He began performing with his schoolfriend Art Garfunkel in 1956; together the two came to prominence in the 1960s as Simon & Garfunkel. The duo's blend of folk and rock music in hits like "The Sound of Silence", "Mrs. Robinson", "America", and "The Boxer" served as a soundtrack to the counterculture movement. Their career together peaked with their last album, Bridge over Troubled Water (1970), at one point the best-selling album of all time. Throughout his subsequent solo career, Simon has continued to explore an eclectic mixture of genres, including gospel, reggae, soul, and more. His celebrated 1970s output—comprising Paul Simon (1972), There Goes Rhymin' Simon (1973), and Still Crazy After All These Years (1975)—kept him in the public spotlight and saw critical and commercial acclaim, spawning the hits "Mother and Child Reunion", "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard", and "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover".
Across his life, Simon has intermittently reunited with Garfunkel for several tours, including the famed Concert in Central Park. The widely lauded Graceland (1986) became Simon's biggest album of his career, melding his rock sound with worldbeat flavors; its single "You Can Call Me Al" became one of Simon's top hits. A sequel of sorts, The Rhythm of the Saints (1990), preceded his own successful Concert in the Park, attended by a half-million fans. That decade, Simon focused his energies on a Broadway musical The Capeman (1997), which was poorly received. In the first quarter of the next century, Simon continued to record and tour; his later albums, such as You're the One (2000), So Beautiful or So What (2011), and Stranger to Stranger (2016), have introduced him to new generations. He retired from touring in 2018. His most recent work, Seven Psalms, will see release in May 2023.
Simon is among the most acclaimed musicians and songwriters in popular music, and one of the world's best-selling music artists, both for his solo work and with Garfunkel. He is a two-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and has been the recipient of sixteen Grammy Awards, including three for Album of the Year. Two of his works, Sounds of Silence and Graceland, have seen induction into National Recording Registry for their cultural significance, and in 2007, the Library of Congress crowned him the inaugural winner of the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. He is a co-founder of the Children's Health Fund, a nonprofit that provides medical care to children.
In an in-depth interview reprinted in American Songwriter, Simon discusses the craft of songwriting with music journalist Tom Moon. In the interview, Simon explains the basic themes in his songwriting: love, family and social commentary (as well as the overarching messages of religion, spirituality and God in his lyrics). Simon explains the process of how he goes about writing songs in the interview: "The music always precedes the words. The words often come from the sound of the music and eventually evolve into coherent thoughts. Or incoherent thoughts. Rhythm plays a crucial part in the lyric-making as well. It's like a puzzle to find the right words to express what the music is saying."
Armistice Day
Paul Simon Lyrics
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The Philharmonic will play
But the songs that we sing
Will be sad
Shufflin' brown tunes
Hanging around
No long drawn blown out excuses
When I needed a friend she was there
Just like an easy chair
Armistice Day
Armistice Day
That's all I really wanted to say
Oh I'm weary from waiting
In Washington D.C,
I'm coming to see my Congressman
But he's avoiding me
Weary from waiting down in Washington D.C.
Oh Congresswoman
Won't you tell that Congressman
I've waited such a long time
I've about waited all I can
Oh Congresswoman
Won't you tell that Congressman
The song "Armistice Day" by Paul Simon is a tribute to the World War I Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, celebrated on November 11th, honoring the lives of those who lost their lives during the war. The first stanza mentions the Philharmonic playing music, while the songs that people sing will be sad. The use of "shufflin' brown tunes" could refer to the solemn, nostalgic, and melancholic tone of musical pieces that are being played or sung during the day.
The next verse reflects on the idea that "no long drawn blown out excuses" were made when someone needed a friend or comfort. The personal and emotional connection is cherished and emphasized as precious than material objects like an "easy chair." The third stanza shifts the focus to someone who wants to meet with his Congressman in Washington D.C. on Armistice Day. The singer is weary from the wait and the Congressman seems to be avoiding him; that's why he seeks help from the Congresswoman who can maybe help him with his request.
Overall, the song's melody and lyrics are reflective of a somber mood, and despite the distinctly American references, the sentiment of the song is universal. It highlights the importance of remembrance and being there for each other when needed while acknowledging the struggles of war and the toll it can take on societies.
Line by Line Meaning
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PAUL SIMON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind