AMERICAN TUNE by Paul Simon/September 5, 1974

ANNE L SAID: "I have only discovered 'an American Tune' in the past 2 or 3 years - about time of original article. It certainly has powerful lyrics that don't seem to have been well thought of or much noticed in the '70s, judging from some reviews. But as a singer of traditional, medieval, Renaissance & Baroque music the tune catches at me ironically in view of Simon's title. Not only did he crib it from J.S. Bach (I presume) but Bach cribbed it from Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612). It's from his 1601 'Lustgarten, Deutsche Lieder zu vier, fuenf, sechs und acht Stimmen' (Pleasure Garden, German Songs for 4,5,6 & 8 voices) & appears there as a rueful little lovesong of at least 3 verses called 'Mein G'mueth ist mir verwirret' (My mind is confused). There the tune isn't solemn at all but one of the bouncy, syncopated dances popular then. Who knows? As our knowledge of truly old music deepens it wouldn't be surprising to find that Hassler borrowed an even older dance. So Simon also knows a good tune when he hears one. Understanding a tune's past uses deepens our appreciation of its present & this one's proved its universal staying power."

http://andywhitman.blogspot.com/2005/09/paul-simon-pondering-american-tune.html

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[darius595]

this is what the 70's were about. quality music and quality interviews

[gededrengen1234]

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

[Mr3Chords]

and all we have now is the bloody x factor! flip

[darius595]

@rhymeocerous good point...the 70s had some bad hairstyles

[rhymeocerous]

@darius595 You forgot quality hair.

[craftmineserryday]

#occupywallstreet

[tripperthe]

@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.

[RubberDuck6994]

but Bach did not write these poignant words, did he ?!

[youngmasterwobb117]

he doesnt have that guitar for long lol he broke it on the muppets xD

[phyllis16]

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.

[fransmission]

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...

[tranurse]

@MatsPT yeah, but we haven't lived up to our potential the last few years.