Art Garfunkel - Old Man

[maoutsaou]

Art Garfunkel put a voice to certian songs that transformed them into "his".

Nowadays we give this ability to preformers like Byonce.

The songs She chooses to preform become her own mostly.

The "songwritter" is happy for the check.

Google "Jimmy Webb" youngsters says the "Old Man" in training.

[artistsworks]

Could there be a sadder ending?



[thehumbugmusic1996]

There have been a few comments about the lyrics and arrangement of this song and, of course, everyone is entitled to their opinnion, but i believe this is Art Garfunkel doing what he does best - Transforming a ruggedly beautiful song into a soft beautiful ballad- it's magical in my opinnion.

[wilky1189]

Randy Newman already made this a beautiful ballad.

[BustopherPhantom]

Does anyone listen to the lyrics of this song? The song is about an old man who has built his life around hatred, and who, on his deathbed, finally realizes what he was in the condescension of his son, who is "just like [him]" ("Won't be no God to comfort you / You taught me not to believe that lie... / Nobody needs you...") How is this song appropriate for funerals? Why did Garfunkel feel that it was appropriate to do this song as a sentimental piece? Does anyone listen to lyrics anymore?

[pcnation11]

@BustopherPhantom i think the sentimental musical atmosphere to this song is apart of the irony of the lyrics. Its cynically beautiful. 

[melora72]

@BustopherPhantom

Paul pointed out that Art seemed to miss the bitterness in "Frank Lloyd Wright" and that it was about himself. But it is so overt in "Old Man" I cant see how anyone could miss it. I think he just likes to sing pretty songs.

An R.E.M. song "The One I Love," is usually mistaken as a love song. "This one goes out to the one I left behind, a simple prop to occupy my time." Later, "Another prop has occupied my time." That song gets played at weddings!

[OldDunc]

@BustopherPhantom - I basically agree with you, but the answer is no, people don't listen to lyrics (except when they hope they'll be dirty). I don't think they ever did. Remember that this version was made almost 40 years ago; when was the golden age when people *did* listen to lyrics, do you think?

[TheFred1313]

one of the best songs he ever wrote...anybody have his version to post?

[kylecrazyford]

Afraid Not, but gald you love this one.

[barakpick]

Liked it

[kylecrazyford]

I Only Wish I Had The Chords

[stefbren]

doesn't hold a candle to the original by Randy, sorry Art.

[hughvane]

@stefbren Have to agree with you. Art's version is over-orchestrated and, in my musical opinion, not well arranged. Randy's rendition moved me close to tears when it was used recently at my old mate's funeral.

[meva5]

Such a beautiful voice. Such a beautiful song.

It moves me to tears.

[kylecrazyford]

Me Too.