by Simon, Paul
First published 2016
Paul Simon opens his creative vault to present the complete written work behind his musical career. This comprehensive gathering spans from his earliest compositions in 1964 through his most recent album Stranger to Stranger in 2016. Simon arranges the lyrics chronologically, allowing readers to trace his artistic evolution across more than fifty years of songwriting. The collection captures his shift from folk rock beginnings to world music explorations, revealing how his wordcraft adapted to changing musical landscapes. Simon includes material from his solo career alongside his collaborative works, showing the full scope of his lyrical output. The book demonstrates how popular music can carry literary weight, with Simon's words standing alone on the page without their musical accompaniment. This compilation serves as both a reference for longtime fans and an introduction for new readers discovering the textual foundation of American popular music.
Genres: art, 20th-century, biography-memoir, music, 21st-century, americana
Vibes: emotional, intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: biography, creative-process
Period: 1964-2016
432 pages · Hardcover · Simon & Schuster