Armistice
simon & garfunkel Lyrics


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On Armistice Day
The Philharmonic will play
But the songs that we sing
Will be sad
Shufflin' brown tunes
Hanging around

No long drawn blown out excuses
Were made
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

Overall Meaning

The song "Armistice Day" by Simon & Garfunkel was released in 1967 as part of their album "The Concert in Central Park". The song reflects on the emotions of Armistice Day, a day of celebration and remembrance of the end of World War I in 1918. The song starts with the Philharmonic playing sad songs, which signify the mourning that people feel on this day knowing the casualties and loss of lives that happened during war.


The lyrics "Shufflin' Brown tunes hanging around" refers to the African American blues music which were considered as a reflection of segregated and deprived lifestyles of black Americans. The song then proceeds with the vocalist's personal story. He talks about waiting for his Congressman in Washington D.C. but hasn't had any luck meeting him. The lyrics reflect frustration of average people about the government not listening to them and being indifferent to their issues. The request made to Congresswoman to intercede on his behalf adds irony to this situation.


Line by Line Meaning

On Armistice Day
On a day of peace after a war


The Philharmonic will play
The orchestra will perform music


But the songs that we sing
The songs we sing are different


Will be sad
They will express melancholy emotions


Shufflin' brown tunes
Hearing gloomy songs with deep thoughts


Hanging around
Loitering aimlessly


No long drawn blown out excuses
There are no lengthy or exaggerated reasons


Were made
Were created


When I needed a friend she was there
When I required someone's support, she helped me


Just like an easy chair
As comfortable as a chair


Armistice Day
A day of peace after a war


Armistice Day
A day of peace after a war


That's all I really wanted to say
That's what I meant to say


Oh I'm weary from waiting
I'm tired of waiting


In Washington D.C,
In the capital of the United States


I'm coming to see my Congressman
I'm going to meet the person who represents me


But he's avoiding me
But he's ignoring me


Weary from waiting down in Washington D.C.
I'm tired of waiting in the U.S. capital


Oh Congresswoman
Oh female member of Congress


Won't you tell that Congressman
Could you please convey my message to him


I've waited such a long time
I have been waiting for an extended period


I've about waited all I can
I have almost reached the limit of my patience


Oh Congresswoman
Oh female member of Congress


Won't you tell that Congressman
Could you please convey my message to him




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

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Beth Bailey


on The Sounds Of Silence

Aragon Courts 1967