Wednesday, March 11, 2009

American Tune

I’m not sure what was going on in Paul Simon’s mind at the time he put this song to music. I’ve been told the tune goes back to Germany, even Bach; but that doesn’t quite explain how it turned into an “American Tune”. I do find it interesting for the information and feelings associated with the tune to work in today’s landscape, even more so than for what ever purpose might have existed, real or imagined, when Paul felt the urge to express these thoughts.

I do know this, while leaving a comment to David’s article,
Trenchant Observation , this morning, the verses came to mind and wouldn’t let me alone.

For we lived so well so long

Still, when I think of the
Road were traveling on
I wonder what’s gone wrong
I cant help it, I wonder what’s gone wrong



American Tune
Words & music by Paul Simon


Many’s the time I’ve been mistaken
And many times confused
Yes, and often felt forsaken
And certainly misused
Oh, but I’m alright, I’m alright
I’m just weary to my bones
Still, you don’t expect to be
Bright and bon vivant
So far a-way from home, so far away from home

I don’t know a soul who’s not been battered
I don’t have a friend who feels at ease
I don’t know a dream that’s not been shattered
Or driven to its knees
Oh, but its alright, its alright
For we lived so well so long
Still, when I think of the
Road were traveling on
I wonder what’s gone wrong
I cant help it, I wonder what’s gone wrong

And I dreamed I was dying
I dreamed that my soul rose unexpectedly
And looking back down at me
Smiled reassuringly
And I dreamed I was flying
And high up above my eyes could clearly see
The statue of liberty
Sailing away to sea
And I dreamed I was flying

We come on the ship they call the mayflower
We come on the ship that sailed the moon
We come in the a-ges most uncertain hours
And sing an American tune
Oh, and its alright, its alright, its alright
You can’t be forever blessed
Still, tomorrows going to be another working day
And I’m trying to get some rest
That’s all I’m trying to get some rest

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