Simon & Garfunkel - America

Paul Simon is a master craftsman -  carefully choosing words and patterns, rearranging, polishing, devising unusual but gorgeous melodies. Unlike the nearest contemporaries (Dylan and McCartney), his output is limited, often spending three years on the same ten songs in a quest for perfection. There is a seam of high quality from his Simon & Garfunkel material through to his solo years.

"America" is a perfect example, skilfully constructed prose with no rhymes, a typical folk acoustic melody aligned to a Broadway swelling refrain.

Recalling a 1964 road trip with his girlfriend Kathy, Simon describes not only a literal journey exploring America, but also a search for its essence and soul. The exhilarated joy of young lovers sharing precious time, pooling limited resources, with their optimism and hopes. They pass their time smoking, reading and joking together ("She said the man in the gabardine suit was a spy").

The travelogue seems so romantic  to a non-American, exotic place names like Pittsburgh, Saginaw and even the New Jersey turnpike. However the mood sours towards the end, as he can only confess when she is sleeping ("I'm empty and aching and I don't know why"").  His unease is echoed on the road, as millions are vainly pursuing a dying American dream - a timely sentiment as it was recorded at the start of the turbulent 1968.

"America" is unusual as Simon takes the lead vocal, but typical as it features the magical close harmonies with Art Garfunkel, starting with the faded in ""mmmmm" start. The instrumentation is supportive and sympathetic, especially the sparse drum fills from Hal Blaine, and a soprano saxophone.

Initially it was only an album track, but its potent imagery has been appropriated by politicians and covers by David Bowie (at a 9/11 tribute), U2 and Yes (10 minutes!). A graffiti artist took to spraying its lyrics on decaying Saginaw buildings.  

"America" is one of many high points from a distinguished and beloved writer / performer.

Hear Now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo2ZsAOlvEM

Hear Next -  Either the very successful "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" or one of the frequent compilations.