Growing up, I remember always having a couple black cases in
the car filled with CDs. They ranged from Pirates of the Caribbean to Barry
Manilow, the Beach Boys to Rascal Flatts, Collin Raye to England Dan and John
Ford Coley. I was definitely influenced by all this music; and I’ve grown to
appreciate it and even like some of it. I’ll turn on a little Huey Lewis when
I’m feeling spunky and Collin Raye’s “Little Red Rodeo” has been on my top
played song list from the time I was really little until now. I, of my own free
will, sometimes choose to listen to things that my parents introduced me to. That
is exactly why I will play Simon & Garfunkel songs for my children.
[Preface: First, I have a very good
memory in regard to some things. I remember a lot about dates and times,
clothes, quotes, and events in which I took part. Second, I can tell almost
instantly whether or not I like something, I don’t really waver back and forth
when it comes to things like picking out dresses, the way I like my coffee,
music or television. In most cases, I sense something for the first time and
know in my heart that it is the right/wrong thing for me then.]
With that being said, I can
remember the first time I really listened to Simon & Garfunkel. I was
sharing an iPod with a friend as we tried to pass the time on the bus when our
senior class traveled to CO. The Sound of Silence and Bridge Over Troubled Water came on and I remember thinking “What
is this magical music and why have I never heard it before?” Their sweet and
clear voices melded in perfect harmony and immediately found a place in my
heart. As I began to discover more and more of their music over the following
months, I came to appreciate and love it all the more. A deep and personal
connection to music is strange if you think about it, and is hard to explain.
But, I think most people have experienced something of the sort and can
therefore relate. For me it’s Simon & Garfunkel. For others it could be
Kelly Clarkson, Eminem, Claude Debussy, U2 or Martina McBride.
Paul Simon is a brilliant poet and
songwriter; the words he penned are so full of meaning and the way he tells
stories are so complex, but at the same time simple—using few words. And Art
Garfunkel’s tenor voice is just lovely. When they make music together, it
brings a smile to my face and on occasion a tear to my eye. The poignant line, “The
fighter still remains” in the midst of defeat from The Boxer and the insight
into pure friendship from Bridge Over Troubled
Water always strike a chord somewhere
inside me. The nonsensical happiness of Feelin’
Groovy is contagious and I can’t help
but sing along and smile.
I think there is great meaning and passion in
the lyrics and beautiful melodies in the music of Simon & Garfunkel, which
is why I want to share it. I want it to encourage, provoke thought, and inspire
others like it has for me. This is why (Lord willing) someday in the future
when I have children I’ll use whatever new music playing technology is
available and crank some good old S&G tunes. Then maybe they’ll decide to pull
it out and listen to something I introduced to them.
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