It's pretty funny listening to this show NOW in 2024. Letterman asked him if he was in it for the long haul and said that Paul's career has been "long" lol. He's still singing, writing, and playing music today nearly FOUR decades later. The Boxer is a masterpiece and in my opinion Paul's best work AND no doubt why Paul chose to perform it as he said "The touching part will come in my performance.", I couldn't agree more. Good times with the best singer-songwriter of all time. I just thought of something after I posted and wanted to "edit" and share my thoughts; My mother has told me many times throughout my life that when I was born, she "knew" me. Knew HOW I would be as a person shortly after being born. Interesting at the least. I've also heard a similar statement in the bible. That God knows you before you're born. Not everything you will choose to do, but HOW you are going to BE/conduct yourself as a person. It's very interesting that in one of the verses of The Boxer, which is often left out during performances, Paul sings "After changes upon changes, we are more or less the same". The Boxer was written by Paul in 1969 which was very early in his career and he KNEW this about people.... You are who you are, from the beginning and more or less until the end. He's clearly an intellectual genius with an inherent understanding that is far beyond the vast majority of humans. Almost unbelievably so.
Such a national treasure. A class act...notice how he is on stage with the band... he's playing WITH them, not being a Diva and sort of saying, "try to keep up...". At the end he looks over at Paul Shaffer and thanks him and then starts shaking hands with other band members and thanking them as well. Class and respect.
I believe Paul Simon is an international treasure. He captures so many moments in the lives of so many that his music touches and captivates. Thank you.
Paul Simon has so much class...it's beautiful, Doesn't sell his music for commercials. Instead of reaching for mass appeal, he is to his own self true. Instills in his music sincerity, uniqueness. I love to watch him sing, or even talk. It's great to hear him talk about his process. A real artist.
Will there ever be another Paul Simon. Thlooksat purity with beauty. A poetical musician artist that touches you splendidly. Same with his looks - beyond handsome.
I don't think we will ever see/hear another person/musician of the quality and incredible human energy that Paul has and shares with us. He is incredibly rare and not just on earth, but in this whole universe.
Still relevant after all these years. Thank you, friend of our youth. May you continue composing the timeless songs of of every generation. We do love you.
13:15 I have waited YEARS to hear this "new" verse again. I had it once on a bad tape and never could figure out the words. Can someone help me? Now the years are rollin' by me They are ah-que,neven lean????? I am older than I once was younger than I'll be - but that's not unusual. No it isn't strange, after changes upon changes We are more or less the same After changes we are more or less the same.
Listening to Paul Simon talk is simply wonderful. I've been listening to his music for about thirteen years. He's just brilliant and such a great musician.
13:15 I have waited YEARS to hear this "new" verse again. I had it once on a bad tape and never could figure out the words. Can someone help me? Now the years are rollin' by me They are ah-que,neven lean????? I am older than I once was younger than I'll be - but that's not unusual. No it isn't strange, after changes upon changes We are more or less the same After changes we are more or less the same.
His way of talking almost seemlessly melts together with his singing. He's a genuine storyteller who uses the art of music to convey his story. Thnx for this!
I went to see Paul Simon & Sting a week ago. About 29 years later than when this was recorded. I got goosebumps about four times and enjoyed the show very much. Paul Simon is still today 73 years old and can still give a very good show. I will do what I can to make his music live on. That is a promise!
I'm with you all the way, Georg - have a ticket to see him this coming June 2, 2018 on his farewell concert. I've been playing his songs for 50 years now in my own shows and they never feel the least bit stale. He's my #1 hero, though most of the heroes I've met and played with don't enjoy being called such.
Neil...um Paul .... this was the funniest show... love it... tks for the gr8est music of all time... loved both but Art was my fav personality but admired Paul so much - great talent - love to see he can lighten up... effectively too!! 😄😄😄
Cool interview and I really like the version of the song. I don't recall seeing it back then but Letterman's house band was rarely so subtle in their treatment of songs they played on. Great to hear, thanks for posting!
Daniel, all your clips are awesome. In pre-internet days I would have been green with envy at your collection, so thank you for uploading this GREAT stuff.
Karen Bowler - Well, they also say choose a major you love and you’ll never work a day in your life... ...because that field almost certainly isn’t hiring by the time you graduate.
Always a pleasure to listen to Paul talk about his music. Love that he sang an oldie (the easiest song that I can sing 😅) though it would have been better without the band. As much as I love the Simon and Garfunkel sound (harmonies 💕) I prefer to listen to him sing those songs solo. He never really needed Art, it just worked for a while.
Finding the extra verse of the The Boxer is like hunting a phantom. I heard of it long before I saw it from a girlfriend who was a big fan of both Simon and Letterman and must've seen this performance. But a recording wasn't anywhere to be found either in albums by S&G or solo albums. Then one day around 1990,in a tiny record store I happened upon an LP that was out of print. It was called "Live Rhymin" and was a recording of a concert he'd played in the early 70s. And there it was, the extra, brilliant verse. The album was later released on CD in the early 2000s, so I now have two copies. I have a theory, never confirmed, that the extra verse was written back before S&G originally recorded it and was cut due to time. Remember it's kind of a long song to begin with and A&R guys want a song of no more than three and a half minutes. But this is just a theory.
@@sigram2 I think I saw the the Concert on HBO in the early 80s but was less into them then and didn't realize there was one verse more than what is usually sung.
If you are a budding guitar player, your strum hand is just as important as your fret hand. Watch Paul strumming here...the way he moves his hand to various parts over and around the sound hole...and the rhythm....fantastic stuff....God bless you Mr Simon.
Dam Mad , I love your comment. My best friend, who died 4 years ago, was a studio musician, a very good bass player, as well as guitar, piano, and the ukulele. He taught a lot of people how to play. I’m 58 but I remember him teaching me guitar back in high school, and he said, it’s not just about finger placement and playing chords but feeling the music. There’s a genuine joy, magic if you will, about playing an instrument as if it’s an extension of your soul.
@@SThompsonRAMM_1203 Hey Steve, thank you for your reply...and i also love your comment...we are obviously kindred spirits. I am sorry to hear friend passed away...he sounds like a wonderful musician, that passed that on to others. Unfortunately, losing those we love is part of getting older in life. But his legacy lives on my friend. He passed on the joy of playing music to you, and many others. God you bless Steve....respect and peace to you.
I want to be my generations' Paul Simon. I write songs, and you can hear them here on RUclips. I wouldn't be caught dead on any late night show today (2022). Peace. 🐰💙🇺🇲🎸🎶✌️
Let's not forget that these interviews are done for the sole purpose of promoting a new album, Book or upcoming concert. It's how the industry works, have a little chat about the past etc, but make sure you sell what you are there to sell. 100s of Agents are contacted each week and interviews are only granted if there is something to sell. So although it's called a guest lists, it mainly consists of plugging songs, concerts, books, movies etc. You hear artist say they get annoyed being asked the same question, it's because they they really only want to talk about and promote what they are currently doing
mmm not always and not with Paul, he was just on Colbert's show and they were talking, Colbert pulled out his new album under the blue light and Paul specifically said he wasnt there to promote his album that he didnt want money from it.
In this case he is promoting a benefit concert. And his point was not that artists shouldn't promote their work, but that using music (i.e. art) to sell a product, rather than just to be culture is a problem
I stumbled upon this tonight after rewatching the whole Letterman-Harmony Korine saga last night (probably no coincidence). The first two Qs and As here reminded me of all of DL’s interactions with HK.
He was married to Carrie Fischer she was one of the first celebrities to talk about mental health issues to break the stigma. I wonder how much of his music was inspired by her.
Diamonds on the soles of her shoes and a lot of the songs off of Hearts and Bones were inspired by her. She even references the songs in her stand up show "Wishful Drinking" here's a link: ruclips.net/video/2-Z1nzihQqc/видео.html&ab_channel=soundofsimon
To the right of this video, while I'm watching it, is another Paul Simon interview from about 2018....the difference in age is striking (though it is in all of us!) but his story remains the same.
It would have been 32 years since this interview in ‘86! Difficult to believe Paul was in his mid 40’s in this clip, looks more early 30’s. Wish I knew his secret...😍
I always found that funny when zoos used that song. Are their zookeepers really very fond of rum? Are their giraffes insincere? Do hamsters turn on frequently? So many questions.
"Do you feel pressure to top yourself?" obviously means something very different in America than UK. Otherwise that is one fucked up opening question. And audience reaction.
I find him so interesting. Simple. Not showy. Genius. Gives me a feeling of a warm breeze just by listening and watching him.
Get a grip man. It can‘t continue like this.
I so agree
@@SevanStick Are you talking to me?
@@stevielegend325 no, to the moon.
@@SevanStick You are so funny. I'm a woman Einstein.
It's pretty funny listening to this show NOW in 2024. Letterman asked him if he was in it for the long haul and said that Paul's career has been "long" lol. He's still singing, writing, and playing music today nearly FOUR decades later. The Boxer is a masterpiece and in my opinion Paul's best work AND no doubt why Paul chose to perform it as he said "The touching part will come in my performance.", I couldn't agree more. Good times with the best singer-songwriter of all time.
I just thought of something after I posted and wanted to "edit" and share my thoughts; My mother has told me many times throughout my life that when I was born, she "knew" me. Knew HOW I would be as a person shortly after being born. Interesting at the least. I've also heard a similar statement in the bible. That God knows you before you're born. Not everything you will choose to do, but HOW you are going to BE/conduct yourself as a person. It's very interesting that in one of the verses of The Boxer, which is often left out during performances, Paul sings "After changes upon changes, we are more or less the same". The Boxer was written by Paul in 1969 which was very early in his career and he KNEW this about people.... You are who you are, from the beginning and more or less until the end. He's clearly an intellectual genius with an inherent understanding that is far beyond the vast majority of humans. Almost unbelievably so.
Such a national treasure.
A class act...notice how he is on stage with the band... he's playing WITH them, not being a Diva and sort of saying, "try to keep up...".
At the end he looks over at Paul Shaffer and thanks him and then starts shaking hands with other band members and thanking them as well. Class and respect.
I believe Paul Simon is an international treasure. He captures so many moments in the lives of so many that his music touches and captivates. Thank you.
❤ Paul Simon is a gift to humanity.
Great comment, I agree
Paul Simon has so much class...it's beautiful, Doesn't sell his music for commercials. Instead of reaching for mass appeal, he is to his own self true. Instills in his music sincerity, uniqueness. I love to watch him sing, or even talk. It's great to hear him talk about his process. A real artist.
Paul was a huge influence on me as a songwriter. I have my own thing going on, but I can't get enough of these interviews with Paul...and Art, too!
Yes ❤️
They have sold Simon and Garfunkel songs for commercials. Like the song the times are a changing
Sii❤️
Will there ever be another Paul Simon. Thlooksat purity with beauty. A poetical musician artist that touches you splendidly. Same with his looks - beyond handsome.
I agree. Paul could have been The Cute American Beatle. Always looked so young in these interviews.
I love his boyish looks.
I don't think we will ever see/hear another person/musician of the quality and incredible human energy that Paul has and shares with us. He is incredibly rare and not just on earth, but in this whole universe.
If your a musician, there's always something you can learn watching a Paul Simon interview.
Or if you're a person.
Amen. That’s why I seek these out
Still relevant after all these years. Thank you, friend of our youth. May you continue composing the timeless songs of of every generation. We do love you.
13:15 I have waited YEARS to hear this "new" verse again. I had it once on a bad tape and never could figure out the words. Can someone help me?
Now the years are rollin' by me
They are ah-que,neven lean?????
I am older than I once was
younger than I'll be - but that's not unusual.
No it isn't strange, after changes upon changes
We are more or less the same
After changes we are more or less the same.
Listening to Paul Simon talk is simply wonderful. I've been listening to his music for about thirteen years. He's just brilliant and such a great musician.
Glad a new generation is listening to him. I've been listening to him for 53 years and I still love his music.
GRACELANDs in africa.
13:15 I have waited YEARS to hear this "new" verse again. I had it once on a bad tape and never could figure out the words. Can someone help me?
Now the years are rollin' by me
They are ah-que,neven lean?????
I am older than I once was
younger than I'll be - but that's not unusual.
No it isn't strange, after changes upon changes
We are more or less the same
After changes we are more or less the same.
Yes...he is so humble too
❤️
Jroseknows: the words are "They are rocking evenly.".
The music of the spring, summer and autumn of my life ❤️
It’s amazing how David treats him with such respect knowing he is in the presence of greatness.
When he treated someone badly?
@@kartosenlitminey Lot of times
@@Dev-ie1ez it's strange, he has been always very polite and kind
@@kartosenlitminey he isnt good as conan
@@sujalgautam9761 don't know
Paul Simon is such a gentleman, impressive also only talking without singing, a pure brain he is
His way of talking almost seemlessly melts together with his singing. He's a genuine storyteller who uses the art of music to convey his story. Thnx for this!
My favorite haircut of all haircuts. I just love his wit and humor as much as his talent.
Tamara Rutland-Mills haircut?
It’s a toupee!
I went to see Paul Simon & Sting a week ago. About 29 years later than when this was recorded. I got goosebumps about four times and enjoyed the show very much. Paul Simon is still today 73 years old and can still give a very good show. I will do what I can to make his music live on. That is a promise!
Georg Hägglund Agreed. He remains incredible.
I'm with you all the way, Georg - have a ticket to see him this coming June 2, 2018 on his farewell concert. I've been playing his songs for 50 years now in my own shows and they never feel the least bit stale. He's my #1 hero, though most of the heroes I've met and played with don't enjoy being called such.
what abt the totally talentless sting?
HE WAS SO TALENTED HUMBLE AND I CAN’T BELIEVE HE WAS INSECURE HE WAS HANDSOME TO ME HELL TO A LOT OF LADIES 👧🏼👩🦱👩🏾👩🏼🦳❤️
Paul and his music seems timeless and most relevant to the times. Been listening to him for six decades. Thank you .
HE DID SO MUCH FOR THE AFRICAN AMERICANS AND THE AFRICAN MUSICIANS THANK YOU HANDSOME 😘
I would give him such a cuddle
Paul is a musical genius.
A genius; plain ans simple.
I love that Paul Simon wore a Turkey suit on S.N.L. for thanks giving and sang Still crazy after all these years
a major Talent who has sustained a magical career
Paul Simon , a true musician and gentleman . He shook hands with the bass player . Cool .
Bass player did a fine job, would've shook his hand myself were I there.
Yes i thought that. Bass player nailed it
Graceland is a wickedly good album
Good interview, he seemed more relaxed here than in the one in 1982
Gold. Genius is humble as always!
Great interview with a musical icon. Love The Boxer!
"thanks Neil!"
nice callback, Dave
Neil...um Paul
.... this was the funniest show... love it... tks for the gr8est music of all time... loved both but Art was my fav personality but admired Paul so much - great talent - love to see he can lighten up... effectively too!! 😄😄😄
Awesome man and talent
Cool interview and I really like the version of the song. I don't recall seeing it back then but Letterman's house band was rarely so subtle in their treatment of songs they played on. Great to hear, thanks for posting!
He’s an American treasure.
Thanks Neil
Good comeback by Dave when Paul talks about resenting big offers for his songs on commercials.
Paul uploaded this song on his yt today. He's amazing all around.
Daniel, all your clips are awesome. In pre-internet days I would have been green with envy at your collection, so thank you for uploading this GREAT stuff.
My God is Graceland one of ther finest musical album ever done.
Paul Simon is a shining example of, do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.
Karen Bowler - Well, they also say choose a major you love and you’ll never work a day in your life...
...because that field almost certainly isn’t hiring by the time you graduate.
Fantastic.
Always a pleasure to listen to Paul talk about his music. Love that he sang an oldie (the easiest song that I can sing 😅) though it would have been better without the band. As much as I love the Simon and Garfunkel sound (harmonies 💕) I prefer to listen to him sing those songs solo. He never really needed Art, it just worked for a while.
Finding the extra verse of the The Boxer is like hunting a phantom. I heard of it long before I saw it from a girlfriend who was a big fan of both Simon and Letterman and must've seen this performance. But a recording wasn't anywhere to be found either in albums by S&G or solo albums. Then one day around 1990,in a tiny record store I happened upon an LP that was out of print. It was called "Live Rhymin" and was a recording of a concert he'd played in the early 70s. And there it was, the extra, brilliant verse. The album was later released on CD in the early 2000s, so I now have two copies. I have a theory, never confirmed, that the extra verse was written back before S&G originally recorded it and was cut due to time. Remember it's kind of a long song to begin with and A&R guys want a song of no more than three and a half minutes. But this is just a theory.
They sang this extra verse during the Central Park concert
@@sigram2 I think I saw the the Concert on HBO in the early 80s but was less into them then and didn't realize there was one verse more than what is usually sung.
A big and talented artist !
i've always liked his music, they got his Whole Discography in the Library, I go in an turn the volume up
to 100 decibels.
Thank you for uploading this video....
15:13 Paul Simon smiles at Paul Shafer when Shafer switches from piano and starts playing the orchestral string parts. Musician moments.
Great interview Daniel. Thanks for the upload.
If you are a budding guitar player, your strum hand is just as important as your fret hand. Watch Paul strumming here...the way he moves his hand to various parts over and around the sound hole...and the rhythm....fantastic stuff....God bless you Mr Simon.
Dam Mad , I love your comment. My best friend, who died 4 years ago, was a studio musician, a very good bass player, as well as guitar, piano, and the ukulele. He taught a lot of people how to play. I’m 58 but I remember him teaching me guitar back in high school, and he said, it’s not just about finger placement and playing chords but feeling the music. There’s a genuine joy, magic if you will, about playing an instrument as if it’s an extension of your soul.
@@SThompsonRAMM_1203 Hey Steve, thank you for your reply...and i also love your comment...we are obviously kindred spirits. I am sorry to hear friend passed away...he sounds like a wonderful musician, that passed that on to others. Unfortunately, losing those we love is part of getting older in life. But his legacy lives on my friend. He passed on the joy of playing music to you, and many others. God you bless Steve....respect and peace to you.
So handsome talented he has it all just love him
I want to be my generations' Paul Simon.
I write songs, and you can hear them here on RUclips.
I wouldn't be caught dead on any late night show today (2022).
Peace. 🐰💙🇺🇲🎸🎶✌️
A national treasure Paul Simon.
What a pleasant fellow!
Paul Simon was so handsome ❤❤❤❤👍
Wow, that day was my 1st year birthday!
thank you!!!! i'm a massive fan
Non moi....
This episode was broadcast on 25 November 1987 - a few weeks before the benefit concert that is mentioned (13 December 1987)
Love this!
Let's not forget that these interviews are done for the sole purpose of promoting a new album, Book or upcoming concert.
It's how the industry works, have a little chat about the past etc, but make sure you sell what you are there to sell.
100s of Agents are contacted each week and interviews are only granted if there is something to sell.
So although it's called a guest lists, it mainly consists of plugging songs, concerts, books, movies etc.
You hear artist say they get annoyed being asked the same question, it's because they they really only want to talk about and promote what they are currently doing
mmm not always and not with Paul, he was just on Colbert's show and they were talking, Colbert pulled out his new album under the blue light and Paul specifically said he wasnt there to promote his album that he didnt want money from it.
U got a point .
Every CLOWN IS PUBLISHIG A BOOK ON TV.
Wow. What a fucking insight, shithead.
In this case he is promoting a benefit concert. And his point was not that artists shouldn't promote their work, but that using music (i.e. art) to sell a product, rather than just to be culture is a problem
I stumbled upon this tonight after rewatching the whole Letterman-Harmony Korine saga last night (probably no coincidence). The first two Qs and As here reminded me of all of DL’s interactions with HK.
thank you neil !
11:17 - Thanks Neil! :D
I know, right.... hahahahah
I don't get it
His and most of our greatest musicians/songwriters were magical and genius in the early days before they knew and analyzed what they were doing.
So sad we could never see Paul Simon in Cape Town.
Back when they actually had somewhat of a conversation on late night TV compared to the sound bite style they go for these days
Am I the only person who thinks that Paul simon looks younger in 1986 than he did in 1980/
He looks well fit here.. but he looked amazing from late 70’s to Late 90’s...even now he has a cool grandad vibe. love him..😎🇬🇧
I was born on September 10 eleven years later!
similar to joni mitchell, simon continues to reach out to world sounds. love that. miriam makeba was marvellous
Paul answers questions as a true lawyer would. And, very pragmatic. Just love him!!!
Paul answers questions thoughtfully, respecting the nuances of words. That defines him as an artist.
💗 Paul Simon!
good interview both
Really nice😊
He was married to Carrie Fischer she was one of the first celebrities to talk about mental health issues to break the stigma. I wonder how much of his music was inspired by her.
Diamonds on the soles of her shoes and a lot of the songs off of Hearts and Bones were inspired by her. She even references the songs in her stand up show "Wishful Drinking" here's a link: ruclips.net/video/2-Z1nzihQqc/видео.html&ab_channel=soundofsimon
I like this version better than the original ..great rendition ..the way the groove and drums come in on the chorus is niiice
To the right of this video, while I'm watching it, is another Paul Simon interview from about 2018....the difference in age is striking (though it is in all of us!) but his story remains the same.
It would have been 32 years since this interview in ‘86! Difficult to believe Paul was in his mid 40’s in this clip, looks more early 30’s. Wish I knew his secret...😍
he is giant!! pual respect
Letterman looks like Garfunkel after a rough night :-)
I'm inlove, man!
I am too..
One of Paul and Arts best, as all their songs are
Uno de los mejores compositores.de los ultimos aňos
At that Apollo gig Paul should have adapted his Graceland track and sung 'You can call me Neil'.
Quite different beginning but still GREAT
"Thanks Niel", Letterman had some huge balls, that you have to give him.
That’s fuckin awesome to watch.
Well done...Neal
Funniest story I ever heard Mr Neil Simon 😂😂😂
Is that the awesome Adrian Belew playing electric guitar? I'd recognize that leg jig anywhere.
I shook his hand once. I think he thought I was his driver. Very nice of him not to call Security.
When I was young the SF or Oakland Zoo used "At The Zoo" in their commercials. Maybe they stole it.
I always found that funny when zoos used that song. Are their zookeepers really very fond of rum? Are their giraffes insincere?
Do hamsters turn on frequently? So many questions.
Thank you for this. :DDD
I laughed out loud
Literally
🇨🇦
The Tailor's son, who became a tailor of music, instead of cloth. Thanks Paul.
What was the bass player doing on this? lol
Right On!@5:50 "Rhapsody in Blue" is NOT the United Airlines song. PLEASE!
I remember the days when it was controversial for an artist to sell or license their song to a big corporation. Now almost everyone does.
Paul is a adorable tiny baby i wanna pick him up and give him a hug cutiepie 🥰
"Do you feel pressure to top yourself?" obviously means something very different in America than UK. Otherwise that is one fucked up opening question. And audience reaction.
Ha ha ha. Took a while to get that but I see the joke.
His guitar wasn't turned up enough!
Or the bass player was turned up too much.
The Boxer - even with the extra forgotten verse ( "Now the years are rolling by me ... ") 😊
If Dave had learned to sing I have no doubt that he could've been a Garfunkel.