I was just watching all the ceremonies for the anniversary of 911, and thought of this song. I'm surprised no one has made a video tribute using it (unless someone has, and I just didn't find it).
Just perfect. Especially the higher notes following 3:05 or so. No wavering, no lack of power, just pure and bright and smooth and quietly confident. Beautiful.
I thought of this song often after 9/11. It always surprised me that nobody else seemed to remember this in the context of that time, it seemed to fit a lot of what I was feeling about that time so perfectly. One of the greatest songs by one of the greatest singer-songwriters.
hes so right.. this is spot on on the american society to date.. the american dream might have been a reality back when it was founded, but its pretty much non-existent today.. he sings about how he doesnt know a dream that hasnt been shattered or driven to its knees, ppl come with high hope to america but its not long till they realise its not gonna happen.. america sucks
Not sure you're altogether right. Immigrants come here, work 2 or 3 jobs each day or go into business with all family members, live a spartan lifestyle, and think this is heaven. Us old timers have seen what you describe, however.
@gededrengen1234 He was singing for change that never came. I suppose we have people like him to blame, but I do think that if people in our generation gave one shit, just one, we would have the ability to do some of the things he sings about. I know it's cool to say America is trash, mostly because it's true, but maybe we should do something to clean it up. Don't become a victim to your victimhood.
Thank God we have Paul simon to create such incredible music. I really, truly, honestly have no idea what I would do if I couldn't listen to his music. His songs have gotten me through a lot.
I loved this song when it was released, and I still love it. I think it's the equal of 'The Sounds of Silence'. Also, the quality of both the video and the audio is superb. Thank you for sharing it.
This is my favorite song of all time, as politically relevant today as it ever was, puts the American dream in perspective; A memorable, timeless melody, emotional crescendo and powerful lyrics celebrating the human spirit, this song should be the National Anthem. America is about the dreams and accomplishments of her people, not about militarism and bombs bursting in air!
On SNL right after September 11th 2001, Simon played that song "The Boxer": with a bunch of firefighters standing behind him. I always thought that was probably the worst song he could ever have played for a situation like that. Instead, I think he should have played this one which to me is a million times more powerful. I mean just think of 911 while listening to this song American Tune, it`s perfect. It would have absolutely blown peoples minds a million times more and done a real tribute.
my brother died when he was 21..my dad found him lifeless sleeping outside on the farm....my other brother has been in a mental ward since he was 14....we would sing this song to help put the sorrow and 'unfairness' of life ito something we could understand
For years I like this song for its tune.... But nowadays I can relate and appreciate the lyrics so much more as I am living through life, struggling to find the American dream....
great song timeless ,central park live 81 best version ever ,nothing like a live concert to bring the spirit of a song to life.but gud grief that hair man WAS IT SERIOUSLY THE STYLE ONCE.
America's greatest songwriter makes me cry like a baby. The night this show aired was my dad's 57th birthday. In 18 months I'll have tied him. Where has time gone?
Oh grebious joy, that you exist. Immortal will you be. So perfect are you in my list,So flawless, thoughtful, thee. Such kind consideration,Such lack of mere pretence. A man to voice the world, it's thoughts, its feelings and its sense. Always I will love you, though never have we met. Your serious demeanour, shows more than common sense. A quiet & shy American. You put the world to shame. & I will ever be with you, in heart, in soul in dreams.
@Gatsby999888 Dear Gatsby,(clearly a man of great literary taste). Yes, I'm always dribbling out bad poetry, and if left to my own devices I'd be a hermit too. Paul Simon fans need to be dual word & music lovers, as he has brilliance in both. I'd really love to meet Paul Simon, also Paul Theroux. Recently discovered a Flemish singer called Milow. He's remarkably similar to Simon- very thoughtful- but not quite as good. Nevertheless, well worth a look for his words alone.
@Gatsby999888 Can I call you Jay?- Another hero of mine, along with his creator. Sorry to be tardy in reply, I only just got your message, & not through my inbox. I can see you are a literary man, so please befriendship me. P.S. Secretly, just between you & me, my favouritest, much loved, poet is probably the great Dorothy Parker, alas, I could never compete with such genius, and alas I'll never meet her. (and not sure I could cope if I did.) xx
incredibly powerful.. I love seeing these vidoes of just Paul and a nylon string guitar--and how out of such simplicity I can be moved beyond word and thought to pure emotion. pure brilliance.
A Simon Classic, the lyrics still pertinent to our world more than 35 years later. Still, when I think of the road we're traveling on ... that's all, I'm trying to get some rest ...
Great song-one of my favorites! I'd been practicing this song for 30 years and finally got to perform it in church this past June 28th (service before the 4th). Very well-received by all ages-also sang and played S. Foster's "Hard Times come again no More"-used both songs to comfort the congregation and the country. Brought tears and applause from the congregation. Still very timely today-
Is this just mind-bogglingly beautiful or what? Thanks for posting, and for the informative thought-provoking and well-written note on the top right column. Blessings on all musicians from the beginning of time, I say!!
"That Host" is Dick Cavett, one of the greatest interview hosts of the seventies and eighties. He began writing jokes for Carson and went out on his own. Over the years he's interviewed the greatest in Music as well as kings and princes. Check out his archives for some very rich material. He also had a short appearance as himself in Forest Gump.
Shobner, Well, from what I've read, Bach borrowed this melody for his St. Matthew's Passion from an earlier composer, Hans leo Hassler. Paul Simon wrote it after the Watergate thing, as a lament for America. I never tire of this song.
This used to be my favourite song of all time - then Paul brought out the "You're the one" album, so now I have a heap of favourite songs of all time!
This song was written during the most horrible of times -- when the criminal presidency of Richard M. Nixon came to an end.
Now, the country is in a mess again, but potentially, we now have the greatest president in modern history to see us through it. Paul Simon really hit it right on the head back in 1974.
you could not be more correct! Our country is in a jam and we elected the right person to fix it. Its gonna take awhile, but we will get it done. Maybe Paul will write another great one.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Greatest President in modern history? Sadly this guy is a bankster's pawn. A placeman put there to sell you the same old top-down tyranny. He is surrounded by all the same old criminals as Bush and Clinton. No offence......but if Obama turns out anything other than a disaster I will be amazed. His first acts in power were to give taxpayers money for funding third world abortions....oh, and bombing Pakistan which is an independent country in case anyone hadn't noticed. Just another US crime.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Good call. Bush is not the Antichrist, and Obama is not a savior. They are both corrupt, greedy bastards like everyone else in Washington. The only difference is that Obama is better at pulling the wool down over the country's eyes.
what a beautiful song this is...every bit as good as bridge over, simon is a modern day mozart, as respected as he is i still beleive he is under appreciated.
Thanking kb1dt6. I did browse (Oh Sacred Head Now Wounded) ... good! It was undeniably the same 'tune' except, of course, the lyrics were deeper (and more sombre).
I'm a great fan of S&G (love all their songs!). And I'm still an avid ... but there's no denying - there's a big similarity. Oh, and how really very cool. I was thankful to have listened to so many different versions. I did enjoy listening to the bowed dulcimer and (yes!) - the Chimes Choir (awesome!). 'Bon vivant'. Enjoy!
I don't know if I'd call the lyrics to "Oh Sacred Head" *deeper*, per se, just more religious. "American Tune" has some pretty darned profound lyrics.
This really speaks to me in a different way than it did 10 years ago. It is less about me and more about all of us as Americans. Still tomorrow will be another working day and I'm trying to get some rest. Goodnight and GOD BLESS AMERICA
I don't think anyone would argue that Art Garfunkel's voice is a gift to him from heaven; but Paul Simon has a hauntingly beautiful voice himself which was unfairly thought obscured next to Garfunkel's (personally, I'd rate them equally). As for the song-writing and instrument playing, I don't think there's any doubt it was all Paul Simon! If I remember correctly, this was the reason for the split-up: Paul thought he wasn't being appreciated as much as he should have been. Who could blame him?
I read the description, and I'd been aware of the Bach thing. The guitar part is pretty much a simplified version of the bass and tenor lines of J.S.'s four part anyway...who's to say if he wrote it or not. When I looked at the album, I was expecting to see some acknowledgement towards the composer...but no.
i am constantly amazed, respectfully, at the utter ignorance of utubers. just say nothing. if musicians weren't influenced by other music, there wouldn't be any new music. everybody does it. is ps supposed to NOT a lovely song like at because of a pre-existing melody? if that is true, rap music wouldn't exist! jimmy page/black mountain side--not his but phenomenal. just a musical continuation.........
Well - IMHO, using another's tune is nothing to make a case of but failing to acknowledge the 'borrowing' is (and Simon never did.) Artists who use other's melodies generally acknowledge the source, even if just to say "traditional." Simon also took the tune from an Andes flute album for his "I'd rather be a sparrow than a snail" song and failed to acknowledge it as well.
raymonda, since he played el condor pasa with urubamba, in fact even toured with them, i believe your comment is way off base. in fact, if the video had continued he was playing with urubamba
At the time the album came out it was quite common for other musicians to not be listed on the cover. SOme albums did have it but a lot didn't. However, it was fairly common knowledge at the time that Urubamba played on the song which led to them getting their own American recording contract and turning out their own album. Then when Simon went on solo tour they toured with him.
JettRink50, that's not right. The main melody, except the bridge ("I dreamed I was flying...") is from a chorale included not just in St Matthew's Passion by J.S. Bach, (which by the way is a very long work and not a song) but profusely used by him in many of his works. I think, though I'm not sure, it's really by Luther (at least many chorales are). It doesn't diminish Paul Simon's work in any way, I think. Melodies from chorales were used by lots of composers. Mendelssohn uses them as well.
Amazing!! I always loved this song and alwalys loved this old German choral - but never realized that it is almost the same melody! Thank you for the hint!
The name of the Choral ist "O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden" (also found on YouTube), on Jesus being wounded by the crown of thorns for the salvation of you and me.
You're pretty much spot-on there, Blisolda. In fact, the melody was originally composed by Hassler during or before 1601. Certainly the use of melodies like this has been a long tradition amongst composers and music students today will often have to harmonise them as part of their studies.
This tune was written by Hans Leo Hassler around the year 1600. It was used by JSBach in the St.Matt. Passion - he used it 5 different times throughout the work and harmonized it 5 different way.
Paul's lyrics are amazing - for some reason they always bring to me images of 9-11.
"We come in the naion's most uncertain hour to sing as American tune".
and all we have now is the bloody x factor! flip
Mr3Chords 1 month ago
#occupywallstreet
craftmineserryday 2 months ago
he doesnt have that guitar for long lol he broke it on the muppets xD
youngmasterwobb117 4 months ago
I also thought of this song - and Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" - today. These songs were written so long ago and yet they still say it all.
God Bless America.
phyllis16 4 months ago
I was just watching all the ceremonies for the anniversary of 911, and thought of this song. I'm surprised no one has made a video tribute using it (unless someone has, and I just didn't find it).
It seems to say it all...
fransmission 4 months ago
This was a few months before he started wearing that wonderful rug.
Gatsby999888 6 months ago
That's a pretty guitar he's playing.
jacksonninetyfive 8 months ago
@jacksonninetyfive paul simon has ALWAYS had the nicest guitars!
coreyagraph 8 months ago
this is what the 70's were about. quality music and quality interviews
darius595 8 months ago 6
@darius595 Yes it was, the best era for music ever, 60s and 70s.
realzoomy 6 months ago
@darius595 You forgot quality hair.
rhymeocerous 1 month ago
@rhymeocerous good point...the 70s had some bad hairstyles
darius595 1 month ago
dorfgame.com
M4csun 9 months ago
what a quality song ..paul's supposed to be a bit asshole in real life but with songs like these who cares? check out 'peace like a river' as well
mcsuibhne005 10 months ago
very beautiful!!!!!
still crazy after all these years･･･
884kaz 10 months ago
fuck yes.
tripperthe 10 months ago
I love his haircut =P
mwebber69 10 months ago
Does anyone notice he seems oddly distracted here?
Not his best version of this, for sure.
sassyreggae 10 months ago
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Matthipap 10 months ago
The host is the genius, Dick Cavet.
MaypoWable 11 months ago
@MaypoWable Yeah right. 40 years on from this nobody will remember the guy with the guitar.
KingofRoath 10 months ago
God bless America, the shinning star upon the hill, and mankind's last great hope for earthly freedom.
MatsPT 11 months ago
@MatsPT yeah, but we haven't lived up to our potential the last few years.
tranurse 5 months ago
This song is an apology/explanation to the world for the actions of America. It is even more relevant today than when it was written....
prepostero 11 months ago
I want this song played at my funeral.
dawbtreader22 11 months ago
who's this obnoxious host? looks like a garfunkle fan.
CthulhuSkunk 1 year ago
@CthulhuSkunk it's Dick Cavett, and he's far from obnoxious
panr317 11 months ago
@panr317 yeah,actually, his is. #opinions
CthulhuSkunk 11 months ago
young people should wear their hair like this
grafzahlization 1 year ago
young people should wear thier hair like this
grafzahlization 1 year ago
great guitarist.........great song.....
coreyagraph 1 year ago
oh man, i really love this guy, and i'm not that gay.
peace, lardo.
lardo444 1 year ago
Just perfect. Especially the higher notes following 3:05 or so. No wavering, no lack of power, just pure and bright and smooth and quietly confident. Beautiful.
I thought of this song often after 9/11. It always surprised me that nobody else seemed to remember this in the context of that time, it seemed to fit a lot of what I was feeling about that time so perfectly. One of the greatest songs by one of the greatest singer-songwriters.
Villagejonesy 1 year ago
This masterpiece is but one small tidbit of an enormous body of work from a prolific singer-songwriter. .
DoofsterDan 1 year ago
This is GERMAN tune.
muurtalo 1 year ago
I can't help but think of 9/11.
jaggerlags 1 year ago
My brother's name is Paul Simon ! :D
xoxoLaauraa 1 year ago
Paul Simon is great; Dick Cavett, insufferable.
joeypolanski 1 year ago
Lovely song. The music is by JS Bach.
turkmusik 1 year ago
hes so right.. this is spot on on the american society to date.. the american dream might have been a reality back when it was founded, but its pretty much non-existent today.. he sings about how he doesnt know a dream that hasnt been shattered or driven to its knees, ppl come with high hope to america but its not long till they realise its not gonna happen.. america sucks
gededrengen1234 1 year ago 4
@gededrengen1234 :
Not sure you're altogether right. Immigrants come here, work 2 or 3 jobs each day or go into business with all family members, live a spartan lifestyle, and think this is heaven. Us old timers have seen what you describe, however.
DoofsterDan 1 year ago
@DoofsterDan agreed
gededrengen1234 1 year ago
@gededrengen1234 He was singing for change that never came. I suppose we have people like him to blame, but I do think that if people in our generation gave one shit, just one, we would have the ability to do some of the things he sings about. I know it's cool to say America is trash, mostly because it's true, but maybe we should do something to clean it up. Don't become a victim to your victimhood.
tripperthe 2 months ago in playlist tripperthe's favorites
Thank God we have Paul simon to create such incredible music. I really, truly, honestly have no idea what I would do if I couldn't listen to his music. His songs have gotten me through a lot.
jdunphy89 1 year ago
I loved this song when it was released, and I still love it. I think it's the equal of 'The Sounds of Silence'. Also, the quality of both the video and the audio is superb. Thank you for sharing it.
JSP1996 1 year ago
Amy Grant - My Father's Eyes
"O Sacred Head, Now Wounded"
Texoki 1 year ago
This is my favorite song of all time, as politically relevant today as it ever was, puts the American dream in perspective; A memorable, timeless melody, emotional crescendo and powerful lyrics celebrating the human spirit, this song should be the National Anthem. America is about the dreams and accomplishments of her people, not about militarism and bombs bursting in air!
CharlieSlang 1 year ago 2
On SNL right after September 11th 2001, Simon played that song "The Boxer": with a bunch of firefighters standing behind him. I always thought that was probably the worst song he could ever have played for a situation like that. Instead, I think he should have played this one which to me is a million times more powerful. I mean just think of 911 while listening to this song American Tune, it`s perfect. It would have absolutely blown peoples minds a million times more and done a real tribute.
JamesTKirkCobain 1 year ago
Nice hair cut , but a great song
ChildrenOfValhalla 1 year ago
Beautiful and true....
annebader1 1 year ago
my brother died when he was 21..my dad found him lifeless sleeping outside on the farm....my other brother has been in a mental ward since he was 14....we would sing this song to help put the sorrow and 'unfairness' of life ito something we could understand
mute1mom 1 year ago
@mute1mom I understand completely. My sympathy, these are things you never recover from. x
flumoxed38 1 year ago
the tune is really nice, my favourite part has always been the bridge, then i found out that the bridge was the only part he wrote himself! figures.
PaulSimonIsCUTE 1 year ago
O sacred head now wounded... is the hymn that some may know from most hymnals. Composed by Hassler.... Harmonized by J.S. Bach
Sneaky Sneaky Paul
FORGE8700 1 year ago
never heard this song before but oh....Lord Jesus thank You for being with us all<3<3<3 precious Lord Jesus <3<3<3
Jordanuploader 1 year ago
I like the words, I like the way he sings it , I like his arrangement of the music and the way he put his words to the melody.
For those interested, I found the source music: (Bach Matthaeus Passion 51-52-53-54) at about 8:30.
finallykickinback 1 year ago
Something about the sound of this song reminds me of Billy Joel. or maybe Billy sounds like Paul.
kenouman 1 year ago
For years I like this song for its tune.... But nowadays I can relate and appreciate the lyrics so much more as I am living through life, struggling to find the American dream....
chessbook 1 year ago
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mtend06 1 year ago
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mtend06 1 year ago
why is this very old worldfamous German tune by Bach called American Tune??? Guess many people think it's Paul Simon's...
maasai123456789 1 year ago
@maasai123456789 It was based on John Sebastian Bach's chorale, and that is no secret! He wasn't trying to steal it.
plankroad2003 1 year ago
Actually, Bach didn't write it. it's a Lutheran chorale which he 'borrowed' for the St Matthew Passion.
mtend06 1 year ago
This song is deep but hides the anger that should be there when your dreams are beaten to their knees.
...and no Paul and Art's hair was never "the style".
TheBuzzCatt 1 year ago
@TheBuzzCatt Thoughtful & profound comment.
flumoxed38 1 year ago
Have always loved this song eversince I heard it back in the 70's. I am also natuarlly left handed but play guitat with the right.
damselinthisdress1 1 year ago
great song timeless ,central park live 81 best version ever ,nothing like a live concert to bring the spirit of a song to life.but gud grief that hair man WAS IT SERIOUSLY THE STYLE ONCE.
BABYACHTUNG67 1 year ago
That is one splendid George Washington hairdo. He sported a much more flattering combed forward roman hairdo in the 80s and 90s.
Elmerturnipseed 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Paul's okay, and this is probably his greatest song. But he's certainly no match for Springsteen's transcendent writing and blazing passion.
Gatsby999888 1 year ago
'at the Ages most uncertain hour...'
Truly stunning.
Drastam 2 years ago 2
Paul Simon and James Taylor are truely American treasures and we are very lucky to have witnessed their genius.
MrAbstractdesign 2 years ago 3
Worst interviewer/host ever. Talking absolute garbage.
On a more serious note, what did Paul do to his hand that they talk about towards the end? Ive not heard this story...
ThisIsLukePi 2 years ago
What's wrong with Dick Cavett?
goldenslumbers01 2 years ago
Formerly of simon and garfunkel, now of simon. LOL!
ThisIsLukePi 2 years ago 4
America's greatest songwriter makes me cry like a baby. The night this show aired was my dad's 57th birthday. In 18 months I'll have tied him. Where has time gone?
VanGoghsEar1890 2 years ago 6
@ jap2ace. Less is more, and no one could have said it better.
VanGoghsEar1890 2 years ago
Paul Simon
Oh grebious joy, that you exist. Immortal will you be. So perfect are you in my list,So flawless, thoughtful, thee. Such kind consideration,Such lack of mere pretence. A man to voice the world, it's thoughts, its feelings and its sense. Always I will love you, though never have we met. Your serious demeanour, shows more than common sense. A quiet & shy American. You put the world to shame. & I will ever be with you, in heart, in soul in dreams.
Keep shining. For ever and ever
katiegreenaway 2 years ago 36
@katiegreenaway wow. i love him too.
PaulSimonIsCUTE 1 year ago
@katiegreenaway You sound like the second coming of Emily Dickinson. Written any poetry in your room of late?
Gatsby999888 1 year ago
@Gatsby999888 Dear Gatsby,(clearly a man of great literary taste). Yes, I'm always dribbling out bad poetry, and if left to my own devices I'd be a hermit too. Paul Simon fans need to be dual word & music lovers, as he has brilliance in both. I'd really love to meet Paul Simon, also Paul Theroux. Recently discovered a Flemish singer called Milow. He's remarkably similar to Simon- very thoughtful- but not quite as good. Nevertheless, well worth a look for his words alone.
flumoxed38 1 year ago
@Gatsby999888 Can I call you Jay?- Another hero of mine, along with his creator. Sorry to be tardy in reply, I only just got your message, & not through my inbox. I can see you are a literary man, so please befriendship me. P.S. Secretly, just between you & me, my favouritest, much loved, poet is probably the great Dorothy Parker, alas, I could never compete with such genius, and alas I'll never meet her. (and not sure I could cope if I did.) xx
flumoxed38 1 year ago
@flumoxed38 you can lead a whore to culture, but you can't make her think......... i love dorothy parker too. take care.
tranurse 1 year ago
@Gatsby999888 I'd better now explain, that I metamorphasised from KatieG into Flumoxed
flumoxed38 1 year ago
@Gatsby999888 I think I need to now explai that I metamophosised from Katie into Flumoxed
flumoxed38 1 year ago
I am thankful that there are people in this world who can articulate my thoughts on this song. Ditto.
MarkFrancis22 1 year ago
@katiegreenaway Listen, I love Paul too, but you have got to work on your syntax...
josenros 1 year ago
i LOVE THIS SONG, BUT i ONLY PLAY THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL VERSION.
JettRink50 1 year ago
@katiegreenaway
I was going to say the exact same thing. Thanks for saving me all of that typing.
rproulx 1 year ago
@katiegreenaway That was nice.... And we sure could use some more quite and shy Americans around here. :)
buyerofsorts 11 months ago
@katiegreenaway Yes, thats all very nice but will someone please tell him to stop ripping off Bach
alkan71 10 months ago
@alkan71 Evidently Bach borrowed some of the melody from a traditional song, so it seems to predate Bach too.
MaabudZ 10 months ago
@alkan71 a reworking of an earlier secular song, "Mein Gmüth ist mir verwirret," composed by Hans Hassler.
MaabudZ 10 months ago
but Bach did not write these poignant words, did he ?!
RubberDuck6994 3 months ago
@katiegreenaway Really love what you wrote. Especaily "A quiet & shy American. You put the world to shame".
We sure could use more quiet and shy Americans, could we not?
buyerofsorts 9 months ago
@katiegreenaway Loved your phrasing. Grebious? Pray tell, what did you mean to say?
morgaffi 7 months ago
@morgaffi 'Egregious' - if I had to take a guess.
PeapodEchoes 7 months ago
@katiegreenaway Omg. Get a hold of yourself.
Gatsby999888 6 months ago
Universal! Untimely... !
DLloydPriest 2 years ago 7
incredibly powerful.. I love seeing these vidoes of just Paul and a nylon string guitar--and how out of such simplicity I can be moved beyond word and thought to pure emotion. pure brilliance.
verbaIpocketplay 2 years ago 7
A Simon Classic, the lyrics still pertinent to our world more than 35 years later. Still, when I think of the road we're traveling on ... that's all, I'm trying to get some rest ...
tiooso123 2 years ago 19
One of my favourite songs of all time. Haunting & beautiful.
jap2ace 2 years ago 7
Lovely. And lovely little interview after:)
actressinny 2 years ago 3
No clever comments from me cos i JST LOVE MUSIC AND THIS SONG JST MOVES ME AND i DO NOT ANYLISE !!!!
julestheangel 2 years ago 3
this song is the shit pio..
GITARBUB 2 years ago
What a beautiful song.
Brennna 2 years ago
I wonder if Hans Leo Hassler liked Novalis?
itreeye 2 years ago
Great song-one of my favorites! I'd been practicing this song for 30 years and finally got to perform it in church this past June 28th (service before the 4th). Very well-received by all ages-also sang and played S. Foster's "Hard Times come again no More"-used both songs to comfort the congregation and the country. Brought tears and applause from the congregation. Still very timely today-
zekeaau19 2 years ago 2
i sang Bach's St. Matthew's Passion, and I didn't catch it until you all pointed it out. Truly a beautiful song.
jantrej 2 years ago
Is this just mind-bogglingly beautiful or what? Thanks for posting, and for the informative thought-provoking and well-written note on the top right column. Blessings on all musicians from the beginning of time, I say!!
4beatlefans 2 years ago 3
ich liebe diesen song. Und mag Paul.
Er ist ein fleißiger und innovativer Sänger.
Gruß
Günter from Germany
deadbohemes 2 years ago
Love this song!
nancydobbe 2 years ago
"That Host" is Dick Cavett, one of the greatest interview hosts of the seventies and eighties. He began writing jokes for Carson and went out on his own. Over the years he's interviewed the greatest in Music as well as kings and princes. Check out his archives for some very rich material. He also had a short appearance as himself in Forest Gump.
bamai59 2 years ago
Thanks to Bach melody, words by Paul.
letsif 2 years ago
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Shobner 2 years ago
Shobner, Well, from what I've read, Bach borrowed this melody for his St. Matthew's Passion from an earlier composer, Hans leo Hassler. Paul Simon wrote it after the Watergate thing, as a lament for America. I never tire of this song.
letsif 2 years ago
Written after Nixon won in 72.
Paul Simon is one of the great things about America.
ord1711 2 years ago 6
One of the ultimate best.
I'm 23 and have learned more from him in the last 6 years than I have from any other artist.
I'm forever grateful.
jonnycox001 2 years ago 7
Like a beautiful sad lullabye
danielhelper12345678 2 years ago 3
That host is the most awkward clumsy dude ever to host a show.
ibeatwow 2 years ago
I give him credit for making the suggestion that Paul Simon play the trumpet and sing at the same time.
thebeatles94 2 years ago
so far away from baby come home to my heart
opodj 2 years ago
mmmmm, slice of meloncholic heaven...
opodj 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Notice how depressed he is? I looked at his astrology transits. Saturn was crossing his Moon during this time. Not fun.
Further, a delineation of his natal chart shows that he is in fact a melancholic temperament.
All this, astrology tells, and more.
TheGreatDissolve 2 years ago
I thought in 1974, all people were serious and did not tell so many jokes on tv, I was wrong. They are hilarious joking on their watches.
monkeyguitarist 2 years ago
Masterpiece.
basocelular 2 years ago 2
Oddly enough, this reminds me a lot of Art Garfunkel's "The Same Old Tears On A New Background".....
calvintoronto 2 years ago
Super Song by PS
rockin1960ray 2 years ago
35 years later, and it fits today like a glove. Thanks for posting, Will
AdriftNWo 2 years ago 2
1974
goodg9 2 years ago 3
WHAT'S WITH HIS HAIR
flauw 2 years ago
I bet he doesnt use the same conditioner you do
dandeexxxx 2 years ago 3
This used to be my favourite song of all time - then Paul brought out the "You're the one" album, so now I have a heap of favourite songs of all time!
maryswilde 2 years ago 2
excellent
fruitwoods 2 years ago
Paul is the Michael Jordan of American music. So get off your butt Paul, do it again! I love you Paul.
dandeexxxx 3 years ago 4
Great and moving song.
banjo234 3 years ago
This song was written during the most horrible of times -- when the criminal presidency of Richard M. Nixon came to an end.
Now, the country is in a mess again, but potentially, we now have the greatest president in modern history to see us through it. Paul Simon really hit it right on the head back in 1974.
weneedtotalkguy 3 years ago 2
you could not be more correct! Our country is in a jam and we elected the right person to fix it. Its gonna take awhile, but we will get it done. Maybe Paul will write another great one.
dandeexxxx 3 years ago
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Greatest President in modern history? Sadly this guy is a bankster's pawn. A placeman put there to sell you the same old top-down tyranny. He is surrounded by all the same old criminals as Bush and Clinton. No offence......but if Obama turns out anything other than a disaster I will be amazed. His first acts in power were to give taxpayers money for funding third world abortions....oh, and bombing Pakistan which is an independent country in case anyone hadn't noticed. Just another US crime.
banjo234 3 years ago
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Good call. Bush is not the Antichrist, and Obama is not a savior. They are both corrupt, greedy bastards like everyone else in Washington. The only difference is that Obama is better at pulling the wool down over the country's eyes.
holdenkovach 3 years ago
Correction Abraham Lincoln is the greatest president of all time!
Joetheguitarguru31 2 years ago
nice comb-over
thepinhunter 3 years ago
what a beautiful song this is...every bit as good as bridge over, simon is a modern day mozart, as respected as he is i still beleive he is under appreciated.
faustus999 3 years ago 2
beautiful song... this guy is the best
lennonfricotin 3 years ago 3
Thanking kb1dt6. I did browse (Oh Sacred Head Now Wounded) ... good! It was undeniably the same 'tune' except, of course, the lyrics were deeper (and more sombre).
I'm a great fan of S&G (love all their songs!). And I'm still an avid ... but there's no denying - there's a big similarity. Oh, and how really very cool. I was thankful to have listened to so many different versions. I did enjoy listening to the bowed dulcimer and (yes!) - the Chimes Choir (awesome!). 'Bon vivant'. Enjoy!
autumnmyth 3 years ago
I don't know if I'd call the lyrics to "Oh Sacred Head" *deeper*, per se, just more religious. "American Tune" has some pretty darned profound lyrics.
primroseburrows 2 years ago 2
Inspiring ad usual!....*****
usergently 3 years ago
One BEAUTIFUL song
rockin1960ray 3 years ago 2
thanks for this. great song
cruiser277777 3 years ago 2
grande canzone.. grandissimo Paul..ma concordo con "mousey03" riguardo al caschetto.. =)
roma11giu 3 years ago
This really speaks to me in a different way than it did 10 years ago. It is less about me and more about all of us as Americans. Still tomorrow will be another working day and I'm trying to get some rest. Goodnight and GOD BLESS AMERICA
shbswife 3 years ago 3
goodnight and goodbye America
we don't need God's blessing
We deserve his divine retribution
we let them steal our country
roscogre 3 years ago
wtf
CuteBear35 3 years ago
Beautiful song. Tragic hair cut.
mousey03 3 years ago 22
Exactly
KillerControl 3 years ago
@mousey03 That's the 70's for ya
StoryNClark 1 year ago
I don't think anyone would argue that Art Garfunkel's voice is a gift to him from heaven; but Paul Simon has a hauntingly beautiful voice himself which was unfairly thought obscured next to Garfunkel's (personally, I'd rate them equally). As for the song-writing and instrument playing, I don't think there's any doubt it was all Paul Simon! If I remember correctly, this was the reason for the split-up: Paul thought he wasn't being appreciated as much as he should have been. Who could blame him?
jahaantarbiat 3 years ago 5
beautiful song from a musical genius
faustus999 3 years ago 3
Now and forever "Now Of Simon". bless you, mr. "love in hard times".
Respectful love.
J.
lemforst 3 years ago 3
I read the description, and I'd been aware of the Bach thing. The guitar part is pretty much a simplified version of the bass and tenor lines of J.S.'s four part anyway...who's to say if he wrote it or not. When I looked at the album, I was expecting to see some acknowledgement towards the composer...but no.
alexbericheath 3 years ago
This is a sensitive and early response to the emergence of Yankee Anarchy. Beautifully written. Sensitive. Hard hitting.
vihangaperera 3 years ago
I think that a measure of his greatness is that you have to think of The Beatles or Bob Dylan when you think of his peers.
Cielamouroux 3 years ago 2
I'm not sure he's quite that high. I'm not sure anyone can be. Who's number 3? A fair question, and he's certainly in the running.
Provocative observation.
rvcrvc2 3 years ago
his voice is just beatiful and the guitar sound is very nice
fricco1994 3 years ago
quite simply sublime from one of the greatest singer/songwriters that ever lived.
faustus999 3 years ago 3
i am constantly amazed, respectfully, at the utter ignorance of utubers. just say nothing. if musicians weren't influenced by other music, there wouldn't be any new music. everybody does it. is ps supposed to NOT a lovely song like at because of a pre-existing melody? if that is true, rap music wouldn't exist! jimmy page/black mountain side--not his but phenomenal. just a musical continuation.........
coreyagraph 3 years ago
Well - IMHO, using another's tune is nothing to make a case of but failing to acknowledge the 'borrowing' is (and Simon never did.) Artists who use other's melodies generally acknowledge the source, even if just to say "traditional." Simon also took the tune from an Andes flute album for his "I'd rather be a sparrow than a snail" song and failed to acknowledge it as well.
raymonda100 3 years ago
raymonda, since he played el condor pasa with urubamba, in fact even toured with them, i believe your comment is way off base. in fact, if the video had continued he was playing with urubamba
rbhumes 3 years ago
The album I saw on which the song appeared did not credit them.
raymonda100 3 years ago
At the time the album came out it was quite common for other musicians to not be listed on the cover. SOme albums did have it but a lot didn't. However, it was fairly common knowledge at the time that Urubamba played on the song which led to them getting their own American recording contract and turning out their own album. Then when Simon went on solo tour they toured with him.
rbhumes 3 years ago
happy independence day america! in spite of everything you are besutiful.
gardog1024 3 years ago
This song was written by J. Bach and called
St. Matthew's Passion.
JettRink50 3 years ago
JettRink50, that's not right. The main melody, except the bridge ("I dreamed I was flying...") is from a chorale included not just in St Matthew's Passion by J.S. Bach, (which by the way is a very long work and not a song) but profusely used by him in many of his works. I think, though I'm not sure, it's really by Luther (at least many chorales are). It doesn't diminish Paul Simon's work in any way, I think. Melodies from chorales were used by lots of composers. Mendelssohn uses them as well.
Blisolda 3 years ago
Amazing!! I always loved this song and alwalys loved this old German choral - but never realized that it is almost the same melody! Thank you for the hint!
gprengel 3 years ago
The name of the Choral ist "O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden" (also found on YouTube), on Jesus being wounded by the crown of thorns for the salvation of you and me.
gprengel 3 years ago
You're pretty much spot-on there, Blisolda. In fact, the melody was originally composed by Hassler during or before 1601. Certainly the use of melodies like this has been a long tradition amongst composers and music students today will often have to harmonise them as part of their studies.
flymflym 3 years ago
This tune was written by Hans Leo Hassler around the year 1600. It was used by JSBach in the St.Matt. Passion - he used it 5 different times throughout the work and harmonized it 5 different way.
Paul's lyrics are amazing - for some reason they always bring to me images of 9-11.
"We come in the naion's most uncertain hour to sing as American tune".
clucaspik 3 years ago
"I dreamed that my soul rose unexpectedly
And looking back down on me
Smiled reassuringly..."
lairsantos 3 years ago 3
Does anyone have a link to the song Simon allegedly stole the melody for "American Tune" from?
padraic2001eire 3 years ago