American Tune

Paul Simon

About American Tune

"American Tune" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Paul Simon. It was the third single from his third studio album, There Goes Rhymin' Simon (1973), released on Columbia Records. The song, a meditation on the American experience, is based on the melody of the hymn "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded". The song reached number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100.


Year:
1973
3:44
104 
#1

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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

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Paul Simon

Paul Frederic Simon (born October 13, 1941) is an award-winning musician whose talents in composing, performing, and vocal harmony placed him at the forefront of the singer-songwriters on an international scale. Simon's fame, influence and commercial success began as part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel, formed in 1964 with musical partner Art Garfunkel. Simon wrote most of the pair's songs, including three that reached No. 1 on the U.S. singles charts: "The Sounds of Silence," "Mrs. Robinson," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water." The duo split up in 1970 at the height of their popularity, and Simon began a successful solo career, recording three highly acclaimed albums over the next five years. In 1986, he released Graceland, an album inspired by South African… more »

6 fans

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.
Album Debut
The song debuted on Simon's fourth studio album, "There Goes Rhymin' Simon," which was released in 1973.
Inspiration Source
The melody of "American Tune" was inspired by a hymn composed by Johann Sebastian Bach called "St. Matthew Passion."
Political Undertone
The song is often recognized for its implicit political commentary, with lyrics that subtly critique the American Dream concept.
Popularity
"American Tune" has been covered by numerous artists including Willie Nelson and Eva Cassidy, testifying to its enduring popularity.
Chart Success
"American Tune" peaked at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the USA, indicating a significant level of commercial success.
Grammy Nomination
The album "There Goes Rhymin' Simon" that featured "American Tune" was nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammys in 1974.
Recurring Theme
The 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.
Mournful Tone
Unlike 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.
Live Performances
The song has been performed live many times by Simon since its release and is considered one of his most iconic songs.
Critical Acclaim
Simon's songwriting skills in "American Tune" have been widely praised by critics for touching upon the American condition in an affecting and soulful way.
Cultural Significance
Over 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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    American Tune

    3M
    12,194     320

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1974

    Billboard #35


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