American Tune
Paul Simon
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Many's the time I've been mistaken And many times confused Yes, and often felt forsaken And certainly misused But I'm all right, I'm all right I'm just weary to my bones Still, you don't expect to be Bright and bon vivant So far away from home, so far away from home And I don't know a soul who's not been battered I don't have a friend who feels at ease I don't know a dream that's not been shattered or driven to its knees But it's all right, it's all right We've lived so well so long Still, when I think of the road we're traveling on I wonder what went wrong I can't help it, I wonder what went wrong And I dreamed I was dying And I dreamed that my soul rose unexpectedly And looking back down at me Smiled reassuringly And I dreamed I was flying And high up above my eyes could clearly see The Statue of Liberty Sailing away to sea And I dreamed I was flying We come on the ship they call the Mayflower We come on the ship that sailed the moon We come in the age's most uncertain hour and sing an American tune But it's all right, it's all right You can't be forever blessed Still, tomorrow's going to be another working day And I'm trying to get some rest That's all I'm trying to get some rest
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Written by: PAUL SIMON
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Song Creation"American Tune" was written and performed by Paul Simon. It is one of his most popular songs and showcases his prowess as a songwriter.
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Album DebutThe song debuted on Simon's fourth studio album, "There Goes Rhymin' Simon," which was released in 1973.
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Inspiration SourceThe melody of "American Tune" was inspired by a hymn composed by Johann Sebastian Bach called "St. Matthew Passion."
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Political UndertoneThe song is often recognized for its implicit political commentary, with lyrics that subtly critique the American Dream concept.
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Popularity"American Tune" has been covered by numerous artists including Willie Nelson and Eva Cassidy, testifying to its enduring popularity.
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Chart Success"American Tune" peaked at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the USA, indicating a significant level of commercial success.
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Grammy NominationThe album "There Goes Rhymin' Simon" that featured "American Tune" was nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammys in 1974.
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Recurring ThemeThe song deals with themes of disillusionment and the loss of innocence, which are common in Simon’s other works as well. Despite the solemnity of these themes, it also paints a picture of hope.
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Mournful ToneUnlike many of Simon's songs, "American Tune" has a particularly mournful tone, reflecting a degree of disillusionment with the social and political climate of the time.
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Live PerformancesThe song has been performed live many times by Simon since its release and is considered one of his most iconic songs.
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Critical AcclaimSimon's songwriting skills in "American Tune" have been widely praised by critics for touching upon the American condition in an affecting and soulful way.
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Cultural SignificanceOver the years, "American Tune" has become an integral part of American folk music and culture, with the song often played on the 4th of July and Thanksgiving.
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Citation
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"American Tune Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/7096599/Paul+Simon/American+Tune>.
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