Kodachrome
Paul Simon
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When I think back On all the crap I learned in high school It's a wonder I can think at all And though my lack of education Hasn't hurt me none I can read the writing on the wall Kodachrome They give us those nice bright colors They give us the greens of summers Makes you think all the world's a sunny day I got a Nikon camera I love to take a photograph So mama don't take my Kodachrome away If you took all the girls I knew When I was single And brought them all together for one night I know they'd never match My sweet imagination Everything looks worse in black and white Kodachrome They give us those nice bright colors They give us the greens of summers Makes you think all the world's a sunny day I got a Nikon camera I love to take a photograph So mama don't take my Kodachrome away Mama don't take my Kodachrome away Mama don't take my Kodachrome away Mama don't take my Kodachrome away Mama don't take my Kodachrome Mama don't take my Kodachrome Mama don't take my Kodachrome away Mama don't take my Kodachrome Leave your boy so far from home Mama don't take my Kodachrome away Mama don't take my Kodachrome Mama don't take my Kodachrome away
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Written by: Paul Simon
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Songwriter's GeniusPaul Simon's song "Kodachrome" is notable for its intricate lyrics and catchy melody. Despite the tune being light and uplifting, the lyrics speak of nostalgia and a longing for simpler times.
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Album SuccessReleased on his 1973 album, "There Goes Rhymin' Simon," "Kodachrome" was one of several hit songs on the album, furthering Simon's success as a solo artist after the breakup of Simon and Garfunkel.
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Single Release"Kodachrome" was released as a single in 1973 and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of Simon's most commercially successful songs.
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Song InspirationThe song was inspired by Simon's love for photography. “Kodachrome” is actually a brand of color reversal film introduced by Eastman Kodak in 1935. It was one of the first successful color materials used for both cinematography and still photography.
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Lyrics AnalysisDespite its upbeat rhythm, the lyrics of "Kodachrome" are somewhat melancholic, with verses like "When I think back on all the crap I learned in high school, it's a wonder I can think at all." This is Simon's critique on formal education system.
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BBC BanThe song was initially banned by the BBC in the UK due to its explicit mention of a brand name, Kodachrome, which violated their strict policy against product placement.
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Lyrics ModificationAfter the BBC ban, a version of the song was recorded without the brand name in the lyrics, but the BBC eventually lifted the ban, allowing the original version to be played on air.
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Live Performances"Kodachrome" has been a staple of Simon's live performances since its release and features in many of his concert recordings and films.
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Instrumentation"Kodachrome" features a distinctive horn section that contributes to its extremely catchy sound. The song was produced by Phil Ramone and engineered by Roy Halee, both of whom also collaborated with Paul Simon on his masterpiece, "Graceland."
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Song InductionIn 2003, "Kodachrome" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, further solidifying its legacy both within Simon's discography and in the broader context of pop music history.
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End of KodachromeIronically, Kodak discontinued production of Kodachrome film in 2009, years after Simon's ode to the film's vibrant colors. Despite this, the song's message about nostalgia and the passage of time remains relatable and powerful.
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Citation
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"Kodachrome Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/27751960/Paul+Simon/Kodachrome>.
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