Obvious Child
Paul Simon
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Well I'm accustomed to a smooth ride Or maybe I'm a dog who's lost its bite I don't expect to be treated like a fool no more I don't expect to sleep through the night Some people say a lie's a lie's a lie But I say why Why deny the obvious child? Why deny the obvious child? And in remembering a road sign I am remembering a girl when I was young And we said these songs are true These days are ours These tears are free And hey The cross is in the ballpark The cross is in the ballpark We had a lot of fun We had a lot of money We had a little son and we thought we'd call him Sonny Sonny gets married and moves away Sonny has a baby and bills to pay Sonny gets sunnier Day by day by day by day I've been waking up at sunrise I've been following the light across my room I watch the night receive the room of my day Some people say the sky is just the sky But I say Why deny the obvious child? Why deny the obvious child? Sonny sits by the window and thinks to himself How it's strange that some roots are like cages Sonny's yearbook from high school Is down on the shelf And he idle thumbs through the pages Some have died Some have fled from themselves Or struggled from here to get there Sonny wanders beyond his interior walls Runs his hands through his thinning brown hair I'm accustomed to a smoother ride Or maybe I'm a dog who's lost its bite I don't expect to be treated like a fool no more I don't expect to sleep the night Some people say a lie is just a lie But I say The cross is in the ballpark Why deny the obvious child?
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Written by: Paul Simon
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
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10 facts about this song
Album Release"Obvious Child" is a song by American musician Paul Simon. It was the lead single from his eighth studio album, "The Rhythm of the Saints," released in 1990.
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Cultural InfluenceThe song is heavily influenced by the music of Brazil, particularly the percussive "samba" style. Simon travelled to Rio de Janeiro to record with a group of Brazilian musicians for this album.
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Chart Success"Obvious Child" reached No. 15 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and No. 1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart in 1990.
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Music VideoThe music video of "Obvious Child" features Simon performing the song in front of an excited crowd in Salvador, Brazil. The video deeply showcases Brazilian culture, with its vibrant music and dance.
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Movie ReferenceA 2014 film named 'Obvious Child', starring Jenny Slate, takes its title from this song. However, the song does not feature in the film.
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Lyric ThemesThe song’s lyrics cover themes including aging, personal reflection, and looming mortality - often considered a more mature stage in Paul Simon's writing.
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Live PerformancesPaul Simon opened his concerts with "Obvious Child" during his 1991 Born at the Right Time Tour, which was later released on his 1991 live album, "Paul Simon's Concert in the Park".
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Acclaim"Obvious Child" is widely celebrated for its fusion of Brazilian rhythms with Simon’s poignant lyrics. This song is recognized as one of Paul Simon’s significant creative peaks.
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CollaborationThe song features a return collaboration with drummer Steve Gadd - their first joint work since Simon's album "One-Trick Pony" in 1980.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by many artists, including musicians like Randy Scruggs and Joan Baez. It continues to inspire artists across a variety of genres for its unique sound and message.
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Citation
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"Obvious Child Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/24478858/Paul+Simon/Obvious+Child>.
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