Defining “Retired Songs” and Context
The name Paul Simon is synonymous with songwriting brilliance. His evocative lyrics, intricate melodies, and keen observation of the human condition have cemented his place as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of all time. From his early days with Art Garfunkel to his lauded solo career, Simon has crafted a vast catalog of music that has resonated with generations. Yet, even within such a rich tapestry of work, there exists a hidden world: the songs that have, at least in live performance, been quietly put to rest. This article explores Paul Simon’s reflections on his “retired songs”, the motivations behind these decisions, and the profound impact on his enduring legacy.
The phenomenon of a musician retiring certain songs is an often-overlooked aspect of their career. It’s a practice born from various factors, reflecting artistic growth, the evolving tastes of both the artist and the audience, and the simple demands of a long and varied career. A singer’s vocal range inevitably shifts over time. Songs that were once easily performed might become challenging, even impossible, to deliver with the same power and precision. The emotional connection to a particular song can also fade, or shift into a new perspective. Audiences too, can tire of hearing the same tracks, demanding a freshness and a re-evaluation of the song-set for each new tour. The “retired song” is therefore an active choice, a deliberate decision to preserve both the artist’s physical and emotional well-being, as well as honoring the song itself, ensuring its enduring impact. This is a nuanced practice and something Paul Simon has given consideration to through the decades.
Paul Simon’s career, spanning over six decades, has seen him transform and evolve. His performances have moved from the intimate folk-tinged sets of his early days with Art Garfunkel, to the more complex and global soundscapes of his solo work. Over the years, the artist has toured the world extensively. To maintain this artistic vigor and to serve his audience with a balanced set, inevitably some songs fell to the wayside. Some were given a rest, others, perhaps forever. The reasons for this are often complex, and usually tied to an artistic understanding of a song’s long-term place in the musical canon.
Examples of Paul Simon’s Retired Songs
Song Example 1: “The Boxer”
Let’s begin to examine some specific examples of Paul Simon’s reflections on certain songs and the process by which songs have come to be shelved.
The first example is a song that stands as a cornerstone of his oeuvre: “The Boxer.” This epic ballad, a collaborative achievement with Garfunkel, tells the story of a man grappling with identity, struggle, and the search for meaning. Its iconic imagery, from the opening lines about a boxer seeking shelter to the haunting chorus about the “lie-la-lie,” creates a powerful emotional experience. While “The Boxer” remains a beloved song, and a high point of his collaborative work, its performance has become less frequent in Simon’s later concerts. The song’s complex vocal harmonies, particularly the soaring counter-melodies, are extremely demanding, and possibly a strain on Simon’s voice over time. While Simon has never explicitly declared the song fully “retired,” its infrequency suggests the song is carefully selected when and if it is added to the setlist.
The significance of “The Boxer” in Simon’s catalog goes far beyond its intricate harmonies. It is a prime example of his gift for storytelling, his ability to capture the complexities of human existence in memorable and beautiful terms. The song provides a sense of the struggles and the triumphs of life. The very act of selecting “The Boxer” also means that Simon is carefully curating his show to maintain the highest standard, and to protect what is ultimately a masterpiece.
Song Example 2: “Mrs. Robinson”
Another song that has seen a shift in live performance frequency is “Mrs. Robinson.” This instantly recognizable tune, propelled into the cultural consciousness by the film “The Graduate,” has become a generational anthem. Its simple, clever, and unforgettable lyrics, coupled with its driving melody, made it a hit from the start. But as with “The Boxer,” the song’s placement in a concert setlist became more selective. Perhaps this has to do with a distance between the artist and the song itself. Simon’s personal life had long since moved beyond the film, and its themes. Perhaps the artist felt the need to move on to more current or artistically significant material. It’s also conceivable that Simon, as an artist, wanted to avoid being perceived as purely a nostalgic act, and the emphasis on a handful of early hits.
Simon has, like many artists, evolved, creating new material and charting new sonic territories. While he often acknowledges the influence and importance of this song, as a pop cultural phenomenon, its appearances in his later sets became a choice, reflective of his journey as a songwriter.
Song Example 3: “Graceland”
Beyond these examples, another song, an emblem of his solo career, offers further insight into the choices Simon has made in his approach to live performances: “Graceland.” Released in 1986, the album “Graceland” was a watershed moment in Simon’s career. It brought together a diverse array of musical influences, most prominently from South African musicians, creating a sound that was both innovative and deeply emotional. The title track, “Graceland,” is a meditation on loss, memory, and the search for redemption. Simon’s lyrics, evocative of a spiritual and personal journey, are set against a backdrop of infectious rhythms and soaring vocals. “Graceland” has, throughout Simon’s career, been a frequent addition to his setlists. This might come from the song’s lasting appeal or an ongoing resonance within the artist, reflecting his appreciation for its artistic merit and lasting influence.
The examples of “The Boxer,” “Mrs. Robinson,” and “Graceland” (and many others) show an artist carefully considering the songs that shape their musical presentation, ensuring the most important selections always remain fresh, engaging, and true to the artist’s vision.
Analyzing Simon’s Perspective
Researching Paul Simon’s perspective reveals that his approach to his music has always been informed by an intense respect for the songs themselves. He has frequently spoken about his commitment to delivering the best possible performance, both for his fans and for himself. In interviews, Simon has demonstrated a clear-sightedness about the songs, assessing them as both creative works and as components of a live performance. There is often a very candid assessment of his vocal abilities in interviews. At other times, Simon is very open about how his approach to a song has changed over time.
For example, in a rare conversation on “The Paul Simon Story,” Simon described how he approached his catalog when creating a setlist. He explained that “It’s a balance. You want to play the songs that people love, but you also want to play songs that are important to you, that still have something to say.” This quote highlights the careful consideration that Simon gives to his setlists. It’s not merely about playing the hits; it’s about constructing a narrative, creating an experience that speaks to both the artist’s and the audience’s needs.
Simon’s reflections on his older work often touch on the evolving nature of his own relationship with the songs. The context in which they were written, the creative process, the impact they had – all these factors can reshape his understanding and, by extension, his approach. The choice of which songs make it to the setlists has always been a sign of Simon’s evolving artistry.
Impact of Retired Songs on Simon’s Legacy
The retirement of songs also has consequences. The absence of a beloved song can be felt deeply by some fans. The specific magic of a particular live arrangement, or the thrill of hearing a song that defined a generation, is lost to a concert. In doing so, Simon’s choices contribute to a sense of artistic evolution. He’s a writer, constantly moving forward, a musician still exploring sounds and ideas. This can be perceived as a deliberate choice.
The impact of retired songs, ultimately, shapes the legacy of the artist. They become part of the mythology, the history surrounding the music. The absence of a particular song can serve to increase its mythic status, making it even more precious. The legacy of a song that isn’t always played live becomes its own tale of artistic significance.
Conclusion
Paul Simon’s reflections on his song choices are a testament to his deep commitment to his craft. The careful consideration of the songs he chooses to perform and those he chooses to let rest is a reflection of an artist who values artistic integrity. The decisions he makes help shape the impact of his music, and his influence on generations of songwriters is clear. His dedication to the art of the song continues, ensuring that the music remains both alive and deeply meaningful for years to come.
The songs that have been retired offer an insight into the evolution of a living musical legend. They have shaped the artist, and also the audience.
