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
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 RUclips, but tonight is just one of those nights
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 RUclips 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!
A near and dear high school friend and I used to argue about what was the better Simon & Garfunkel song, this song or The Boxer. I used to say this song mainly out of spite, but also because I loved this song. Years later, my friend has passed on and I'm stuck here not even livin' just existing. I wish I could go back in time. Words cant describe how valuable my friend Josh was to me. Now a days I just sit back and realize how great both songs are. Cheers. :-)
The past is pain, that's all there is to it. If it was a bad time in the past, it's pain. If it was a glorious, legendary time in the past, it cores out the heart with a melon-baller because that memory has such a sheen to it - it blinds.
Someone once said that of all the potential tragedies we fear in our youth the one that never occurs to us is that we will outlive our friends. I also think Steven King was spot on in the last line of Stand By Me "I never again had friends like I did back then. Does anyone?"
Mainly Paul Simon's vocals layered over and over. Garfunkel can be heard on the last couple of choruses, but vocally this song is Paul Simon's as Garfunkel was off on a movie set leaving Paul and the engineer to mostly craft this album without him.
This song is a sudden time warp… sitting upstairs doing my homework, sounds of dinner being made, my dad’s deeper voice, everything is sort of a fuzzy yellow or orange color… warm. Wish I could live there for just one more day. See them again.
When my father dies nothing; his funeral nothing. Then, some 3 months later I played this and within minutes I was sobbing. I don't mean this as a negative, it was a release. The power of music.
I am in the exact same boat as you. Pops passed. This one and the boxer get me every time. Those songs help me to feel like I'm getting an extra bit of connection with him.
How can a song be that wonderful? I have been playing this song on repeat for ten years and I'm still not tired of it. I simply refuse to believe that this song exists.
My favorite song is "The Only Living Boy In New York" by Simon and Garfunkel, and has been since I first heard it in 1969 (49 years!). It is the "B" side of Cecilia, the 45 RPM I bought in 1969. The very first time I heard that song, I played it again continuously on my Admiral record changer/player for about 4 hours straight (I was in the Ping Pong room at my parents house in Farmington, Michigan practicing Darts). Played that song till my arm was so sore, I couldn't throw the darts anymore!
I do understand ... there is Something ... very, very, extraordinary about this song on many levels ... I have never grown tired of it either and lately is seems to be the song that comforts most ... and I Love lots of songs.
Back in 2011 or 2012 I saw Paul Simon perform at Washington D.C.'s famous small venue, 9:30 Club, with a maximum capacity of 2000 people, and I was right in front of him the entire concert. I imagine that everybody present had a great deal of life history and emotion tied up in his songs, and when he performed this song, it's hard to imagine how amazing it felt to be part of a 2000-person chorus singing the choral sections. Perfectly. Like, it practically sounded like the studio version. Enough musically astute people to do the multiple parts (it's really only two or three melody lines), and it was extraordinary. It was a real blessing to be present and participating. I just saw Paul Simon's "Final" tour last night, and he's just as powerful, and songs like this demonstrate that he is directly to the universal well of creativity that inspires all the greatest art.
John Grunwell : Seen Paul 4 times in the last 15 years & he performed this on each occasion & on each occasion I struggled to hold back tears . Beautiful & yet a little bit haunting .
I was 8 years old when this came out. I shared a room with older brother who was a senior in high school. He played this album all the time and it brings back memories of him being there one day then going off to college the next. The music bring me joy but yet reminds me of him leaving. Although I saw him again for Christmas ect, the album still has the effect on me. My brother went on to be a Sergeant Airborne Ranger and later an Attorney for Sacramento County. He died in 2004 from lymphoma. I miss him so much. He was my hero.
i wonder if paul simon realises how important his song writing has been to a simple fella like me.i better thank him while we're both alive.cheers paul.
I’m sure Paul Simon has just read this and is now well aware… I grew up on this album, strangely I remember my parents arguing over whose the record was when they split up 🤣 something very heavenly about this track 🤷♂️
I fell in love this song when I was 20. Am 51 now and still love it. It hits different now that my last parent, my father, passed on May 7th 2024. This song is now like a church hymn to me now. Unwordly beautiful.
My Dad played this song all day long the day after my older Brother was accidentally shot to death by his best friend in Jan 1972. I still remember my brother singing the line “half of the time we’re gone, but we don’t know where, and we don’t know where.” Garfunkel’s harmony is so beautiful yet haunting, and nearly 50 years later it still brings out very vivid and powerful images and emotions. Talk about bitter/sweet! 🎼😄❤️😭💔🙏🏼 🎶
This song was actually written as a farewell to Art, from Paul. Art went to Mexico to be in the movie, Catch-22. This song was written by Paul as a blessing to chase his dream, even tho Paul would be lonely during his absence. More meaning in this song than most people realize. Gets me choked up every time I hear it.
@@skylinerunner1695 Really?! ...and to think I thought it was a farewell to Frank Lloyd Wright. I was only 11 when I bought their LP but even at that tender age I was taken by the double entendre, "Architects may come, and Architects may go, and never change your point of view". I love it@!
@@JAFO. Yes indeed it was a veiled goodbye to Garfunkel, (who, incidentally, had an interest in architecture). The line 'all of those times we harmonised 'til dawn' is a clear reference to their youthful musical collaboration which had now run its course. Listen to the song with headphones and pay close attention to the final moments of the song, at around the 3 minute mark, you'll hear Paul Simon call out ´So long, already Artie!' deep in the mix. Garfunkel himself ruefully spoke about the joke being on him as he was unaware for a long time of the songs true meaning.
@@skylinerunner1695 Oh yeah, I've noticed that last line since I was a kid. I didn't know of their rift back at that tender age so I imagined it was part of the production to make the point that many others outside of those directly highlighted in and by the song may also feel similarly, like strangers in the background.
I was quite happy with just Paul Simon for this song(released 1970 - I was 14 hearing it on vinyl old fashioned platter and on AM radio). I always thought Simon was the main singer, main composer, main guitar player of the duo called Simon and Garfunkel. His solo career confirms it. Duos of friends were quite popular back then. The era still had "folk" music, before Rock rode over everything with sheer power. Simon and Garfunkel were friends since boyhood.
It's Paul Simon's voice layered over and over to create that astomishing wall of harmonics. Garfunkel was off trying to be a movie star leaving Paul and the engineer to craft this album without him. Yes, Garfunkel can be heard briefly on the final choruses on this track, but vocally this song is Paul Simon's show.
I heard someone point out that most people have a few favourite Paul Simon lines - and the most favourite can change from time to time. I have a number but after knowing this song for decades, it was only last month that I really noticed the line "Let your honesty shine, shine, shine, like it shines on me". What an amazingly loving thing to say to someone. THAT is now officially my favourite Paul Simon line. Let your honesty shine, shine, shine.
This only Simon and Garfunkel album I purchased in my life as a teenager. The most beautiful music that I’ve heard in my life as a 17 year old in 1970. The album “Bridge Over Troubled Water” is masterpiece of recording history.
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....
Those lines, "Half of the Time we're Gone, But We Don't Know Where, We Don't Know Where".... Still blows me away.... even after 50 years of first hearing them !
Everybody who was aware had this album when it was first released. We wanted to absorb all the great music that was coming out then. They were as unique and amazing as The Beatles. The sounds instantly became our touchstones; they were made by our friends, they were beautiful and we knew they had the power to help us through tough times. If you were in high school or college then, this was one of the great albums of all time.
Simon wrote this to express his heartbreak about Garfunkel leaving to take up acting. Read Garfunkel's autobiography for the whole story. Remember, they started out as Tom & Jerry, so Simon addresses Garfunkel as Tom. It's a song that sears the heart alright.
Yeah, this is a big FU to Art, he'll get the news from the weather report, nothing more to do today than smile, he's essentially saying take care Art, could care a less if we talk again.
@@PianoSoulos this is not a FU to Art but a song about his love for Art and to let him go and do what he wants to. "Let your honesty shine" he sings, "Like it shines on me." The 2 had been arguing for a while as Simon was trying to make the Bridge album and Art had filming commitments down in New Mexico. One day Simon realised that this was it, the final album, they will never be the same again. He can choose to curse Art or let him do what he wants to. From that thought came this wonderful song. "Nothing more to do today than smile" is Simons realisation that this is the right thing to do. He's happy for Art in his wanting to move on, he's no longer angry. "I get the news I need from the weather report" means that if it's bad weather, the plane won't fly and he can get Art in the studio
I just watched the show Breaking the Band on the Reelz channel about Simon and Garfunkel and I guess the whole album Bridge Over Troubled Water was dedicated to Art because of how depressed Paul was with him being in Mexico filming that movie. So just about every song on the album was about Artie Breakin Paul's heart.
@@martinclarke7748 Garfunkel was filming Catch 22 down in Mexico and the weather was unusually bad for the time of year and filming was delayed. This caused frustration for both as they desperately wanted to finish what became their seminal work. So, the only news Simon was interested in was the weather reports in Mexico.
If you lived in New Jersey like I did from 1973 to 1976 -- then this song is meaningful! Love it! The vibe is right on! Thanks, Lawrenceville School, NJ! * Cav *
HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY TO THE ONE AND ONLY LIVING LEGEND PAUL SIMON! This is my absolute favorite track by him, along with "Bridge Over Troubled Water". It's crazy how easily his amazing songs can connect with the human soul. No matter if you're a toddler to elderly, there's just something about his music that hits you right at the center. Making timeless songs for over six decades is unheard of and he's transcendental just The Beatles, Elvis, Bob Dylan's etc. Kids will discover Simon and Garfunkel as well as Paul solo generations from now just like they do with the other artists mentioned. ❤️🤍👍🎂
I wouldn't mind traveling back 50 years to 1970. When "The Only Living Boy in New York" was released, I had just gotten out of the Air Force the previous year and married the girl who is the love of my life. Those were the days my friend.
+ Ben Marshall I think the 80s was worse, it seems to have come back a bit but the 60s and 70s had the right balance I think between technology recording clarity and reality. The beatles used archaic technology by todays standards but the sound was something else. I think part of issue is the players are just not as good. I watched Sammy Davis doing "Ol man river" just amazing, the power he had and mike control, no one sings like that now.
If your only exposure to modern music is what they play on the radio than sure, but there more than plenty of musicians who still incorporate the older, more natural sound, especially in the folk scene
The Only Living Boy In New York Simon and Garfunkel, Paul Simon Tom, get your plane right on time 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 Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile 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 Paroliers : Paul Simon
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This made me sob for loved ones lost, for the plight of this world today with the pandemic, for reading the pain in some of your posts and sharing. But.... there is always hope. And there is Hope in this song.
I had this played at my fathers funeral. It was his favorite song, it sums up my fathers personality perfectly......"all the news I need I get from the weather report" My husband and I took my father to see Paul Simon years a go, my dad cried during this song (and Duncan, if you don't know that song look it up, its just as beautiful) and my father was a very strong Italian man that would never ever cry. I can't even think about this song with out tearing up.
Believe it or not… I remember this on vinyl in my house and mom and dad both loved it… as did I as a small child… but this LP was one of the things they argued about when they got a divorce 🤦♂️ they both thought it was theirs 🤣🤣🤣
I've been playing this on repeat for 48 years. Since I was 3. I'm not joking. Otis Redding, The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, Stevie Wonder - it's all every bit as brilliant as I remember it...
I listened to this incredible song when I was in labour, giving birth to my beautiful blue-eyed son, blond boy. He's 30 now, and I still listen to that song, when need to gather my thoughts. (Actually I'm so old school drum 'n' base) but that is still one of the best 👍 wishes. Yes I called him Tommy ☑️
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..
What a great bass player. May he rest in peace.
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
Like... Really?
@@macandrewes
You're very kind, thank you
You must be very proud that your dad played such a sublime bass on this beautiful song. So brilliant!
Nothing compares to thier greatest hits album. Transcendant
First album l ever bought, still got it
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 RUclips, but tonight is just one of those nights
Peace to you and may your Dad always live on in your heart.
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!
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 RUclips 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!
Rip to your father tom. Its special to remember all the great memories you had with him in the past.
This song reminds me of my dad too who has been gone for 20 years but it still makes me cry x
A near and dear high school friend and I used to argue about what was the better Simon & Garfunkel song, this song or The Boxer. I used to say this song mainly out of spite, but also because I loved this song. Years later, my friend has passed on and I'm stuck here not even livin' just existing. I wish I could go back in time. Words cant describe how valuable my friend Josh was to me. Now a days I just sit back and realize how great both songs are. Cheers. :-)
Be grateful to be alive. Grow some each day. I think we are each in that ring....never give up. Don't go gently....!!! (Dylan Thomas)
@@briankent1176 ❤️ it sounds like you have depression.
The past is pain, that's all there is to it. If it was a bad time in the past, it's pain. If it was a glorious, legendary time in the past, it cores out the heart with a melon-baller because that memory has such a sheen to it - it blinds.
Someone once said that of all the potential tragedies we fear in our youth the one that never occurs to us is that we will outlive our friends. I also think Steven King was spot on in the last line of Stand By Me "I never again had friends like I did back then. Does anyone?"
@@mikegalvin9801 I found one ..at age 67...and I still have my bestie from the
3rd grade.
Amazing how powerful this songs seems to be for those of us who have lost our fathers.
I lost mine, and good riddance.
Huh? It's about Garfunkel going to film a movie. Not one thing about a father.
The harmonies on the “ahhhh. Here I am” part are otherworldly. It’s absurd to think two humans did this
Two humans and the sound engineer. lol
I always think of that as coming through the wind blowing in New York.
True, we are never alone... Angels or evils are always here to help us acting, we just have to decide in wich way.
I love when the combination of people create “The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.” magical phenomena in music.
Mainly Paul Simon's vocals layered over and over. Garfunkel can be heard on the last couple of choruses, but vocally this song is Paul Simon's as Garfunkel was off on a movie set leaving Paul and the engineer to mostly craft this album without him.
This song is a sudden time warp… sitting upstairs doing my homework, sounds of dinner being made, my dad’s deeper voice, everything is sort of a fuzzy yellow or orange color… warm.
Wish I could live there for just one more day. See them again.
I love your comment. Thank you.
Here i am. . .
🥹🥹🥹
This....
Yes.
One of the greatest songs ever written. Difficult to believe that these guys are 80. Genius, pure and simple
wow, i think I've read your comment under every great song ever written!
whats so difficult to believe about the process of aging in the material world?
Ironic that this song is basically PS venting his frustration with Art just before their breakup lol
they were not 80 when the song was written xD.
Like Tom from their original Tom & Jerry??
When my father dies nothing; his funeral nothing. Then, some 3 months later I played this and within minutes I was sobbing. I don't mean this as a negative, it was a release. The power of music.
So glad that you said this. Made me feel a lot better.
My father has yet to pass, but I feel your pain and I feel your release.
I am in the exact same boat as you. Pops passed. This one and the boxer get me every time. Those songs help me to feel like I'm getting an extra bit of connection with him.
Same thing happened with me. I had a very dear friend die and I broke down listening to in my life by the Beatles
Music has a strong healing power, man.
Paul Simon is a genius.
He certainly is. Better songwriter and singer ever ❤
This must be one of the most beautiful tracks ever recorded
Most definitely agree.Rog.Pacific Sunset( LA)
How right you are!! I could listen to this over and over again - "the only living Senior citizen in Portland Oregon" 😂😊😂❤😊
@@Pamela-s7e I often do 🙂
Do you research
This is one of those perfect songs in every way...
Paul Simon is a musical genius ❤
to make that statement,I'd have to know the Man fairly well,the music alone does NOT profess...GENIUS
He had HELP
@@hmackie6823 He wrote all the songs he had help singing them yes but look how long his career has lasted and his body of work it speaks for itself.
That sounds about right.
Paul knew who to ask for the best help. That was part of his genius. He orchestrated all the back up.
How can a song be that wonderful? I have been playing this song on repeat for ten years and I'm still not tired of it. I simply refuse to believe that this song exists.
Agree, the harmony should never end in this song.
My favorite song is "The Only Living Boy In New York" by Simon and Garfunkel, and has been since I first heard it in 1969 (49 years!). It is the "B" side of Cecilia, the 45 RPM I bought in 1969. The very first time I heard that song, I played it again continuously on my Admiral record changer/player for about 4 hours straight (I was in the Ping Pong room at my parents house in Farmington, Michigan practicing Darts). Played that song till my arm was so sore, I couldn't throw the darts anymore!
I do understand ... there is Something ... very, very, extraordinary about this song on many levels ... I have never grown tired of it either and lately is seems to be the song that comforts most ... and I Love lots of songs.
Back in 2011 or 2012 I saw Paul Simon perform at Washington D.C.'s famous small venue, 9:30 Club, with a maximum capacity of 2000 people, and I was right in front of him the entire concert. I imagine that everybody present had a great deal of life history and emotion tied up in his songs, and when he performed this song, it's hard to imagine how amazing it felt to be part of a 2000-person chorus singing the choral sections. Perfectly. Like, it practically sounded like the studio version. Enough musically astute people to do the multiple parts (it's really only two or three melody lines), and it was extraordinary. It was a real blessing to be present and participating. I just saw Paul Simon's "Final" tour last night, and he's just as powerful, and songs like this demonstrate that he is directly to the universal well of creativity that inspires all the greatest art.
John Grunwell : Seen Paul 4 times in the last 15 years & he performed this on each occasion & on each occasion I struggled to hold back tears . Beautiful & yet a little bit haunting .
I was 8 years old when this came out. I shared a room with older brother who was a senior in high school. He played this album all the time and it brings back memories of him being there one day then going off to college the next. The music bring me joy but yet reminds me of him leaving. Although I saw him again for Christmas ect, the album still has the effect on me. My brother went on to be a Sergeant Airborne Ranger and later an Attorney for Sacramento County. He died in 2004 from lymphoma. I miss him so much. He was my hero.
"Was?" Me thinks he still is. And, btw. Now. YOU are the HERO for that brief, but amazing comment.
How sweet to remember things so beautifully. 💖 love ❤️ is a many splendored thing ❤❤❤
My dad passed 4 yrs today . He introduced me to this band. Thank you dad
Lost my dad recently and I think of him with each "here I am" in this song.
i wonder if paul simon realises how important his song writing has been to a simple fella like me.i better thank him while we're both alive.cheers paul.
Don’t forget Art.. 😊
Never Meet Your Heroes...they rarely live up to our expectations.
and yes,Paul Simnon was a Huge influence on me wanting to play guitar,I learned a few of his songs.
@@Paulco67 a!
I’m sure Paul Simon has just read this and is now well aware… I grew up on this album, strangely I remember my parents arguing over whose the record was when they split up 🤣 something very heavenly about this track 🤷♂️
東北の寒村の貧乏な家にうまれた私はあなた方の歌をラジオから聴くのが唯一の楽しみでした。 心が洗われる様な二人の声に冬の寒さを耐えていました
This song... it's devastating. It kills you, and then sends you to heaven.
Hauntingly beautiful
Yeah in a very soft way....
It only kills you if you are far away from yourself… hope you found ur way back 💕
Music to my ears 😊
Yup
I fell in love this song when I was 20. Am 51 now and still love it. It hits different now that my last parent, my father, passed on May 7th 2024. This song is now like a church hymn to me now. Unwordly beautiful.
It's truly beautiful I absolutely agree
I always like to admire Garfunkel's magnificently large Fu Manchu mustache on this album cover.
Jay Flippen I like you as a person judging from my limited perspective
Nice!
ha!!!!
Great comment
took me a minute!
there is something ethereal about this song
Definitely
@@CeeCeeB. And, so good for us all, it's there in a good bunch of other Simon's tunes
@@BilisNegra yeah man
ya think
Check out josh turner guitar cover of this it’s very good
The human spirit lives in this song.
Holy!
Truth
You're so right.....May I humbly offer another song that moves me in this same way of shared Human truth - ruclips.net/video/yYufv3Q_N08/видео.html
No there comment ever need be made about this song - you summed it up perfectly.
*other
My Dad played this song all day long the day after my older Brother was accidentally shot to death by his best friend in Jan 1972. I still remember my brother singing the line “half of the time we’re gone, but we don’t know where, and we don’t know where.” Garfunkel’s harmony is so beautiful yet haunting, and nearly 50 years later it still brings out very vivid and powerful images and emotions. Talk about bitter/sweet! 🎼😄❤️😭💔🙏🏼 🎶
Bless you. X
Thanks for sharing this. Wishing you the best.
I'm so sorry. It's a beautiful song.
❤💔❤
✔️Sorry from U.K ❤️
This song was actually written as a farewell to Art, from Paul. Art went to Mexico to be in the movie, Catch-22. This song was written by Paul as a blessing to chase his dream, even tho Paul would be lonely during his absence. More meaning in this song than most people realize. Gets me choked up every time I hear it.
Pamela Palashewski Tom is Art. Tom & Jerry. It all makes sense now.
The song So Long Frank Lloyd Wright was Paul Simon's farewell to Garfunkel.
@@skylinerunner1695 Really?! ...and to think I thought it was a farewell to Frank Lloyd Wright.
I was only 11 when I bought their LP but even at that tender age I was taken by the double entendre, "Architects may come, and Architects may go, and never change your point of view". I love it@!
@@JAFO. Yes indeed it was a veiled goodbye to Garfunkel, (who, incidentally, had an interest in architecture). The line 'all of those times we harmonised 'til dawn' is a clear reference to their youthful musical collaboration which had now run its course. Listen to the song with headphones and pay close attention to the final moments of the song, at around the 3 minute mark, you'll hear Paul Simon call out ´So long, already Artie!' deep in the mix. Garfunkel himself ruefully spoke about the joke being on him as he was unaware for a long time of the songs true meaning.
@@skylinerunner1695 Oh yeah, I've noticed that last line since I was a kid. I didn't know of their rift back at that tender age so I imagined it was part of the production to make the point that many others outside of those directly highlighted in and by the song may also feel similarly, like strangers in the background.
Art Garfunkel's backing vocal takes the song to another dimension 👼
The backing vocals are sung by Paul and Art together.
I was quite happy with just Paul Simon for this song(released 1970 - I was 14 hearing it on vinyl old fashioned platter and on AM radio). I always thought Simon was the main singer, main composer, main guitar player of the duo called Simon and Garfunkel. His solo career confirms it. Duos of friends were quite popular back then. The era still had "folk" music, before Rock rode over everything with sheer power. Simon and Garfunkel were friends since boyhood.
It's Paul Simon's voice layered over and over to create that astomishing wall of harmonics. Garfunkel was off trying to be a movie star leaving Paul and the engineer to craft this album without him. Yes, Garfunkel can be heard briefly on the final choruses on this track, but vocally this song is Paul Simon's show.
@@skylinerunner1695I'm certain that part was recorded in an echo chamber.. Either way, it's sounds heavenly.. 👌🏻
@@the_trooper_72 Oh really? Cool. It does sound phenomenal for sure.
Still rips my heart apart fifty years later...
Absolutely !
Mine too. I first heard this in the early 70's because my mom was a fan and played the music at home. It is still breathtaking to me.
Me too!
Amen!!!
Same, even more now seeing thru the lense of Time
The harmony on this song is so angelic i wish it didnt stop. listen to this song on a beautiful day and just stare up at the sky smile and float.
listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
I am being serious
I always listen to this album on flights looking out the window in the clouds its transcends you to another world.
Joe Osborne on bass, incredible melodic baseline. A legend.
Joe's line on this is sublime. One of his best.
And Billy Strange on guitar!
Drums fantastic
Yeah, that bass line is to die for.
And Hal Blaine on drums!
New York does have a gentle side. Paul Simon’s music embodies it.
I heard someone point out that most people have a few favourite Paul Simon lines - and the most favourite can change from time to time. I have a number but after knowing this song for decades, it was only last month that I really noticed the line "Let your honesty shine, shine, shine, like it shines on me". What an amazingly loving thing to say to someone. THAT is now officially my favourite Paul Simon line. Let your honesty shine, shine, shine.
I think he was being factitious
That is a beautiful line though. Regardless of its intent you can he really loves Art as a brother.
It could be interpreted as being sarcastic.
"I get the news I need on the weather report" is one of my fave Simon lines.
This only Simon and Garfunkel album I purchased in my life as a teenager. The most beautiful music that I’ve heard in my life as a 17 year old in 1970. The album “Bridge Over Troubled Water” is masterpiece of recording history.
Yes indeed. Just a pity it has such a crappy photo on the cover. Could't they have done any better than that?
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....
I totally agree! Absolutely brilliant! And thanks for the lyrics!
Those lines, "Half of the Time we're Gone, But We Don't Know Where, We Don't Know Where".... Still blows me away.... even after 50 years of first hearing them !
Classic song off a classic album.Cant believe its over 50 years ago.
Top 3 albums of all time.
Everybody who was aware had this album when it was first released. We wanted to absorb all the great music that was coming out then. They were as unique and amazing as The Beatles. The sounds instantly became our touchstones; they were made by our friends, they were beautiful and we knew they had the power to help us through tough times. If you were in high school or college then, this was one of the great albums of all time.
Stone cold classic. Easily one of the greatest albums of all time.
How is this not the most beautiful song. Just stunning.
Every time I hear "Hey, let your honesty shine, shine, shine now..." and what comes afterwards, I have an existential experience.
Why has Paul Simon never been awarded the Nobel Prize for literature? 🤷♂️
Paul doesn't deserve it. Neither did Bob by the way but they just gave it to Bob.
@@sh230968 Because he's not some foreign-language writer than barely anyone has heard of, let alone read? Clown.
@FreeSpeech101-pb3lg Absolutely.
He writes lyrics not stories...but I see where ur going with this
That's why I Carry...Choir in a Pocket!!!
I grew up on their music. Born in 1962 and by 10yrs old I knew every word to all their music.
I’m sure it has been said a million times, and I hate to sound cliché, but Garfunkel has the voice of an angel.
Simon wrote this to express his heartbreak about Garfunkel leaving to take up acting. Read Garfunkel's autobiography for the whole story. Remember, they started out as Tom & Jerry, so Simon addresses Garfunkel as Tom. It's a song that sears the heart alright.
I personally detect a bit of irritability.
Yeah, this is a big FU to Art, he'll get the news from the weather report, nothing more to do today than smile, he's essentially saying take care Art, could care a less if we talk again.
@@PianoSoulos this is not a FU to Art but a song about his love for Art and to let him go and do what he wants to. "Let your honesty shine" he sings, "Like it shines on me."
The 2 had been arguing for a while as Simon was trying to make the Bridge album and Art had filming commitments down in New Mexico. One day Simon realised that this was it, the final album, they will never be the same again. He can choose to curse Art or let him do what he wants to. From that thought came this wonderful song.
"Nothing more to do today than smile" is Simons realisation that this is the right thing to do. He's happy for Art in his wanting to move on, he's no longer angry.
"I get the news I need from the weather report" means that if it's bad weather, the plane won't fly and he can get Art in the studio
I just watched the show Breaking the Band on the Reelz channel about Simon and Garfunkel and I guess the whole album Bridge Over Troubled Water was dedicated to Art because of how depressed Paul was with him being in Mexico filming that movie. So just about every song on the album was about Artie Breakin Paul's heart.
@@martinclarke7748 Garfunkel was filming Catch 22 down in Mexico and the weather was unusually bad for the time of year and filming was delayed. This caused frustration for both as they desperately wanted to finish what became their seminal work.
So, the only news Simon was interested in was the weather reports in Mexico.
Paul Simon is a national treasure
I'm not sure that there's anything more beautiful in pop music than the 'Here I am' vocal overlays on this track.
If you lived in New Jersey like I did from 1973 to 1976 -- then this song is meaningful! Love it! The vibe is right on! Thanks, Lawrenceville School, NJ! * Cav *
I am happy that this song is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
"How terribly strange to be 70" - Old Friends. Now they are close to 80! I have loved them since I was in the 7th grade.
Paul turned 82 last October
Every time I hear this I think of my Dad. I’ll see you again someday💜💜
Tears..Everytime you play it hes with you.
"Death is but a momentary parting from those we love." W.B. Yeats
Me too
Andrea Burke he'll be looking down with love n pride for u my love xx
True. It's a long moment while you're in it.
HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY TO THE ONE AND ONLY LIVING LEGEND PAUL SIMON! This is my absolute favorite track by him, along with "Bridge Over Troubled Water". It's crazy how easily his amazing songs can connect with the human soul. No matter if you're a toddler to elderly, there's just something about his music that hits you right at the center. Making timeless songs for over six decades is unheard of and he's transcendental just The Beatles, Elvis, Bob Dylan's etc. Kids will discover Simon and Garfunkel as well as Paul solo generations from now just like they do with the other artists mentioned. ❤️🤍👍🎂
Yep and dont forget Leonard Cohen!
@@jpmcmotor6890 oh I never would forget about Mr. Cohen but I seem to have here. My fault for the overlooking of Leonard
This is the quintessential sad break-up song. All love, all heart-break.
One of the best sounding, best written and best sung albums out there. Close to perfection!
No one today could write and sing a song like this
"Half of the time we're gone but we don't know where." About as true of words as were ever written.
This is an incredible song, it could have been written just now, it has no age
This will always be my favourite track of the very first album I owned back in 1970 when I was 12. Perfection.
I stole.this album from my brothers when our parents divorced. It got through a bad time. We still steal it from each other. Love you brother.
First album I bought as well.
So many people on here have such profound and sad memories with this song 😢, God Bless x
I need this music to mourn. So, it’s a way of remembering my brother and his wife who sang folk music so beautifully.
A masterpiece from an album I bought 50 years ago. A wonderful song that never fades in me.
No, it can’t be 50 years! 😮 seems like it was just yesterday.
This song is bewitching... And the voices recorded in the reverb chamber are sublime. I am travelling back to 1970, wanna join ?
Already been there. I was 16. But it'd be great to go back and re-visit. Many good memories despite the Vietnam angst. So yes, sign me up!
I'm there! Can't help it, this is one song that takes me back to my high school days!
Yes please
I wouldn't mind traveling back 50 years to 1970. When "The Only Living Boy in New York" was released, I had just gotten out of the Air Force the previous year and married the girl who is the love of my life. Those were the days my friend.
Just got there...amazing!
This song is so atmospheric, I love Paul’s voice and the choral arrangements are so haunting
Jesus Christ, the sound engineering and production on this album. A masterpiece. Should be studied at any music school that teaches excellence.
Whenever I feel crushingly depressed, I know these two are always somehow able to make me feel something again.
Hope you're in a good place now man
Forgotten how beautiful and haunting this song is.
Nice to be reminded.
It is rather haunting isn't it?
So agree
It is
I never forgot
Beautiful song that harmony in the echo chamber "Here I am" wow. 1970 technology sounds more atmospheric and real than todays stuff?
pinball1970 It does, technology these days has destroyed the natural human element of music. It's a crime...
+ Ben Marshall I think the 80s was worse, it seems to have come back a bit but the 60s and 70s had the right balance I think between technology recording clarity and reality. The beatles used archaic technology by todays standards but the sound was something else. I think part of issue is the players are just not as good. I watched Sammy Davis doing "Ol man river" just amazing, the power he had and mike control, no one sings like that now.
It's called analog. Amperex recording machine. 8 track w/the Wrecking Crew!
Wtf
If your only exposure to modern music is what they play on the radio than sure, but there more than plenty of musicians who still incorporate the older, more natural sound, especially in the folk scene
Such an ethereal song. Starts out so simply and then goes into another dimension.
Miss and love you dad! Gave me the best music Taste in the world will forever b grateful. ❤
1:18 could happily put this harmonising on loop for 10 minutes to make the most of the goosebumps,truely stunning 👌
I've been playing it for over 40 yrs. This song is amazing.
Art's voice is a diamond; Paul's writing is a chisel!
There is something very special about this song.
Half of the time we're gone, but we don't know where..❤ love S&G
It gets no better than this.
Indeed, this is as good as it gets.
Morning you are so off on that list
It actually does. The Everything But The Girl cover tops it, imho.
The Only Living Boy In New York
Simon and Garfunkel, Paul Simon
Tom, get your plane right on time
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
Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile
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
Paroliers : Paul Simon
Thank you
how about the AHHHHAHHAAHHAHAHAHA here I am's?
David Whitehouse i know THAT you’ve been eager to fly now
I have MS and this song keeps me alive. x
Here's hoping your symptoms are mild and won't worsen.
I have it too, stay strong.
Live Tessa
God bless you all here
Try Neurological Chiropractic if you haven't already. A Torque Release Technique Chiropractor or an Upper Cervical Specific Chiropracftor. They should be able to decrease yourt symptoms by about 30%. It's not a cure but it's a big help😅
A few great songs on this album but by any assessment this is the best.
This made me sob for loved ones lost, for the plight of this world today with the pandemic, for reading the pain in some of your posts and sharing. But.... there is always hope. And there is Hope in this song.
❤️
😭😰😩🤯😢😞
Thank You 🎼 😭😃❤️💔🙏🎶
This seriously might be one of the most beautiful songs ever made
Paul Simon's songwriting always has this way of making u feel the pain along with him... it's like he's opening up his soul..
My favorite from an album with so many standout tracks!
ABSOLUTE CLASSIC...
GETS ME EVERYTIME...
❤❤❤❤❤
A truly wonderful song for my brother missing after 9/11 but thank God found.
Always end up with tears hearing this, either happy or sad, sometimes both
Played this at my Step Dad's funeral....will always make me cry now.
angela Paterson bless sweetie keep it chin high love x
Your chin sorry love miss spelt xx
I had this played at my fathers funeral. It was his favorite song, it sums up my fathers personality perfectly......"all the news I need I get from the weather report" My husband and I took my father to see Paul Simon years a go, my dad cried during this song (and Duncan, if you don't know that song look it up, its just as beautiful) and my father was a very strong Italian man that would never ever cry. I can't even think about this song with out tearing up.
Beautiful song to be remembered by, we all cry with you.
My parents, who have recently passed, had this album
when I was a young child. Played it ALL the time.
Sublime.
Your parents were amazing, they taught you vocal art.
@@salsanchezi.c.1470 Thanks! And agreed:)
Believe it or not… I remember this on vinyl in my house and mom and dad both loved it… as did I as a small child… but this LP was one of the things they argued about when they got a divorce 🤦♂️ they both thought it was theirs 🤣🤣🤣
Hope you're still listening kenneth
@@noahfallon9108 I am, Noah. And hope you are well:)
Phenomenal. They were from Forest Hills, Queens, which is where I grew up.
Hal Blaine RIP and thank you for your beautiful drumming on this track and hundreds of others.
One of THE very best drummers.
Right on. Hal was the best
Achingly beautiful. "Here I am"
I think this is my favorite Simon and Garfunkel song. August 2022. Greetings from the USA!
After all these years it still hits me and sends me reeling
Jon Francois That’s because you’re still crazy after all these years.
As years have passed, IMO it is clear that Paul Simon was a brilliant songwriter, and is underappreciated. This is a great song.
This song will always live on forever
Paul has such a beautiful voice!
my favourite simon & Garfunkle song
I haven't heard this in over 4 decades. OMG how beautiful.
Isn't it though?
Incredible. I had forgotten how good this album was. IIRC up to this point, it sold the most albums that had ever been sold.
I've been playing this on repeat for 48 years. Since I was 3. I'm not joking. Otis Redding, The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, Stevie Wonder - it's all every bit as brilliant as I remember it...
I listened to this incredible song when I was in labour, giving birth to my beautiful blue-eyed son, blond boy. He's 30 now, and I still listen to that song, when need to gather my thoughts. (Actually I'm so old school drum 'n' base) but that is still one of the best 👍 wishes. Yes I called him Tommy ☑️
I was 16 or 17 when this song came out and absolutely wore this album out on my record player. Still listing at almost 70 yo now. Still the best.
dude simon & garfunkel get me so emotional
This song is perfection and is timeless. So amazing. Paul's a genius musically
No matter how tough I try do be, it's hard to listen to this song without some emotion or even some tear drops.