Paul Simon — I Know What I Know
Album: GracelandAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2974
Length: 3:11
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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She looked me over
And I guess she thought
I was all right
All right in a sort of a limited way
For an off-night
She said don't I know you
From the cinematographer's party
I said who am I
To blow against the wind
I know what I know
I've said what I've said
We come and we go
That's a thing that I keep
In the back of my head
I know what I know
I've said what I've said
We come and we go
That's a thing that I keep
In the back of my head
She said there's something about you
That really reminds me of money
She is the kind of a girl
Who could say things that
Weren't that funny
I said what does that mean
I really remind you of money
She said who am I
To blow against the wind
I know what I know
I've said what I've said
We come and we go
That's a thing that I keep
In the back of my head
I know what I know
I've said what I've said
We come and we go
That's a thing that I keep
In the back of my head
She moved so easily
All I could think of was sunlight
I said aren't you the woman
Who was recently given a Fulbright
She said don't I know you
From the cinematographer's party
I said who am I
To blow against the wind
I know what I know
I've said what I've said
We come and we go
That's a thing that I keep
In the back of my head
I know what I know
I've said what I've said
We come and we go
That's a thing that I keep
In the back of my head
And I guess she thought
I was all right
All right in a sort of a limited way
For an off-night
She said don't I know you
From the cinematographer's party
I said who am I
To blow against the wind
I know what I know
I've said what I've said
We come and we go
That's a thing that I keep
In the back of my head
I know what I know
I've said what I've said
We come and we go
That's a thing that I keep
In the back of my head
She said there's something about you
That really reminds me of money
She is the kind of a girl
Who could say things that
Weren't that funny
I said what does that mean
I really remind you of money
She said who am I
To blow against the wind
I know what I know
I've said what I've said
We come and we go
That's a thing that I keep
In the back of my head
I know what I know
I've said what I've said
We come and we go
That's a thing that I keep
In the back of my head
She moved so easily
All I could think of was sunlight
I said aren't you the woman
Who was recently given a Fulbright
She said don't I know you
From the cinematographer's party
I said who am I
To blow against the wind
I know what I know
I've said what I've said
We come and we go
That's a thing that I keep
In the back of my head
I know what I know
I've said what I've said
We come and we go
That's a thing that I keep
In the back of my head
Comments (336)add comment
NeilBlanchard wrote:
Looks like it's been fixed.
The cover image is for a different album, not Graceland.
I had some cognitive dissonance ...
Looks like it's been fixed.
I love Paul SImon, Great album. Worst song on the album by far
Jelani wrote:
I disagree. Care to explain your comment in detail?
Hah! It doesn't work that way...at all.
I disagree. Care to explain your comment in detail?
Hah! It doesn't work that way...at all.
It is comforting to know that, even in these times of cowardly, weak men, we are still living amongst giants. 
10 out of 10
10 out of 10Possibly my favourite on the entire great album!
The cover image is for a different album, not Graceland.
I had some cognitive dissonance ...
I had some cognitive dissonance ...
I've always found it interesting that Paul Simon got so much attention/credit for supposedly being the first to do collaborations with African artists ... and yet Peter Gabriel was doing just that and writing about Biko several years before Graceland. I wish Gabriel got more credit for that.
Regardless, great album overall.
Regardless, great album overall.
Jelani wrote:
I disagree. Care to explain your comment in detail?
I LIKE IT!! ...Enough said. I just want to listen to it without getting over-analytical about it.
I disagree. Care to explain your comment in detail?
I LIKE IT!! ...Enough said. I just want to listen to it without getting over-analytical about it.
ch83575 wrote:
I disagree. Care to explain your comment in detail?
This is simply one of the best albums... EVER! Not a bad song on it. Actually, not a not-perfect song on it. There are very few musicians that even could produce a song of this quality, and even fewer that can do it over an entire album.
I disagree. Care to explain your comment in detail?
ziakut wrote:
his GF.
Song seems like an older related sibling to "What I Am" from Edie Brickell. Appropriate.
his GF.
Song seems like an older related sibling to "What I Am" from Edie Brickell. Appropriate.
I need that snare.
Aussie Aussie Aussie oi oi oi oi oi oi oi oi oi oi oi oi oi oi oi oi oi oi oi
EXCELLENT!! I don't care what anybody else says. Thanx RP!
TLynneHenry wrote:
Wow. Who pissed in your cornflakes? Was it Paul Simon?
Yeah, there's one now
didn't even take 5min
no, not angry at all
just fishing
....dork
Wow. Who pissed in your cornflakes? Was it Paul Simon?
Yeah, there's one now
didn't even take 5min
no, not angry at all
just fishing
....dork
Michaeljcovel wrote:
Wow. Who pissed in your cornflakes? Was it Paul Simon?
jfc, you virtuous assheads - you don't need to respond to every negative comment on this fuckin station
btw, paul simon was a joke even back then with that J Fro Hack
btw, paul simon was a joke even back then with that J Fro Hack
Wow. Who pissed in your cornflakes? Was it Paul Simon?
jfc, you virtuous assheads - you don't need to respond to every negative comment on this fuckin station
btw, paul simon was a joke even back then with that J Fro Hack
btw, paul simon was a joke even back then with that J Fro Hack
huib wrote:
I almost agree with you, but I have to admit I always skip "That was your mother", it just annoys the hell out of me for some reason :D
Not a big fan of you can call me Al...
I almost agree with you, but I have to admit I always skip "That was your mother", it just annoys the hell out of me for some reason :D
Wow- this is very irritating!
Who am I to blow against the wind?
words to live by
words to live by
eyeball wrote:
Sound good?
Anyone who can make a bunch of screaming screeching women in the background sound good, must have something good going on.
I guess that's talent.
Sound good?
ch83575 wrote:
I almost agree with you, but I have to admit I always skip "That was your mother", it just annoys the hell out of me for some reason :D
This is simply one of the best albums... EVER! Not a bad song on it. Actually, not a not-perfect song on it. There are very few musicians that even could produce a song of this quality, and even fewer that can do it over an entire album.
I almost agree with you, but I have to admit I always skip "That was your mother", it just annoys the hell out of me for some reason :D
Hoosfoos wrote:
Then, hit the "skip button"!
Awful. Had to turn it off.
Then, hit the "skip button"!
scrubbrush wrote:
Have you thought about finding another station to listen to?
As of 9/2/20, you've rated 290 songs a 1 out of 656 songs that you've rated. That's 44%.
The vast, vast majority of your comments contain the word "awful".
Maybe RP isn't your kind of scene? You'd probably have more fun trolling other forums where people are looking for arguments.
A mid to long term effect of covid-19 lockdown Dementia 
Have you thought about finding another station to listen to?
As of 9/2/20, you've rated 290 songs a 1 out of 656 songs that you've rated. That's 44%.
The vast, vast majority of your comments contain the word "awful".
Maybe RP isn't your kind of scene? You'd probably have more fun trolling other forums where people are looking for arguments.
how about The Vampires from Paul, great underappreciated track
Maybe Cardi B's wap wap wap wap was inspired by Simon's woop woop woop woop?
From songfacts.com
"I Know What I Know" was based on a song by the group General M.D. Shirinda and the Gaza Sisters. They brought their families along, so the sessions had a party atmosphere despite Simon's bulldog work ethic. Engineers rolled tape and Paul had the group record various parts over and over. He returned to America with reels of 2-inch tape that producer Roy Halee edited into this track.The credit on this song reads: "Words by Paul Simon, Music by Paul Simon and General M.D. Shirinda."
Simon explained in the Under African Skies documentary: "With those groups that I know, I had a clear idea of what I really liked and what I wanted to record. Those songs that they are listed as co-writing is because they are based on tracks I had heard - I could point to their record and say, 'can you play this, but change it a little here?' Whatever writing was shared we shared the credit and shared the royalties."
The female backing vocals by the Gaza Sisters get your attention of this song. They're singing in the Shangaan language, and they come in at unexpected places, which is what Simon had in mind. One of their singers, Sonti Mndebele, explained: "It's different because it's like you're singing out of tune sometimes, but that is how it should sound."
"I Know What I Know" was based on a song by the group General M.D. Shirinda and the Gaza Sisters. They brought their families along, so the sessions had a party atmosphere despite Simon's bulldog work ethic. Engineers rolled tape and Paul had the group record various parts over and over. He returned to America with reels of 2-inch tape that producer Roy Halee edited into this track.The credit on this song reads: "Words by Paul Simon, Music by Paul Simon and General M.D. Shirinda."
Simon explained in the Under African Skies documentary: "With those groups that I know, I had a clear idea of what I really liked and what I wanted to record. Those songs that they are listed as co-writing is because they are based on tracks I had heard - I could point to their record and say, 'can you play this, but change it a little here?' Whatever writing was shared we shared the credit and shared the royalties."
The female backing vocals by the Gaza Sisters get your attention of this song. They're singing in the Shangaan language, and they come in at unexpected places, which is what Simon had in mind. One of their singers, Sonti Mndebele, explained: "It's different because it's like you're singing out of tune sometimes, but that is how it should sound."
Love love this whole album!
The apartheid controversy has no leg to stand on... He didn't come there to steal their music, he took the time to discover and learn it, and he recorded with local musicians. In my opinion, it contributed to breaking barriers and giving those talented musicians the recognition they deserved, he didn't take it all for himself.
The apartheid controversy has no leg to stand on... He didn't come there to steal their music, he took the time to discover and learn it, and he recorded with local musicians. In my opinion, it contributed to breaking barriers and giving those talented musicians the recognition they deserved, he didn't take it all for himself.
RabbitEars wrote:
Bonnie Prince Billy - I am a Cinematographer
GuiltyFeat wrote:
It is a great line, perfectly delivered.
The only lyric with a related word comes to mind is Genesis:
A salamander scurries into fame to be destroyed
Imaginary creatures are trapped in birth on celluloid
Don't I know you from the cinematographer's party?
Bonus points, surely, for using the word "cinematographer" in a song. I think it's one of those one off lyrical mentions - like "Belsize Park" in Kayleigh.
If anyone else can name a song that mentions either cinematography or Belsize Park or both in a lyric, I'd be happy to hear about it.
Bonus points, surely, for using the word "cinematographer" in a song. I think it's one of those one off lyrical mentions - like "Belsize Park" in Kayleigh.
If anyone else can name a song that mentions either cinematography or Belsize Park or both in a lyric, I'd be happy to hear about it.
It is a great line, perfectly delivered.
The only lyric with a related word comes to mind is Genesis:
A salamander scurries into fame to be destroyed
Imaginary creatures are trapped in birth on celluloid
Bonnie Prince Billy - I am a Cinematographer
GuiltyFeat wrote:
It is a great line, perfectly delivered.
The only lyric with a related word comes to mind is Genesis:
A salamander scurries into fame to be destroyed
Imaginary creatures are trapped in birth on celluloid
Don't I know you from the cinematographer's party?
Bonus points, surely, for using the word "cinematographer" in a song. I think it's one of those one off lyrical mentions - like "Belsize Park" in Kayleigh.
If anyone else can name a song that mentions either cinematography or Belsize Park or both in a lyric, I'd be happy to hear about it.
Bonus points, surely, for using the word "cinematographer" in a song. I think it's one of those one off lyrical mentions - like "Belsize Park" in Kayleigh.
If anyone else can name a song that mentions either cinematography or Belsize Park or both in a lyric, I'd be happy to hear about it.
It is a great line, perfectly delivered.
The only lyric with a related word comes to mind is Genesis:
A salamander scurries into fame to be destroyed
Imaginary creatures are trapped in birth on celluloid
scrubbrush wrote:
Have you thought about finding another station to listen to?
As of 9/2/20, you've rated 290 songs a 1 out of 656 songs that you've rated. That's 44%.
The vast, vast majority of your comments contain the word "awful".
Maybe RP isn't your kind of scene? You'd probably have more fun trolling other forums where people are looking for arguments.
I listen and check out the chat boards, because i see interesting takes on it but your right, if this guy does not want to listen to this station, should find an iHeartRadio station to hear the same bullshit day after day
Have you thought about finding another station to listen to?
As of 9/2/20, you've rated 290 songs a 1 out of 656 songs that you've rated. That's 44%.
The vast, vast majority of your comments contain the word "awful".
Maybe RP isn't your kind of scene? You'd probably have more fun trolling other forums where people are looking for arguments.
I listen and check out the chat boards, because i see interesting takes on it but your right, if this guy does not want to listen to this station, should find an iHeartRadio station to hear the same bullshit day after day
Hoosfoos wrote:
Have you thought about finding another station to listen to?
As of 9/2/20, you've rated 290 songs a 1 out of 656 songs that you've rated. That's 44%.
The vast, vast majority of your comments contain the word "awful".
Maybe RP isn't your kind of scene? You'd probably have more fun trolling other forums where people are looking for arguments.
Awful. Had to turn it off.
Have you thought about finding another station to listen to?
As of 9/2/20, you've rated 290 songs a 1 out of 656 songs that you've rated. That's 44%.
The vast, vast majority of your comments contain the word "awful".
Maybe RP isn't your kind of scene? You'd probably have more fun trolling other forums where people are looking for arguments.
Awful. Had to turn it off.
WTF...Not Paul's best song.
Ian_and_Annie wrote:
A good assessment - that's how I remember it - as I bought the album when it came out - though unlike his earlier output this song has not stood the test of time.
Research events when this album was produced. Africa was throwing off the shackles of colonialism and its rhythms were becoming hip. Paul Simon tapped into that The music was new and enjoyable in itself, but also gave a new direction for pampered westerners to virtue-signal before the term became common use. Enjoy it for what it is. Times have moved on, but i a classic of its time and few musicians have reinvented themselves as Paul Simon did here. Cheers to him.
A good assessment - that's how I remember it - as I bought the album when it came out - though unlike his earlier output this song has not stood the test of time.
Anyone who can make a bunch of screaming screeching women in the background sound good, must have something good going on.
I guess that's talent.
I guess that's talent.
brtoledo wrote:
Yeah, the histrionics of those background singers really kills it...but it was already DOA for me anyway.
I hate those shrill voices of the choirs.
Yeah, the histrionics of those background singers really kills it...but it was already DOA for me anyway.
Going to see him in two days!! He's coming out of 'retirement' to do a couple live shows in the Bay Area, one in Oakland, and then Outside Lands in San Francisco this weekend. 
Still remember my kids in car seats bopping to this.
Awesome!
They still love this!
Awesome!
They still love this!
Research events when this album was produced. Africa was throwing off the shackles of colonialism and its rhythms were becoming hip. Paul Simon tapped into that The music was new and enjoyable in itself, but also gave a new direction for pampered westerners to virtue-signal before the term became common use.
Enjoy it for what it is. Times have moved on, but i a classic of its time and few musicians have reinvented themselves as Paul Simon did here. Cheers to him.
brtoledo wrote:
Agreed, it's not doing anything for me either, and I'm a choral singer!
I hate those shrill voices of the choirs.
Agreed, it's not doing anything for me either, and I'm a choral singer!
I hate those shrill voices of the choirs.
medoug wrote:
A bit strange, that. Did you donate? Are you still here? X
I created a Radio Paradise account specifically so I could comment on how much I hate this song.
A bit strange, that. Did you donate? Are you still here? X
medoug wrote:
I created a Radio Paradise account specifically so I could comment on how much I hate this song. Those background singers sound like fingernails on a chalkboard on a cheese grater to me. We have RP playing at work, and I dive for the mute button when this song comes on. Three minutes of awkward silence is better than this.
pankman wrote:
Get over it. (and by that I mean just skip the song) pankman wrote:
Without wishing to tread on anyone's toes, this song get annoying as hell. Especially these female background vocalists are a pain-in-the-ass.
I created a Radio Paradise account specifically so I could comment on how much I hate this song. Those background singers sound like fingernails on a chalkboard on a cheese grater to me. We have RP playing at work, and I dive for the mute button when this song comes on. Three minutes of awkward silence is better than this.
pankman wrote:
pankman wrote:
Without wishing to tread on anyone's toes, this song get annoying as hell. Especially these female background vocalists are a pain-in-the-ass.
Yes,,, a bit too much airplay on this little ditty
pankman wrote:
Yes, too much airplay for me lately. It's irritating.
Without wishing to tread on anyone's toes, this song get annoying as hell. Especially these female background vocalists are a pain-in-the-ass.
Yes, too much airplay for me lately. It's irritating.
robertomiller wrote:
Nah, that's his wife's tune.
I know what I know, if you know what I mean?
Nah, that's his wife's tune.
Graceland was a landmark, but I really don't enjoy this tune any more.
I think it’s the amvciv day CEO’s
Without wishing to tread on anyone's toes, this song get annoying as hell. Especially these female background vocalists are a pain-in-the-ass.
Stefen wrote:
Yes, it doesn't age well. But the album was quite amazing when it was released.
It's an okay song, but I heard it too much in its heyday.
Yes, it doesn't age well. But the album was quite amazing when it was released.
Great album!
ah, where is that PSD button?
oh, there it is!
oh, there it is!
I know what I know, if you know what I mean?
nutrod42 wrote:
I heard it live in the Hollywood Bowl a couple months ago where his notably spectacular band went on a jam with it for a while. That totally worked so maybe that is it's real purpose.
How someone who was arguably one of the greatest American songwriters got to this point I will never understand. Blah.
I heard it live in the Hollywood Bowl a couple months ago where his notably spectacular band went on a jam with it for a while. That totally worked so maybe that is it's real purpose.
It's an okay song, but I heard it too much in its heyday.
The bassline is upbeat. Fact.
nutrod42 wrote:
No...you won't.
I will never understand.
No...you won't.
How someone who was arguably one of the greatest American songwriters got to this point I will never understand. Blah.
d-don wrote:
Everybody in my hotel room loves this song, and this whole incredible album... where are you these days, d-don? Everybody in my hotel room misses seeing you around... we come and we go... that's a thought that I keep in the side of my head... I got real bad drain bamage...
Dancing with you and the hotel room people, RT.
Everybody in my hotel room loves this song, and this whole incredible album... where are you these days, d-don? Everybody in my hotel room misses seeing you around... we come and we go... that's a thought that I keep in the side of my head... I got real bad drain bamage...
Thanks Christ for PSD
kurt_from_kanada wrote:
yep and lately I have been reading a lot crap about Simon and he's hard to listen to now
Way too much of this guy.
yep and lately I have been reading a lot crap about Simon and he's hard to listen to now
one of my very favorite songs! thanks, Bill!
A little goes a long way...
Way too much of this guy.
One of the weaker tracks on an amazing album.
TerryS wrote:
I was reading the NME in the 50's and FRoots as it's called today at the end of the 70's.
The truth has always been out there, folks.
Well, I didn't know there were "before it was cool" hipsters in the 50s, but I guess nothing ever changes.
I was reading the NME in the 50's and FRoots as it's called today at the end of the 70's.
The truth has always been out there, folks.
Well, I didn't know there were "before it was cool" hipsters in the 50s, but I guess nothing ever changes.
coloradojohn wrote:
Peter Gabriel too...
I certainly appreciate recalling how blessed we were to have had PS and Talking Heads turning us all onto World Music in the mid-'80s
Peter Gabriel too...
coloradojohn wrote:
I was reading the NME in the 50's and FRoots as it's called today at the end of the 70's.
The truth has always been out there, folks.
I certainly appreciate recalling how blessed we were to have had PS and Talking Heads turning us all onto World Music in the mid-'80s
I was reading the NME in the 50's and FRoots as it's called today at the end of the 70's.
The truth has always been out there, folks.
I certainly appreciate recalling how blessed we were to have had PS and Talking Heads turning us all onto World Music in the mid-'80s
Love this and the loud lady is blessed and adds so much dimension to the song.
I'd like that loud hooting lady to please keep it down, cos she sounds like my Mum at Christmas. Thanks.
jamelch wrote:
yes best album of 1986 for me!
Giving it a 10 because it comes from Graceland, one of my all time favorite albums. I dig it and it sounds amazing when played with the rest of the album.
yes best album of 1986 for me!
dragon1952 wrote:
Word
I Know What I Know too and it's that I just don't get this guy at all. Outside of S&G I don't think I could name one Paul Simon song that I cared for. I realize he's God-like to many so I guess it's just me.
Word
I Know What I Know too and it's that I just don't get this guy at all. Outside of S&G I don't think I could name one Paul Simon song that I cared for. I realize he's God-like to many so I guess it's just me.
2020sk wrote:
I beg to disagree. I think that voice - more precisely the whole combination of vocal sounds - elevates this song above the ordinary. And one of the best song endings of the 1980s.
I agree, I think this voice is matching all the other elements and completes the set perfectly.
I beg to disagree. I think that voice - more precisely the whole combination of vocal sounds - elevates this song above the ordinary. And one of the best song endings of the 1980s.
I agree, I think this voice is matching all the other elements and completes the set perfectly.
bindi wrote:
I beg to disagree. I think that voice - more precisely the whole combination of vocal sounds - elevates this song above the ordinary. And one of the best song endings of the 1980s.
Cool tune from an amazing album, but that lady in the background with the insanely irritating voice makes it suck, . . .more than anything has ever sucked before.
I beg to disagree. I think that voice - more precisely the whole combination of vocal sounds - elevates this song above the ordinary. And one of the best song endings of the 1980s.
What did my ears ever do to him?
Giving it a 10 because it comes from Graceland, one of my all time favorite albums. I dig it and it sounds amazing when played with the rest of the album.
Rofi wrote:
I really really hope you meant to say "rip off". But you're still off base, muchacho.
A bad case of rape off African Music
I really really hope you meant to say "rip off". But you're still off base, muchacho.
RP should only play this in November when (for most of the audience) the geese are winging it to where it's warmer.
PSD and I traded this for Loreena McKennitt's take on world music. For me that's like trading in a dime store Harlequin novel for War and Peace.
Rofi wrote:
That's way over the top.
A bad case of rape off African Music
That's way over the top.
Great lyrics ... wish there were more verses.
A bad case of rape off African Music
JHZ wrote:
Actually there is a song by Palace Brothers (aka Will Oldham) called "I am a cinematographer" which mentions that one a lot. There is also a version of that song on the Bonnie Prince Billy (aka Will Oldham) album Sings greates Palace Music.
Also, Lounge (Closing Time) by Modest Mouse:
She was going with a cinematographer
Everyone knew that he was really a pornographer
Actually there is a song by Palace Brothers (aka Will Oldham) called "I am a cinematographer" which mentions that one a lot. There is also a version of that song on the Bonnie Prince Billy (aka Will Oldham) album Sings greates Palace Music.
Also, Lounge (Closing Time) by Modest Mouse:
She was going with a cinematographer
Everyone knew that he was really a pornographer
Not feeling this one at all, like fingernails on a chalkboard
awful, just awful.
Reminds me of South Africa - lived there for 20 years. Aside from Paul Simons voice over the top, this is pretty much spot on ladysmith black mambazo.
kdarwish wrote:
Usually I like this song but it was definitely PSD material today.
Woooof, grated, honestly the end of that was a real relief. Please enlighten if have missed something REALLY subtle. Finding it very hard to believe Paul Simon "made" that. Perhaps at gunpoint, hence the frenetic quality. :)
Usually I like this song but it was definitely PSD material today.
Woooof, grated, honestly the end of that was a real relief. Please enlighten if have missed something REALLY subtle. Finding it very hard to believe Paul Simon "made" that. Perhaps at gunpoint, hence the frenetic quality. :)
brilliant song from a great album... love it...
MrGreg wrote:
"Hey! Wanna hear the most annoying sound in the world?"
"Hey! Wanna hear the most annoying sound in the world?"
GuiltyFeat wrote:
Actually there is a song by Palace Brothers (aka Will Oldham) called "I am a cinematographer" which mentions that one a lot. There is also a version of that song on the Bonnie Prince Billy (aka Will Oldham) album Sings greates Palace Music.
Don't I know you from the cinematographer's party?
Bonus points, surely, for using the word "cinematographer" in a song. I think it's one of those one off lyrical mentions - like "Belsize Park" in Kayleigh.
If anyone else can name a song that mentions either cinematography or Belsize Park or both in a lyric, I'd be happy to hear about it.
Bonus points, surely, for using the word "cinematographer" in a song. I think it's one of those one off lyrical mentions - like "Belsize Park" in Kayleigh.
If anyone else can name a song that mentions either cinematography or Belsize Park or both in a lyric, I'd be happy to hear about it.
Actually there is a song by Palace Brothers (aka Will Oldham) called "I am a cinematographer" which mentions that one a lot. There is also a version of that song on the Bonnie Prince Billy (aka Will Oldham) album Sings greates Palace Music.
xkolibuul wrote:
Leave the hyperbole at home please.
Actually, bindi's right. It sounds like the woman's singing while juggling hot coals.
Leave the hyperbole at home please.
Actually, bindi's right. It sounds like the woman's singing while juggling hot coals.
bindi wrote:
Leave the hyperbole at home please.
Cool tune from an amazing album, but that lady in the background with the insanely irritating voice makes it suck, . . .more than anything has ever sucked before.
Leave the hyperbole at home please.
This record is a masterpiece. It made my life better 
Apartheid is over . . .woop woop woop woop woop
Can't stand it
Generally like this album, but the background singers on this song are hard to listen to.
Don't I know you from the cinematographer's party?
Bonus points, surely, for using the word "cinematographer" in a song. I think it's one of those one off lyrical mentions - like "Belsize Park" in Kayleigh.
If anyone else can name a song that mentions either cinematography or Belsize Park or both in a lyric, I'd be happy to hear about it.
Bonus points, surely, for using the word "cinematographer" in a song. I think it's one of those one off lyrical mentions - like "Belsize Park" in Kayleigh.
If anyone else can name a song that mentions either cinematography or Belsize Park or both in a lyric, I'd be happy to hear about it.
Cool tune from an amazing album, but that lady in the background with the insanely irritating voice makes it suck, . . .more than anything has ever sucked before.
treatment_bound wrote:
I'm pretty sure Paul is Jewish, so you're going to have to pick an alternative "Higher God" to lodge your complaint with on this one...
Jehovah, this is awful. . . is that better?
I'm pretty sure Paul is Jewish, so you're going to have to pick an alternative "Higher God" to lodge your complaint with on this one...
Jehovah, this is awful. . . is that better?
Orrible I say, just Orrible!
romeotuma wrote:
Everybody in my hotel room be dancing...
Dancing with you and the hotel room people, RT.
Everybody in my hotel room be dancing...
Dancing with you and the hotel room people, RT.
Paul Simon, you would think he was African. Seems to have lost the ability to write a song that does not plagiarise the African continent.
lsfeder wrote:
Who neutered the hyenas?... Chuck?
Back up singers sound like neutered hyenas... god awful.
Who neutered the hyenas?... Chuck?
Like this song, only can't help finding the bass is a bit off tune...
Gonna see Paul on Monday at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco — w00t!!
Reminds me of this South African guy I dated the summer this album came out.
gshrieves wrote:
I'm pretty sure Paul is Jewish, so you're going to have to pick an alternative "Higher God" to lodge your complaint with on this one...
Christ, this is awful.
I'm pretty sure Paul is Jewish, so you're going to have to pick an alternative "Higher God" to lodge your complaint with on this one...
Great song....but the backup vocals absolutely kill it. Those high notes are completely unnecessary; they contribute nothing to the harmonies. Would probably be tolerable if they were lower in the mix (much lower).
Mute worthy........
Classic. I never get tired of hearing anything off Graceland. A brilliant, timeless masterpiece of an album.
The first time I've ever had to turn the volume all the way down on RP. This is brutal.
fail!
Back up singers sound like neutered hyenas... god awful.
I've always found it interesting that Paul Simon got so much attention/credit for supposedly being the first to do collaborations with African artists ... and yet Peter Gabriel was doing just that and writing about Biko several years before Graceland. I wish Gabriel got more credit for that.
Regardless, great album overall.
Many Western musicians were collaborating with their African counterparts and/or using African sounds in their work prior to Paul Simon. Peter Gabriel of course (starting with Biko in 1979), Talking Heads on Remain in Light, Malcolm McLaren, Lizzy Mercier Descloux, Jean-Luc Ponty to name a few. But Paul Simon was the first mainstream American artist to do so, so he gets the props.