by Simon, Paul
First published 2008
Paul Simon opens his creative vault to present the complete lyrics spanning nearly half a century of songwriting. The collection begins with his earliest compositions from 1964 and travels through his most recognizable works with Art Garfunkel, including "The Sound of Silence" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Simon's solo career unfolds through the pages with "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover," the Graceland album's exploration of South African rhythms, and intimate personal reflections. The anthology concludes with material from his 2011 release So Beautiful Or So What. Each lyric stands alone on the page, stripped of melody and arrangement, revealing Simon's craft with language, rhythm, and storytelling. The book captures his evolution from folk troubadour to global musical explorer, showing how his words have soundtracked American life across generations.
Genres: art, 20th-century, biography-memoir, music, 21st-century, americana
Vibes: emotional, intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: biographical, personal-reflection
Period: 1964-2006
408 pages · Hardcover · Simon Schuster