ANY POLITICAL MEANING TO PAUL SIMON'S SONG?Simon, or whomever is having this dream, tries to warn these conformists in the lines that read "'Fools' said I, "You do not know/ Silence like a cancer grows/ Hear my words that I might teach you,/ Take my arms that I might reach you."" But his warning is swallowed in the abyss of submission: "But my words like silent raindrops fell,/And echoed/In the wells of silence."
This song may refer to a particular nation or people, but most likely it refers to people in general who submit themselves too freely. The song continues to describe the people's capitulation in several lines, most notably in the words, "And the people bowed and prayed/To the neon god they made."
The song's meaning is for the listener to decide and there are many different ideas; however, I personally have always believed that it pertains to a people's readiness to support a leader without fully realizing the possible outcomes.
I am aware Paul Simon in an NPR interview, has admitted there was no profoundly deep meaning to the lyrics when he wrote them. He said he was possibly expressing teenage angst and frustration as to how they are largely ignored by society.
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8 comments:
Simon and Garfunkel are my favourite pop group/duo. I think the first S&G song I heard was, I am a Rock. My favourite song is The Boxer.
So sad that they had to break up. I have dvd of a 'recent' concert - I think the title was Old Friends. It was so obvious from their body language that they are still unreconciled. Paul Simon especially was downright 'hostile'.
I have a cd of their greatest hits which I copy to my pc so that I can listen anytime I want - like I am doing right now :)
Thanks Chun See for your thoughts about S and G. It is quite obvious who the more popular one is.
I could be mistaken though because the other has also been accepted as a great artiste.
I love their songs but if we separate the melody from the lyrics, the words may come out with a life of its own.
Try it sometime!
All lies and jests
Still a man hears what he wants to hear
And disregards the rest
How true Chun See. You are a practicl man.
This is very amazing blog i like that
i am also like the Simon and Garfunkel songs.
Thank you 'music lyrics' for your positive comment. I have left the connection to your site.
It is true that many readers love Simon and Garfunkel songs.
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