In my little town, I grew up believing
God keeps his eye on us all.
And he used to lean upon me as I pledged allegiance to the wall.
Lord, I recall, in my little town,
Comin' home after school, flyin' my bike past the gates of the factories,
My mom doin' the laundry, hangin' out shirts in the dirty breeze.
And after it rains there's a rainbow and all of the colors are black.
It's not that the colors aren't there, it's just imagination they lack.
Everything's the same back in my little town,
My little town, my little town.

Nothin' but the dead and dyin' back in my little town.
Nothin' but the dead and dyin' back in my little town.

In my little town, I never meant nothin',
I was just my father's son. mmm.
Savin' my money, dreamin' of glory,
Twitchin' like a finger on the trigger of a gun.

Leavin' nothin' but the dead and dying back in my little town.
Nothin' but the dead and dyin' back in my little town.
Nothin' but the dead and dyin' back in my little town.
Nothin' but the dead and dyin' back in my little town.
Nothin' but the dead and dyin' back in my little town.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Simon & Garfunkel's song My Little Town offer a poignant reflection on the singer's hometown. The first stanza demonstrates an almost innocent view of the world, where the singer believes that everything is under God's watchful eye. Yet he also highlights how patriotism is enforced, as he recalls "pledging allegiance to the wall." The second stanza then describes the monotony of life in the singer's small town, where nothing ever changes. The singer recalls the same sights and sounds of his childhood, characterized by factories, laundry, and rainbows with black colors. The final stanza reveals the singer's bitterness and frustration, as he laments how his dreams were never realized in his hometown. He feels trapped and suffocated by the "dead and dying" of his little town, where nothing seems to change.

The song's lyrics offer a critique of small town life and American culture in general, depicting it as an oppressive and restrictive force. The song speaks to those who feel trapped in a life of monotony and stagnation, where their dreams are never realized. It's an emotionally charged song that captures the disillusionment and resentment felt by many individuals who come from small towns. And yet, there is also a sense of nostalgia in the song, as the singer remembers his childhood, and the place that will always be his little town.

Line by Line Meaning

In my little town, I grew up believing
In my small community, I was taught to have faith

God keeps his eye on us all.
The guiding hand of the Almighty is always upon my hometown

And he used to lean upon me as I pledged allegiance to the wall.
As a child, I felt the weight of God's presence as I recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag

Lord, I recall, in my little town,
Oh, how I remember the memories of my youth in my little town

Comin' home after school, flyin' my bike past the gates of the factories,
Riding home from school, I would pass the factories and imagine the workers inside

My mom doin' the laundry, hangin' out shirts in the dirty breeze.
Watching my mother hang laundry outside reminded me of the gritty reality of our working-class town

And after it rains there's a rainbow and all of the colors are black.
Even though there is beauty after the storm, the darkness of the town still persists

It's not that the colors aren't there, it's just imagination they lack.
The town has lost its vibrancy and creativity, leaving it colorless and bleak

Everything's the same back in my little town,
Nothing changes in my hometown, it remains stagnant and unchanging

My little town, my little town.
My home, my community, for better or worse

Nothin' but the dead and dyin' back in my little town.
The only constant in my small town is death and decay

In my little town, I never meant nothin',
I felt insignificant in a place where everyone knew each other's business

I was just my father's son.
I was defined by my relationship to my family, nothing more

Savin' my money, dreamin' of glory,
I dreamed of breaking free from the monotony and finding success elsewhere

Twitchin' like a finger on the trigger of a gun.
Filled with restless energy, waiting for my chance to escape

Leavin' nothin' but the dead and dying back in my little town.
I depart my small town, leaving behind nothing but those struggling to survive

Nothin' but the dead and dyin' back in my little town.
The only legacy of my town is one of decay and decline

Nothin' but the dead and dyin' back in my little town.
There is no hope left in my hometown, only a grim future

Nothin' but the dead and dyin' back in my little town.
All that remains in my small town is death and a bleak existence

Nothin' but the dead and dyin' back in my little town.
Only despair remains for those who cannot escape their small, dying town

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PAUL SIMON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@dapdne4916

14w

Must have been 1988 when I saw Paul Simon at the Hollywood Bowl. I sat near the stage, when I noticed Art Garfunkel sitting in the row behind me.

There was a man sitting with him whom I had recognized as being possibly an important crew member, from the movie "New York New York." He was a movie guy, anyway.

I have for many years tried to figure out what I witnessed.

Simon was late for performance. Movie dude makes a remark to me, over my shoulder," We should go down and WTTE storm the stage, don't you think?"

I answered "Oh YEAH, RIGHT, looking at Garfunkel. I laughed.

Secondly, when the song Bridge Over Troubled Water," was being announced by Simon, he added that it would be a sing along. I heard "Good, everybody sing," from behind me. It was Art's familiar voice. Audience stood up and started to sing, as did I.

This was right very near to Garfunkel. I was nervous and couldn't sing well, if at all.

Throughout the song Garf. kept repeating "Sing, Everyone Sing." I tried. He was now also standing.

I learned years later that AG did not particularly like BOTW and it was a source of big problems.

I also got the impression that whomever this familiar movie guy was, and Art was wearing a skirt for whatever reason, was probably interested in getting Art Garfunkel to go on stage and perform with Paul Simon.

My final conclusion. Of course, I can't say for sure

@Chamoro_J

3y↑95

Lyrics

In my little town
I grew up believing
God keeps his eye on us all
And He used to lean upon me
As I pledged allegiance to the wall
Lord, I recall
My little town
Coming home after school
Flying my bike past the gates
Of the factories
My mom doing the laundry
Hanging our shirts
In the dirty breeze

And after it rains
There’s a rainbow
And all of the colors are black
It’s not that the colors aren’t there
It’s just imagination they lack
Everything’s the same
Back in my little town

Nothing but the dead and dying
Back in my little town
Nothing but the dead and dying
Back in my little town

In my little town
I never meant nothin’
I was just my father’s son
Saving my money
Dreaming of glory
Twitching like a finger
On the trigger of a gun
Leaving nothing but the dead and dying
Back in my little town

Nothing but the dead and dying
Back in my little town
Nothing but the dead and dying
Back in my little town

@markraymondcourterier8458

7y↑8

I'm 63 and grew up to the music and sound of this legendary duo of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. peuple have asked me: " So Mark, what's your favorite Simon & Garfunkel song. And I must admit, I stare at them with this incredulously of a look, as if they'd just grew Martian antennae right out the top of their heads, standing directly in front of me! haha! But seriously, that's impossible. I don't think there's any such thing as being able for choosing a favorite Simon & Garfunkel, individual to a singles of a song. But this one! 'My Little Town' invokes such memories of melancholic wistfulness in my thoughts and thinking. And it's as though a wave washes over me, bringing back memories...taking me back...into a time gone away. Memories of Yesterday's, seems so clear to me at times. And not all memories we think about, are always these warm fuzzies of those, as though being transported of to those certain scenes from yours past of 'It's a Wonderful Life.' But we should neither expecting, nor wanting simply for only those memories as are in only those, alone... For, it's the sums parte of those pieces of the all, cobbled together in something's a mosaic's. And where, perhaps, at first glances you might furrow your brow, or to for is slightly wincing. Not repulsed by what you're looking at. No. But it more like as it is a curiosity's of sorts. Uncertainties of for yours is unsure, even if you may or might having trying deciding whether it somehow, you'd have to the it's of managed, to for actually appreciating, even liking, something within those things, to be in of their are cobbled together for the pieces that is the makeups in of this for is a mosaic's sculptures. We realize that there are many of those are severally within its pieces for parts in which we're uncertain if we care for liking them? Or, perhaps, of those as are not at all! But the entities of the mosaic's sculpture, pieced together is utterly captivating, despite having doubts about some of their parts for makeups within its form.

And isn't this really what ALL of our own individual lives are made to be from, in similarities components of are made up by the very of these are for there's a composites of variousness and other's is also included part's? For, which and then, in this of those are the having been theirs is which the exactingly are thing's, they requisites composites, therefore part of its so needful as necessarily required, to being and in as tofore the so including.

After all, aren't we each of all, for of it is these compenents contents, in which every single one of ourselves but rather being an eclecticism-inclusionary of for are in this ways it's comprising? And of so many differing is it are these thing's thusly of aggregates, but rather and of course, helping ultimately in as well so a person's ablest in of them being an integrals necessarily reflections on the whole of PRECISELY JUST FORASMUCH THIS PERSON WHOM IN OF THERE FOR WHICH HAVING DID BECOMING, FOR ONLY THROUGH THE ENTIRETIES TO FOR ABLEST OF EMERGING IN DID SO, ONLY THROUGHOUT THE EXPERIENCES OF THE ALL ITS NECESSITY'S HAD TO BE FOR THEM. AND OF WHOM THEY HAVING OF MANAGES, DID AND SO DO. AND FOR YOU, EQUALLY THE IT WELL, IN OF THIS WAY'S OF HAVING HAS YOU ARE, TOO. BECAUSE IT IS ONLY THROUGH OF THIS VERY PROCEDURALLY TAKEN WAY THROUGHOUT LIFE, YOU AS ARE KNOWN, THEN BECAME!

For we should not-would not-could not-being is if it's possible, and the forasmuch remotest, NOT to being so for even if capable of it, whatsoever. Nor, anything about this for so could've and of a causatives of ourselves occurred. Nor, if as much for well but it being, in the which our missing so much for a solitaires are a singles pieces for a part of this allowed.

Because, in the creations of every part of these compenents things, making of this is it for a ourselves within it's sums part's, was made into sculpting this profoundness a mosaic's of ourselves; of our very own individualities, into a oneness.

This, having but was in taking from out of those experiences, in this very ways to so. This of which ones finding, lies within, inside of the each a pieces of the all is are the variously variations. And notwithstanding, the well and their's requisites of are these thing's, and theirs and also are of as which being, equally as the well, to in is and also are a summary part's.

All comments from YouTube:

@Robinsnest219

15w↑9

I loved this song as a kid in a little town called Belle Vernon Pa. in the early 70s. I usded to sit on my bedroom windowsill listening to music as I'd watch my Mom hang the laundry out in the backyard. Dad would cook burgers and dogs on the grill. Watching everyone riding their bikes up and down the front yellow brick road we had on Market Street. It's paved over now and no kids riding bikes there, they're all inside on their electronic toys. Sad. This song brings back so many great memories.

@BrokenneckYgor

11w↑1

Where’s belle vernon?

@crupert23225

28w↑31

Such a great instrumental arrangement. Cowbell, bass, horns, piano, everything is just perfect. What a song.

@mickeymisa9350

26w↑2

100% agree

@Music-tk5oq

17w↑2

Do u think AJR did a good job sampling all this 4 "Way Less Sad"? U wouldnt know them or that song anyway.

@naataliegoodman

47w↑69

My all time favorite Simon & Garfunkel song.

@mickeymisa9350

32w↑5

And me, the epitome of my life cant stop playing this song.

@theacechip

1y↑76

Paul Simon has got to be one of the greatest poets/song writers of all time. And he certainly didnt lack "imagination" while describing the rainbow in this song !!

@stanleybacon929

1y↑4

It almost describes the time in which Simon & Garfunkel met as kids😳

@grokeffer6226

1y↑6

Indeed. He's on a very short list of all-time best of American songwriters.

@chriseldred782

35w

Icons. Both Simon and Garfunkel.

@robynowens3541

30w

No kidding! One of the best. Or two of the best!

@guillermogonzalez2518

20w

Se dice que la vivencia fue de Garfunkel

@MB400E

33w↑33

Reminds me of my boyhood in the early 70’s. This song stimulates such strong emotions connected to my childhood memories. Definitely my favorite song in the reminisce category.

@bradgillespie1383

31w↑1

especially true if you came from a small town....very impactful....

@keithorr6878

27w

I grew up in small town Western Canada and thought it was the center of the universe

@jonathanbirch2022

26w

“Nothin but the dead and dying”

@josephkendrigan684

16w

Ditto...I was a boy in the early seventies and it really captures that moment.

@moekitsune7651

1y↑8

Came from AJR, and I'm glad they introduced me to this song

@LucasTremaine

1y↑7

my brain at the end of the song:
BUT I'M WAY LESS SAAADDDD-

@natmandu11

17w↑3

The piano, the bassline and the rousing brass at the end are the counterpoint stars to the S&G vocals.

@jewelfish2001

4y↑76

This is one of angriest songs I know about hating your childhood, dressed up in beautiful harmonies and a killer brass section.

@hotajax

3y↑5

You nailed it. Game, set, and match.

@mikegalvin9801

3y↑4

You're right. It's such a pretty song but very sad that someone should have unhappy memories of childhood home. I lived in boring white bread suburbia but (in my memories at least) it was a beautiful Wonder Years episode lasting 18 years

@joeyfourpaws5594

3y↑3

"I was just my father's son" You're right.

@victoriawalker7792

2y↑4

Hmm I don't think this fully captures the full feeling. I think it captures the paradoxical push and pull people feel about their hometowns. On the one hand, there's little there and spreading ones wings is very tough in that sort of environment. However there is also this wont after the simplicity and security of that life. The wont to be back, but knowing you'd hate it while you're there.

@cyanorturquoise5989

2y↑7

Don’t you love it? Don’t you love it?

@chip-toons

1y↑1

no i aint happy yet!

@EpitomeEpic

1y↑1

@@novamksverse8280 BUT IM WAY LESS SAD

@garyjames627

1y↑65

This is a brilliant song in every way ,underrated in my opinion ,poignant lyrics.

@farristolesome4419

1y↑4

@ gary james
Spot on!
I could not agree with you more!

@keithorr6878

27w

When will everyone figure it out that there is no rating system.

@paulconrad7649

3y↑80

Another thing. What is so fucking brilliant about this song is how most of the chorus is backloaded at the end of the song. We get a little taste and tease of it a little past the middle, but they save most of it for that explosive finish. Absolute pure genius!

@alvinrodgers934

3y↑11

I agree. The chorus is for the escape. He left during the tease but came back. They add brass to the final chorus signifying his final exit. Brilliant

@geraldobrien7323

2y↑9

Paul Simon never liked to have the choruses done exactly the same throughout his songs. There was something always slightly different each time the chorus was done; usually it would be the same melody but with different chords, or like this song where it doesn’t go right into the chorus. There is an instrumental build up, and like you said, there was a bit of a tease. It didn’t go all out with the chorus until the end. Paul Simon really put time into his compositions. He wasn’t as prolific as, say, Paul McCartney, but I think everything he put out was just as good.

@matthewmcguffin4341

46w

It’s like Lou Reed’s “Take a Walk On the Wild Side” in that regard.

@pbrickley6247

7y↑314

Few times has a song been so splendid yet probably not not been recognized as a classic. One of the best songs of the 20th century.

@kenperk9854

7y↑19

Just another of the musical gems from Muscle Shoals Sound in Sheffield, Al. The late Barry Beckett's piano playing is a priceless part of this classic. Soft and mellow at times and suddenly thunderous. He was one of the underrated musical geniuses from the late '60s through the '90s. Rest in peace "Bear."

@paulisaac78

5y↑4

Agreed!

@The22on

5y↑7

@Ken Perk I only recently learned of the genius assembled in Alabama in that little studio. Pete Carr on guitar is another of their 'go to' guys for memorable backing. From Aretha Franklin to Bob Seeger and everyone in between, those cats could play! They join The Wrecking Crew and the Funk Brothers as a consistent hit machine.

@kenperk9854

5y↑6

@Nate Pete saved the day for Rod Stewart on Tonight's the Night. Seems the musicians in LA were struggling with the intricate intro. Pete flew into town , nailed it and played all the guitar parts in the song. He actually started out as a bass player.

@The22on

5y↑2

@Ken Perk I just listened to Tonight's the Night (Praise Zeus for Youtube). I grew up in that era and I swear that I never heard that intro. I'm a musician and arranger, so I pay attention to things like that. I guess radio stations cut out 'unnecessary" parts (everything but verses and hooks) and I never bought the album. In my opinion, the song needed an intro, but not that one. That particular intro should never have been in the song so it's no wonder that even great session men couldn't make it work. Musically, that intro has nothing to do with the song. In music school, we learn 'theme and variation' and 'unity'. Introducing a musical element that is unrelated to the main material is 'verboten'. But, hey - it's only rock and roll. lol. Anyway, thanks for telling me about Carr and this song. By the way, my fav Carr solo is on Make It Like A Memory. It's everything a blues solo should be, especially dynamics (loud and soft), which most players forget.
Uou said Carr started as a bass player. Usually it's the other way around - e.g. McCartney, Kaye. I'm a guitarist and sometimes play bass. Bass requires a different way of thinking. The guitar is the icing on the cake, but the bass is part of the cake. My fav rock bass part is on Like A Prayer. When the chorus starts, the bass is like the cavalry coming in.

5 More Replies...

@williamhilinsky1327

1y↑31

Nobody, and I mean nobody did two-part harmony better than S&G. No duo can hold a candle to them, as great as Hall and Oates were/is, that duo is on the next level down. "Nothing but the dead and dying back in my little town" That song is perfect on so many levels, perfect chord structure, perfect simple but extremely effective lyrics, perfect harmony... Just perfect.

@ronnieconner5908

When I was in 8th grade, this was one of my favorite songs, great duo!!!

@scarlettbandit2803

47w

I dunno, Layne Staley & Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains have some banger harmonizing.

@williamhilinsky1327

46w

@Catcha Predator Opinions are like assholes, everybody has one, you say it's a crappy song, fine, I don't.

@DaveJavuify

43w

Well yes, except for The Everly Brothers, who Paul and Art will happily accept as their main inspiration.

@dianeonslow9736

26w

For some reason became an ear worm again, so glad it did. Also love The Boxer,
poignant , excellent!

1 More Replies...

@ronkoestlinger1172

2y↑33

Can't believe this classic is 47 years old. Hearing this makes me long for 1975 again.

@kevinwagner8044

Thank you Connie Schall for turning me on to this song.

@jeannemclamb1277

2y↑1

FOR SURE!!

@thomasparnell1025

1y↑4

You & me both, I remember hearing this for the first time in the fall of 75, wish I could go back there!

@user-og4gr3vt4b

1y↑7

3:32
'way less sad'-AJR

@paulwalsh2458

2y↑3

Simon is from Newark & NYC, no little town. Fortunately little towns aren't so dark, dank & dirty nor lacking in imagination. Those who leave little towns for big cities often lack in imagination. Today folk are escaping NYC en masse proving the point. That being said I always loved this song ever since I was a child growing up in my little town. Paul Simon is a genius song writer.

@atomicflash1753

11w

I thought he was from Forest Hills Queens

@atomicflash1753

11w

The boy grew up in Queens, New York City, and attended Forest Hills High School alongside Art Garfunkel. The friends together sang Paul's first song, "The Girls for Me," when they were both 15.

@paulwalsh2458

11w

@@atomicflash1753 Are you a homosexual Mr. Flash?

@atomicflash1753

11w

@@paulwalsh2458 , no just Chet Atkins

@AlondaHall

2y↑6

Don't you love it don't you love it?

@brauliomora8714

2y↑1

No i'm not happy yet, but i'm way less sad

@EpitomeEpic

1y↑2

@@brauliomora8714 the line is happy yet not happier

@brauliomora8714

1y↑1

@EpitomeEpic thanks

@Tommyache

3y↑129

3:33 is the sample used in AJR’s “Way Less Sad”

@joelarocca8183

3y↑9

was looking for this!!!

@Tommyache

3y↑4

@Joe LaRocca glad I could help!

@paulwalker1443

3y↑8

But if you listen very carefully, they also sample the S&G tunes earlier notes.

@lizhogue7176

3y↑7

The irony is that this riff is actually what I love most about Way Less Sad. I think it’s genius. Love that they used it and credited S&G.

@lylarasco1498

Lol thank you

18 More Replies...

@grahampatersongrahampaters1755

2y↑32

This is one of my favourite songs of all time. I remember this song when it came out in 1975 and hearing it on the radio as a 9 year old and loving it. "My Little Town", Poignant, brilliant . Simon and Garfunkel at there best. The harmonies and Paul Simon's genius as a poet/song writer. It is underrated in my opinion. Personally it is stands as my second favourite , ( this is close ), to "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" in the Simon and Garfunkel greatest songs.It is simply beautiful.

@usmcveteran7316

2y↑2

Great memories of late 1975, when this was a hit. I'd finished 13 months on Okinawa as a 19/20 yr old Marine. I still had 2 more yrs in the Marine Corps. By this time I was feed up with the Military. I almost went AWOL and said screw it I QUIT. But I didn't, I stuck with it for 2 more years and actually made E5/Sergeant six months before I got out. But this song reminds of just being homesick for my little town, Charleston, West Virginia

@orangeandblackattack

44w

i remember it on WLS Chicago. I was 8. I bought the 45..but literally hadnt heard it since then. Now, nearly 50 years later, i had a dream tonight and this song came on the radio in my dream. Very creepy but i had to pull it up and listen to it after all these years. such a great song. I am still trying to figure out why subconscience sprang it on me. Last year same thing happened with Fading Fast by the Go Gos-hadmt heard it since 1981..then there it is in a dream 41 years later

@Classicrocker6119

4y↑70

One of the most underrated duets of all time. Outstanding track!

@joejoe9435

4y↑2

AGREED

@brgreg8725

4y↑1

Such a strong track to reunite to

@ptflats

4y↑2

They received huge critical acclaim and commercial success. You’re listening to 50 year old music that is still relevant

@renatopaulino5242

3y↑5

They arent underrated!

@ciaranflynn1397

@Renato Paulino Think they mean the song, not S&G

4 More Replies...

@thomasparnell1025

1y↑13

Remember this song so well, listening to it on the radio in the fall of 1975, I bought the 45 & played it over & over. The 70s music was the Best!!

@ccsg7698

1y↑3

I was today years old when I found out AJRs “way less sad” has the same music as this song

@pastelwasteland1204

3y↑44

Was listening to Way Less Sad and my dad said “hey that’s a sample from in my little town!” And I was just like “meh maybe they just sound similar” but then I FREAKED when they got to 3:33

@win10mc

Yep ajr added a layer of trumpets on top then stuck it right in

@barbarianattheplate7209

1y↑7

The chord changes are killer. And the horns and... the full fucking monty. Great.

@stellarcatgirl911

3y↑224

Love that the song was sampled in Way Less Sad by AJR because I have been a fan of Simon & Garfunkel since childhood.... and I love AJR's diversity in music influence.

@Tweakinnn

3y↑23

i love how somebody is here because of AJR

@Tweakinnn

3y↑11

because i am too

@lukeshumway7274

3y↑7

@Pond PvP me three

@timthaloff4363

3y↑7

The whole melody of the song would not exist without their rip of the trumpets from My Little Town. So, that's not mere' "influence." It's lacking the talent to write an original song.

@wes7189

3y↑19

@Tim Thaloff They wrote an original song, dumbass. All they did was take a sample from Simon and Garfunkel. By the way, Way Less Sad isn’t AJRs only song 😂 They’ve created plenty of their own melodies

14 More Replies...

@robbbarnett4978

19w↑4

My favorite of theirs. It encapsulates so much, figuratively and literally. The orchestra Gives me goosebumps as I reminisce.

@paradoxperformance9070

24w↑2

Bayonne. 1968.
Long gone. Would never trade it.

@LICHBKLYN1

1y↑1

This song so reminds me of when I became an American Red Cross, Youth Hospital Volunteer. I was 14, in one of the worst neighborhoods in Brooklyn, NY. That's where I met, who became my BFF, and her wonderful family. 46 years later, we're still connected. She now live's in WV, me, CA. When we speak on the phone, it's as if we saw each other yesterday. We last saw each other in 1986. We are planning a reunion.

@gymnastjew3000

1y↑3

this song's about the neighborhood I grew up in and it's so surreal to hear

@GS-gq5is

2y↑3

For years I thought the line was, "Nothing but the dead of night in my little town." Wrong and yet somehow right for my own little town.

@leehuff2330

2y↑3

Sounds like my home town- it's BEEN slowly but steadily dying since the early eighties, when all the area factories shut down.

@jhmorgan72753

1y↑27

Paul Simon is brilliant, his songs are works of art and guitar playing expressive and beautiful !! not to mention harmonies !!!

@joedecker8096

48w

Art isn't a slouch either, magic when they were together.

@stevehackett2678

47w

@Joe Decker
It’s so sad they ended up hating each other.
2 egos just jealous of each other’s talents.

@tonypierson6613

29w

Sadly they are both talented as individuals…but they are legends as a team. And denying that is denying us more new music.

@juliestrom412

2y↑2

As I pledged allegiance to the wall. We do love our country though. Kids are so precious!

@juliestrom412

Thanks Simon and Garfunkel. Hope You make amends!

@katfishjak1948

7y↑244

THis song has it all. Tonal modulation, complex harmonies, and interesting rythm.

They change the key in this song about 5 times. Many in th emiddle of lyric lines. Very complex song that is really simple to listen too. That is how music is written. THis song is fluid while still being complex. Not an easy marriage. Now look at the music for this piece:WOW

@Meema733

6y↑6

Though I appreciate your knowledge of music theory but geez.......it's just a damn good song and have loved it since it first came out!

@roiranen5950

6y↑3

You're absolutely right

@garethbeare7319

5y↑9

Now this is somebody who can fluently write English and indeed knows what the fuck they're writing it about.

@themanlyboythemanlyboy4051

4y↑4

@Gareth Beare must " fuck" be in your comment? So utterly low class

@432bass

4y↑2

Thanks for the great comment!!!

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@michaeldistefano7027

2y↑7

Any remember when you could turn on the radio and hear THIS LEVEL of talent????

@ge10good

7y↑83

so glad to know the younger generation are listening. Please pass this on to your children, so it may live on

@happyzombiikitti

5y↑5

ge10good Im 25 and grew up on nothing but classic rock and music from this time. I own these vinyls as well and amidst a world of flat screens and information overload, I sit on my bedroom floor, reading the lyrics from the cover.

@zeke_squareroot

3y↑2

Im only here from AJR's Way Less Sad

@mrsuns10

@Zeke Root well I hope you listen to their other songs too

@dapdne4916

14w

@GeorgeVreelandHill

4y↑50

One of their best songs. Really, a classic.

@usmcveteran7316

4y↑4

Love this song. I had just finished 13 months on Okinawa with the United States Marine Corps. My little town, Charleston, West Virginia USA ✌🇺🇸

@Chamoro_J

3y↑95

@FMpimper

2y↑6

Man why I always think it was "Nothing but the dead of night back in my little town"

@ter521fad

2y↑1

@Tomas Bruce-Chwatt I always thought it was “Nothing but the dead have died back in my little town.”

@thomasparnell1025

@Tomas Bruce-Chwatt so did I, until now!

@paulisaac78

5y↑15

I once heard a movie critic say that Woody Allen is a treasure of American Cinema, and I think Paul Simon is a treasure of American Music!

@phillecompte3438

4y↑3

I'm Canadian and I'm proud of him .He is an American icon and musical genius .

@PeanutSpring3

4y↑4

Best American composers are Brian Wilson, Frank Zappa, and Paul Simon

@rman52

2y↑11

The two Paul's of pop were the best song writers of their generation. And always proud of my alum.

@SimonGarfunkelbyBookends

11y↑51

This is a really challenging song but is great and was well worth the effort we put in order to be able to play it in our show. Our show celebrates the music of this incredible duo. Always been a massive fan!!

@usmcveteran7316

3y↑4

Beautiful song. Memories of hearing this when I returned from a 13 month deployment on Okinawa. During April 1975, 1/9th Marines helped with the Evacuation of Saigon and lost 2 Embassy Marines during a firefight at Tan Son Nhut AFB outside of Saigon. In May 1975, 2/9th Marines lost close to 25 Marines during the Mayaguez Recovery Operation on Koh Tang Island, Cambodia. It was a sad time for the 9th Marine Regiment on Okinawa. Semper Fi

@flynbike

1y↑1

Indeed it is, from the standpoint of music composition it is right up with Joni Mitchell, or the best and most sophisticated performer/songwriters you can think of.
The chord changes are incredibly creative.

@keithjones6023

4y↑12

Simon and Garfunkel two of America's national treasures!

@SteveJBD

3y↑32

I remember this song as a kid and just rediscovered it. Amazing on so many levels. I've said all my life Paul Simon is a musical genius and Art Garfunkel has one of the purest and most powerful singing voices out there.

@lisalu910

38w

I remember first hearing this song when I was about 13 or 14 and still LIVING in "my little town." Even then, several years before I'd move away and never live there again, I felt an aching nostalgia when I heard it. Now - OMG, it almost rips my heart out. "Nothing but the dead and dying" describes my little town perfectly today.

@heloiseclerc4532

8y↑623

i'm a 15 years old french girl so sorry for my english which is not perfect. Simon and Garfunkel are my favorite singers, I know them thanks to my father who is an english teacher at university. they are the best!!!!!

@gregorydiatchenko8464

8y↑39

i think it wonderful that young people can appreciate this great music.

@thomastimlin1724

7y↑29

I was music teacher. I can tell you have good taste. Back in the 1960's and 70's, we would have called you cool or "groovy" which means good! Hahahahaha

@usmcveteran7316

7y↑30

Héloïse CLERC yes they were great. This song use to make me so homesick. I was 20 yrs when this was a hit. I was in the Marine Corps and spent a year on Okinawa, and I wanted to get back to my little town in the USA, Charleston, West Virginia. Im 62 yrs old now and when I hear this song I remember how homesick I use to get. Thanks for listening to this old man.

@leehowarth3860

7y↑15

Héloïse CLERC great English

@markraymondcourterier8458

7y↑8

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@monkeytennis7477

2y↑4

AJR brought me here! I love this song! I remember that Paul and Art included this song on each of their separate solo albums that year, 1975 or so, but they were mixed just slightly differently, if you listen to both you can hear the difference.

@JaimeGarcia-pe7bj

18w↑1

My dirty little town from which I hail from is why I was in the Navy for 22 years.

@buyerofsorts

7y↑124

This song is beautifully haunting.

@Meema733

6y↑5

very well put

@griffinpeoples7197

4y↑2

"YES". . . . .!!! "TOTALLY AWESOME".!!!

@griffinpeoples7197

4y↑2

@Susan Tchokreff "YES"!

@griffinpeoples7197

4y↑3

'This is a "CLASSIC" SONG "PIECE" IT IS ALSO "PURE @ PERFECT" POETRY. . . . .!!!'

@griffinpeoples7197

4y↑3

Yes, Once Again, It Is.! " THE "ALL"..!!!"

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@lisalu910

4y↑17

Beautiful piano accompaniment by Barry Beckett, perfectly harmonized vocals, complex melody and haunting lyrics. All around outstanding song!

@usmcveteran7316

2y↑2

Memories of late fall 1975, driving back from my little town Charleston WV to Camp LeJeune after being deployed to Okinawa. Semper Fi from an old Leatherneck.

@giovanysanchez6019

3y↑39

Whose here after listening to AJR- Way less sad

@nebx2127

3y↑1

Me lmaooo

@nebx2127

3y↑1

@ajr candyshop I came here from your Instagram post lol

@euclidofalexandria3786

2y↑2

No more warring, try to keep forgiveness and compassion... the more spirits there are properly tuned with the drive towards the unification of the old frameheaven and the new frame heaven... keep those formless and coherent, the machine can do this, and so can the organics Gods field, adyshanti said it truly is a world of Spirit.

@joshallen1134

3y↑34

AJR represent!

@bethroesch2156

2y↑22

This song describes my little town perfectly. It's just a beautiful song and stirs up a lot of memories

@usmcveteran7316

2y↑4

Yes it does Beth. When this was a hit, the Fall of 1975, I'd returned from Okinawa after a 13 month deployment back to my Little town South Charleston, West Virginia. Then on to Camp LeJeune for 2 more years in the United States Marine Corps. Semper Fidelis... Always Faithful

@jg495

1y↑1

@USMC Veteran Yes, and that little town and neighboring towns in Kanawha County no longer have the factories. ...Just the dead and dying drug addicts with needles riddled on the ground in those little towns

@usmcveteran7316

1y↑1

@J G some factories are still up and going in the Kanawha Valley. Coal mines are still producing too.

@paulconrad7649

3y↑9

The second half of this song is the most powerful finish of a song in the history of recorded music!

@sauced284

1y↑4

This makes me feel Way Less Sad

@patrickwalker3568

1y↑16

This is a great, complicated sounding song. My fave S & G song!!!!! Great harmony & melody!!!!!!

@FuturePassed67

5y↑15

... one of Paul Simon's best songs ... guitars, horns, piano, harmonies, and oh that bassline ... I went to the same high school as S&G in Forest Hills, but i graduated many years later .. they were stars even when they were 17.

@Matterian

3y↑18

I grew up on Simon & Garfunkel. One of the greatest musical acts ever.

@alisvolatpropriis4898

6y↑7

Thank you. That’s where I grew up. How are you, Art? My Mum used to walk over to your house for tea and gossip. I still remember her saying, “Oy vay! Her son’s only a singer. Can’t he get a real job?” 😂

@tanyachavis2578

4y↑22

I haven’t heard this song in years. Coronavirus suddenly reminded me of how great my life is, and has been. I live in the small town of Asheville NC. I’m in the mountains of western NC at my very beautiful and peaceful home outside, just taking it all in. I can remember in the 80’s when it seemed everyone wanted to flock to big cities and make it big. I did too. I’m so glad now I settled in a beautiful small town. I wish all well. Stay safe. Thank you Simon & Garfunkel for yet another great song! And even now when I’m somewhat of a local celebrity, all that matters is my little town.

@jabrother

4y↑2

Asheville is a pretty town and is not what I think of when I hear this song. More like my hometown of terre haute IN or many other small midwestern cities that struggled to survive the economic turmoil and shifts during the 80s

@allenpriest8985

3y↑6

I don't think you really followed the song. Thus is not about some sort of small town glory. Rather it is the empty sameness of the dying small town.

@cherie6408

47w

You know guy's I told you yesterday my friend's and I wore this album out however what I didn't say was my great great uncle wrote Little Town of Bethlehem in Boston U.S. thank you this song always reminds me of that song. ✌ and 💘 always.

@ShirleyZhang-bt4dj

2y↑1

S&G ,always my favourite group.They don't make music like this anymore.

@basildesantis6451

2y↑4

I remember sitting in my father and my brother Dominic I was probably 7 years old and they where both singing this song there both gone but i can still remember them singing the song

@usmcveteran7316

They had great taste in music. Memories of driving from my Little Town South Charleston, West Virginia to Camp LeJeune North Carolina after 13 months on Okinawa.Semper Fi

@jeanjohnson2911

5y↑22

This is one of the most brilliant songs in history...on so many levels...

@herbporter9480

5y↑14

I was 20 years old and headed back to my third year of college when this song came out. I’ll never forget driving away from my little town in NJ and headed back to Philadelphia. The song tore my guts out then as it does today, all these years later. Thank you Paul, for your sheer genius in writing such an evocative, wonderful song.

@usmcveteran7316

3y↑2

Herb, yes it brings back memories, I too was 20 yrs old. I was driving to Camp LeJeune, North Carolina and leaving my little town of South Charleston, West Virginia. I was finishing up 10 days leave after being gone 13 months on Okinawa. At this point I had 2 years in the Marine Corps and 2 more years to go. I was ready to quit and go AWOL. But knew I could not do that. It would have embarrassed my Dad who was a Korean War veteran. To this day, when I hear this song I get that same feeling I had when I was a 20 year old Corporal in the Marine Corps. Semper Fi and stay safe.

@rickrandall3174

2y↑20

Paul Simon is a musical genius. I think about the little town I grew up in when I hear these lyrics., probably like thousands of other fans. My father worked in a factory ("riding my bike past the gates of the factories..."), and I felt at the age of 18 "I never met nothing, I was just my father's son..." Fantastic lyrics, beautiful haunting song.

@bettertvreceptionwithfoilf7100

2y↑2

You can see the imagery. That's why i like it so much, because everyone's mom hung laundry, but no one wrote about it. The clean laundry in the dirty breeze invokes sensory responses.. so cool.

@walterpewen7903

7y↑194

This song is always to me the sad goodbye of the duo. It was really hard for them to split up, when they did it it was a gift to their fans-one last great duet. Beautiful, complex, sophisticated song. This type of music mostly disappeared as the 1980's wore on. The era of singer/songwriter ended, much to the loss of the music community.

@dianemelnyk62

7y↑10

It is sad, I agree.

@KOSMICKEN09

7y↑7

Ugh that isn't really true-maybe in the mainstream top 40 charts but there's plenty of cool music out there.

@kendixon6731

6y↑10

they had already been broken up 5 years before they reunited for this song

@williampowell6067

5y↑5

Sadly yes...a bygone era.

@leeseburger2937

5y↑2

Music will eventually become great to listen to again

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@usmcveteran7316

6y↑9

Fall of 1975, this reminds me of the US Marine Corps. So homesick for home. Being gone 13 months, then off to Camp Lejeune. Missing "My Little Town" Charleston, West Virginia.

@dcuthbertson5778

Damn. Same year I was born... And my town too. Still love that place.

@argelbargel7680

@Deon Cuthbertson My little town= Moundsville WV

@khappy1286

3y↑1

Thank you! For serving your country. Means the world to us Amercans, literally

@usmcveteran7316

@K Happy thank you. Being in the Marine Corps resulted in being gone a lot from home. My time on Okinawa Aug74-Sep75, had some trying times. Around January 1975, the North Vietnamese invaded South Vietnam. I thought for sure being stationed on Okinawa, we could be used to defend or evacuate Americans. By April 1975, Saigon was Evacuated and South Vietnam fell to the North Vietnamese. We lost 2 Marines from the Embassy were killed in a firefight at Tan Son Nhut AFB outside of Saigon. A sad time in the Marine Corps. Thank you again, it was an honor, even though we lost South Vietnam to the NV Army. Semper Fi

@usmcveteran7316

@argel bargel greetings from South Charleston, West Virginia. ( I-64 West, Montrose Exit)

@tylermedlin9880

1y↑4

I'm like 99.99999... % sure that's a horn playing at 1:54 through 2:04 It sounds soo good. Wish I knew the notes.

@hollywoods8057

6y↑40

The crescendo and their harmonizing at the end make this song. I don't care too much who wrote it, just that these two sing it beautifully.

@kenperk9854

5y↑6

Barry Beckett's piano is delicate and suddenly overwhelming!

@lisalu910

38w

The piano is brilliant, too.

@raquelfernandez6808

6y↑31

I remember this song, I (over)listened to it when I was in NYC lonely and homesick!!! Burst into tears everytime I listen to it again, life is an unpredictable gift

@kellywilson6023

1y↑1

Reminds me of growing up in a small town,can still remember pledging allegiance to the wall in Kindergarten .

@charleswilliams6164

7y↑1

I met Garfunkels sister in law riding the cog railway to Pikes Peak back in 2013 and I told (Cindy) how much I loved this song! God bless all!!!

@borissala1389

10y↑80

I love simon and garfunkel, my parents raised me with this music, i am 19 years

@billbrowne5655

9y↑8

Your parents are very wise, and have great taste in music. And you must be very open minded to listen to music of all decades. Hats off to your parents.

@borissala1389

9y↑2

Thanks Bill.

@DylanMac95

9y↑4

Bill Brown me as well too. Love this music. Also 20 in a month. Dad and mom raised me well. Mostly my dad lol. Got to see Paul Simon up close. no seats just standing. Got really close and Paul pointed at my vinyl as he sang "Still crazy After All These Years"

@QuackDragon

7y↑2

Me too! except I'm a year younger but same generation of parents

@cromerbeach

7y↑2

Boris Sala and you're lucky they did because their music is fabulous

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@musicforheadphones2731

3y↑2

the 70s! The era of complex harmony and melody! And all you had to do for your fix was true on the radio!

@samuelgriffin9364

5y↑5

Simon and Garfunkel reunited together with this comeback song from 1975

@paulpayton1348

35w↑1

Like a velvet sledgehammer to your soul...

@tonycrowuk1yahoo.co.uwilly992

3y↑5

I had the joy of seeing these two in Hyde Park London in 2004 Mt wife was 8 months pregnant with our first daughter so she even heard them. Paul Simon has always been my songwriting hero. We are blessed as humans to have these two in our lives thankyou Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel

@artharris2537

31w

First live act I saw. Royal Albert Hall in 1967 when I was a 15. Had liked them from when I first heard Homeward Bound and told anyone who would listen that they would be massive one day.

@aislingfahy5049

5y↑3

"and after it rains theres a rainbow, but all of the colors are black" yup, pretty much sums up my own town

@RonaldCharlesEpstein

3y↑1

Poetic tribute to small-town America.

@richardpeace1180

4y↑1

I know where this little town is..its right where I left it..its frozen in time...the 80's...someone PLEASE ..take me back

@usmcveteran7316

I know about this song. September 1975, I had just returned from Okinawa after 13 months there. I was a 20 yr old United States Marine, I was so glad to be home for 30 Days Leave before driving down to Camp LeJeune North Carolina. I will never forget that feeling. I love my little town Charleston, West Virginia.

@BrokenneckYgor

4y↑27

Ought to be official anthem of Middle West USA

@johnbacile9495

3y↑2

Now all we gotta do is fix these town

@allenpriest8985

No fixing it. All the colors are black.

@MarcoACruzQuevedo

2y↑2

Gets my attention the chords and harmonies not easily found in pop music. Makes me remember 1976...

@lizdoyle7158

3y↑2

Look out for your town ' it looked out for you 'its part of who you are ' your town always needs you too

@kenperk9854

3y↑1

Barry Beckett's piano de force steals the show. Rest in peace, Barry.

@dwaynemcallister7231

15w

Yes, I really love this mans work...timeless!

@makimeter5559

5y↑3

I love simon and garfunkel, my parents raised me with this music, i am 19 years
This song is beautifully haunting.

@dillphin5238

45w↑2

This makes me feel just a little less sad

@matthewdalton9422

1y↑2

This song makes me way less sad.

@gantzdevries5321

2y↑1

Whoa man.......that chorus is something is else !!!!....

@robbanks6683

30w

I heard this song when I was about 10 yrs old in 1977 and I never knew who it was until today.

@TishaHayes

7y↑59

I too had lived in a similar town in my childhood and in my early adult years I moved on to different places that expanded my horizons. Many of my friends and classmates remained back there and had their own families and gradually repeated the same cycle with their children. Every few years I have a friend who asks me why I do not move back.

Having experienced so much and seen so many places and people I just could not curl up back inside of those boundaries. It is not hatred of the place I was from, just a realization that I had grown beyond it. I feel just a little sad for those who remain there and who will never see the fullness of the world or of the other experiences that they are now incapable of understanding.

When I go back and visit I find myself thinking "was I this limited as everyone here?" and the answer is yes, I was. It is not that it is bad that they remain behind, just that it is different than the road I took.

@ArgyleGroove

4y↑4

Left home for 10 years. Came back and the same people were doing the exact same things a decade later. I on the other had left, had experiences, tried new things, met new people and saw new places. Only stayed about a year before I left again.

@maddywendall2980

3y↑1

So succinctly stated! I also identify with this song and your experience of growing up in a small town, couldn't wait to get out and experience the world and everyone who never left actually are the same they were since High School, sad and pathetic. SO Glad I got out. 🙄

@billpressler5319

I think this is a very typical response. I know people who are intelligent, well-read, and yes, well-travelled, who choose to live in my small hometown for its nice people, small-town charm and geographic beauty. I'm aware of a Pittsburgh commercial airline pilot who chooses to live there, and it's over an hour north.

@thegopodude7000

Every once in a while, a reread this comment - It explains so perfectly the feeling that I have towards my home town and how this song reminds me of that. Amazing comment!

@OldBillOverHill

3y↑1

Me too and I tried to go back home after a long and successful career. One of my brothers stayed and many of my high school friends did too. By and large they were employed in the hard rock mine until its staff was drastically reduced. The entire county was devastated and when a lifeline in the form of limited stacks gambling was thrown them they tossed it back.

I lasted less than two years. It was still as depressing as ever and I was still seen only as my father's son and the brother of his eldest son. Decades of traveling the country as a union rep was discounted. NO one was interested in my story, including my brother. We left looking for greener pastures in retirement.

Like you I still love and respect my brother and old friends who stay there and raised their kids just to see them leave and never look back. They same corrupt city government and abusive police dept, nothing had really changed. Now the encroaching city to the east will soon transform the place into just another suburban bedroom community.

I listen to this song from time to time to remind myself of my roots. Substituting the mean streets of Denver for those of New York (where our eldest son landed on his feet) and my lonely nights in the poor side of town living in a travel trailer while training in the trade school that launched my career. Where would I have been without real human kindest of the "lowlifes" that befriended me? Back in my little town working in that mine.

@buddyaustin7232

1y↑5

My absolute favorite S&G song.

Amazingly powerful lyrics.

@Endmassincarceration

38w↑2

I guess they saved the best for last!

@OverForthINC

25w

Song of the 2023 for me and I'm only 22. This song is amazing in every aspect

@waynesanchez6504

40w

In Alabama we get to drop in on the Muscle Shoals recording studio where this and the album, "Rhyming Simon" were recorded. Thrilling to stand where they, Aretha Franklin, the Stones, etc worked.

@dorinda4ever

44w

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you RJS for our beautiful life together..what a heartfelt compliment to think of me when you hear this song. Beautiful song!

@jeffmuenster5131

3y↑7

To Julie Hayes: "killer brass section" , as you put it, is right! Did you know that brass section was recorded in a cave, to get just the right acoustics for that track?