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."
Sleepy Sleepy Baby
Paul Simon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Du-du-du-du-du...
Sleepy sleepy baby
Is it time to take you home?
Sleepy sleepy baby
Just can′t wait till we're home
Baby, 'cause it's loving time
Sleepy head on my shoulder
And your sweet lips on mine
Let′s make a scene at your fun tour
After all, that′s what a daddy's for
Are you sleepy, baby?
Or do you just wanna be loved?
Sleepy sleepy baby
Say you feel like I do
Show me that you love me too
Let′s make a scene at your fun tour
After all, that's what a daddy′s for
Are you sleepy, baby?
Or do you just wanna be loved?
Sleepy sleepy baby
Say you feel like I do
Show me that you love me too
Du-du-du-du-du...
Du-du-du-du-du...
Du-du-du-du-du...
In "Sleepy Sleepy Baby," Paul Simon captures the serene and tender sweetness of a father holding his baby on a sleepy journey home. The opening sounds of the song seem to echo the gentle sound of a lullaby, setting the stage for the calming and tender mood of the song. As Simon sings, "Sleepy sleepy baby, is it time to take you home?" he seems to take on the role not just of the singer, but of a loving father figure. The lyrics then delve into the intimacy of the moment, as the father longingly anticipates the moment they get home so he can hold his baby and kiss their sweet lips goodnight.
The lyrics throughout the song are endearing and full of cute little moments that show the relationship between a father and his child. They make an adorable contrast to the driving and upbeat rhythm of the song, which seems to capture the excitement and anticipation of the baby's journey. There is a sense of joyous celebration throughout the song, and the repetition of the du-du-du-du sound adds to the joyful ambience of the tune.
Overall, "Sleepy Sleepy Baby" is a heartfelt and touching song that portrays a father's love for his child through lyrics that capture the uplifting and peaceful mood of their journey home.
Line by Line Meaning
Sleepy sleepy baby
The singer is addressing a child who seems to be dozing off.
Is it time to take you home?
The singer is curious if it's time to bring the child back to their dwelling.
Just can't wait till we're home
The singer is eager to get back to their place with the child.
That's where I can hold you
The artist can hold the child with care at their home.
Baby, 'cause it's loving time
The artist wants to express affection to the child.
Sleepy head on my shoulder
The child is restfully dozing off on the singer's shoulder.
And your sweet lips on mine
The singer appreciates the child's young love.
Let's make a scene at your fun tour
The artist is proposing to enjoy a sightseeing experience with the child.
After all, that's what a daddy's for
The artist feels that it's their role as a father to provide for the child.
Are you sleepy, baby?
The artist is concerned if the child is exhausted.
Or do you just wanna be loved?
The singer wonders if the child requires more affection.
Say you feel like I do
The artist wants the child to respond that they feel the same about the artist.
Show me that you love me too
The singer wants to feel love from the child in return.
Contributed by Savannah Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.