59th Street Bridge Song - Simon & Garfunkel
Song of the Day #11
Apple Music link: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-59th-street-bridge-song-feelin-groovy/1467438660?i=1467438682
This humble little tune truly deserves its popularity among fans and casual listeners. All of Simon & Garfunkel's best songs have solid hooks, but this is easily one of their most subtly infectious. You can't go wrong with their lovely harmonies, but with the song's smooth-flowing vocal melody and Simon's delicate picking, it becomes a perfect slice of pop music.
Of course, the genius of Paul Simon permeates everything he did in his prime, and this song strongly bears the seal of his personality. Even though the title indicates it's about "feeling groovy," it's interesting to see how introverted it is. The song is playful and bouncy, but they give it a very subdued sound, almost whispering out the melody around the quiet guitar trickles. This is not terribly surprising though. At the end of the day, this is still Paul "I Am A Rock" Simon: whether he is bursting with joy or silently weeping, he is unwilling (maybe even afraid) to come out of his personal cocoon. Yet, who's to say Paul Simon ain't occasionally enjoying his isolated state? He's got his books and poetry to protect him, and sometimes, that's enough. This all makes it the perfect "happy lonely" song, grooving alone to a beat in the comfort of your room. And no, that's not as much of a pathetic experience as it seems on paper. If you don't believe me, give the song a listen to change your mind.
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