SIMON & GARFUNKEL - The Only Living Boy In New York (REACTION) with my wife

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This is my musical reaction, breakdown and commentary analysis of the song and video. This is for educational purposes only. I intend no copyright infringement, and this is not a replacement for listening to the song. As covered under fair use copyright laws listed below, we simply reacted to the video by giving constructive feedback, criticism and comments.
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[@hongfang2348]

Simon wrote the song as a thinly veiled message to Art Garfunkel, referencing in the first stanza a specific incident where Garfunkel went to Mexico to act in the film Catch-22. Simon was left alone in New York writing songs for the album, Bridge over Troubled Water, hence the very lonely feelings of "The Only Living Boy in New York." Simon refers to Garfunkel in the song as "Tom", alluding to their early days when they were called Tom and Jerry, and encourages him to "let your honesty shine . . . like it shines on me" (from wikipedia)

[@DavidTateVA]

I think the film was Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice, not Catch-22. Otherwise, yeah. A deep cut, but then there basically aren't any bad S&G songs.

[@timmellin2815]

​@@DavidTateVA No, I think it was Carnal Knowledge.

[@DavidTateVA]

@@timmellin2815 Ah, right! That was it. I was misremembering. Thanks!

[@cf5696]

I love all of their songs. Please try America, another great song.

[@aBeatleFan4ever]

"When you listen to them... it feels very special. Kind of uh... it's another door inside my heart opens." It makes me so happy... that you two love their songs so much.

[@procopiusaugustus6231]

Beautiful song that isn’t usually covered in reactions. Another one is Bookends/Old Friends.

[@wendypow1963]

Bookends is one of my absolute favorites. Not bad, considering it's only about/less than 90 seconds long.

[@joelliebler5690]

2 wonderful songs.

[@marcoheinrich9518]

The "Here I Am" really is like a higher force answering a prayer.

[@AP-gb3eh]

It was a magic pairing , but like with all artists, they have to grow, and specially the young of the time they wanted to prove themselves on their own find themselves if you will, but we had that time with Simon & Garfunkel and it’s one of a very few groups like are unique in time ,their sound was a gift and they couldn’t have made that amazing music with anybody else☮️

[@Jynx0]

Beautiful. My favourite Simon and Garfunkel song is, "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her". I think you both would like it.

[@Tbevie50]

I absolutely adore that song. Such beautiful lyrics.

[@tommyd7950]

Wow! This song shot me back to 7th grade in '78. I discovered my parents Bridge Over Troubled Waters album. I would get home from school and put on headphones and play this entire album everyday. This song stuck out to me because my name is Tom. It felt like they were singing to me. Thanks for the ride back in time.

[@elijahFree2000]

Exactly same story for me. Except a couple of years earlier.

[@alanrobinson4814]

You are a wonderful couple with very good reactions. You have been on a journey of an artist I have enjoyed since 1968. Paul Simon has written so many hits it is difficult, if not impossible, to pick one as a favorite.❤️

[@wendypow1963]

Wednesday Morning: 3a.m. is probably my absolute favorite album. My favorite songs are Kathy's Song, America, Dangling Conversation, Old Friends/Bookends and El Condor Pasa.

[@bumperu]

The background chorus gives that ethereal feeling of flying.

[@jeffreythaw3333]

Paul's "Peace Like a River", another interesting and thoughtful song from his first solo album, has similar "ahhs".

[@timmellin2815]

another great insight....I had never realized that ! Like a glider swoooping around in the air.

[@botlus4727]

Thank you for reacting to my all time favorite from them, actually since I was a little girl. I couldn't understand the lyrics then (no English yet, I am German) but it touched me to tears already then. Loved your thoughts on it, like usual, thanks again. Cheers from Berlin 👍🍀😎

[@jean-pierreyot5871]

Can’t wait for you to get into solo Simon.

[@tadb65]

The line about the "weather report" refers to letters that Art wrote to Paul; they always start with how the weather is.

[@MagichourManila]

Thanks for this! Take a look at another Simon & Garfunkel song that delves into longing and a spiritual journey. Even though I'm not American, it really resonates with me. I'm still searching for my own version of 'America'.

[@timmellin2815]

A former choir director for my college chorus had arranged his own version of America; we performed it in concert, every so often.

[@healdogtoe2c]

One of my all time favorites. Love the choir in the backround! Recorded in a cathedral. Transports me every time.

[@TheGreatGig73]

I love your conversations as much as I love the songs you react to. You both are awesome people. Keep it going. I truly enjoy your comments.

[@williammuntzer7374]

Great reaction. The final song on that album is probably the most honest song ever written. Try the song "Song For the Asking". Its a short song, but very beautiful. Thanks!

[@timmellin2815]

Yes....they both knew this album CD would be their last studio recording together and paid tribute to same w/ lyrics like "thinking it over I'd be more than glad / sad / to change my ways for the asking, etc....." (if you will reconsider, we can stay together.) "So long, Frank Lloyd Wright.....all the nights we'd harmonize till dawn, etc." ...( Art was an architecture major.)

[@billcheek8043]

Kathy’s Song , and For Emily Wherever I Find Her. Seriously 😊

[@1953jazzman]

It makes me so happy to know that you two are taking a deep dive into Simon & Garfunkel's music! Most reactors only do one or two songs and then stop. The music they made together will never be surpassed!

[@lcassamas]

To my mind, this entire album is mostly about Simon & Garfunkel drifting apart, even Bridge Over Troubled Water, which, I think, is about Paul’s feelings toward Artie, despite the reference to Silver Girl, a reference to Simon’s then wife, Peggy Harper. Other songs on the album that refer directly to Art Garfunkel are a jazzy number called Frank Lloyd Wright (Artie studied architecture at university) and Why Don’t You Write Me.

[@penshaw2]

I really love this one and recommend it - so good! You should try Kathy’s Song Paul Simon wrote for his girlfriend - another beautiful one.

[@gordonpatterson8615]

That is a lovely song. Eva Cassidy did a great cover of it.

[@wendypow1963]

I was lucky that my older sister inadvertently exposed me to Simon and Garfunkel circa 1965, when I was 11 years old. They've been my favorite Musicians ever since. I've had all their albums/CDs for many years. I was heartbroken when they split up and then ecstatic when they reunited for their Concert in the Park in Central Park, NYC. I have it on DVD. I will always love them and their music.

[@mharris7380]

Please could you do their song "Keep The Customer Satisfied". It's my favourite Simon and Garfunkel song.

[@mitchrobinson3076]

Paul Simon's solo music is also exceptional.

[@nordogvids]

What a wonderful piece of music.

[@englishdave9986]

Don't forget "old friends "

[@cynergy4]

Artie must surely have known. As it turned out, this was their last studio album together. Hey, I was just listening to this album yesterday. I was inspired to buy it after watching your reaction to Bridge Over Troubled Water. I've had it on vinyl since the 70's but wanted to get the CD for listening in the car. Paul Simon is a true artist who paints pictures in your mind. ❤

[@uncletom618]

The production and recording of those vocals is absolutely astonishing! That was in 1970! Has always been a S&G fave. RIP Sister Nancy! You brought S&G to me, forever grateful! ❤️💕❤️

[@ChrisEchoes]

Yes, the backing vocals are a precursor to what 10cc would do a few years later on I’m Not In Love.

[@almondroca]

Shoutout to their engineer and co-producer Roy Halee.

[@JohnPilon082149051552]

‘Half of the time we’re gone but we don’t know where’: a philosophical gem that speaks to how we all find ourselves on a strange path at various points on life’s journey.

[@JoeBlow_4]

I get to rehear all these great Simon and Garfunkel songs. This is one I'd forgotten about. Paul is such a great songwriter.

[@sammybeck7794]

The Only Living Boy in New York is the best song on that album in my opinion

[@gregoryriddle2618]

I remember being shocked that the ending of the song was used in a car commercial a few years ago....and thinking someone in advertising had really good taste in music.

[@fantasycamp4000]

Sometimes songs just hit you with the music and not so much with the lyrics. That was this song for me, singing along with da n do, da n do here I am, made me happy as a young lad.

[@ryanr5319]

Love you love them!! Ty for reaction, each. Their voices harmonize like no others...maybe the Everlys. But Paul Simon is such a masterful songwriter.

[@ChrisEchoes]

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel have always said they were hugely influenced by Everly Brothers.

[@ryanr5319]

@@ChrisEchoes I would then follow that with the Indigo Girls, if keeping duos. 🙂 just beautiful, how do you find your person like that?

[@magicbrownie1357]

This is my favorite Simon and Garfunkel tune. They have so many great songs to know and love, but this one just stands out for me.

[@tonybennett4159]

Yes, I'm so sad that this doesn't appear on any of their "Best of..." compilations.

[@glennrobinson2014]

Their songs are beautiful, but often melancholy.

[@hongfang2348]

This song was included on the Bridge Over Troubled Water album, which would be their last album. Simon laments the absence of Garfunkel, as he wrote songs for the album. Garfunkel was making the movie Catch-22. Garfunkel then co-starred with Jack Nicholson in the movie Carnal Knowledge, but his acting career faded after that. Paul Simon went on to a very successful solo career..

[@festidious2644]

Dive deep into Art's solo career too; he was also very successful and had many good ones.

[@natodad]

I always felt Art singing "here I am" part of the end is him saying hey, here I am back with you, whereas in the beginning it was used as a primer.

[@cyclops60]

Great reaction guys! The album 'Bridge over troubled water' is half mellow and half upbeat songs. I'd like to see you react to some of the more upbeat songs for a contrast - 'Cecelia', 'Keep the customer satisfied', 'Baby driver', all superb! Cheers.

[@dalemcmillan7231]

Fabulous ❤❤❤❤

[@Carln0130]

Winston Churchill once said that diplomacy is the art of telling someone to go to hell in such a way that they look forward to the trip. Simon and Garfunkel are similar in the sense that they sing about something absolutely devastating, but it still comes out amazingly beautiful. Think of it as musical diplomacy ;-).

[@cynthiajennings5792]

"Feelin Groovy" is a fun one.

[@alejandrofermin5490]

I think that Art Garfunkel knew he was being referenced in the song. I once read that Art was touched that Paul used "Tom" to refer to Art (from back when they first recorded in their teens as "Tom and Jerry" - Art was Tom.).

[@timmellin2815]

I saw Art's concert in San Diego at Humprey's by the Sea...an outdoor venue. I wandered into the seating area in the afternoon to check out my seat location, and lo and behold he was rehearsing w/ the band. He was trying to tweak the sound and suddenly he left the stage and suddenly was up by the sound board where I was talking to the sound guy....very picky w/ what he wanted. He tried a new timing for Cecelia and was trying to get his musicians to master it....."Making love became : Maaaking love...." he made the Make a dotted note instead of a full note. Ditto w/ "I got up.." and "Break' in' my heart...made all the first sylablees as dotted notes. (held longer than the original full note on the studio recording.)

[@ogLogLogLogL]

Thanks. This is my favorite.

[@larryhelmeczy4320]

I thought you guys went over to the "dark side" : the Rolling Stones at Altamont. but now you are back to your good side with Simon and Garfunkel. I had forgotten about this song. Thanks for doing it. I agree with some other commenters. There's a ton of excellent songs by Paul Simon solo. Some don't have the sentimentality of this group but I think they are worth checking out for you. I happen to like a number of songs from "Paul Simon" ,"Still Crazy..." and "Graceland:"

[@flubblert]

There's still a few truly great ones out there. "I Am a Rock" chief an among them. Also you're going to want to check out one of their all-time classics "Mrs Robinson". Let the journey continue.

[@terrycunningham8118]

Have they done "America"?

[@flubblert]

@@terrycunningham8118 nope. another one.

[@rolfvogt310]

Hallo, i am 64 jears old and i grown up in this Time. My first relationship began with this wonderful Music. This Musik had made us rich on our feelings and I cried some Tears. It was awonderful tiem and musik was always our love. Greeting from Germany.🥰🥰

[@MarkMcLT]

One of my favorites from S&G.

[@j.h.3777]

I've never heard it before. Definitely not a top-10 hit of theirs.

[@cheryla7480]

“ I Am A Rock” and “ El Condor Paso “ are two wonderful songs also.

[@rolandgustafsson5655]

Let's not forget Art Garfunkel🤨They wrote all there song's together 🎶🎶🙂

[@michaelwalker5257]

So many great songs. Try: Hearts and Bones, Diamonds On the Soles of Her Shoes.

[@THEPATRIOT1000]

try SG, America

[@axiomist4488]

It's so sad and hard to believe that these two great friends no longer even speak to each other !!!

[@starlightperkins330]

He knew. "Tom" is a reference to the original name that the duo had when they first started out, which was "Tom and Jerry." They than decided to go by their last names.

[@timmellin2815]

Great to see these two, from a different culture than standard USA, (maybe I am making an assumption....if I am wrong forgive me ) give their ideas on this song.

[@billwestland8057]

You could only do reactions to great Simon & Garfunkel or Paul Simon solo songs and you would still have years of material to use. Looking forward to reactions to Sounds of Silence, I Am a Rock, A Most Peculiar Man, A Hazy Shade of Winter, An American Tune, Graceland, Slip Slidin' Away, and Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes.

[@jamesrowe3606]

Once you have emerged from the S&G rabbit hole, you might look into their solo work next. Art's Breakaway album has some outstanding songs, as does Paul's Here Comes Rhyming Simon. My favourite of all though is Paul's world music classic Graceland.

[@johnbrowne2170]

Simon and Garfunkel were known as Tom (Garfunkel) and Jerry (Simon) before they changed their names.

[@Tbevie50]

Thank you both for another beautiful reaction. Interesting question about whether or not Art knew the song was about him. I’ve always assumed he did but I’ve always wondered what he thought about it. Paul’s singing lead vocals on this one but Art’s singing backup and harmony vocals. So he was obviously involved in the recording.

[@DrStrangelove3891]

Art would have known that the nickname Tom referred to him, I'm sure.

[@Tbevie50]

@@DrStrangelove3891Agreed. Also the mention of Mexico and his acting career.

[@jeffreythaw3333]

Perhaps someone already mentioned that Tom is Art Garfunkel. In their very early high school days they performed as Tom & Jerry and had a local hit with "Hey Schoolgirl".

[@billcheek8043]

They were originally performing as Tom and Jerry. So I think Art knew.

[@joeluciano]

Yes, he knew. He call him Tom as their first artistic name was Tom and Jerry

[@JD_Cool]

I anxiously await MerchantofAlba graduating to the solo career of Paul Simon, whose genius was too expansive to be constrained to folk-rock. His solo stuff is an amazing garden to harvest.

[@williamcapp448]

They used to call themselves Tom and Jerry. More as a joke. But that's the Tom he's singing about.

[@mapegatkinson92]

An American Tune is a great song of Paul Simon.

[@susanryan2451]

Adding a lightness to the heavy topic

[@helenespaulding7562]

There are very few artists that I think of as having an “ethereal” sound. S&G are one. Aurora is another. Joni Mitchell……

[@dougca7086]

Paul Simon was on a TV show talking about how weird Art Garfunkel was and told the story about how Art decided to walk across Japan from one side to the other for no other reason except to do it and of course he did it also when Simon and Garfunkel first got started they were known as Tom and Jerry so possibly that was a code to art

[@stevebiddell2839]

Oh crikey!....v appropriate response!

[@dansteichen4667]

I think you got it right. Frustration but he wants the best for his longtime creative partner. Like any deep relationship under strain.

[@kirkhall2099]

Please get to their song. The Sound of Silence and you well really enjoy Led Zeppelin - What Is And What Should Never

[@MojaveEast]

If you ever branch out into movie reactions you might consider The Graduate, if you haven't seen it. Simon and Garfunkel was used as the soundtrack and it may be one of the most perfect pairings of film and music ever, along with Harold and Maude and the use of The Doors' The End in Apocalypse Now.

[@festidious2644]

@ 3:24 Art is not singing this, Paul is.

[@user-bs4ie5nx4e]

There's a wonderful documentary about the making of the album "Bridge Over Troubled Water"; it includes discussions with Simon, Garfunkel, their producer Roy Halee, and other session musicians. Although the part available on youtube -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqa9mJawlLyfd6M -- discusses the song "Bridge over Troubled Water", it gives a great peek behind the curtain of how they worked together (and how much work went into making the songs.)

[@encrypter46]

Is it true you haven't reacted to "The Sound of Silence"?

[@DavidBrown-ut5qi]

All the best from Wales. U K, Love your reactions , And your outlook on life, It warms my heart . Please listen to Ride a Rock Horse by Rodger Daltrey the lead singer of the Who. pick your favourite song, It will make my day x :)

[@anthonyblakely399]

❤Q😘

[@billvanhorn7877]

Below is the link to: Motown Legend Stevie Wonder Song- “Isn’t she lovely” kzbin.info/www/bejne/b17RZIyarpyll9Usi=ICAqzmHWE8f66l5F

[@frankbolger3969]

Nice song, but not one of their best. Give a listen to "America."

[@davidfalconer3348]

Art never took any part in this song, only living boy