’t believe he hasn’t been appreciated for his guitar playing. So elegant and he plays it effortlessly.

[@JAGUITARPLAYER]

This is because he is superb in songwritting, I think is the BEST songwritter Who plays guitar The best

[@twangbarfly]

The great Belgian harmonica player and guitarist Toots Thielemans was once asked who was the best guitarist he'd played with. He said Paul Simon - who night after night when they were on tour would play fantastic guitar without Toots ever hearing him make a single mistake. When you look at the complexity of some of his guitar work while he sings, this is an astonishing feat. It's also an amazing accolade from Toots when you realise how many incredible musicians he played with.

[@lesberkley3821]

He has. He won several "best guitarist" awards.

[@eyesuckle]

@@lesberkley3821 Did not know that! Thank you.

[@sattwa2]

He has been well appreciated for his guitar playing.

[@nielsen7444]

An incredibly beautiful and amazing song from the song writing collective of Hassler, Gerhardt, Bach & Simon ;-)

[@raymondkmatz9967]

you know how great he is when the world we live in people only post hate and anger. none of that here. so refreshing

[@pietjansen4832]

Alle Pauls are great❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊

[@mycowboyways915]

One man and a guitar. Beautiful.

[@artnardone]

This song has never meant so much to my soul right now at 60 , in this trucked up world.

[@deswalk]

I was in the audience that night so long ago! While waiting in line to go in he arrived in his limo with his well travelled guitar case very unassuming not like so many of today's so called celebs. James Hunt also on thst show. Happy days!

[@spencermccullum1]

Super WOW

[@iheartdonut]

That's amazing! I could only wish for such a happenstance.

[@cornstorm666]

Cool...one of his ex wives is from Parrottsville TN and I remember back when she came home to visit ,he was with her...only a select few even knew who he was...what a privilege as they just blended in..

[@richardcook6505]

Wil liam I wouldn’t call it happenstance. She bought a ticket. He showed up and played.

[@EnoVarma]

"Paul Simon stepped humbly out of his limo."

[@larryprimeau7738]

still so young. this is from 1975 when Simon and Garfunkel changed to just Paul Simon. this is one of Paul's best tunes and that has that subtle Simon sound which is his musical handwriting. Art G. had a voice in only that one area, and paul began to sing better/fuller that Art wasn't even that much better. still a good act from the 1960s. 1969 The Graduate. my brother Mr. Moneybags was caught up in "cool" music of the late 1960s. he wanted to see The Graduate to see what it was all about. he asked my father to go.well....this movie was the signature work of the late 60s and there did sit my dad in a movie theatre along with my brother. Plastics, Anne Bancroft in her underwear, a rich kid out of college who doesn't know much about life but at least he wants to learn. I want to see it again m

[@pcatful]

Art Garfunkel had a beautiful voice. Paul Simon's voice is wonderful for what he does and he uses it excellently, but Art's was phenomenal. You just can't keep doing the same thing year after year and Paul Simon clearly had some territory to explore that was definitively his own.

[@jenniferwesson1777]

America at this moment-weary and not forever blessed. Amazing song writer.

[@wendirozsa]

I don't believe a song could get any more powerful than this. The timing, the pauses, those chord progressions make my heart and soul ache and provide the perfect bed for the weary poet's words. This is surely to be my next cover to respectfully learn and share. A song such as this must be handled with delicate care so as not to overwhelm it's spirit with ego or performance. Many thanks, Mr. Simon for. All your timeless art and this song in particular today.

[@Wonderhussy]

Share your cover, when you do it! We would love to hear it :)

[@wendirozsa]

@@Wonderhussy thanks. I will

[@ThePrion23]

He set his words to a very old tune , from 1600 evidently. I think he chose perfectly.

[@maungmaungmyothwin7066]

One n only Paul Simon! Thank you!

[@lennykarat]

Beautiful song with lyrics that are so, so apt. A wonderful tribute to the American Dream...

[@valgal5753]

This is one of his best works amongst so many others..watching Homewood Bound right now. Omg such a beautiful songwriter. He sang this song on one of the 9/11 tributes. I cried then and crying now. I love you Paul Simon..we all do. Keep on keepin' on! ❤️

[@hmackie6823]

some of the simplest songs feel closest to our hearts

[@samspade8612]

All I can say is WOW!!! I pity today's kids and what they call music. We were truly blessed with great artists male and female in the 50's, 60's, and 70's. Artists like Paul Simon raised the bar for music perfection.

[@sharonjames-q8d]

My favorite P.Simon song ever. It is a classic!

[@janewalton2901]

It’s a very strong contender for every other favourite lol I love Hearts and Bones and Bridge over troubled waters and and and ❤

[@MrJoeybabe25]

He is a poet's poet. His importance to our national treasure CANNOT be overestimated. May he have long life and happiness. I love you Paul!

[@monkusbee]

I can’t get that song out of my head. I just can’t.

[@common_myrtle]

Immediately after hearing this song, I came back when I was 18 years old. I got a lot of comfort from your song. When I remember when I was young, I cry. Your song has always saved me. And that was also the teaching of life.

[@Philanderthal]

I feel the same way......weep at the lost youth.....revel in the youth around me......

[@lizkasapos5605]

Have loved him and his music almost all my life from 1965. None better musically or lyrically and this is one of my absolute favourites. Moves me to tears.

[@happybergner9832]

Yes! I was 10 years tod, from the first time I heard them both sing💕

[@catherinefremont3481]

It does me too.

[@lindaberg1695]

Paul Simon is a magical wordsmith and I agree, this song is a masterpiece and it also touches me deep to my soul.....Bless you Paul for the beautifully insightful music compositions over the years. There are none better. ♥

[@fritzcat6198]

PURE GENIUS. I just fell in love. ❤

[@FlightlessWaterfowl-nx6pz]

And I don't know a soul who's not been battered I don't have a friend who feels at ease I don't know a dream that's not been shattered Or driven to its knees Me and half of America right now.

[@christinawhite7534]

This moves me so much. The musicality is stunning and the lyrics say so much. I'm grateful to such a marvellous artist.

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

He's the Mozart of American Music.

[@nat00ben06]

Paul Simon is diffinately one of those people that have carved a huge niche in the history of the mankind. What a phenomanol talent.

[@eyesuckle]

I know! But I took Phenomanol® for years and I still can't write a song to save my life.

[@happybergner9832]

And in my heart too

[@leejohnson1362]

2021 still need comfort music. It's good for the soul

[@debrabiderman4275]

I can't believe how pertinent and timely this song Is in 2021.

[@yellowshirting]

I love how Paul sings this song. Like he's really trying to commiserate and also comfort us listeners. A favorite.

[@richpivo772]

One guy and a guitar. Captivating.

[@sharonjames-q8d]

My favorite song by Paul Simon!!

[@simononlyforme]

I was at the S&G concert in Melbourne two days ago (25-Jun-09). The man (Simon) is a genius. The words and music he wrote are absolutely dripping with genius. I'm obsessed with his music.

[@dianaclarke3227]

I cry with emotion every time... And the song is over half a century old..

[@rodolforagonesi7838]

Paul Simon's music brings back some of my fondest memories as a child. I remember at around 8 years old pretending to be asleep under the blankets after bedtime with an ear phone connected to my little transistor radio that my dad had got me for my birthday, and at around 11.00 pm the DJ decided to play 4 Simon and Garfunkel hits back to back. When I heard those 4 songs I felt that I had died and gone to heaven. I heard American Tune for the first time as a teenager and it was another love at first listen. It immediately became one of my favourite songs of Paul Simon and one of my favourite of all time. Nothing shaped me more in my youth growing up than Paul's Simon's music and poetry. He is truly a legend of the 20th century.

[@Rezzzzzz]

You can’t be forever blessed. Still tomorrow’s going to be another working day, and I’m trying to get some rest. WOW!!!

[@pcatful]

Yeah. That's how I feel about this country today. I'm afraid for the future, but just have to go on working at what I think is right.

[@nancygibney9327]

Only part I do not like. We are only unblest if we go the wrong way.

[@Louie1157able]

That's just tear-in-the-eye good! The lyrics, the singing, the playing...the genius that is Paul Simon

[@proudgram61]

I love this song, with or without words. I grew up with "O Sacred Head surrounded, by crown of piercing thorns, O wounded Head" ......I know it was composed in the 17th century, with the same tune and different words. But it will always remind me of the passion of Christ during the Easter season. It is a healing song for all.

[@ThePrion23]

Thank You

[@eshebang]

Thanks for the reference to the 'original' song. I knew about the inspiration but didn't know it was by G.O.A.T J.S. Bach.

[@kidflersh7807]

@@eshebang technically, the song was written by Hans Leo Hassen, Bach just arranged it into the Passion of St. Matthew.

[@patrickoconnor1279]

I don’t know why but when I hear this song I think of myself watching my father leave and knowing my family was over and it was. Everything fell apart. Mom’s boyfriends came and went. Suicide attempts and hospitalizations came and went. And so did the drugs and the alcohol and the isolation. It all came and went. I am 50 now. I have a wife and two boys of my own. I teach high school English. I did okay. But this song brings me back, not in a bad way. It’s like a hug to that little boy who saw it all coming. It says you’ll get through. It reminds me I did and I can’t help but crying after all these years

[@peterwoods5048]

Paul is a huge talent. Thanks for your music.