Paul Simon - The Only Living Boy In New York

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Music video by Paul Simon performing The Only Living Boy In New York. (C) 2012 Paul Simon. Under exclusive license to StarCon, LLC d/b/a Hear Music TM

[@cameronmurie]

This, for a while, was an anthem of mine, and I love it still, after 40 years. And after that's said. Bag it man.

[@effjay8010]

Here I am! Mine too!

[@kevinconiston2270]

One of the Greatest Songwriters of our times

[@mah3223alia]

The first song I remember hearing on the radio was " mother and child reunion" I think I was 6.....we lived in a tiny farming village in England. I was stunned by Paul Simon's beautiful voice.....as an old lady now, I am still humbled. It is literally the voice of something else. As a guitarist his chord changes are magical too. Thank you so much for a lifetime of music Paul 😊

[@MrKenny777]

Who hasn't felt the loneliness Paul describes in this beautiful song?

[@Picnicl]

David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo.

[@desmaraisjoel]

Well, I never felt the loneliness of missing my curly headed giant angelic-like voice high school buddy but I wish I had

[@breatheintheair570]

;)

[@michaelpmouzourakis8483]

Me every day! Were are you my love that I dream of in my dreams you have to be real because i smell different perfume on you😌 every time we meet again😀 please come into my life do you dream of me? If i didn't have the Lord in my life I would really be miserable God bless all the lonely people.Ive only smelt stuff in my dreams only a few times in my life to smell her every time well i think you know what i was going to say next. Go 2021🎵🎶👍❤😀

[@hobbeldehoy]

Holy cow! I can’t believe how this song is as sharp as a dagger, it just heaps you. Timeless…

[@tomoreilly9932]

One of the greatest songwriters and performers of all time, a real living legend❤

[@nancywarren7331]

This song is very arresting at the edge of sadness. It rests in the heart. In appreciation. Thank you.❤💐❤️

[@shugmccall1]

Paul's voice is a tonic for the toxic days we live in.What a treasure this man is ! He has gifted us with such memorable music for some fifty plus years now. So grateful!

[@liz326522]

steve mccall Yesssss, I came for this song specifically for his soothing tones. This song, this version always floors me, calms me.

[@maureenlegault3835]

@@liz326522 agree

[@christinescheiner5194]

Even more toxic now. I came here as a New Yorker remembering the NY of yesteryear and when S and G represented NYC with songs like this.

[@matthewchunk3689]

I love how paul hangs on that secondary dominant. his voice is as good as any of his contemporaries. this may be a bad question but what happened to his buddy garfunkle?

[@tennisbum3686]

He has contributed so much, so much pleasure, thanks Paul

[@theclumsymoose]

Paul Simon is a musical god.

[@nickrodriguez2677]

Incredible song. The raw emotion is still there after all these years.

[@squintychicken]

I feel like I've heard every Paul Simon song a million times, yet every time I hear them again they sends chills down my spine. I just can't get enough.

[@ambriadaniels-dovolis7496]

Same 😘

[@stevenadams1795]

Agreed 110%. Timeless

[@tomcarroll4785]

Paul will be considered one of the 20th century's musical geniuses.

[@mst4745]

He already is, surely?

[@mr.tanglinman5710]

What's all about this Melody! What kinda power gave him this Melody! It's really a gift from God to him.

[@alrees61]

In 1981, while serving in the RAF, I listened to a song called Bridge Over Troubled Waters and instantly fell in love with American Folk Music. In the nearest town, I went looking for the song and came across the album (taped version) and next to it was 8 other tapes by the same artists Simon and Garfunkel. I bought them and now have 32 tapes stored away safely!! Paul Simon is the finest songwriter of all time and no one can touch Art Garfunkel when he is singing Bridge Over Troubled Waters.

[@budizen3104]

The story goes that most of the vocal was "punched in" many times as Art did not have the voice to do it in one take, which is obvious if you hear a live version. It's easy to be golden in the studio. Less easy when you have to sing it live without post-production assistance.

[@disco1994]

Beautiful song from one of the all time great songwriters.

[@thelastmelon7187]

He's one of those amazing musicians you just need to see live isn't he... Can't believe he's still got such a voice after all this time. Phenomenal. Much love❤️

[@tubekook55]

It is so good to see this. I'm 63 as I write this, and this song evokes images something like the little rings when you skip rocks across a pond, of earlier times. This song sustained me over years, (buoyed by it when little else did). I am likely not alone in that regard. When Paul played in Bend, OR, I called this out when he made a (joking) comment about taking requests. Glad to get to see it here, glad he kept it in his repertoire. Thank you, Paul Simon for the art that you have given us.

[@pamelamelling3833]

I never want this song to end when I’m listening to it ❤️❤️❤️

[@schmedrake5429]

This song is apparently a kind of farewell for Simon and Garfunkel. When they first started out, their group was named Tom & Jerry. So the Tom in the song is Art. And Art took time off from the duo to go make movies in Mexico, leaving Paul alone in NY without Art, even though Art intended to come back. But maybe Paul knew it would be the end of their duo. They'd been having struggles with Paul's prominence in the group in contrast to Art's role and Art wanted to find himself without Simon and make movies. This was the last record they made together. So the song captures Paul's feelings about the separation, including the sentimentality of referring to Art as Tom. They had known each other and sung together since they were 12. They are true soul mates. You can see it even today. They come back together and they part. But they can't stay away from each other. You can see how perfectly they were made for each other. When I see contemporary interviews that bring the partnership up, it seems like Paul has a regret or two, despite his hugely successful solo career. It was like their voices "spooned" together. And once you have that and lose it, you realize how valuable it was. All that said, if it didn't happen, we wouldn't have 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, Me & Julio Down By the Schoolyard, Mother and Child Reunion and Still Crazy After All These Years. Anyway, the song takes on new dimension when you listen in the context of his relationship with Art and the separation that would be the end of Simon & Garfunkel.

[@liz326522]

schmedrake Wow, didn’t know that. Thank u for that insight. Gives this beautiful song even more depth and understanding.

[@EnosEverything]

Yes .. Wasn't simply movies.. It was the brilliant CATCH 22...Which Art had scored a part in... This is a fantastic song.

[@mathmusic1490]

Totally agree, that's all spot on, including this song as a 'love' song to Artie as they break up their duo.................

[@jazzie730]

Wow thanks for that really informative really helped with connecting such a beautiful song to where and why it was written chez

[@beertek22]

They can’t stay away from each other but sadly they also can’t stand each other even for a day’s length going forward. The breakup seemed as famous as the togetherness they’ve started in childhood.. the perfect voice blend duo act ever, and still one of my favorite artists to date.

[@sisterthesister4870]

What an amazing job he is doing to re-create the effects they had in the studio on especially the "here I am" part and harmonizing just before that.. LIVE. Consider this: first of all, there was the magic of the harmony and the perfect blend he had when singing with Artie. Then there is the fact that on their studio albums, they always doubled their voices to get a more perfect blend and to create a more rich sound. And on top of that: they recorded that part in a literal echo chamber. Yet here is Paul, forty-plus years later, with a microphone and a couple of background vocals, evoking the very same atmosphere it had on the original album. It's simply amazing he can do that, armed with just that beautiful beautiful falsetto of his.

[@austin78993]

His voice is absolutely beautiful. Wow.

[@ostesvinet]

I agree

[@hawaiianstarman]

Most artists voices are shot or waning at this age. Paul's voice seems to get richer and more varied. Extraordinary talent and humanitarian.

[@thebookofthesun884]

OH MAN, PAUL SIMON! I saw him (you) in Manchester some years ago.. Awesome artist who has helped me through the darkest of days. No more love could possibly go to Paul Simon from this man.

[@robertcraig4925]

For me The Great American Songwriter.

[@mathmusic1490]

Paul Simon.......genius at his musical crafts.

[@clarejackson6682]

Lovely version.. Paul as strong as ever.. surely one of the greatest musicians ever.. He's always great especially with Mark.. and his band.. they perform like one solid unit of talent

[@CDtopographics]

The beautiful song was written for Tom AKA Art Garfunkel who was flying to Mexico for filming of 'Catch 22' - 'let your honesty shine' is not only great advice but a loving compliment.

[@CDtopographics]

Regrettably I have to say I think you were right the first time. Utimately Paul (as the songwriter) did grow to resent Art getting so much attention. The pivotal moment was when Paul who was due to play a part himself in Catch 22 later on got dropped by Mike Nichols. Art confirmed this incident spelled the end for the duo in 2013.

[@OganySupreme]

@Association of Free People In an interview in 2015, Art revealed that he was the one who was originally nice to Paul about his height. He was clearly an influential part in Paul's life, but when he grew confident, it got increasingly irritating. Catch 22 set him over the edge.

[@DMBGirl1234]

One of the most selfless songs ever written...

[@petere6162]

@@CDtopographics equally I think Art wanted to branch out himself instead of being reliant on Simon to write… Tom I think relates to their original stage name, Tom and Jerry. In the early days Simon had many experiences touring Europe, especially England that was very influential on him. Homeward Bound and Kathys Song two great tunes he wrote at that time. I think Art needed to do his own thing as well. But his musical talent was limited to that incredible voice. Hence the movies. Simon eventually went from strength to strength. Including Graceland, the album written about his break up with Princess Leia (ashamedly her name escapes me now) Carrie…

[@gerrydooley951]

@@CDtopographics yes and Art thought his acting would shine an additional light on S&G and could only be good for them.

[@justuseloveineverything7184]

Every time I think I’ve heard all of his masterpieces I find another gem Paul your musical poetry constantly comforts me ❤

[@keithnaylor1981]

Heavenly. This for me is the best song on any of their studio albums, though others of course are still amazing. How could they not be!

[@josephrich5898]

An truly uplifting song from the greatest songwriter and poet of our generation.

[@tacoscamp]

The man is a national treasure and a tribute to a better time in American artistic culture. I miss that era and these artists immensely.

[@Hupomone]

Yes. I don't mean to be a grumpy old man here, but we're losing something.

[@bzrbuzzy]

I am 37 and it's lost yall. Been lost. I've been listening to music from the 50s thru 70s since I was a teen and the warmth, passion, and sound wave frequency of recording is different. Literal difference in sound quality and depth.

[@chrisclark2970]

One of my all time favorite songs. It gets me every time

[@Melanie1780]

Oh what I love this song and Paul`s voice is wonderful

[@pamelamelling3833]

Brilliant Paul your voice is still young ❤️

[@sbbinahee]

Yes Paul Smon..pure love to you, beautful human being that you are..beautful rendition

[@Ecesar10]

You are a genius, Mr.Paul Simon! I grew up listening to your songs and I am a musician today because of the great influence that your music has had on my life! Thank you for this masterpiece, one of my favorite songs!!

[@elaines5412]

This kills me in the very best way.

[@alexanderwes5204]

Beautiful, undoubtedly one of the greatest singer/songwriters on the planet !

[@mariai9549]

his lyrics are particularly noteworthy

[@bbq2k]

Knowing that he wrote it for Art, on the occasion of Art's auditioning for a film, in a spirit of encouragement and love for his partner and friend, Paul Simon's performance seems bittersweet. There have been a lot of miles since then, and many twists in the road. It's kind of amazing that Simon can still sing this song. And manage, in the end, to fully embrace it.

[@ambriadaniels-dovolis7496]

Very well said. Thank you

[@semireckless]

@@ambriadaniels-dovolis7496 Ditto here!

[@henkdelaporte7031]

I walked in new york in the sixties and early seventies alone and hummed this record (1970)

[@user-gb9iv5op3y]

Bet it was such a different new york then.. 60s and 70s were the best here in uk

[@MJ.71]

One of the best song writers of all time ❤️

[@peacefuleasy]

Song will never be dated-as great now as it was all those years ago.

[@marcocastellano2451]

Hey Paul, let your honesty SHINE SHINE SHINE SHINE SHINE! We love you!

[@stephenpeterson5160]

Their music is my life! It's a comfort to me.

[@86TomWin]

That’s Mark Stewart playing the Fender Telecaster and singing backup...he’s my former band mate from 1978. What a tremendous addition to Paul Simon’s ensemble

[@LausPompeia]

Grande ricordo! Grazie vecchi 😉👍

[@OganySupreme]

When I watch this, I grab my guitar and play and sing along. Watching the band in the video kind of makes me feel like I'm playing alongside Paul Simon himself. That would be only a dream.

[@daveslastchance]

sweetest bass line of any song I ever heard...

[@PifferaioDiHamelin]

In 2016 I went through a very difficult period and this song helped me see the other end of it: I will always be grateful to Paul Simon (also) for this.

[@paylmoffat3409]

I like the sound of a well made 12 string acoustic. Especially when it’s played by Paul

[@gilgemash]

Goosebumps! Just as gorgeous in April 2017, as when I heard it on the album forty plus years ago. Magnificent. Thank you Sir

[@robertocentomo8382]

meglio tardi che mai!

[@martingerup]

I always wanted to be Paul Simon. Write songs like him, get into the stuff like he does. As time goes by, and the impact of life, love and opportunities get more clear it seems that his songs, voice, "thing" just grabs on to this new life situation of mine.

[@donfleming9886]

In my opinion the best version I have seen of this great song. Especially fond of the Bass playing. This guy knocks me out.

[@tsunchoo]

A beautiful song about friendship and loneliness and so beautiful to be moved by all these old guys playing, not trying to better the original just bringing it alive once again - moving, which is the highest compliment you can pay a piece of art.

[@munimathbypeterfelton6251]

You can hear Paul getting a bit choked up while singing this song. Quite the emotional rollercoaster.

[@MikeWayson]

you can sense a sadness in this song. Almost like he regrets what happened with him and Art. Maybe pride from Paul got in the way or maybe they were two greats that couldn't co-exist in the same spotlight. But rest assure, Simon & Garfunkel gave us great music and will be forever loved and remembered.

[@pamelanewman5470]

Art wanted to make films and was filming in Mexico at the time Paul wrote this song. There had been tensions between the two for some time. Paul being the songwriter of all the records they made. He was happy for Art to sing Bridge but Art didn’t acknowledge that Paul wrote the song.

[@annoynmousk]

Paul's talent is endless, what a man, Bloody Genius

[@markwilliams7205]

I could watch/listen to Paul playing guitar all day long. He also writes beautiful songs of course. The S&G songs were perfectly arranged - the drums on America are stunning

[@tennisbum3686]

One of my all time favorite paul simon songs that I enjoy playing on my guitar and singing.❤

[@janeburton3419]

Yes I have felt that .just love him

[@pernillefreiesleben2562]

The most beautiful song ever!!

[@joseribeiromartinsneto9839]

Obrigado! Obrigado! obrigado! Por compor coisas tão belas!

[@williampollock9736]

little man big voice...beautiful song.

[@ladykfirst]

Miss Artie's iconic background...sounded like angels in chorus😇

[@chetmaklin3138]

I always think that too

[@juliemacsween8326]

Oh Paul what can I say!!!!! Wow you are amazing 🤫😃😃😃😃

[@liz326522]

Most beautiful song. Makes me miss my 12 string, what an incredibly beautiful sound it makes.

[@alexcrawfordguitar9361]

I’m so glad I bought one a few years ago

[@heydavemyers1]

this song alone is reason to buy a 12-string...

[@nuriaarandes1258]

Infinitas grácias Paul Simon 💪💕🙏

[@nuriaarandes1258]

Desde Barcelona 😘

[@Robbo57]

My favourite song on the Bridge album. Marvellous.

[@bearjew6336]

his voice hasn't aged :D

[@markuspeterhans1374]

Super schöner Song...gefühlvoll und beruhigend.....

[@NaseRote-kc7uz]

❤wow man, i love this song so much!! Here i am ..

[@horizonsnow7454]

Dear Paul I had a wonderful elder brother who was also called Paul and his voice is just like your wonderful voice! This song especially is truly amazing and every time I listen to it. His name was Paul too and he went to many of your wonderful concerts! I would so love to hear you live too! Lots of love to you Paul Simon and family!

[@faunwillow]

❤Hey, let your honesty shine, shine, shine now Doh-n-doh-de-doh-n-doh Like it shines on me (Here I am) ❤ Tom, get your plane right on time I know your part'll go fine Fly down to Mexico Doh-n-doh-de-doh-n-doh And here I am The only living boy in New York I get the news I need on the weather report Oh, I can gather all the news I need on the weather report Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile De-doh-n-doh-de-doh And here I am The only living boy in New York Half of the time we're gone But we don't know where And we don't know where Half of the time we're gone But we don't know where And we don't know where Tom, get your plane right on time I know that you've been eager to fly now Hey, let your honesty shine, shine, shine now Doh-n-doh-de-doh-n-doh Like it shines on me (Here I am) The only living boy in New York The only living boy in New York Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Paul Simon

[@patrickhiggins6726]

Sublime

[@EloiseMwahaha]

I don't know how many years later, tears still run down my face listening to Paul Simon and band play this beautiful song.

[@traxsalty]

What marvelous bass playing!!! (and everything else)

[@pichitagarcia4160]

Seguro que en 2050,cuando ya no esté aquí,esta canción seguirá sonando y gustando a otras generaciones!!!!

[@greenbeagle13]

I heard him (Paul Simon) say that Garfunkel wanted to make movies for 6 months out of the year while he (Paul Simon) stayed in New York and write songs so they could record them the other 6 months. PS was not too keen on that idea..., and who could blame him. PS was clearly the heart of this duo... Garfunkel had a beautiful voice, but you need a song to sing. Without Garfunkel, Paul Simon carries on and continues to sell out his concerts..., not sure what Garfunkel is doing now. I was raised on their songs, but it was Paul Simon who wrote the songs that made them famous....

[@michaelgolden2876]

Paul Simon's favorite song from the Simon and Garfunkel days (he said that during a concert I attended)

[@alejandromosquerasouto6614]

No hay palabras para describir tanta belleza!

[@MrRoastedSnow]

Everything ends and changes. Everything. I love this song.

[@juliecherney1710]

Just rediscovered this song watching the ending of the Normal Heart. A heart breaking movie that this song encapsulates so movingly and beautifully.

[@petersmernoff9590]

An incredibly beautiful song.

[@pamelanewman5470]

Paul’s sad farewell to Art, knowing their paths had separated. He knew Art wanted to go into films. His musical genius went on.

[@RCROSSH]

Your music has been part of my childhood, my adolescence, my present and , of course, you´ll be part of my future.... Happy birthday !!!!

[@ErwinRedeman]

Best version ever👍

[@maungmyothwin5919]

beautiful voice and so relax and perfect.

[@johnfallen1958]

After all this time..it still breaks my heart..

[@rickbullock4331]

That sounded great to me. Paul Simon, a musical legend who has written a whole bunch of wonderful songs. 👍👍🇨🇦

[@MichaelChernik-zf2fy]

For the emotionally crippled ~ this song gets through PTSD

[@luisbarrera1099]

Paul Simon your still awesome sir. Thank You.

[@jamesburns9714]

best songwriter ever

[@GeorgeFitness-yo8bl]

Easily his greatest song!

[@carlosvipe2765]

I used to listen to this song, The Boxer, . . . constantly filled with emotion (in sound proof booth) at the public library in Charlotte, NC (1984) . . . . Now, in 2021, I am doing the very same thing in a public library (via internet) in Amsterdam with lots of emotion, too . . . . . . .

[@marianne8655]

Nowadays it has been - almost - FYFTY YEARS - ago the latest album of the' S&G era' lasting just FIVE years - will 'celebrate its 50th Anniversary' I don`t.. Also the time has - apparently - come many (gossip) newspapers are feeling urged to dig in the past writing down all kind of crap I do not believe in. I am reading this crap; after reading just deleting. Apparently Paul Simon did the same a long long time ago. By just playing and performing this song: Paul Simon fans are aware of the deeper (hidden) meaning of this song. Pls check out the words Paul Simon is saying at the end of this performance. No need to explain. IMO this song is one of Paul Simon`s 'masterpieces'. Playing with the late great VincentNguini I will NEVER forget HIM such a gifted Western African artist. He passed away far too soon. Pls be the wisest you`ve always been; hold on Paul Simon for what media are publishing and will continue in publishing the upcoming next weeks Regarding your latest S&G album: YOU WON THIS HARMONY GAME. No more words to say for the only reason: the way you must have been going through with 'the other half' is so painful and terrifying I do not have words for. These words you shared with Robert Hilburn - the only and the best one - author of your biography. Title of the book'Paul Simon The Life'. That`s all I have to add in my comment. During your lifetime to come I will always be on your side for sure. WITHOUT YOUR SONGS this entire 'duo' would never have existed From the time of 1965 you were - already - 'on my side' when I was of teen of thirteen years. I`m writing the year 1965 until nowadays the year 2020 and more to come. ' We come in the age's most uncertain hour And sing an American tune'

[@twinoak170]

Paul Simon is one of my favorite groups.

[@fking6543]

Paul Simon is a living legend.

[@whatsittoyou7199]

This poignant and magical song always brings back the agony of the AIDS crisis to my consciousness. This song's appearance in the Normal Heart was superb.

[@UCS0608]

This song is one of the reasons my oldest sons name is Tom. I bought the album almost on the day of release and still love it!!! And this version is awesome! BTW, for those interested in the story behind many songs etc, Pauls biography (written by Robert Hillburn) is a great book!!!

[@maungmaungmyothwin7066]

The genius at work! thank u so much Paul! may you live long and healthy

[@blackmonarch1]

I have.... 1979-81 .. when you've nowhere to live you've no tomorrow..... thank the Lord I had a tomorrow... ☺