Paul Simon: Lyrics 1964-2008

by Paul Simon

Book Overview

A landmark compilation of popular music, this collection contains Paul Simon's lyrics from his first album in 1964 to the present.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 141658692X
• ISBN13: 9781416586920
• Release Date: November 2008
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 378 Pages
• Weight: 2.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 8.4" x 10.2"

Customer Reviews

Like a bridge over troubled waters

This is a beautifully designed book. It has an inspiring introduction by 'New Yorker' editor David Remnick. It reprints Paul Simon's lyrics including the most well- known ones such as 'Sounds of Silence' ' Bridge Over Troubled Waters' 'I am a rock' 'Still Crazy After all those Years' 'Mrs. Robinson'. The lyrics work for me only as songs.i.e. Their meaning in my mind is strong only if I hear them as Music. This is why in reading through the book I found that what I focused on was the songs I knew, and best liked. In this way I found the volume highly enjoyable.

Paul Simon

As a fan that has memorized most all of the words of his songs I am so excited about getting this book. Even in the Kindle format I enjoy it fanatically

Paul Simon lyrics

This book containing all the lyrics of Paul Simon is fantastic reading. Simon may well be America's greatest poet.Every one of his lyrics is here, in chronological order. Whether you are a student of lyric writing or just a lover of Paul Simon songs, this collection is a must.

Snatch a little purity

Here's a vote for Paul Simon being appointed Poet Laureate. It would be perfect: Under Barack Obama's tenure as president the Library of Congress chooses someone equally unusual and gifted to be the eloquent voice of this nation. Lyrics 1964-2008 is just that: The lyrics to Simon's songs. The number of words here is staggering. You forget just how prolific he has been. More impressive is how many of these songs hit close to home. How many you know by heart. There are a few bonuses. The album covers are reproduced (in black and white). A sprinkling of photographs include some with Art Garfunkel and some recent performance shots. Best of all, there are copies of the original hand-written lyrics to some of Simon's best songs: "Mother and Child Reunion," "Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard," "Kodachrome," "American Tune," "Loves Me Like a Rock," "Still Crazy After All These Years," "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover," "Slip Sliding Away," "Boy in the Bubble," "Graceland," "You Can Call Me Al," "Look at That." You can see Simon having trouble with the end of "American Tune" (he has erased some words, and finally puts a question mark next to the lyric). In the notes for "Graceland," you can see the mournful lines, unused: "For no logical reason, no explanation, something deep inside of me is going to Graceland." There is something redemptive about Simon's work. This book says it all. Here's the chapter list: Foreword by Chuck Close Introduction by David Remnick 1964-1971 Covers these albums: Wednesday Morning, 3 AM Sounds of Silence Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Bookends Bridge Over Troubled Water 1972-1977 Covers these albums: Paul Simon There Goes Rhymin' Simon Still Crazy After All These Years 1978-1983 Covers these albums: One-Trick Pony Hearts and Bones 1984-1990 Covers these albums: Graceland The Rhythm of the Saints 1991-1998 Covers this album: Songs from The Capeman 1999-2008 Covers these albums: You're the One Surprise

Feel good times

I saw Paul on Good Morning America last week and ordered the book. Flipping through it really takes you back....i've been playing Bridge Over Troubled Water and now with Miriam Mekeba's death, Graceland and Rhythm of the Saints are in big rotation. Paul Simon is a treasure! Music for these times of change....