Paul Simon - "Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover," Acoustic Guitar Cover

Butch has "Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover," a 1975 hit song by Paul Simon, from his album Still Crazy After All These Years. Backing vocals on the single were performed by Patti Austin, Valerie Simpson and Phoebe Snow.

The single broke in the US in late December 1975 becoming number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 on February 7, 1976, and remaining there for three weeks. It was certified gold on March 11, 1976, and remained a best-seller for nearly five months. The song also topped the adult contemporary chart for two weeks. It remains Simon's biggest ever solo hit.

On the UK Singles Chart, the song reached position number 23 in January 1976.

It was written after Simon's divorce from first wife Peggy Harper and takes a humorous look at ways to end a relationship:

"The problem is all inside your head" she said to me
The answer is easy if you take it logically
I'd like to help you in your struggle to be free
There must be fifty ways to leave your lover

She said it's really not my habit to intrude
Furthermore, I hope my meaning won't be lost or misconstrued
But I'll repeat myself at the risk of being crude
There must be fifty ways to leave your lover
Fifty ways to leave your lover

Just slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don't need to be coy, Roy
Just get yourself free
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free.

She said it grieves me so to see you in such pain
Wish there was something I could do
To make you smile again
I said I appreciate that and would you please explain
About the fifty ways

She said why don't we both just sleep on it tonight
I believe in the morning you'll begin to see the light
Then she kissed me and I realized she was right
There must be fifty ways to leave your lover
Fifty ways to leave your lover

Just slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don't need to be coy, Roy
Just get yourself free
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free.

Studio drummer Steve Gadd created the unique drum beat that became the hook and colour for the song consisting of an almost military beat. The song was recorded in a small New York City studio in the heart of Broadway.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Fifty
• ways
• to
• leave
• your
• lover
• butch
• lacy
• acoustic
• guitar
• classic
• country
• motown
• folk
• rock
• cover
• paul
• simon
• 1975
• with
• lyrics
• and
• vocals

[keithgulley]

yeah man!  really soul_full !!!

[WhackAWingnut]

Don't listen to the naysayers.... this is an awesome rendition, full of soul and feeling.

[rockerr12595]

very good...something about you reminds me a lot of Freddie Mercury...

[BostonCeltics90]

nice, but the drum beat just has to be there...it doesnt work like that

[iralturron]

nice, congratulations, kisses from Spain

[SemiDzo1]

lov u love u love u

[chiquis0101]

Nice... good job! I love this song....

[Revomatador]

you voice is very good for this song