Another tune that would stand the test of time is “America.” which remains a part of Paul Simon’s concert repertoire. It is interesting to think of the ever-changing context of this song over the years.
One of the most memorable two minutes on the album, “Voices Of Old People,” gathered a string of reflections by the elderly, which Art Garfunkel recorded at rest homes. Entire lives are presented in just a sentence or two. I wish the album could have concluded with this track as it is the ultimate bookend.
This album and I have aged forty years since its release and these end of life thoughts are more poignant, sadder and real for me today. When the track “Old Friends” follows, there is a sigh for what can never be again.
Bookends remains an album I play over and over again. As I have aged, these songs have taken on new personal substance and meaning, communicating on both conscious and unconscious levels. Music rarely gets better than this.
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