Simon wrote this as a thinly-veiled message to Art Garfunkel, referring to a specific incident where Garfunkel went to Mexico to act in the film Catch-22. Simon was left alone in New York writing songs for Bridge over Troubled Water, hence the lonely feelings of "The Only Living Boy In New York." Simon refers to Garfunkel in the song as Tom, referring to their early days when they were called Tom and Jerry.
* The song was featured in the film Tadpole, in which it was performed by the group Everything But the Girl.
* The reggae hit "Weather Report," by The Tennors, was adapted from this song.
* The 1990's British indie band Carter USM parodied the title of the song for their biggest-selling single, "The Only Living Boy In New Cross". New Cross is an area of south-east London.
* This song is featured as part of the soundtrack for the film Garden State during a pivotal point in the movie
The Only Living Boy in New York
Simon & Garfunkel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know your part'll go fine
Fly down to Mexico
Do-n-do-d-do-n-do and here I am,
The only living boy in New York
I get the news I need on the weather report
I can gather all the news I need on the weather report
Do-n-doh-d-doh-n-doh and here I am
The only living boy in New York
Half of the time we're gone
But we don't know where,
And we don't know where
Half of the time we're gone
But we don't know where,
And we don't know where
Tom, get your plane right on time
I know you've been eager to fly now
Hey let your honesty shine, shine, shine now
Do-n-do-d-do-n-do
Like it shines on me
The only living boy in New York,
The only living boy in New York
The lyrics in Simon & Garfunkel's song The Only Living Boy in New York are about loneliness and separation, and how it feels to be left behind. The singer in the song is talking to his friend Tom, who is leaving to go to Mexico, and he himself is left behind "the only living boy in New York". The writer is trying to convey the feeling of isolation that comes with being the only one left behind. He admits that he is lonely but then tries to lift himself from it, saying he's got nothing to do but smile.
The lyrics also seem to talk about how the singer copes with his loneliness. He mentions getting the news he needs on the weather report, which could be a metaphor for how he has to rely on outside sources to feel connected to the rest of the world. He knows Tom's part will go fine and he's aware of it because he has kept himself informed. The repetition of the line "half of the time we're gone but we don't know where, and we don't know where" adds to the feeling of confusion and disorientation, as if the singer is struggling to find his place in the world.
Overall, the song is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the human condition and how it feels to be alone.
Line by Line Meaning
Tom, get your plane right on time
Encouraging Tom to stick to the schedule and be punctual in his travel arrangements
I know your part'll go fine
Offering reassurance that Tom's role will be performed well
Fly down to Mexico
Advising Tom to travel to Mexico
Do-n-do-d-do-n-do and here I am,
Suggesting the singer is playing a melody on a guitar that has a distinctive sound
The only living boy in New York
Feeling isolated and alone in the city
I get the news I need on the weather report
Using the weather forecast as a way to keep up with current events
I can gather all the news I need on the weather report
Dependent on the weather report for news updates
Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile
Feeling content with the current state of affairs and in no rush to do anything else
Do-n-doh-d-doh-n-doh and here I am
Playing the guitar melody again to emphasize the sense of isolation
Half of the time we're gone
Acknowledging the transience of life and how frequently people are away from their homes and loved ones
But we don't know where,
Uncertain of the destination and the path forward in life
And we don't know where
Repeating the sentiment for emphasis
Hey let your honesty shine, shine, shine now
Encouraging Tom to be truthful and open in his communication
Like it shines on me
Giving an example of how honesty can have a positive impact
The only living boy in New York,
Emphasizing the feeling of solitude and isolation in the city
The only living boy in New York
Repeating the line for emphasis and to close the song
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PAUL SIMON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@silverwinterskies
The most beautiful Simon and Garfunkel Song ever written ! Can't stop listening to it, and can't stop cryin' while i do.
Lyrics
Tom, get your plane right on time
I know your part'll go fine
Fly down to Mexico
Doh-n-doh-de-doh-n-doh
And here I am
The only living boy in New York
I get the news I need on the weather report
Oh, I can gather all the news I need on the weather report
Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile
De-doh-n-doh-de-doh
And here I am
The only living boy in New York
Half of the time we're gone
But we don't know where
And we don't know where
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh
Here I am
Half of the time we're gone
But we don't know where
And we don't know where
Tom, get your plane right on time
I know that you've been eager to fly now
Hey, let your honesty shine, shine, shine now
Doh-n-doh-de-doh-n-doh
Like it shines on me (Here I am)
The only living boy in New York
The only living boy in New York
Ahhhhhhhhhh
Here I am
Ahhhhhhhhhh
Here I am....
@davidosborn146
My dad played bass on this and it's been four years since he died.
I can just now listen to his work and not fall apart. Miss you Dad..
@rafaelpretto292
What a great bass player. May he rest in peace.
@macandrewes
I was just thinking gosh you know the bass on this song is fabulous. Really makes the song. Then I saw your comment. Your dad was a master you should be proud. Peace and love from Toronto Canada
@josiahp.6960
Like... Really?
@davidosborn146
@@macandrewes
You're very kind, thank you
@adrianbray4025
You must be very proud that your dad played such a sublime bass on this beautiful song. So brilliant!
@thomascleary6151
My dad passed away this year during the first lockdown. We weren't allowed to go and see him or anything during his last couple of months alive. I remember this song from a mix tape he made us when I was about 6 and that 'here I am' always resonates with me. As a youngster I imagined it was him saying it and it's even more powerful now. Sorry, I don't usually comment stuff like this on Youtube, but tonight is just one of those nights
@Paulco67
Peace to you and may your Dad always live on in your heart.
@LuziferDiabolus
I'm sorry for your loss. Sometimes it just helps to share your story with others - so don't apologize for that. Much peace to you and your family!
@allforjak8074
I'm so sorry to hear about the injustice perpetrated upon you and your family. God bless! you nor he deserved to not see each other in fact its inhumane what is taking place. I am a man on my wife's YouTube acct listening to this and your story brought me to tears as I listen to this. I will never forget reading this and I'm sorry for your loss. You are definitely in my prayers so be blessed!